Discover a world of ‘MIM-like’ processes at formnext 2017

October 25, 2017

formnext powered by tct is Europe’s leading event for the Additive Manufacturing industry, covering the full AM supply chain, from materials and processes to design and applications. The event takes place in Frankfurt, Germany, November 14-17, 2017, and encompasses a 27,000 m²exhibition floor and four-day conference led by Additive Manufacturing industry leaders.

In 2016 formnext attracted almost 14,000 visitors and this year, thanks to the addition of a second hall and significantly more exhibitors, visitor numbers are expected to be even higher.

MIM-like processes on show

A recent trend toward binder-based metal Additive Manufacturing has seen a number of companies embrace ‘MIM-like’ processes, taking advantage of Metal Injection Moulding’s materials availability and properties for faster AM part production compared to laser and electron beam based processes.

Leaders in the development of these MIM-like processes are exhibiting at formnext, including BASF, Digital Metal, Desktop Metal, ExOne, Markforged, Xjet and AIM3D. Readers of PIM International, PM Review and Metal AM can register in advance with a free visitor season ticket click here.

MIM-like processes highlighted in Metal AM magazine

In Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine’s Autumn 2017 issue, Dr Georg Schlieper reported on a selection of manufacturers embracing MIM-like Additive Manufacturing solutions. Among them, BASF has developed a metal-containing filament for AM, based on its Catamold® Metal Injection Moulding feedstock. BASF will present its AM technology at formnext, Booth 3.1 F20.

Also covered was start-up AIM3D, which uses a micro-extruder as an AM print-head capable of handling MIM feedstock granules in the same way as an injection moulding machine. AIM3D’s system is capable of processing commercial polymer granules as well as metal and ceramic feedstock, making it easier for manufacturers to source a diverse range of materials for use in Additive Manufacturing.

AIM3D is among four winners of the formnext Start-up Challenge 2017, and will present its MIM-like AM system at Booth 3.1 A31 in the Start-up Area.

For more information on the latest innovations in metal AM, and how these innovations overlap with tried and tested methods of Metal Injection Moulding, you can read the full article for free. Download Metal Additive Manufacturing, Autumn 2017.