Tag Archives: 3D Printing

2026, 3D Printing, additive manufacturing, formnext, Formnext 2026, Frankfurt

Formnext 2026 Names the UK as Partner Country and That Is a Big Deal for Additive Manufacturing

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The United Kingdom has been announced as the official partner country for Formnext 2026, and if you work anywhere near industrial 3D printing, this is genuinely significant news.

Formnext 2026 will take place in Frankfurt from 17 to 20 November 2026, and the choice of the UK as partner country reflects just how far British Additive Manufacturing has come. From advanced materials and machine development to real-world industrial applications, the UK is now firmly embedded in the global AM ecosystem.

According to the organisers, Formnext is also entering the year with fresh momentum, placing a stronger focus on key user industries such as orthopaedics, aviation and automotive manufacturing. In short, this is not just a celebration of technology, but a clear signal that industrial 3D printing has moved well beyond the experimental phase.

Why the UK as Partner Country Matters

The UK has long punched above its weight in manufacturing technology, and Additive Manufacturing is no exception. Established names like Renishaw sit alongside fast-growing innovators such as Wayland Additive, supported by a steady pipeline of start-ups, research institutions and industrial users.

From aerospace and defence through to healthcare and energy, British companies are not just adopting AM technologies, they are helping to define how they are used at scale. That combination of research depth and practical application is exactly what Formnext is about.

The UK’s Additive Manufacturing sector is also being actively coordinated through Additive Manufacturing UK, which aims to bring industry, academia and government together to accelerate adoption and innovation. Being named partner country puts that collective effort firmly on the world stage.

A Stronger Focus on Real Industry Use

One of the most interesting aspects of the Formnext 2026 announcement is the increased focus on specific user industries. Rather than talking about AM in abstract terms, the organisers are deliberately highlighting where it is already delivering tangible benefits.

Orthopaedics, aviation and automotive manufacturing are all sectors where Additive Manufacturing is proving its worth, whether that is through lightweight components, patient-specific implants or rapid tooling and production aids.

To support this, Formnext will be running AM-focused events throughout 2026 at major industry exhibitions, including AERO Friedrichshafen, OT-World in Leipzig and Automechanika Frankfurt. The idea is simple and sensible: meet potential users where they already are and show them what industrial 3D printing can actually do.

Record Numbers and a New Hall Layout

Formnext 2025 marked the event’s tenth anniversary and welcomed a record 38,282 visitors, which is a strong indicator of where the industry is heading. For 2026, visitors can also expect a new and improved hall structure across three levels in Halls 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1.

The goal here is to improve visitor flow, reduce walking distances and create a more coherent experience overall. Anyone who has spent long days navigating large trade shows will appreciate why that matters.

Early Bird Booking Still Open

For exhibitors, there is also a practical incentive to act quickly. Early bird discounts are available until 2 March 2026, making this an ideal moment for UK companies in particular to secure their presence at what promises to be a landmark event.

With the UK in the spotlight, a renewed focus on real industrial applications and a clear upward trend in global interest, Formnext 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most important Additive Manufacturing events of the year.

You can find exhibitor information and registration details via the official Formnext website

2026, 3D, 3D Printing

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

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There’s a smell that stays with me from my earliest forays into additive fabrication — the warm tang of PLA as fresh layers nestle into place under a glowing nozzle, the low hum of stepper motors dancing through another night of prints in my workshop. Over the years I’ve watched the 3D printing landscape evolve, machines becoming faster, more capable and kinder to the budding maker. Today there’s a fresh breeze on the horizon as Elegoo lifts the curtain on its latest creations: the eagerly anticipated Centauri Carbon 2 and its fully fledged sibling, the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo.

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series
Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

Traditionally, multicolour 3D printing has been a pursuit laced with complexity. Intricate purge towers, multiple extruders or tool-changing heads are often the price of entry. Elegoo’s new Carbon 2 family promises to change that narrative. With a CANVAS multicolour system that handles up to four filaments and even lets you switch colours mid-print, the Combo aims to bring vibrant, multi-hued prints to makers who might otherwise shy away from such workflows.

The heart of both machines remains faithful to what made the original Carbon such a joy: a CoreXY motion platform that sings with precision and speed, and a 256 × 256 × 256 mm build area that gives you room to dream — be it scenic terrain for your table-top battles or functional parts for your next project.

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

For those who relish material versatility, the Carbon 2 and Combo step things up with a 350 °C hardened steel nozzle, letting you venture beyond PLA into PETG, TPU and engineering-grade filaments that demand a bit more heat. Auto-leveling and intelligent sensor systems help reduce the faff of setup, giving you more time at the keyboard tweaking slicer settings or sipping tea as layers stack into life.

Watching a four-colour print unfold is something special. The transparent glass door on the Combo lets you glimpse that slow symphony of motion as filament dancers on their own tiny stages blend and separate to form gradients and patterns that used to be the exclusive domain of much larger machines.

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

From a personal perspective, the arrival of these printers feels like watching a familiar friend return from an extended journey having brought back new skills and stories. There’s a tangible sense that desktop additive fabrication is growing up, without leaving the joy of hands-on making behind.

Both models are now available direct from Elegoo’s UK store and global channels, with the Combo bringing multicolour creativity within reach of hobbyists, educators and professionals alike. Prices start at an accessible point for what is fundamentally a step change in capability, and if you’ve ever found yourself yearning for more expressive prints without wanting to wrestle with complexity, these new Carbon 2 machines may be the ticket.

Elegoo Unveils a New Chapter in Desktop 3D Printing with the Centauri Carbon 2 Series

As with all tools of creation, the true magic isn’t in the spec sheet or glossy launch photos — it’s in the quiet hours spent watching your imagination take shape, layer by patient layer.

2025, Bambulab, formnext

Bambu Lab to Reveal the H2C at Formnext – and I’ll Be There to See It First-Hand

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Bambu Lab have officially announced the launch of their new multi-material 3D printer, the Bambu Lab H2C, taking place on 18 November 2025 at 3:00 PM CET—and I’ll be there at Formnext in Frankfurt to witness the reveal in person.

This is shaping up to be one of the most significant announcements in desktop 3D printing for years.

For the past three years, Bambu Lab have been working on a cleaner, more efficient approach to multi-colour and multi-material printing. Their teaser hints at something genuinely ground-breaking: the end of purge waste.

Back in 2022, the X1 series opened the door to accessible multi-colour printing, but the trade-off was always the same—purging. Endless little strings of wasted filament, time lost, and the compromises that every multi-colour printer still struggles with today.

Bambu’s engineers zeroed in on the real culprit: contamination within the hotend. Their solution? Don’t purge—swap the hotend.

Image and Video Credit: Bambulab

Introducing the Vortec Hotend Change System

The H2C is expected to showcase a brand-new technology called Vortec, described as one of the first induction-heated, fully automated hotend-swap systems.

The innovations highlighted in the teaser include:

• Dedicated hotends instead of purging

Like using a fresh paintbrush for each colour. No cleaning required, no cross-contamination, and no filament waste.

• Induction heating in just 8 seconds

Rapid heating without the slowdown of bulky toolheads or complex gantries.

• Wireless data and power sync

Each hotend contains its own chip that communicates temperature, filament data and status to the printer—without cables or pogo pins to wear out.

• No sacrifice in speed, volume or reliability

Rather than adding multiple nozzles or loading a heavy toolhead, Bambu Lab have focused on keeping things fast, compact and robust.

According to Bambu Lab, Vortec represents “the epilogue to the imperfections of X1” and marks their first major step toward eliminating purge altogether.

I’ll Be Reporting Live from Formnext

As The Gadget Man, I’ll be on the ground at Formnext in Frankfurt when the H2C is unveiled. Expect hands-on impressions, photos, early thoughts and—as always—my honest take on whether this could be the next revolution in multi-material 3D printing.

Stay tuned. This could be the moment multi-colour printing finally becomes clean, fast and… uncompromising.

2025, Anycubic, Black Friday 2025

Anycubic Black Friday Deals Arrive Early – Huge Savings on 3D Printers, Resins and Accessories

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Black Friday has begun early this year, and Anycubic have already launched a wide range of offers running from 10th November to 4th December. If you have been waiting for the right moment to start 3D printing, upgrade your setup, or stock up on consumables, these prices are well worth a look.

Anycubic Exclusive Black Friday Deals

Featured Printer Deals

Here are some of the standout savings on popular FDM and resin printers:

Model Black Friday Price Saving
Kobra S1 Combo £429 Save £120
Kobra 3 V2 Combo £299 Save £70
Kobra 3 Max Combo £519 Save £130
Photon Mono M7 Max £599 Save £110
Photon Mono M7 Pro £429 Save £70
Photon Mono 4 £149 Save £10

Full details and models here!

These are advertised as the lowest prices of the year and are likely to be limited by stock availability.

New Release: Kobra S1 Max Combo – Early Bird Discount

Kobra S1 Max Combo
Kobra S1 Max Combo

The Kobra S1 Max Combo is the latest addition to the Anycubic line-up. Designed for high-speed and large-format printing, it is suitable for those needing room for bigger parts, prototypes, cosplay elements or batch production.

Early Bird Offer (until 24th November):
Pay a £50 deposit to secure £100 off.

Pricing Schedule:

Dates Price Extra Perks Included
25 Nov – 1 Dec £749 Includes perks worth £400
2 Dec – 25 Dec £799 Includes perks worth £350
26 Dec – 31 Jan £849 Includes perks worth £300
From 1 Feb £949 Includes perks worth £200

Filament and Resin Sale

Filaments and resins are currently available from £8.49/kg, making this a very cost-effective time to stock up.

Browse materials here

Accessories – 20% Off

A range of accessories are on sale, including:

  • Replacement FEP films

  • Resin vats

  • Build plates

  • Hardened steel nozzles and hot ends

  • Spare LCD screens

Accessory savings can be found here

Extra Discount Codes (Valid until 4th December)

Code Saving Minimum Spend
ACBFCM30 £30 off £400+
ACBFCM25 £25 off £300+
ACBFCM20 £20 off £200+
ACBFCM15 £15 off £150+
ACBFCM10 £10 off £100+
ACBFCM5 £5 off £50+
ACBFCM3 £3 off £30+

Final Thoughts

This is one of the broadest and most substantial Black Friday collections Anycubic has offered in recent years, covering everything from first-time starter machines to large-format high-speed systems and precision resin printers.

If you are planning a winter project, expanding your workspace, or simply looking to get the best value for your materials, the timing here is ideal.

If you would like help comparing models or working out which machine is right for your requirements, feel free to ask.

Best regards,
Matt Porter – The Gadget Man

formnext, Press Release

Formnext Turns 10! And It’s Bigger, Bolder, and Brilliantly Additive Than Ever

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Frankfurt’s iconic tech mecca is lighting up the entire AM world with an expanded programme, more gadgets and gear than ever, and enough buzz to make even the most jaded engineer’s pulse quicken. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re heading to Formnext 2025 — or watching from afar.

Three Stages, One Purpose: Exploring AM’s Bright Future

Formnext 2025 isn’t just about rows of 3D printers humming away like digital sewing machines — though, let’s be honest, we do love that too. It’s about conversations that shape the future.

  • Application Stage (Hall 11.1): From rocket engines to robot arms and even orthopaedic orthoses (try saying that after a few Glühweins), this is where AM meets real-world problems. Focused firmly on cost-effective innovation, this stage is a must for SMEs looking to dip their toes into the world of 3D production.

  • Industry Stage (Hall 11.0): Topics like sustainability, Design for AM, and even AI-designed consumer goods take centre stage here. Highlights include a keynote retrospective on the last decade of AM and forward-looking discussions on decentralised production – a very big deal as global supply chains continue to shift.

  • Technology Stage (Hall 12.1): This is where the nerds (my people!) gather to go deep. Think DED tech, large-format plastic printing, and data-driven design. Pack a notebook.

New This Year: Tours, Livestreams &… a Quiz Show?

Formnext 2025 is not content with “business as usual”. The organisers have added a host of interactive new formats that are both educational and entertaining.

  • Guided AM Tours: Focusing on post-processing (a criminally underappreciated stage in AM), these 90-minute guided walks will be led by experts. Wednesday tours are in German, Thursday in English. No sign-ups, just first-come, first-served — so set an alarm.

  • Show and Telling LIVE: YouTube’s own 3D Printing Nerd will be broadcasting live on Tuesday. If you’ve ever wanted to geek out in real time with a global AM celeb, now’s your chance.

  • Ultimate Additive Quiz Show: Because why not have a game show for engineers? Expect equal parts trivia, tension, and titanium.

From Mechanical Marvels to Mushroom Mycelium: The Special Showcases

Here’s where Formnext really flexes its muscles. The 2025 edition will showcase AM in every industry you can imagine:

  • Additive4Industry (Hall 12.0): Mechanical engineering applications, brought to you by the VDMA.

  • BE-AM Symposium: Construction gets the AM treatment — and yes, that means 3D printed buildings.

  • AM Art Space: SUTOSUTO are back to blur the line between technology and art.

  • AM Innovation & Standards Summit (17 Nov): Standards, compliance, and certification may not be sexy — but they’re essential.

And let’s not forget the Start-up Area and Young Innovators Booth, where tomorrow’s biggest ideas take their first steps. If you’re an investor or just love spotting the next big thing, bring business cards.

Democratising 3D Printing

A real theme running through this year’s show is accessibility. Whether it’s via desktop 3D printers popping up in more industrial contexts or the Discover3DPrinting seminars for curious newcomers, Formnext is making AM approachable for businesses of all sizes.

There’s even a Career Area with job walls, professional headshots, and career advice — because nothing says “ready for your next move” like a headshot next to a 3D printed turbine blade.

The Formnext Awards – AM’s Red Carpet Moment

Awards aren’t just for Hollywood. The Formnext Awards shine a spotlight on groundbreaking technologies, bold young companies, and sustainable solutions — across six hotly contested categories. The twist? You get to help choose the winners via online voting. Cue the drama.

Partner Country 2025: Spain Steps Into the Spotlight

This year’s partner country is Spain, and it’s not just bringing paella and passion. With around 30 companies showcasing breakthroughs in AM systems, materials, and R&D, Spain is strutting its stuff on the global AM stage — and rightly so.

When, Where, and Why You Should Be There

Frankfurt am Main
18–21 November 2025
www.formnext.com/visitors

Whether you’re a long-time Formnext fanatic or a first-time visitor still figuring out what “DED” stands for, this year promises to be unforgettable. Ten years in, and Formnext shows no sign of slowing down — in fact, it’s evolving just as quickly as the technology it celebrates.

So dust off your best trade fair shoes, charge your phone (you’ll need it), and get ready to celebrate a decade of additive excellence.

Have you been to Formnext before? What are you most looking forward to this year? Drop your thoughts

3D Printing, additive manufacturing, Anycubic, formnext, Gadget Man, Matt Porter, The Gadget Man

Anycubic Teases the Kobra S1 Max Combo – A New Chapter for Multi-Colour Printing (and I’ll Be Seeing More at Formnext!)

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Well, this is exciting. The lovely folks at Anycubic have been in touch again, and this time they’ve got something rather special lined up for the 3D-printing world. If you’ve been following my recent adventures in the workshop — shelves of resin bottles, spools of filament, and printers humming away like a busy beehive — you’ll know I’ve been especially taken with Anycubic’s approach to innovation lately.

And now, they’ve gone and done it again.

Introducing the Kobra S1 Max Combo

A brand-new machine built to push desktop 3D-printing further — louder, brighter, more colourful, and more capable of serious engineering-grade work.

This is not just a quiet upgrade. This is one of those big leaps.

Kobra S1 Max Combo
Kobra S1 Max Combo
Kobra S1 Max
Kobra S1 Max

What Makes It Stand Out?

The expanded spec list from the official campaign page reveals some key details:

  • Up to 16-colour printing: Start with one ACE 2 Pro module for 4 colours; combine up to four for the full 16-colour capacity.

  • Huge build volume: 350 × 350 × 350 mm.

  • Enclosed, actively-heated chamber up to 65 °C. Hotbed up to 120 °C, hotend up to 350 °C.

  • Hardened-steel hotend (0.4 mm standard with extra 0.6 mm included), optional 0.25 mm brass / 0.8 mm hardened steel nozzles.

  • CoreXY motion system, active carbon-filter air purification, WiFi6/Ethernet support, 720p monitoring, spaghetti-recognition AI, U-disk/app control.

  • Materials covered: from PLA/PETG/TPU right up to engineering-grades like ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PA6-CF, PC-CF/GF, PET-CF.

  • Multi-language interface (English, Chinese, German, Russian, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, Portuguese).

Put simply: whoever said “desktop printers are only for PLA” is going to have a rethink when this lands.

Early Bird Deal (This One’s Actually Worth It)

Anycubic are running a clever early-bird scheme:

  • Pay £50 now → receive £100 discount off the launch price (5th November to 24th November)

  • After that, the pricing rolls through phased levels — each with perks (as previously noted).

    • £749 (25 Nov-1 Dec) with £400 worth of perks

    • £799 (2 Dec-25 Dec) with £350 perks

    • £849 (26 Dec-31 Jan) with £300 perks

    • £949 (from 1 Feb) with £200 perks

So yes — if you’re thinking about it, the earlier the better.

And Here’s the Extra Bit I’m Excited About…

I’ll be in Frankfurt on the 18th November attending formnext — the global additive-manufacturing expo. It’s basically the Glastonbury of 3D printing: people everywhere talking filament, lasers, printheads, sintering furnaces — heavenly stuff.

I’m absolutely planning to track down Anycubic while I’m there and get a closer look at the Kobra S1 Max Combo in the flesh. Expect photos, impressions, maybe even first-hand print samples — all coming your way.

If you’ve got questions you’d like me to ask the Anycubic team directly, let me know in the comments.

Final Thoughts

This is shaping up to be a very compelling machine:

✔ Larger build volume
✔ Multi-colour support baked in
✔ Enclosed, CoreXY, heated chamber = better reliability
✔ Designed for real materials, not just for show

If it delivers what the specs promise, this could be one of the stand-out printers of 2025 — especially for makers and small business production.

I’ll bring back everything I learn at Formnext — stay tuned.

—

Matt Porter – The Gadget Man
Currently surrounded by printers. Not sorry.

2025, additive manufacturing, formnext, Gadget Man

Formnext 2025: Tickets Now Open for the World’s Leading 3D Printing Expo

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Frankfurt is getting ready to host the world’s largest 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing (AM) event once again. From 18–21 November 2025, Formnext will transform the Messe Frankfurt exhibition halls into a showcase of innovation, collaboration, and real-world applications across industries.

This year promises over 800 exhibitors, including some of the biggest names in the AM world alongside a healthy mix of start-ups and research groups. Expect plenty of world premieres, live demonstrations, and a packed programme across aviation, aerospace, engineering, jewellery, watches, and more.

Spain takes centre stage as the partner country for 2025, bringing around 30 companies to Frankfurt. The Spanish AM sector has been growing rapidly and plays an interesting role as a link between Europe and Latin America, particularly strong in systems, materials, and research.

The Gadget Man will be attending formnext
The Gadget Man will be attending formnext

The supporting programme looks just as impressive as the show floor itself. Three stages will run throughout the event, each with a different focus: industry trends, real-world applications, and the latest technologies. Seminars, talks, and showcases will cover everything from large-format 3D printing to data-driven design and construction AM. Add to that the Formnext Awards, start-up pitches, career opportunities, and networking events, and it’s clear this isn’t just an exhibition – it’s the meeting point for the global AM community.

I’ll be there on Tuesday 18 November for the Press Breakfast and then I’m looking forward to catching up with many of the 800 companies, checking out the latest announcements and exploring the halls. It’s always fascinating to see how far the technology has come, and this year looks set to offer plenty of inspiration.

Tickets are available now from formnext.com/visitors, with an early-bird discount running until 21 October.

Anycubic, Kobra 3 V2

Introducing the Kobra 3 V2 Combo – A Vibrant New Chapter in 3D Printing! Super Early Bird Pricing Announced

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I’m always excited to bring you news of cutting-edge tech that blends innovation with affordability – and today is no exception. If you’re into 3D printing or thinking about diving into the world of filament fabrication, this announcement is for you!

Say hello to the Anycubic Kobra 3 V2 Combo – a machine that promises to be Vibrant, Versatile, and Visionary. Developed with creators in mind, this latest printer from Anycubic is loaded with features that make it perfect for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Introducing the Kobra 3 V2 Combo – A Vibrant New Chapter in 3D Printing! Super Early Bird Pricing Announced
Introducing the Kobra 3 V2 Combo – A Vibrant New Chapter in 3D Printing! Super Early Bird Pricing Announced

Super Early Bird Price – Just £359!

From 15th to 18th May, you can grab the Kobra 3 V2 Combo at a stunning £110 off the retail price – just £359 instead of £469! But you’ll have to be quick: this Super Early Bird offer is available for a limited time only.

Here’s the full pricing rollout:

  • £359 – Super Early Bird (15–18 May)

  • £379 – Early Bird (19–29 May)

  • £399 – Pre-sale (30 May–15 June)

  • £419 – Regular Price (from 16 July)

Click here to secure yours now!

Unlock £100+ Worth of Perks!

Early adopters aren’t just saving money – they’re unlocking exclusive perks worth over £100, including:

  • 50% OFF all filament packs (PLA Special, PLA Metal, High Speed, and even random bundles)

  • £10–£30 Gift Cards (500 winners up for grabs!)

  • FREE 8-Colour Hub – When purchasing the 8-colour kit version (exclusive to the Kobra 3 V2 Combo)

  • Mystery Box – Who doesn’t love a surprise?

  • Free Access to Premium Quality Models to kickstart your print library

This makes it one of the best value 3D printer launches we’ve seen all year.

Colourful, Creative and Capable

The Kobra 3 V2 Combo is designed for multicolour printing straight out of the box. With its smart automatic material station and easy-to-use touchscreen interface, it’s a dream machine whether you’re printing functional parts or jaw-dropping figurines.

Combine that with high-speed capabilities and robust build quality, and you’ve got a machine that’s ready to keep up with your creative demands.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re upgrading your current printer or taking your first step into the world of multicolour 3D printing, the Kobra 3 V2 Combo is a no-brainer – especially at the early bird price.

Click here to order yours through my affiliate link and help support The Gadget Man while snagging one of the hottest 3D printers of the year.

Stay creative, stay curious – and I’ll see you in the next print run!

2025, Drones, Electric Vehicles, EV, Flying Vehicles, Gadget Man, Star Wars Day, Technology, The Gadget Man

UPDATED – Volonaut’s Real-Life Speeder Bike Set To Take Flight on Star Wars Day! Video attached!!!

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If you ever dreamed of flying through the trees of Endor like an Imperial Scout Trooper, that dream just took a huge leap toward reality.

On May 1st, 2025, Volonaut officially unveiled their jaw-dropping personal flight machine: the Airbike. Described as a cross between a superbike and a starfighter, the Airbike is a jet-propelled, single-seat hoverbike that looks like it’s been ripped straight out of a sci-fi film—specifically, Star Wars.

Here’s the video below!!

This groundbreaking vehicle is the brainchild of Tomasz Patan, the visionary engineer behind the Jetson ONE. The Airbike, however, ditches propellers in favour of compact jet engines, creating a safer, sleeker, and incredibly futuristic flying experience. It’s built using carbon fibre and 3D-printed parts, making it exceptionally light—seven times lighter than a conventional motorcycle. With speeds topping 200 km/h, it’s no surprise the internet has lit up with excitement.

But Volonaut didn’t stop at just launching a revolutionary vehicle. They’ve timed their big reveal to coincide with the biggest unofficial sci-fi holiday of them all: Star Wars Day.

Over the past few days, Volonaut has been teasing a special video drop scheduled for Sunday, May 4th—Star Wars Day—with a tantalising image of a rider dressed in full Imperial Scout Trooper gear standing next to the Airbike. The promise? A recreation of the unforgettable speeder bike chase from Return of the Jedi, shot through dense woodland, but this time with a real flying machine.

It’s not every day that technology catches up with our childhood imagination, but this might just be one of those times. As a long-time lover of gadgets, sci-fi, and anything that pushes boundaries, I’ll be watching this premiere with popcorn in hand and a big grin on my face.

Video Credit: YouTube / Volonaut

Star Wars Scout Trooper crounching next to the Volonaut Airbike ready for Star Wars Day on May the Forth
Star Wars Scout Trooper crounching next to the Volonaut Airbike ready for Star Wars Day on May the Forth – Image Credit: LinkedIn / Volonaut

May the 4th be with us!

2025, 3D Printing, Business, Gadget Man, Technology

Spain Joins Formnext 2025 as Partner Country, Highlighting its Role as a Global AM Powerhouse

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The world of Additive Manufacturing (AM) is about to experience an exciting shift as Spain takes centre stage as the partner country at Formnext 2025. Running from 18–21 November 2025 in Frankfurt, the world’s premier exhibition for AM technologies will showcase the best of Spain’s dynamic AM sector, solidifying its role as a vital player in global manufacturing.

Spain Joins Formnext 2025 as Partner Country, Highlighting its Role as a Global AM Powerhouse
Spain Joins Formnext 2025 as Partner Country, Highlighting its Role as a Global AM Powerhouse

Spain: An Emerging Bridge Between Europe and South America

Spain’s strategic geographical location on the Iberian Peninsula positions it uniquely to connect Europe and South America, making it an ideal partner for this year’s Formnext. With over 30 Spanish exhibitors attending Formnext 2024, Spain has long been a key participant. According to Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Spain exemplifies how AM can drive growth and innovation even during challenging times.

“Spain’s AM sector is diverse, rapidly growing, and packed with innovation, making it an ideal partner,” said Wenzler. “We’re thrilled to have such incredible AM companies join us in showcasing the next generation of manufacturing technologies.”

A Flourishing AM Industry with Global Impact

With more than 1,200 people employed in the AM sector, Spain is experiencing double-digit growth rates every year. As per the Wohlers Report 2024, 1.5% of the world’s 3D printers are installed in Spain. Companies such as HP Printing and Computing, Meltio, Triditive, and Reinforce 3D are leading the charge, contributing to a highly innovative ecosystem.

The AM sector also benefits from Spain’s robust manufacturing tradition. With a 7.3% increase in production since 2014, Spain outpaces its European neighbours like France and Germany, where manufacturing output has stagnated. This growth has translated into significant revenue, with the machine-tool sector reporting record sales of €2.157 billion in 2023.

Key Industry Players: ADDIMAT and IAM3DHUB

Two major players driving AM adoption in Spain—ADDIMAT and IAM3DHUB—are partnering with Formnext 2025 to further showcase Spain’s influence on the global stage.

  • ADDIMAT, founded in 2014, operates under the AFM Cluster and comprises over 100 companies across the AM value chain, from machine manufacturers to material suppliers.
  • IAM3DHUB, based in Barcelona and managed by Leitat, supports companies with AM integration, offering services ranging from feasibility studies to strategic implementation.

These organisations have been instrumental in positioning Spain as a hub of Industry 4.0, fostering innovation across various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and healthcare.

Strong AM Adoption Across Key Industries

Spain’s AM adoption rate is soaring, with 96% of production companies acknowledging AM’s role in speeding up product development, according to a joint study by HP and 3dbpm Research. This has led to impressive growth in machine and service sales, which increased by 24.5% and 36.2%, respectively, in 2022.

AM applications are particularly thriving in industries like aviation, automotive, and healthcare, with innovations such as custom-fitted 3D-printed shoes, patient-specific implants, and surgical guides.

A Platform for Global Recognition

Formnext 2025 will serve as a global platform for Spain’s AM companies to highlight their contributions and innovations, helping them expand their international reach. The event will also include special exhibitions and networking opportunities designed to facilitate further growth.

To explore Spain’s journey in AM and its impact on global manufacturing, don’t miss the special edition of Formnext Magazine in September 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates on Formnext 2025, where cutting-edge technology, innovation, and growth converge to shape the future of manufacturing.

For more information, visit: Formnext.com