Reflections from AMTC 2022: The Future of Additive Manufacturing Unveiled

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Conference (AMTC 2022) in Munich has concluded, leaving the industry with a wealth of insights and renewed momentum. The Lines Manufacturing team was honored to participate in this world-leading C-level event, hosted by Oerlikon AM and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where innovators, industry experts, and decision-makers gathered to discuss the present and future of Additive Manufacturing (AM).

Key Takeaways: Additive Manufacturing's Transformative Power

The atmosphere at AMTC 2022 was electric, buzzing with discussions about how Additive Manufacturing is reshaping industries and contributing to sustainability goals. A prevailing theme throughout the event was that AM is no longer confined to prototyping but is now a vital tool in full-scale production, driving efficiency and customization.

1. AM as a Sustainability Driver

One of the most compelling insights shared was the recognition of AM's role in sustainability. Industry leaders emphasized how AM helps companies address current and future challenges by enabling:

• On-demand production, reducing the need for extensive storage and inventory.
• High customization at scale, which supports resilient, adaptable supply chains.
• Efficient material usage and optimized part designs that maximize strength while minimizing waste.

2. Rising Demand for Industry-Ready Solutions

The event highlighted a clear trend: there is an ever-growing demand for large-scale, industry-ready AM solutions. As companies seek to enhance their production capabilities, technologies that offer scalability, speed, and reliability are at the forefront.

This was where Lines Manufacturing's high-speed, large-scale polymer AM technology shone. Our unique pellet extrusion technology has been developed to tackle one of the key challenges in AM: achieving high build rates and reducing costs per part, especially for medium-volume productions of large polymer and composite parts.

3. The Edge of Customization and Rapid Feedback Loops

A notable insight from various speakers was the importance of customer-centric customization. Additive Manufacturing stands out as the ideal solution for:

• Short feedback loops that bridge the gap between design and production, thanks to rapid, tool-free manufacturing.
• High design flexibility that enables the production of complex parts with enhanced strength-to-mass ratios.

These advantages underscore AM’s capability to push boundaries, turning ambitious ideas into practical, production-ready solutions.

4. A Surge in End-Use AM Parts

Data presented at AMTC 2022 confirmed a significant increase in the number of parts produced using AM technologies, with a notable rise in end-use products. This trend further solidifies that AM is not just a tool for prototyping but has evolved into a full-fledged production method with diverse applications.

Lines Manufacturing's Contribution and Gratitude

At AMTC 2022, Lines Manufacturing showcased how our technology is addressing the industry’s pressing needs for cost-effective, large-scale production solutions. Our team received invaluable feedback and had enriching interactions that emphasized the industry’s readiness for the next phase of AM industrialization.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who expressed interest in our solutions and to the hosts Oerlikon AM, Technical University of Munich, and TUM Venture Labs for organizing this extraordinary gathering. We are proud to be part of the #amtccommunity, collaborating with stakeholders who share a commitment to advancing Additive Manufacturing.

Thank you to everyone who helped make AMTC 2022 a landmark event for innovation and progress in Additive Manufacturing!

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