The aerospace and defence industries are renowned for leading the way in innovation. From developing new and ground-breaking materials, to advanced electronics and automation, technologies incubated by these industries such as structural composites and GPS quickly became popular in many commercial applications. It is therefore unsurprising that these industries have been key adopters of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, and we are excited to see what pioneering applications have been released this year.

As one of the first industries to see the benefits of rapid prototyping, the automotive world has embraced additive technologies at all stages of design, development and manufacturing. More recently the rail industry have seen a real growth in the use of additive manufacturing, benefiting from the low volume production and spare part supply. But what are the industries' best applications of AM today?

We use consumer products every day, often taking for granted their impact on our daily lives. Behind each of those products is a product designer – designing the look, feel, function and production route of these products.  The use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing in the life of a product designer has increased 10-fold over the past few years, and as the adoption increases, so do the innovations. 

The film, theatre, art, architecture and jewellery industries all have one thing in common – they take a creative vision and turn it into a physical realisation. As such it is one of the most fascinating areas of innovation in 3D printing and additive manufacturing.  We are excited to see where this industry can push the boundaries in using the technologies in the creative arena. 

The Hardware awards celebrate the very best of the enabling technologies themselves, and are split into two distinct areas, the first of which is non-polymer systems. This could include metals, ceramics, composites, biomaterials or any other material that is not solely a polymer.  We are looking for innovations which push the boundaries of current established systems.

The Hardware awards celebrate the very best of the enabling technologies themselves, and are split into two distinct areas, the second of which is polymer systems. We are looking for 3D printing or additive manufacturing technologies which push the boundaries of polymer processing, bringing innovative improvements or entirely new technologies to the table.

Healthcare is one of the most rewarding industries to be involved with, and the use of 3D technologies in this arena couldn’t be more fitting.  The ability to create bespoke, one-off parts from scanned data is perhaps more suited to this industry than any other. With the ever-evolving development of new materials, software and hardware, it is no wonder that this industry grasps the benefits of these technologies – and we can’t wait to see what innovative applications have been launched this year.  

Industrial products work behind the scenes to keep our industries working. Whether it be factory automation equipment, farming tools or material handling machines, there is little that is not touched by an industrial designer.  3D technologies are being increasingly adopted by this sector to drive unique developments, and we look forward to discovering the industries best applications over the past year.

3D printing and additive manufacturing processes would not succeed but for the development of appropriate materials for the job.  Though often under appreciated, the amount of science and innovation which goes into the development of materials for these processes can be astounding.  We would like to celebrate advancements in materials for additive manufacturing from polymers to metals, ceramics to composites, biomaterials and any other advanced material.

The post processing award aims to celebrate the technologies which turn the printed part into a functional, aesthetic product, and add the final touches to the 3D printing/additive manufacturing process chain.  The often essential processes which impart material properties and surface finishes to a 3D printed or additively manufactured part.  We are excited to commend new innovations in post processing technology.

Software is the glue that binds together the various processes involved in turning an idea into a tangible product. From the ideation and design phase, through development, testing and validation, all the way to manufacture, end-use and end of life management, software is running the show. This award celebrates the most impactful innovations in any software which impacts product development using 3D printing and additive manufacturing.