Formnext 2024 proved to be an electrifying blend of innovation, collaboration, and progress, showcasing the best in additive manufacturing technologies across multiple floors. Each level offered something unique—from advanced metal 3D printing solutions to cutting-edge composite materials—creating an ecosystem that highlighted the diversity and dynamism of the industry. BotFactory was proud to be a part of this vibrant environment, showcasing our new piezo head and engaging in conversations that will shape the future of additive electronics.
The spotlight at this year’s Formnext was firmly on sustainability and reliability when printing components. These two themes resonated across every booth and discussion, with manufacturers and researchers alike emphasizing greener workflows, reduced material waste, and enhanced durability in production. Metal 3D printing, in particular, stood out for its strides in creating stronger, more consistent builds while minimizing resource consumption. Techniques such as powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition are now achieving levels of precision and repeatability that once seemed out of reach. These advancements are not only about efficiency but also about enabling scalability—one of the key factors in driving adoption across industries.
BotFactory’s contribution to this conversation came through our new piezo head technology, designed to meet the increasing demand for precision in multi-layer PCB production. The piezo head’s enhanced deposition rates and inch-perfect accuracy captivated attendees, sparking discussions about how additive electronics can complement and integrate with other manufacturing technologies. The ability to print advanced multi-layer circuit boards with the same speed and reliability as traditional processes is a game-changer, opening doors to more flexible and customizable workflows.
Formnext also underscored the importance of materials innovation in additive manufacturing. We had the opportunity to engage with researchers and developers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with conductive polymers, metallic inks, and insulating layers. The industry is moving toward integrated systems capable of printing entire devices—electronics, enclosures, and all—within a single process. This vision of seamless, end-to-end manufacturing aligns closely with BotFactory’s mission to redefine what’s possible in prototyping and small-scale production.
Reliability, however, remains the cornerstone of these advancements. Whether it’s ensuring that a metal part withstands high-stress environments or that a printed circuit maintains signal integrity across layers, the industry’s focus is clear: failure is not an option. Discussions with partners and attendees revealed a shared commitment to improving every aspect of the additive manufacturing process, from material consistency to hardware robustness. These insights validate BotFactory’s ongoing efforts to develop technologies that not only push the envelope but do so dependably.
As we look ahead, Formnext has provided us with a wealth of ideas and inspiration. From exploring new material formulations to fine-tuning the SV2’s capabilities, we’re more determined than ever to lead the charge in additive electronics. The event also reinforced the interconnectedness of the industry—whether you’re working with metals, composites, or electronics, the challenges and opportunities are shared. Collaboration and innovation are key, and Formnext reminded us that we’re all crafting the future of manufacturing together.
The energy at Formnext was infectious, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event. Until then, we’ll be hard at work applying what we’ve learned, refining our processes, and continuing to build the technologies that will drive additive manufacturing forward. Together, we’re not just imagining the future—we’re building it, one layer at a time.
