Interview with Rainer Gebhardt

Mr. Gebhardt, what role does rapid.tech 3D play in the work of VDMA Additive Manufacturing?

rapid.tech 3D is the perfect platform for a direct exchange with AM experts from many sectors. The network of experts and the proximity to the user industry enable our members to present the potential uses of industrial 3D printing using concrete examples and to make its use more widespread. We are therefore very happy to continue this partnership.

What topics will determine your program this year?

The motto of our specialist forum on the first day of the event is “AM4industry - Using & Enabling Robotics”. We will be presenting the interplay between mechanical engineering and additive manufacturing in two thematic blocks. The first block will focus on the potential of robotics to optimize industrial additive process chains. Experts from toolcraft, Fraunhofer IAPT and Siemens will report on current developments and applications, such as a solution for the automated removal of support structures using robot technology.
The second block will focus on the added value of AM for robotics. Here, industry examples will be presented of how production processes can be optimized with AM-manufactured gripper systems, including in the packaging and food industries as well as in plastics and metal processing.

How can visitors who only come to Erfurt for the second or third day of the event find out about the presentations?

The speakers will visualize their presentations with demonstrators, among other things. We will be presenting and explaining these at the VDMA stand in Hall 2 for the entire duration of the event and, if necessary, networking with the experts. In this way, we are creating an even closer link between the congress and exhibition and ensuring that visitors gain as much information as possible, even if they cannot be present on all days of the event.

What is the appeal of rapid.tech 3D for you?

I have known rapid.tech 3D for around ten years and have followed its development with great interest. While large AM trade fairs are mainly attended by technology providers, Erfurt brings together a competent AM community for an exchange that is strongly focused on user benefits. There are representatives from the entire process chain on site, who all have one goal: to help additive manufacturing in the industry achieve further success. This practical focus also makes the format very valuable from a VDMA perspective.