BMW has been using 3D printing technology since 1991, starting with the production of parts and moulds for castings. In 2015, the FIZ Research and Innovation Centre in Munich produced 100,000 parts exclusively for internal use. Printed parts are already moving away from mere prototypes, or components supporting traditional casting processes, and increasingly 3D printing is being used for final products - one such example is the water pump impeller, already produced in quantities of several hundred. The vehicle's water pump impeller is responsible for circulating fluid through the cooling system, allowing the engine to run at optimum temperature. This precision component, which is subjected to unheard of stresses during its technical life, finds its use in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters races. Compared to its conventional counterpart, it is cheaper and simpler to manufacture. 

3D printing has irrevocably changed the process chain from product idea to manufacturing. Practically every day brings innovative developments in the additive manufacturing industry. This was perfectly evident at Formnext, the largest international trade fair for additive technology, held in Frankfurt. More than 400 international exhibitors and thousands of visitors from all over the world. A must-see on the trade fair map for anyone serious about growing their business. Every year, there are more and more applications for 3D printing and a dynamic increase in the scale of production, both looking at the size of the printed parts and the increasing volumes produced in series. The space industry is leading the way in metal printing, perfectly exploiting the advantages of printing to create ever larger and more complex rocket engine combustion chambers. These particularly attracted the attention of all visitors. Other popular developments included radiators, automotive and sports parts, tools and increasingly large components for machining machines. There was also no shortage of printed products from the hydraulics industry, which was of great interest to us for obvious reasons. All in all - it was a fruitfully spent time for us.