Focus on innovation

From October 8 to 11, 2024, the International Engineering Fair (MSV) in Brno attracted experts from around the world who wanted to experience one of Central and Eastern Europe’s most important industry gatherings in the Czech Republic. Held concurrently was the Forum for Additive Manufacturing, which focused on the field of 3D printing. Six companies and research institutions from Saxony participated in the trip, taking the opportunity to showcase innovations from Saxony and strengthen cross-border collaborations. This trip was organized for the second time through the strong collaboration between the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Dresden), the Zittau office of the Saxony Economic Development Agency, and the Lausitz – Life & Technology Alliance.

Day 1: Arrival and Networking

The three-day trip accompanying the trade fair kicked off on October 8 with a joint departure from Saxony. This was followed by a convivial get-together at the Starobrno Brewery to get to know one another. Representatives from Saxon companies and research institutions met here for an informal exchange and initial discussions. Getting to know one another laid a pleasant foundation for the days ahead and opened up early opportunities for future collaborations, including among Saxon partners.

Next on the agenda was the ceremonial opening of the MSV Brno trade fair, attended by high-ranking representatives from politics and business, such as Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the newly appointed Minister of Economy Lukáš Vlček.

Day 2: Additive Manufacturing in the Spotlight

The second day, October 9, was entirely dedicated to additive manufacturing. The Additive Manufacturing Forum, one of the highlights of the trade show, offered in-depth insights into the latest developments in 3D printing. Experts such as Ramon Pastor from HP and Daniel Prince from Stratasys delivered engaging presentations on how metal 3D printing and artificial intelligence will shape the future of manufacturing. The program was complemented by a panel discussion that highlighted the challenges and successes facing the industry.

At the Additive Manufacturing Forum, the Lausitz region showcased a wide range of innovative applications and prospects. The session was moderated by Jiří Zahradník from the Czech Competence Center of the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce, who emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of 3D printing for the German-Czech-Polish border region.

Under the title “Diversity and Potential of 3D Printing from the Lausitz,” Zahradník introduced the panel presentations, which illustrated the technological transformation taking place in the Lausitz. Research institutions and companies from Saxony demonstrated how additive manufacturing can bring about lasting change in industrial practice.

Dr. Matthias Schulze from Fraunhofer IWU began with an overview of the use of 3D-printed molds in injection molding. He highlighted how Fraunhofer IWU develops cost-effective and application-oriented solutions for the manufacturing sector, particularly for regions undergoing structural change such as Lausitz.

Philipp Beck from ARNIO then presented engineering applications of 3D printing. His presentation illustrated how 3D printing processes are used in Mechanical Engineering and product development to optimize components and create sustainable innovations. A key focus was on the development of new products and processes in lightweight construction and digitalization.

Dr. Arnd Friedrichs from the consulting firm Friedrichs and his partner GSD Schoch concluded the presentation with an introduction to the EHLA process, which optimizes the service life and load-bearing capacity of components in die casting. This process demonstrates how specialized 3D printing technologies offer significant advantages in industrial applications and can substantially increase efficiency in component production.

Overall, the panel reflected the dynamic development of 3D printing in Lausitz, which is characterized by innovation and close collaboration across regional borders. The degree of the event emphasized the importance of international cooperation to further advance these technologies.

At the joint “IHK Dresden & Friends” booth, participants then had the opportunity to discuss specific collaboration opportunities and take a closer look at the innovations on display:

1. ARNIO GmbH: Specialist in the development of innovative 3D printing solutions for industrial applications
2. DruKon Druck-Kontrolltechnik GmbH: Experts in precision technologies for valves in pipeline construction
3. ULT AG - air quality: Customized solutions for clean air in production
4. Fraunhofer IWU: Cutting-edge research in the field of production and manufacturing technology
5. Arnd Friedrichs: Expert in additive manufacturing and technology consulting
6. IHK Dresden & Wirtschaftsförderung Sachsen GmbH: Strong partners for economic development and technology transfer
7. Lausitz - Life & Technology: A strong partner for innovative R&D ideas with a technical, technological, and social focus

In the evening, a joint dinner was held as part of the event, bringing together Saxon companies and the Czech company COTU. In a pleasant atmosphere, the participants exchanged ideas on innovative solutions in the field of additive manufacturing. COTU, which specializes in 3D printing technologies, presented its expertise in the manufacture of prototypes and end products, as well as its customized services for various industries, such as the automotive industry and medical technology. Of particular interest to the Saxon companies in attendance was the discussion on the advantages of the FDM process and the integration of 3D printing into production processes.

Day 3: Future Workshop and Farewell

The final day was dedicated to practical innovation sessions. German and Czech companies came together in three moderated sessions to discuss innovative approaches in the field of additive manufacturing. Led by Dr. Arnd Friedrichs and Leonie Liemich, interactive sessions generated ideas on material innovation, production optimization, and further German-Czech collaborations between the companies. The following companies presented:

1. Pragostroj – Professional FDM printing solutions offering high print quality, a large print bed, and the ability to produce large volumes of prints at high speed.
2. Prusa Research – a leading Czech 3D printing company specializing in the development and manufacture of 3D printers and championing innovation in the 3D printing sector.
3. MCAE Systems – a leading Czech company specializing in technologies in the fields of additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAM solutions, as well as simulation and rapid prototyping. It offers comprehensive solutions for the manufacturing industry and supports companies in development, design, and production.

These sessions not only served as an opportunity for participants to get to know one another but also led to the development of concrete opportunities for collaboration.

Conclusion: A Successful Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

The trip to MSV Brno 2024 impressively demonstrated just how fruitful international collaboration in the field of additive manufacturing can be. The combination of informal networking opportunities, in-depth insights into the technology of tomorrow, and targeted workshops enabled participants to forge valuable connections and plan concrete collaboration initiatives for the future.

Particular mention must be made of the outstanding organization by the Dresden Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK Dresden), the Saxony Economic Development Agency, and the Lausitz Alliance – Life & Technology, which together created a platform to showcase the innovative strength of Saxon companies on the international stage. MSV Brno once again proved to be a central meeting place for Mechanical Engineering—and a melting pot for new ideas in additive manufacturing.