3D Printing Is Becoming Increasingly Important for Industry
Additive manufacturing technologies are among the fastest-growing areas of modern manufacturing today. 3D printing has long since moved beyond its original role as a rapid prototyping tool. It is increasingly becoming a fully-fledged manufacturing method for producing parts, tools, moulds and finished components, with applications across the aerospace, automotive, space, energy, medical and tooling industries.
Particularly exciting opportunities are emerging at the intersection of 3D printing and composite materials. These technologies make it possible to design lightweight, durable and optimised structures with complex geometries that would be very costly, time-consuming or, in some cases, virtually impossible to manufacture using conventional methods.
On 7-8 October 2026 at EXPO Kraków, the 3D Printing Zone will make its debut at KOMPOZYT-EXPO® – a new area dedicated to the practical applications of additive manufacturing technologies in modern industry.
AGH University of Krakow Becomes a Partner of the 3D Printing Zone
The partners of the 3D Printing Zone are AGH University of Krakow, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, and the Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science.
From Design to Finished Part
The programme of the 3D Printing Zone has been designed to combine knowledge, hands-on experience and real-world industrial applications.
In the demonstration area, visitors will be able to see 3D printers in operation, live printing demonstrations and the entire process of creating components – from a digital model to a finished part. Samples, cross-sections, microstructures and examples of material failures will also be presented, helping participants better understand the relationship between manufacturing technology and the properties of finished components.
The programme will cover topics including:
- modern materials for 3D printing, including metallic and composite materials,
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM),
- large-format 3D printing,
- production of moulds and tools using 3D printing,
- integration of additive manufacturing technologies with composite processes,
- process parameters and their impact on microstructure and component strength,
- industrial applications of 3D printing,
- cost-effectiveness and limitations of additive manufacturing implementation.
Science Meets Practice
The 3D Printing Zone will provide a space where scientific expertise meets the everyday needs of industry. Experts from AGH University of Krakow will introduce participants to topics such as material structure, strength properties and the impact of process parameters, while industry representatives will showcase specific applications, real-world implementations and the business aspects of using 3D printing.
The programme will also provide space for student and research projects, company presentations and discussions bringing together representatives of education, science, research and business.
See 3D Printing in Action at KOMPOZYT-EXPO®
The 3D Printing Zone is designed both for companies already using additive manufacturing technologies and for businesses that are only beginning to explore their implementation. It is an opportunity to see the technology in action, talk to scientists and industry practitioners, and discover solutions with real potential for use in industrial production processes – all in one place.
We also invite companies and experts interested in presenting 3D printers, materials, finished components, implementation examples and their experience in applying additive manufacturing technologies in industry to take part in the Zone.
3D Printing Zone | 7-8 October 2026 | EXPO Kraków
Read more:
3D Printing Zone at KOMPOZYT-EXPO®
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