Formnext announces winners of Start-Up Challenge

Formnext 2019 sponsors have announced the winners of the Formnext Start-Up Challenge, which recognizes outstanding innovations in additive manufacturing from companies founded within the last five years.

As a lead-up to Formnext 2019, scheduled for Nov. 19-22 in Frankfurt, Germany, the show’s sponsors have announced the winners of the Formnext Start-Up Challenge, which recognizes outstanding innovations in additive manufacturing from companies founded within the last five years.

The official award ceremony will be held on Nov. 19 at Formnext, and the five winners will receive trophies sponsored by Voxeljet. Together with other startups, they also will have the chance to present a short business pitch as part of the Pitchnext event, giving visitors insight into the latest innovations in AM and a preview of future developments in the industry.

The five winners will be rewarded with a variety of services designed to guide them toward further success, including a free, fully equipped exhibition booth. The startups also will be incorporated into all of the relevant marketing and communication activities Formnext conducts worldwide. Besides business coaching, the companies also win a company profile on the industry portal of panel member 3dprintingindustry.com.

Belgium-based AdditiveLab BVBA has developed simulation software for AM of metal components. Its mechanical analysis uses a multiscale simulation approach to predict residual stresses and distortions in a layer-by-layer fashion. This helps users identify and address problems that can compromise the manufacturing process and the end quality of the manufactured part.
The objective of Latvian company Exponential Technologies Ltd. is the development of new materials, as well as automatic adaptation to new materials, machines, and production processes. The startup uses advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to do this. These determine the most suitable machine configurations for laser machining, AM, and CNC machining, as well as optimized material mixes.
German startup Glassomer GmbH offers 3D glass printing technology using stereolithography. The company has developed a silica nanocomposite (Glassomer) with which it has performed feasibility studies and manufactured in small series. Its aim is to develop new additive technologies for the mass production of glass. The product allows the structuring of pure quartz glass that is fully compatible with the requirements of optics and photonics.
Germany-based LMI – Laser Melting Innovations has developed a low-cost metal printer targeted at small and medium-sized companies. It has reduced the price by eliminating costly components, while offering a compact design, durability, and cost-effective diode laser, according to the company.
Spectroplast, located in Switzerland, is a spinoff from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The team offers 3D printing of silicones in a Shore hardness from A0 to A80 in all colors.

The international winners will present their innovations in the Start-Up Area of Formnext 2019. Sascha F. Wenzler, vice president for Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, the exhibition organizer, said, "The high quality of innovation, specialization, and industrial focus of the winners shows that the international startup scene is also evolving and that the Formnext Start-up Challenge offers a globally acclaimed platform for sharing ideas and finding customers, partners, and investors.”