3D printing will play an important role at drupa 2016, the world's leading trade fair for print and cross-media solutions. “drupa's realignment is shifting the focus towards innovation in the sector and providing a special platform for pioneering interdisciplinary technologies like 3D printing,” stated Sabine Geldermann, Director of drupa. Numerous exhibitors such as HP, Leapfrog, Mimaki, Roland, Ricoh, Xerox, TU Chemnitz, Stratasys and Massivit 3D Printing will present exciting solutions. drupa will take place from May 31 - June 10, 2016 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany

“It was important for us to pick up and focus on this topic. The potential of 3D printing in many vertical markets shouldn't be underestimated. In particular, spare parts for mechanical engineering or packaging design offer huge opportunities for machinery manufacturers, users and also print providers,” commented Sabine Geldermann. The 3D fab+print touchpoint in Hall 7A will reflect this diversity. This special show will present the very latest state-of-the-art technology as well as visions and exciting best-practice cases. Organized by KCI Publishing BV, the 3D fab+print touchpoint will offer technology providers and customers, exhibitors and visitors, visionaries and users a meeting point to drive this exciting topic forward.  “Communication, knowledge and information is what drives us as a company and providing the 3D fab+print touchpoint at drupa is an excellent example hereof,” remarked Thijs Elshof, CEO KCI Group of Companies.

The VDMA (German Engineering Federation) workgroup Additive Manufacturing will also contribute with a series of presentations in the 3d fab+print touchpoint along with its own activities. “3D printing is very appealing and exciting for the consumer market. It allows for complete customization and is the key to highly flexible production, making 3D printing very attractive for promotional items and personalized products. 3D printing is also ideal for producing small batches of tools, for finishing, for example,” explained Rainer Gebhardt, Project Manager of the Additive Manufacturing workgroup.
3D printing will also be featured in the drupa innovation park – within the "Innovations in Printing Technologies" area.