M5D will be hosting a seminar on Additive Manufacturing during the Annual SPE Thermoforming Conference. This conference is dedicated to educating attendees on the development and application of thermoformed products, covering both thick and thin gauge materials.
The Additive Manufacturing track will focus on how digital manufacturing technologies are being integrated into the thermoforming industry. Attendees will learn how these innovations can accelerate time to market, reduce costs, expand manufacturing capabilities, and support creating more cohesive production systems.
The seminar will feature the following presentations:
- Large-Format Printing with the Titan Pellet Extruder by 3D Systems
This session will explore how large-format 3D printing is being used to produce thermoforming molds across various industries. A featured case study will showcase a motorcycle fairing made from thick-gauge material, with intricate backside details created using 3D Systems' PSLA process. The components were assembled using adhesive bonding, highlighting benefits such as faster lead times and cost savings. - Polypropylene (PP) Printing and Assembly with Forecast 3D
This presentation will demonstrate how Forecast 3D leverages PP-based additive manufacturing to create detailed components for assemblies. These parts are designed to integrate with PP-based materials like TPO and enable traditional plastic welding methods. The process supports efficient digital manufacturing while maintaining compatibility with existing thermoplastic joining techniques. - Tooling with Binder Jet Sand Printing by Catalysis 3D
Catalysis 3D will showcase how binder jetting with sand can produce high-performance thermoforming tools. This approach results in durable molds with improved thermal characteristics and rapid development timelines, offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional tooling methods.
To conclude the seminar, I will present on Adding Value to Products Through Digital Manufacturing. My talk will examine how emerging technologies evolve into essential enablers, focusing on the strategic benefits that digital manufacturing can bring to a product portfolio.
Click here to register for the 2025 SPE Thermoforming Conference in Atlanta, Georgia May 19-21, 2025
