From 5 to 7 May 2026, Erfurt will become the centre of additive manufacturing. rapid.tech 3D is considered the leading platform for the industrial 3D printing community and brings together manufacturers, users and researchers. With its event concept combining an exhibition, trade congress and networking, it shows how innovations from research can be transferred into real-world applications.
The strength of rapid.tech 3D lies in its close connection between theory and practice. The congress presents the latest research results and application examples, which visitors can examine in the exhibition. Companies benefit from the presence of a high-quality professional environment and from direct exchange with decision-makers and trade visitors who are looking for concrete solutions.
Certified training courses
The trade congress is considered the knowledge centre of rapid.tech 3D and will be expanded in 2026 to include practical short courses. These also include certified training courses in cooperation with the educational partner Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences and industrial companies such as Siemens, toolcraft and Fraunhofer. All of these formats convey in-depth expertise on current AM topics. In the AM Science Forum, researchers present double-blind peer-reviewed contributions from the international AM scene. The programme is complemented by specialist forums on key industries such as mobility, aerospace, mechanical and plant engineering, and chemical and process engineering. The VDMA will showcase industrial applications and practical solutions.
In-depth exchange
Technical deep dives, guided tours and expert tables will bring visitors together with experts from industry and research. Exchange and networking will also be promoted by two exclusive evening events, at which the rapid.tech 3D Excellence Award will be presented for the first time in 2026.
Erfurt Exhibition Centre
As the second largest exhibition venue in the new federal states, Messe Erfurt GmbH has established itself as a forum for companies and consumers in the centre of Germany. Around 200 events with over 7,000 exhibitors and approximately 650,000 visitors take place here every year. The site combines a multi-purpose hall, two exhibition halls and the CongressCenter Erfurt under one roof and offers variable options for different events.
