On November 28 and 29, 2024, Espaço Vita in Braga hosted the INOV.AM International Conference – Shaping Tomorrow, a landmark event for the sharing of knowledge and the promotion of technological advances in the field of Additive Manufacturing, bringing together experts, researchers, academics, and industry representatives. Over the two days, the latest trends in Additive Manufacturing were explored, and technological advancements were shared that promise to transform several sectors.

The event opened with a ceremony led by Pedro Dominguinhos, President of the National Monitoring Commission of the PRR, who underlined key points for the success of the mobilizing agendas and for the future of innovation in Portugal and Europe. He emphasized the importance of transforming R&D into marketable Products, Processes, and Services (PPS), with sales as the key indicator to place Portugal on the Additive Manufacturing map.

Throughout the conference, participants had the opportunity to attend inspiring lectures by renowned international speakers: Jose Greses, Sales Leader at GE Aerospace Company, presented Colibrium Additive’s vision for the industrialization of Additive Manufacturing, showcasing the latest developments in aerospace parts certification, productivity, and fusion strategies. Paulo Bartolo, Executive Director of the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, addressed the topic of Additive Manufacturing from Design to Process Digitalization. Ian Gibson, Professor of Design Engineering at the University of Twente, spoke about the Multiverse of Additive Manufacturing.

In addition to the plenary sessions, the conference highlighted the presentation of research work, both in poster format and oral presentations, focusing on themes such as Hybrid Moulds, Hybrid and Additive Manufacturing Systems, Digital Tools for Additive Manufacturing, Materials for Additive Manufacturing, and Hybrid Products.

In the exhibition area, visitors could discover the innovative solutions developed under the INOV.AM agenda, grouped according to the different PPS (Products, Processes, and Services). Among the solutions presented were: the prototype of the 5G Mould, mould sensing equipment, bushings and resin cavities, and thin PVD coatings (PPS1); additive manufacturing prototype in gypsum extrusion, developed material granules, bio-based polymers, natural fibers, natural and bio-based additives, commercial lenses, polylactic acid (PLA) pellets, PLA test specimens, bio-based photochromic coatings, 3D orthoses, planar orthoses, planar orthoses with cushioning pads, and padding materials (PPS2); structural support, thruster plate support, tank support, and electronic support for the aerospace sector (PPS3); additive manufacturing by welding (PPS4); 3D-printed fruit and vegetable-based cookies and the corresponding 3D printer (PPS5); additive manufacturing prototype in red clay, ABS boat prototype with 20% carbon fibers, iron and bronze cast moulds with nickel alloy-coated moulding edges using PTA (plasma transferred arc), TIG, and laser coating (PPS6); INOV.AM Academy (PPS7); and the Safesail brand (PPS8).

The conference concluded with an award ceremony recognizing the best scientific works, honoring the best presentation and the best posters of the event:

• “Road to the “perfect” 3D-printed fruit and vegetable-based structure”, Tatiana Pereira e M. M. Gil do MARE – Politécnico de Leiria, CEB – Centre of Biological Engineering e +ATLANTIC. 
• “Production of a hybrid structure for the regeneration of tissues affected by periodontal disease”, Lidia Vaculenco, S. Novais, N. Alves e J. R. Dias, do CDRSP – Unidade de Investigação e MARE – Politécnico de Leiria. 
• “Reducing defects in high-performance plastic parts with Hybrid Moulds”, Bruno Coelho, S. J. Rodrigues, N. Agostinho, E. Caneve, G. Loureiro, C. Faria, B. Machado, Á. M. Sampaio, A. J. Pontes, Instituto de Polímeros e Compósitos, DONE Lab, Erofio – Engenharia e Fabricação de Moldes S.A, Bosch Termotecnologia SA, PIEP e EAAD. 

Manuel Novo, founder of Erofio – Engenharia e Fabricação de Moldes S.A. and leader of the INOV.AM agenda, emphasized during the closing ceremony the fundamental role of innovation in additive manufacturing to meet challenges and build the future.

INOV.AM has already announced the next edition of the INOV.AM International Conference – Shaping Tomorrow, scheduled for November 2025, promising to continue shaping the future of Additive Manufacturing in Portugal. This event has established itself as a key milestone for technological progress and industry collaboration, strengthening Portugal’s position as a leader in Additive Manufacturing.

About the INOV.AM International Conference: https://conference.inovam.pt/