Focus on additive manufacturing: Auditors' experience exchange 2026 at SKZ
On the occasion of this year's auditor experience exchange, SKZ-Cert GmbH offered a technical training course on the topic of additive manufacturing. The event was aimed at SKZ-Cert GmbH auditors, most of whom work externally and have extensive experience in various industries. The aim of the training course was to impart the latest specialist knowledge and promote professional exchange.
The 2026 auditor experience exchange focused on the topic of additive manufacturing. (Photo: SKZ)
Technical training on applications, developments, and future prospects
The continuous training of auditors is an essential part of SKZ-Cert GmbH's quality assurance strategy. Against the backdrop of increasing technological requirements, practical training on additive manufacturing took place this year. Robert Schmitt, Managing Director of SKZ-Cert GmbH, explains: “Additive manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly important in many industrial sectors. It is therefore important that our auditors have sound and up-to-date knowledge in this area.”
Irena Heuzeroth, engineer and senior trainer at SKZ, was responsible for the content of the training course. In her presentation, she outlined current developments, technological trends and the wide range of applications for additive manufacturing. Using concrete examples from various industries, she illustrated the practical relevance of the technology—from prototyping applications and operating resources to fields of application in medical technology.
A particular focus was placed on a holistic view of technological developments. Heuzeroth emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary understanding in order to be able to properly evaluate new manufacturing processes. She also presented practical examples from plastics processing, including applications in the field of additively manufactured tool inserts, potential in the spare parts market, and current developments in medical technology. The examples illustrated both the current state of the art and future development opportunities.
The auditor experience exchange offered the predominantly external auditors in particular the opportunity to combine theoretical expertise with practical application examples. The event concluded with a tour of the SKZ technical center. There, the auditors were able to familiarize themselves with the processes and systems presented in practical operation and further deepen their knowledge.
“Additive manufacturing is developing dynamically and is being used in more and more industries. It is therefore essential for auditors to be able to classify these developments professionally,” said Heuzeroth. “By combining theoretical input and practical insights, we are creating the basis for professionally sound and future-oriented certification work.”
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