Additive manufacturing opens up new opportunities for companies in product development, prototyping, and production. At the same time, selecting suitable processes and integrating them cost-effectively poses challenges for many users. Through a joint three-part webinar series, the SKZ Plastics Center and the industry publication additive are providing practical knowledge designed to help companies navigate the selection of processes, design, and the effective integration of 3D printing and injection molding.

Through a joint webinar series, the SKZ Plastics Center and additive are providing practical knowledge on processes, design, and hybrid manufacturing concepts combining 3D printing and injection molding. (Source: SKZ)

A Practical Introduction to Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing has proven itself in many areas of the plastics industry as a valuable complement to established manufacturing processes. Nevertheless, companies are often faced with the question of which technology is suitable for their needs and how it can be economically integrated into existing processes. This is exactly where the new webinar series from the SKZ Plastics Center and the industry publication additive comes in.

Under the motto “Understanding, Applying, and Integrating Additive Manufacturing,” technical specialists and executives will gain practical insights into current issues in industrial applications. The goal is to help companies realistically assess potential, avoid common pitfalls, and strategically advance the use of additive manufacturing. The webinar series is moderated by Frederick Rindle, editor-in-chief of the trade publication additive.

“Additive manufacturing offers enormous potential when its possibilities and limitations are properly understood. With this webinar series, we aim to help companies make informed decisions and use additive technologies in a targeted and cost-effective manner,” said Irena Heuzeroth, Senior Trainer for Additive Manufacturing at SKZ.

From Process Selection to Component-Specific Design
The series kicks off on September 30, 2026, with the webinar “Which 3D Printing Process Is Right for My Component?” Participants will receive a comprehensive overview of common plastic-based processes such as FDM, SLS, SLA, and MJF. In addition to the respective strengths and limitations, the webinar will examine cost structures, material properties, and achievable part qualities. This provides companies with a practical basis for deciding which process is right for them.

This will be followed on October 8, 2026, by the webinar “Design for 3D Printing: What Are the Pitfalls?” The focus will be on the design-specific characteristics of additive manufacturing processes. Using practical examples, the webinar will demonstrate how components can be designed for manufacturability and which aspects must be considered regarding wall thicknesses, tolerances, functional integration, and surface quality. This helps companies shorten development times and avoid costly design errors.

Effectively Combining 3D Printing and Injection Molding
The series concludes on October 21, 2026, with the webinar “Additive Manufacturing and Injection Molding: Not an Either/Or, but a Synergy.” The focus is on how both technologies can optimally complement each other along the value chain. Participants will learn when additive manufacturing demonstrates its advantages in terms of design freedom and flexibility, and in which applications injection molding offers economic advantages. The goal is to show companies how both processes can be strategically combined to make development and production processes more efficient.

Through this collaboration, the SKZ—as an established education and research partner of the plastics industry—and the Plattform additive are pooling their expertise to convey up-to-date technical knowledge in a practical manner across the entire additive manufacturing process chain. The webinar series helps companies accurately assess technological developments, make well-informed investment decisions, and successfully integrate additive manufacturing processes into industrial practice.

Further information and registration