Aconity𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆 2026: Recap of Aconity𝙓𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀 and the 2nd Aconity3D USER Conference From May 19–21, 2026, AconityWEEK brought together 82 participants from 18 countries in Herzogenrath

From May 19 to 21, 2026, Herzogenrath became the gathering point for the international LPBF community. The AconityWEEK united over 82 participants from more than 20 countries: users, partners, researchers, and decision-makers from across the world of metal additive manufacturing. Three days of hands-on experience, scientific exchange, and networking took center stage.

AconityXPERIENCE: Open House, May 19, 2026

The AconityWEEK kicked off with the AconityXPERIENCE: an open house day inviting visitors to explore the Aconity3D headquarters in Herzogenrath and experience the technology firsthand.

Partner Exhibition

Alongside Aconity3D, leading companies from the AM ecosystem showcased their solutions:
Midel Photonics, Amazemet, Optoprim, Infratec, Aerosint, Equispheres, Autodesk, PRIMES, IPG Photonics, amsight, and Materialise.

Tour Stations

Several stations offered insight into technology, processes, and application possibilities:

• – AconityWIRE: Wire-based laser metal deposition (w-LMD)
• – On-Demand Manufacturing On-Demand Manufacturing: discover how on-demand production changes the game. Live on show was the Business Case Configurator by Aconity3D: a free online tool that identifies the ideal machine for your production based on individual parameters, available at any time at configurator.aconity3d.com.
• – Multi-Material & Refractory Metals Processing multiple materials in a single build job: copper-steel, tungsten, tantalum, and other high-performance alloys demonstrated the full breadth of what is possible.
• – Application Center An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Aconity3D job shop, where real customer parts are developed, qualified, and produced.
• – AconityACADEMY Interactive content and hands-on training exclusively for Aconity3D customers and partners.
• – AconitySHOP Introduction to the Aconity3D online shop for consumables and accessories: shop.aconity3d.com

2nd Aconity3D USER Conference: May 20 and 21, 2026

Following the AconityXPERIENCE, the 2nd Aconity3D USER Conference took center stage. 82 participants from 18 countries, including leading voices from industry and academia, discussed the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in laser powder bed fusion and metal additive manufacturing.

Day 1: Talks, May 20, 2026

Dr. Yves Hagedorn opened the first conference day and set the stage for a packed program of talks from international speakers.

Topics spanned the full spectrum of modern LPBF research and application:

• – Beam shaping and process control in LPBF for new application possibilities (Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen)
• – Open-access systems in industry and their advantages over closed platforms (Trusted Metal LLC, El Paso)
• – Processing of magnesium WE43 at IR and NIR laser wavelengths (Laser Zentrum Hannover)
• – Repair and serial production applications in real-world manufacturing lines (Everllence SE, Augsburg)
• – Micro-LPBF for highly complex parts (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg)
• – New laser sources for additive manufacturing (IPG Photonics)
• – Spatially resolved temperature measurement via multi-wavelength pyrometry in LPBF (University of Texas at El Paso)
• – Defocused Gaussian beams for increased productivity in polymer PBF (TU Munich)
• – Dynamic process control: combining pyrometry and thermal simulation for adaptive LPBF regulation (Aconity3D)
• – Closed-loop thermal control at multiple scales in LPBF (ETH Zürich)
• – Adaptive parameter optimization via volumetric fields in Autodesk Fusion (Autodesk)
• – PBF in toolmaking: from troubleshooting to process solution (FGW Remscheid)

Dr. Yves Hagedorn closed the first day before participants were invited to a joint networking dinner at the Ratskeller Aachen.

“It was a pleasure to share our recent work on defocused Gaussian beams in laser-based powder bed fusion of Polyamide 12. The Aconity3D USER Conference created a great atmosphere for open exchange and networking with colleagues from academia and industry, especially on topics such as process monitoring, machine control, and closed-loop feedback control. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to test and transfer new ideas and research findings between metal and polymer powder bed fusion in these areas using our AconityPOLYMER system.”
Joseph Hofmann, Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Day 2: Workshops and Company Visit, May 21, 2026

The second conference day was all about practice. Three parallel workshop sessions allowed participants to dive deep into their areas of focus. Options included:

• Introduction to Dyndrite and automation with Dyndrite LPBF Pro (Dyndrite)
• Data preparation with Autodesk Netfabb: from mesh repair to print-ready export
• AconityCONTROL: closed-loop process control demonstrated live at the AconityMIDI
• AconityWIRE Fundamentals and advanced applications, together with BCT
• Scripting in AconitySTUDIO and Multi-Scan in LPBF
• Best practice in process development: from single tracks to series-ready parts
• Multi-material LPBF with selective powder deposition (Schaeffler Special Machinery)
• Digital data and quality management with amsight

Dr. Yves Hagedorn closed the conference with an outlook, before participants visited Pulsar Photonics in Aachen for an exclusive tour of their ultrashort pulse laser manufacturing facility.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The AconityWEEK 2026 would not have been possible in this form without the generous support of our sponsors and partners.

Our special thanks go to Dyndrite for sponsoring the coffee on Day 2, and to Pulsar Photonics GmbH for their warm welcome and the excellently organized company tour.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all further sponsors: Autodesk, Equispheres, Infratec, IPG Photonics, Materialise, Optoprim, Pfeiffer Vacuum, PRIMES, Schaeffler Special Machinery, and zenture.

“Even as a long-standing partner, the three days were extremely successful, featuring exciting customers, interesting applications, and highly valuable insights into new technologies. In particular, the high-quality presentations and workshops at the Aconity systems provided an in-depth and hands-on overview of current and future developments.
The event was rounded off by excellent organization and a diverse, engaging supporting program. The combination of technical content, exchange within the ecosystem, and a personal atmosphere made the conference especially valuable for us.
Many thanks to the entire Aconity team — these were three highly worthwhile days for us, and we are already looking forward to the next edition.”
Christian Schröter, Optoprim Germany GmbH 

Talks and Workshops Coming Soon to AconityACADEMY

The content from AconityWEEK 2026 will be available on the AconityACADEMY shortly: starting with all talks from the first conference day, followed by selected workshop materials.

The AconityACADEMY is the exclusive knowledge platform for Aconity3D customers and partners, offering ongoing access to:

• – Recordings and presentations from the Aconity3D USER Conference
• – Technical training videos and step-by-step guides on machine operation and process development
• – Insider knowledge directly from the Aconity3D team

Operating an Aconity3D system means more than access to open, fully accessible hardware: it means joining a community and knowledge network that keeps growing. The AconityACADEMY is a core part of that value.

Ready to discover what Aconity3D can do for your lab or production?