UP Faculty of Polymer Technology Successfully Hosted the International AM Connect 2026 Conference
The UP Faculty of Polymer Technology successfully organized the second international conference, AM Connect – International Conference on Research and Industrial Advances in Additive Manufacturing, in Slovenj Gradec. The event attracted more than 90 participants from 14 countries over two days and showcased the latest developments in additive manufacturing and 3D printing. The conference was held within the framework of the ADDCIRCLES project, co-funded by the Interreg Slovenia-Austria Programme.
The event welcomed experts from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. This international representation once again confirmed AM Connect's position as one of the leading additive manufacturing events in the wider region. Conducted in English and free of charge, the conference brought together representatives from industry, research organizations, universities, and development centres.
This year's programme featured seven thematic sessions covering medical and dental applications, mobility, automotive and aerospace industries, civil engineering, new materials, artificial intelligence and process monitoring, machine and design innovations, as well as European research projects. Among the keynote speakers were Johannes Gartner from Delft University of Technology, who addressed the future of additive manufacturing in Europe, and Mahdi Bodaghi from Nottingham Trent University, who presented advances in 4D materials and printing technologies.
A total of 40 speakers participated in the conference, presenting best practices, the latest research findings, and emerging industrial trends in additive manufacturing. Among them were 15 representatives from universities, 5 representatives from research and development institutions, and 7 representatives from companies, while the remaining speakers represented supporting, development, and professional organizations active in the field of additive manufacturing.
In addition to the technical programme, the exhibition area played a significant role, hosting 10 companies, organizations, and project partners. Throughout both days, the exhibition space served as a lively hub for professional discussions, networking, new connections, and ideas for future collaboration in additive manufacturing. Alongside the technical content, exhibitors also prepared several interactive activities that contributed to a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.
Indeed, the atmosphere was one of the most distinctive features of this year's conference. The event was characterized by open professional discussions, new partnerships, cross-border cooperation, and a shared commitment to advancing additive manufacturing. Throughout the conference, participants actively engaged in discussions, established new connections, and explored opportunities for future international projects.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One attendee described the conference as: "The event of the year in this field, with an outstanding programme and excellent organization." The organizers received numerous compliments regarding the quality of the programme, the international lineup of speakers, valuable networking opportunities, and the professional execution of the event.
The organizers would like to express their sincere gratitude to all speakers, exhibitors, participants, and partners who contributed to the success of AM Connect 2026. Their expertise, engagement, and willingness to collaborate played a key role in creating an event that continues to strengthen the international additive manufacturing community.
The conference was organized by the UP Faculty of Polymer Technology together with the ADDCIRCLES project partners: Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, TECOS - Slovenian Tool and Die Development Centre, Wood K plus - Kompetenzzentrum Holz, the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), and GPS Kärnten.
The successful completion of the second AM Connect conference already points toward the future. At the closing session, organizers announced that the 3rd AM Connect Conference will take place on 1-2 December 2027 at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) in Villach, Austria, where the international community of researchers, industry professionals, and innovators in additive manufacturing will once again come together.