Stratasys India, a subsidiary of Stratasys, organized the 2nd edition of Stratasys India User Forum 2018 in Bengaluru recently. This 3D printing forum is an annual industry congregation hosted by Stratasys to promote the adoption of 3D printing technology across the region.

The forum strives to provide a platform for key industry players and end-users to exchange insights on the latest 3D printing trends, applications, and best practices. On this occasion, Stratasys announced a collaboration with NTTF (Nettur Technical Training Foundation) to launch India’s first additive manufacturing certification course. This training program is designed to help students to learn new technologies in 3D printing and make them future industry ready.

Themed ‘Shaping what is Next’, the event witnessed coming together of Stratasys leaders, industry bests and end-users, to share knowledge on the latest 3D printing trends. 3D printing demonstrations in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace & defence, healthcare, and education were showcased during the event. These are some of the key sectors likely to see the highest 3D printing adoption according to solution users and industry speakers at the forum.

Commenting on the occasion, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, India & SEA, Stratasys said “3D printing has immense growth potential in India, but the uptake has to be faster. We notice there is a lack of awareness on the diverse applications of 3D Printing. Companies usually hold back on innovation ignorant of cost-benefit ratio, which if taken into consideration can help businesses deliver solutions faster, cheaper, better and easier. Stratasys India User Forum strives to bridge this gap and provide a platform for industry leaders to exchange knowledge and discuss the ever-changing dynamics of the industry.”

On the healthcare track, the speakers presented interesting case studies that highlighted the uses of 3D printing  in the field of healthcare. Ravi Shankar, Managing Director, Accreate Additive Labs shared his views on how bioprinting is soon to become a trend leading towards the area of 4D printing.

Chetan Pakhare, Research Assistant, IIT Bombay- Biomedical Engineering and Technology (Incubation) Centre spoke on the potential 3D printing is offering to develop innovative and customised medical devices.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Senior Scientist, Biomedical Instrumentation Unit, Assistant Professor, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) focused his opinion on the applications and advantages of 3D printing in the healthcare sector.