New ‘Additive Multimaterial Manufacturing’ laboratory opens – featuring a symposium, award ceremonies and campus-wide laboratory tours
For many years, scientists at the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig) have been driving forward additive manufacturing through numerous research projects across various disciplines. In this manufacturing process, also known as 3D printing, three-dimensional objects are built up layer by layer from digital design data, rather than being cut from a block or cast into shape. HTWK Leipzig recently unveiled its new degree programme, ‘3D Printing & Functional Surfaces’, which is set to begin in the winter semester of 2026/2027. Yesterday, a new research laboratory dedicated to this field was inaugurated: as part of the networking event ‘Research Meets …’ and the accompanying specialist symposium of the same name, ‘Additive Multimaterial Manufacturing’ (AM³), the new AM³ laboratory was officially opened.
The AM³ laboratory, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), forms the basis for research into fully integrated manufacturing processes using various materials – with applications in sectors such as mechanical and plant engineering, printed electronics, and medical sensor technology and diagnostics. At the heart of the new research environment is a latest-generation bio-printer. “This printer opens up entirely new possibilities in functional 3D printing because it can combine multiple materials and processes simultaneously,” explains Ingo Reinhold, Professor of Coating Processes at HTWK Leipzig. Using various interchangeable print heads, different materials can be precisely deposited within a single layer – a prerequisite for intelligent, multifunctional components. “We are no longer just printing geometries – we are printing functions,” says Reinhold, summarising the innovation.
Alongside the bio-printer, the new AM³ laboratory houses two further large-scale research instruments funded by the DFG: Firstly, a highly flexible, powder-based polymer 3D printer, which offers exceptional flexibility thanks to the combination of powder and ink properties and is suitable for developing new material combinations and processes. Secondly, a powder shear cell – an analytical instrument featuring a climate chamber for the precise determination of the material properties of powders. Together, the three large-scale instruments form an end-to-end process chain, from material development right through to the finished component.
Another building block in the HTWK’s infrastructure
More than 200 guests from the worlds of business, academia, politics and society attended the presentation and opening of the new AM³ laboratory. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jean-Alexander Müller, Rector of HTWK Leipzig, emphasised: “HTWK Leipzig possesses immense expertise in materials science, additive manufacturing and the optimisation of these processes through digital technologies. The AM³ laboratory, as a new component of the university’s research infrastructure, expands our opportunities to explore the potential of materials such as metals, semiconductors and ceramics, as well as conventional and biodegradable plastics and implantable materials. Particularly promising for practical application is the development of innovative composite materials and processes that can be used to manufacture functional components, for example those with integrated sensors. One of the key objectives here is always to enable the more efficient use of resources and to contribute to sustainable development.” By enabling even more intensive research into material innovations and advanced materials at HTWK Leipzig, the university is making an active contribution to the development of modern, digitally supported process technologies and is thus helping to achieve the German Government’s High-Tech Agenda objective of making Germany a leading and independent hub for new technologies.
The opening of the new research facility was also praised by the industry: among those offering their congratulations in their opening addresses were Hans-Werner Theobald, Head of the ‘Additive Manufacturing’ Working Group for the Leipzig district at the Association of German Engineers (VDI), and Rainer Gebhardt, adviser to the ‘Additive Manufacturing’ working group at the German Engineering Federation (VDMA).
Investment in a technology of the future
At the subsequent official opening ceremony, Michael Mayer, Head of the Leipzig II branch of the Saxon State Property and Construction Management Agency (SIB), added: “Our branch has supported this important research project at HTWK Leipzig by carrying out a user-specific refurbishment involving high technical standards. A so-called ‘room-within-a-room’ solution ensures constant laboratory conditions, enabling HTWK Leipzig to carry out fundamental research into hybrid and additive manufacturing technologies. The SIB and HTWK Leipzig are thus jointly investing in a future-oriented technology that allows for the customised, automated production of components and workpieces for a wide variety of applications, thereby enabling faster and more resource-efficient working. “In the construction industry in particular, 3D printing of building components could reduce construction times and costs.”
Technical programme and ‘Research Meets …’ featuring a symposium, award ceremonies and laboratory tours
Earlier that morning, the AM³ research group at HTWK Leipzig had held a specialist symposium of the same name, organised jointly with the Academy of Visual Arts. With the aim of generating new ideas, expertise and requirements, the symposium focused on systematically linking science and industry, as well as art, culture and education. The symposium’s approximately 80 guests took the opportunity to learn about various fields and aspects of 3D printing, including powder- and inkjet-based processes and material extrusion, as well as to exchange ideas and network with experts from Leipzig and the surrounding region.
In addition to the presentation and official opening of the new AM³ laboratory, award ceremonies were also held as part of the subsequent networking event ‘Research Meets…’: The HTWK Foundation awarded the 2025 and 2026Dissertation Prizes for outstanding doctoral theses at HTWK Leipzig; the HTWK Start-up Advisory Service recognised innovative products with the first Ideas Prize, and the Research Department announced the winning entries for 2025 in its ‘Research Perspectives’ photography competition. In addition, laboratory tours took place in several buildings on the central campus in Leipzig-Connewitz, offering insights into materials, analytics, process development and quality assurance for various AM processes.
Further impressions from the first AM³ laboratory tours
