SKZ on tour at the PRINTED Hub

On 30 August 2025, the culturally and historically significant Asbach site in Rüdesheim became the meeting place for the German-speaking 3D printing community. Under the title PRINTED Hub, enthusiasts, experts and interested parties came together to spend a day immersing themselves in the future of additive manufacturing. Three halls with industrial charm combined historical architecture with modern technology – an atmosphere that invited visitors to linger and encouraged creativity.

In the ‘Show Your Stuff’ hall, makers presented their most innovative projects. Participants had the opportunity to present their own business models and ideas, exchange ideas and gather valuable feedback. The programme was complemented by expert talks and practical workshops that addressed current trends and developments in the industry. Instead of a traditional conference with long series of lectures, the format focused on three specifically selected key topics.

The special atmosphere of the historic brick buildings encouraged dialogue and allowed new ideas to mature. Contacts and networks were formed here that will provide impetus for the production worlds of tomorrow.

PRINTED Hub did not see itself as just another Maker Faire, but as a deliberately smaller format that offered space for direct exchange and joint learning – both between creators and within the growing community of 3D printing enthusiasts.

SKZ was also on site to present its current activities in research and education in the field of additive manufacturing.

"For me, PRINTED Hub was an all-round successful event with a mix of specialist presentations, open exchange and shop talk among like-minded people. I was particularly impressed by the unique flair of the event venue, which gave the event a special atmosphere. The openness and warmth of the participants made it easy to strike up conversations and exchange ideas about the diverse activities at SKZ and beyond. For me, PRINTED Hub was not only professionally enriching, but also a real highlight on a personal level," sums up Irena Heuzeroth, Senior Trainer at SKZ.

Technological progress and the increasing relevance of additive processes in a wide range of industries are leading to a steadily growing demand for qualified specialists. To meet this demand, the Würzburg-Schweinfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the SKZ are jointly offering a practical course leading to a qualification as a ‘Certified Industrial Technician specialising in Additive Manufacturing’. The recognised IHK qualification is aimed at those who are interested in gaining a comprehensive overview of additive manufacturing.

The continuing education programme covers the entire 3D printing process chain – from the materials used and their processing to design and procedures to complementary topics such as energy, hydraulics and occupational safety. This provides participants with practical preparation for the requirements of the industry.

‘Education is the key to success – especially when it comes to addressing the shortage of skilled workers. In forward-looking technologies such as additive manufacturing, it is crucial to recognise potential, exploit opportunities and build up knowledge in a targeted manner,’ emphasises Alexander Vyhnal, Head of Injection Moulding and Additive Manufacturing at SKZ.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is considered a key technology of the future – but so far, there is a lack of structured concepts for sound professional qualification. In many places, knowledge is still acquired informally, through trial and error or with the help of online sources such as YouTube and forums. Official, recognised educational formats have not been available until now.

"With the Certified Industrial Technician specialising in Additive Manufacturing (IHK), we are setting a nationwide precedent for securing skilled workers and, for the first time, closing the knowledge gap at the intermediate education level, based on DQR level 6. The practical and industry-oriented continuing education programme, which has no academic entry barriers, can be completed part-time over two years while working," explains Heuzeroth. The programme takes into account both the dynamic technological environment and the diversity of additive processes. The close integration of education and research results in an innovative offering that enables skilled workers and companies to build AM expertise in a targeted and sustainable manner – a decisive contribution to actively counteracting the shortage of skilled workers.

Two compact practical weeks round off the training programme: one takes place at SKZ with a focus on ‘additive manufacturing with plastics’, the second at AMbitious with a focus on metal 3D printing. In addition to the theoretical content, the programme focuses on process-reliable application, in-depth material understanding and industrial implementation. The IHK expands the curriculum to include topics such as business organisation and production management, while also offering graduates the opportunity to pursue further studies.

The training concept marks a shift away from purely academic formats towards practical expertise. An interdisciplinary team of 19 experts ensures that the content is up to date and of high quality. The training programme thus makes a lasting contribution to the innovative strength of the industry.

‘At SKZ, we have been combining research and education in the field of additive manufacturing in a unique way for more than 13 years. In our courses, we impart practical knowledge about materials, technologies and processes, while at the same time driving innovative developments in research projects. In this way, we build a strong bridge between scientific knowledge and industrial application,’ concludes Heuzeroth.

The advanced training programme is aimed at specialists who want to deepen their knowledge of additive manufacturing in a targeted manner. The next practical course starts on 6 June 2026 and ends in autumn 2028. The part-time training programme, which can be completed alongside work, is conducted via live online lessons and is eligible for up to 100 per cent funding.

Further information