AM highlights not to miss at IMTS 2026

Today in Chicago, the biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show, better known as IMTS, is kicking off. Billed as the “largest manufacturing show in the Western hemisphere”, the event is bringing together the who’s who of manufacturing, as well as showcasing cutting-edge technologies and applications, offering networking opportunities, and more. In recent editions of the trade show, additive manufacturing has taken on an increasingly prevalent role, with IMTS organizer AMT even partnering with Formnext organizer Mesago to highlight the AM segment.

This year, a number of players from the additive manufacturing sector count themselves amongst the show’s 1,800 exhibitors and will be not only showcasing their latest solutions, but will also be drawing visitors in with live demonstrations, dynamic applications, and more. Here are just some of the AM highlights on show at IMTS 2026 that you won’t want to miss.

The North American debut of EOS’ M4 Onyx

Powder bed fusion leader EOS is taking IMTS 2026 as an opportunity to debut its M4 Onyx 3D printer on the North American market. The metal LPBF system, which was first unveiled at Formnext 2025 in Germany, is a six-laser system engineered for higher throughput and lower cost per part.

The metal 3D printer started shipping in early 2026 and builds on EOS’ M400-4 system, maintaining certain elements like the footprint and machine layout, while making significant performance improvements based on user feedback. These improvements offer users a 50% reduction in the total cost of ownership, a 50% increase in productivity, and a 30% utilization rate increase. In terms of specifications, the system has a build volume of 450 x 450 x 360 mm and is equipped with six 400 W lasers. A four-laser configuration with 1 kW beam-shaping lasers is also in the works—the M4 Onyx FLX—and is expecting to launch in Q3 2026.

Where to find EOS at IMTS 2026: South Building, Level 3 — 338450 — Additive Manufacturing

Stratasys launches F870 3D printer

This week, Stratasys is presenting its F870 3D printer for the first time at its IMTS 2026 booth. The new system is a large-format FDM machine built for the production of tooling, manufacturing aids, and fixtures in aerospace, automotive, and defense. The F870 3D printer boasts a build volume of 1,000 x 610 x 610 mm and a maximum diagonal build length of 1,171 mm, making it the 3D printer with the longest heated build capacity in its class.

Among the system’s notable features are an integrated material drying system, interchangeable N-series print heads, and the ability to print tough materials, like carbon-fiber-reinforced PA 12. The F870 is already in use at Toyota Production Engineering’s facility in Georgetown, Kentucky and at Rivian Automotive’s Plymouth, Michigan site.

Also at IMTS 2026, Stratasys will present its latest materials, including new ASA Military Colors for its Fortus 3D printers and Somos Resolute Gray, a SLA resin for industrial and automotive applications. IMTS visitors will also be able to see a presentation of the company’s Additive App Suite software.

Where to find Stratasys at IMTS 2026: South Building, Level 3 — 338460 — Additive Manufacturing

Mazak presents VC-Ez WAAM

Another new solution that will make its debut at IMTS 2026 is the VC-Ez WAAM, a hybrid metal manufacturing solution developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Japanese machine tool builder Mazak. The large-scale system integrates both additive and subtractive capabilities, including a WAAM system from Austrian welding specialist Fronius and Mazak’s VC Ez-20X five-axis machining center.

The VC-Ez WAAM platform has versatile applications, including structural repairs, tooling production, and near-net-shape parts. “We will showcase this innovative platform during IMTS 2026 in The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)’s Emerging Technology Center,” said Dan Janka, President of Mazak. “This system represents Mazak’s longstanding relationship with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in terms of machining research and the advancement of hybrid additive manufacturing technology.”

Solukon showcases depowdering solutions

German specialist in automated depowdering solutions Solukon will be exhibiting this week at IMTS for the second time. Specifically, the company will be showcasing its SFM-AT350 and SPR-Pathfinder PRO simulation software. At its booth, ______, the SFM-AT350, which can handle parts up to 400 x 400 x 400 mm and 100 kg, will be demonstrated live using a heat exchanger 3D printed by Penn United on an EOS M 400-4 system.

SPR-Pathfinder PRO, for its part, was introduced in June 2026 and is an advanced simulation software for optimal depowdering. The program generates movement patterns based on CAD geometries and simulates the depowdering process, allowing users to identify potential issues, visualize the length of the depowdering process, and more. Solukon’s Global Sales Directory Michael Sattler and Senior Sales Manager Jutta Ulbricht will be at IMTS 2026 this week along with representatives from various Solukon partners, including DMARK, MAHAR, NB Additive, and Phillips.

Where to find Solukon at IMTS 2026: South Building, Level 3 — 338378 — Additive Manufacturing

Axtra3D displays Lumia X1

North Carolina-based Axtra3D will be showcasing its Lumia X1 photopolymerization solution at IMTS 2026. The system is based on the company’s Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) technology and offers a combination of print speed and precision for the production of isotropic, production-grade parts. Along with the 3D printer, Axtra3D will be presenting a series of production parts from the aerospace and medical sectors, among others, made using its technology.

IMTS 2026 visitors will also be able to learn about Axtra3D’s Axtra Workflow, a fully connected, closed-loop manufacturing system that comprises the Lumia X1, print prep software, material maintenance, post-processing, and process monitoring solutions.

Where to find Axtra3D at IMTS 2026: South Building, Level 3 — 338374 — Additive Manufacturing

That’s not all

There is much more AM-centric stuff to see at IMTS 2026. From AltForm’s metal AM solutions being presented at Sodick Inc.’s booth, to the 11-foot-tall Aires Tide test flight vehicle, 3D printed using Velo3D’s Sapphire XC 3D printer. Excitingly, visitors will be able to witness a full-scale manufacturing cell at the AMT Emerging Technology Center (ETC), which will be live printing quadcopter frames. These quadcopters will then be flown in a designated area. The ETC is located at North Building, Level 3 — 236700.

Aside from the exhibitors, AM will also be present in the event’s programming. For instance, IMTS 2026 is hosting the AM+ Workshop: Aerospace & Defense on September 15, a half-day workshop that will look at how military organizations and aerospace OEMs are using AM for faster, more cost effective development and production. Another notable event is the Industrial Laser Conference, which will be presented by the Laser Institute of America on September 16 and focus on (pun intended) laser applications, including AM.

Moreover, a number of sessions within the IMTS 2026 Conference will highlight AM. One of these will be discussing how accuracy and precision are no longer the limiting factors of AM; another presented by EBITDA Growth Systems will zoom in on how manufacturers can win defense, space, and aerospace contracts. You can find the full conference schedule and exhibitor list on the IMTS 2026 website.