--- title: "JEC World 2026: a large format portal to the future of composite 3D printing" url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/an-lfam-platform-to-the-future-of-composite-3d-printing/ date: 2026-03-16 modified: 2026-04-20 lang: en author: "Davide Sher" description: "The biggest show in the world for the composites industry, JEC World, is a great place to see the latest developments in advanced manufacturing for some of the most advanced..." categories: - "3D Printer Hardware" - "3D Printing Events" - "Composites" - "JEC World" - "Materials" tags: - "Featured" image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC-WORLD-2026-entrance-640x427.png word_count: 1745 --- # JEC World 2026: a large format portal to the future of composite 3D printing The biggest show in the world for the composites industry, [JEC World](https://www.voxelmatters.com/event/jec-world-2026/), is a great place to see the latest developments in advanced manufacturing for some of the most advanced materials, and AM continues to play a significant role. However, while past editions hinted at new composite 3D printing processes such as continuous fiber reinforcement, this edition confirmed that the only economically viable 3D printing process for composites remains large-format additive manufacturing — either via robotic arms or Cartesian gantry systems — using chopped-fiber, pelletized materials. ## Market leaders vs. missed opportunities The companies that have optimized these systems and materials for AM applications are generally thriving, with all pointing toward continued growth. [Caracol and CMS emerged from this edition as the clear LFAM hardware market leaders](https://www.voxelmatters.com/caracol-cms-and-thermwood-to-show-the-latest-lfam-solutions-at-work-at-jec-world-2026/). Caracol leads in robotic LFAM, deploying its technology across both composites (via the Heron system) and metals, and was arguably the company that showcased the most new applications at its own booth and at partners' booths. These ranged from motorsports molding tools to a large racing bodywork mold (seen at the Eligio Re Fraschini booth) to applications from Alstom, Dallara, and [FORMES ET VOLUMES](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/formes-volumes/). This last collaboration was particularly noteworthy: the company recently integrated a large-format LFAM robot into its workshop and produced a mold in carbon-reinforced polycarbonate using a hybrid process that combined large-format 3D printing, 5-axis machining, and manual modeling and polishing to achieve the required surface finish. ![Explore JEC World 2026, the premier event for the composites industry showcasing advancements in large-format additive manufacturing.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2037.jpg)The part shown by Formes & Volumes Customer Compositador then used this mold to produce a prepreg carbon part with autoclave firing, after which the mold returned to the workshop to serve as a machining shaper for cutting and drilling the carbon part with precision. Because the mold is thermoplastic, its final destination is grinding and recycling — to be reprinted on the same machine. The entire process, from mold to finished composite part to recycled feedstock, was achieved within a budget of under €15,000. ![Explore JEC World 2026, the premier event for the composites industry showcasing advancements in large-format additive manufacturing.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2034.jpg)CMS, on the other hand, leads in Cartesian LFAM with its KREATOR range and h[as now entered the robotic extrusion segment with the new KREAROB](https://www.voxelmatters.com/cms-to-show-krearob-robotic-lfam-system-at-jec-world-2026/). This powerful system is intended as an additive production cell supporting 3- and 5-axis printing with a 30 kg/h extrusion unit, a 3 m working radius, and a 2.5 m by 1.5 m worktable. The company is reporting very high demand, confirmed by a full booth and multiple real-world applications across aerospace, defense, motorsports, and automotive. Both Caracol and CMS are experiencing their strongest period since entering the composites LFAM market, the result of consistently building market presence without overextending. Other relevant players include CEAD and, a step behind, Thermwood and Breton. After pivoting away from continuous-fiber technology, CEAD has sharpened its focus on the boating segment (with a spinoff company), using its robotic LFAM technology to produce boat hulls from chopped-fiber-reinforced materials. Caracol is also active here, and both companies have established greater know-how than competing players. [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2045-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2045.jpg) A Carol 3D printed racing mold [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2038-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2038-rotated.jpg) The Caracol HERON [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2032-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2032.jpg) CMS’ new KREAROB [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2026-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2026.jpg) CMS’ KREATOR Thermwood has long been active in this segment, but its growth appears to have stalled in recent years, with few innovations on show at JEC World [beyond its always-impressive live demos](https://www.voxelmatters.com/caracol-cms-and-thermwood-to-show-the-latest-lfam-solutions-at-work-at-jec-world-2026/). Krauss Maffei is making progress with its robotic system and presented new applications — including a large and interesting seal component — but the company does not appear to treat AM as a priority investment area. During the time spent at the rather empty booth looking at the seal, no one approached me to ask if I had any specific questions about it, indicating a rather passive approach. Breton, by contrast, stands out as a completely missed opportunity. Despite demonstrating strong LFAM capabilities for several years, the company's largely empty booth reflected a fundamental disconnect from the market, and it would not be surprising to see the company divest from AM in the near future — not for lack of technical capability, but for its inability to engage with the market effectively. [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_1995-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_1995.jpg) Breton [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2001-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2001.jpg) Krauss Maffei [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2013-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2013.jpg) Thermwood [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2067-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2067-scaled.jpg) CEAD ## Enthusiasm brings new growth For every company that steps back, others double down or enter the sector with fresh ideas. The most notable new entrant at this edition was Moi, [building on a successful Formnext debut](https://www.voxelmatters.com/moi-composite-short-fiber-manufacturing/) with a new collaboration with Belotti, which used the occasion to mark its 50th anniversary. Belotti presented the integration of Moi's Short Fiber Manufacturing process into its Cartesian system: Moi's cold-process technology uses UV-activated deposition to print vinyl ester resins with up to 50% short-fiber content, now available via a robotic arm in Moi's HFP system for the largest parts, and via Belotti's FLA 4018 5-axis machining center for increased precision and integrated CNC finishing. Key applications shown at the booth included the full helm structure for a De Angelis DEC yacht and production layup tools. [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2093-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2093-scaled.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2099-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2099-scaled.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2100-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2100-scaled.jpg) [Turkish company Avenco Robotics](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/avenco-robotics/) is another new entrant, exhibiting at JEC World for the first time. The company operates within two primary technological pillars: on the one hand, high-precision systems for 3D concrete deposition, on the other, advanced thermoplastic extruders for high-performance polymer molds. Avenco also offers a fixed-on-rails configuration for very large parts, primarily targeting the marine and boating segments. Alper Kaan Yılmaz, the Mechanical Engineer whom we met on the show floor, emphasized that "each has been developed as a dedicated, separate hardware, from the ground up." ![Explore JEC World 2026, the premier event for the composites industry showcasing advancements in large-format additive manufacturing.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2068-scaled.jpg) ## Material leaders vs. lost opportunities While the largest materials companies have largely withdrawn from additive manufacturing, those that remain report strong enthusiasm and demand. Smaller, more specialized players like [Airtech Advanced Materials](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/airtech/) and [Xenia Materials](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/xenia-materials/) are thriving. Airtech remains the segment leader, introducing new materials and applications and strengthening partnerships with all key LFAM hardware companies. [Among the highlights](https://www.voxelmatters.com/airtech-to-showcase-new-sustainable-composite-materials-and-3d-printed-tooling-at-jec-world-2026/) was a fully recycled, carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide resin designed specifically for large-scale AM, supporting closed-loop production in which end-of-life composite material becomes feedstock for new parts. Airtech's booth also showcased a collaboration with Kimera Automobili on composite tooling and, in maritime applications, the SPARK Classic 330 — the world's first tender combining full-electric jet propulsion with a high-performance composite hull. [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2076-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2076-scaled.jpg) The SPARK Classic 330 [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2075-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2075-scaled.jpg) Kimya by Airtech filaments [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2073-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2073-scaled.jpg) The Kimera automotive mold [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2074-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2074-scaled.jpg) Printed in Dahltram C-237CF As a more recent entry in AM, Xenia is likely the fastest-growing company in this field, with deep material expertise that allows it to continuously introduce new engineering-grade materials — including a new range of nylon compounds — and experiment with more unusual products, such as a high-ceramic-filled PETG with a remarkable surface finish. ![Explore JEC World 2026, the premier event for the composites industry showcasing advancements in large-format additive manufacturing.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2048.jpg)The beautiful finish on the ceramic-PETG materials developed by Xenia Sabic, Mitsubishi, Solvay, Arkema, Lehvoss, Hexcel, and others were either absent from JEC World or had nothing 3D printing-related to show, making clear that composites AM is not a strategic priority for them. Victrex showcased its high-temperature PAEK 3D printing materials but acknowledged that AM remains a negligible part of its business. ## New ideas for AM's growth in composites Current opportunities in composites AM are largely centered on LFAM, particularly for chopped-fiber-reinforced materials, but future growth will require new technologies and commercial directions. After two years on the market, Reinforc3D's CFIP technology remains one of the most original approaches: using a cobot arm, CFIP injects continuous fibers into custom channels built into 3D printed parts — compatible with any printing technology, though HP has already identified it as a strong pairing with MJF. The difference in part strength across channels of varying diameters is immediately striking. ![Explore JEC World 2026, the premier event for the composites industry showcasing advancements in large-format additive manufacturing.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2004.jpg) Massivit continues to expand its collaboration with Sika on advanced thermoset materials for layup and sacrificial tools. Also of note was the presence of Concr3de, a ceramic binder jetting specialist — an unusual participant at JEC World, but a logical one. Ceramic binder jetting is well-suited for sacrificial cores and layup molds, offering exceptional dimensional stability at high temperatures and making it an ideal candidate for autoclave processing of composite parts. [AIBuild used JEC World 2026 to officially launch AiBuild OS](https://www.voxelmatters.com/aibuild-os-automates-engineering-lifecycle-cad-cam/), an AI-based operating system that automates the engineering lifecycle from CAD to CAM. Using agentic AI, the system can operate with a high degree of autonomy, requiring only a plain-language prompt describing what needs to be built before planning and executing each subsequent step. Also of note, [Fibometry](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/fibometry/) was presented as the 3D printing services arm of New Era Materials, a Polish prepreg composite specialist that has been using AM extensively in-house and has decided to offer the capability externally. Its services now include FDM/FFF, SLS, and extensive pre- and post-processing. [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2007-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2007.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2008-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2008.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2114-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2114-scaled.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2111-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2111-scaled.jpg) ![Explore JEC World 2026, the premier event for the composites industry showcasing advancements in large-format additive manufacturing.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2057-scaled.jpg) ## A new life for AM in recycling and CMCs Looking further ahead, two of the most forward-looking themes at JEC World were new methods for recycling composite materials into 3D printable feedstock and growing interest in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) — and ceramics more broadly, as evidenced by the presence of Concr3de and Xenia. On the recycling front, the DeremCo initiative — via a collaboration between the Politecnico di Milano and Caracol — aims to establish a systemic, cross-sectoral circular-economy solution for post-use composite materials, producing rPETG + 20% rCF from carbon-cleanup activities and 15% rGF materials for AM applications. Another interesting project in this area was also related to Milan's Polytechnic University: a large seat for a yacht weighing 37 kilograms was printed in 42 hours and composed of 70% recycled PP material. The project presented at the JEC World is part of the NEMO – Design 4 Yacht Flexible Customization program, developed by Nugae in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano. [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2119-480x640.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2119-scaled.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2133-480x640.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2133-scaled.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2124-480x640.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2124-scaled.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2122-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2122-scaled.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2121-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2121-scaled.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2125-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2125-scaled.jpg) Another compelling project was Recyclamine, presented by Aditya Birla Chemicals. Recyclamine is a platform chemistry based on amine-curing agents with engineered cleavage points that allow thermosetting epoxies to be converted into thermoplastics under defined conditions, enabling the recovery of both reinforcing fibers and matrix material. The company showed 3D printing pellets and filaments made from the recycled thermoplastic, along with several cleanly printed parts produced on a standard Bambu Lab printer. [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2015-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2015.jpg) [![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2127-640x480.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/JEC_World_2026_IMG_2127-scaled.jpg) Looking further still, an increased number of CMC applications were visible on the show floor. Ceramic matrix composites — which integrate woven ceramic fiber into a ceramic matrix — are not currently 3D printable, but it seems plausible that future variants using chopped ceramic fibers in a printable polymer-ceramic matrix could emerge. Examples on show included SiC/SiC composites from Korean manufacturer DACC Carbon and various alumina-based CMCs, even in complex geometries. More of this is likely to surface at Ceramitec next week — the next stop on the VoxelMatters tour of the most advanced materials and manufacturing processes in the world.