EXPO3D Istanbul 2026 Opened Its Doors
Aiming to shape the future of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, EXPO3D Istanbul 2026 brought together different stakeholders of the industry, ranging from manufacturers and technology developers to investors, academics, and professional visitors. The opening speech of the fair's main partner, PLASFED, was delivered by Chairman of the Board Ömer Karadeniz.
Additive manufacturing technologies are transforming industry
Focusing on the future of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies, EXPO3D Istanbul 2026 opened its doors at the Istanbul Expo Center. Addressing the transformation in production technologies, the fair brings together manufacturers, technology developers, investors, academics, and professional visitors on the same platform.
While the Plastic Industrialists Federation (PLASFED) became the main partner of the fair, the opening speech was delivered by PLASFED Chairman of the Board Ömer Karadeniz.
Karadeniz stated that 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies are no longer just used for prototyping purposes, pointing out that these technologies are reshaping production processes in many fields ranging from design to production, spare parts to medical, and automotive to aerospace.
Stating that they view EXPO3D not just as a fair, but as an important meeting point regarding the future of Turkey's industry, Karadeniz emphasized that the plastics sector is also one of the key actors in this transformation. Stating that plastics are among the fundamental materials in the development of 3D production technologies, Karadeniz said that new-generation polymers, composites, recycled raw materials, and high-performance technical plastics are expanding the usage areas of additive manufacturing.
Stating that thanks to new technologies, production with less material, less waste, faster, and customized to needs has become possible, Karadeniz expressed that competition in the industry of the future will be shaped not only by the quantity of production, but also by how production is carried out.
Emphasis on sustainable production
Drawing attention in his speech to how digitalization, artificial intelligence, automation, robotic systems, and additive manufacturing technologies are changing the way the industry produces, Karadeniz said that sustainability is also one of the major topics of this transformation.
He stated that practices such as using less raw material, reducing production waste, producing goods only as needed, on-site manufacturing, and using recycled materials more extensively in production processes offer significant opportunities both economically and environmentally.
Expressing that Turkey must increase its high value-added production, Karadeniz noted that this will be possible through a strong production ecosystem that produces technology, uses technology, and integrates technology with industry.
Stating that they are pleased to be the main partner of EXPO3D as PLASFED, Karadeniz said that the organization will contribute to the plastic industry meeting new technologies and to the strengthening of intersectoral collaborations.
Wishing for the creation of a strong ecosystem where manufacturers, technology developers, academics, entrepreneurs, and investors come together, Karadeniz expressed his hope that EXPO3D will yield fruitful results for the country's industry, the plastic sector, and the technology ecosystem.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.