Additive Manufacturing (AM), better known as “3D-printing” is one of the most important technological evolutions of this moment. Additive Manufacturing includes a whole series of techniques to build up an object layer by layer. Different techniques, such as stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modelling and electron beam melting... allow to 3D print a varied choice of materials (from metals, plastics, ceramics, paper, food to even concrete). These techniques are steadily conquering the whole world, from high-end applications in aviation and aerospace and in the medical sector (prostheses) to 3D printers used at home.

The Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technique is at the centre of the trajectory, since it offers the best possibilities to be easily integrated in conventional production processes. In Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) the material is supplied in the form of plastic filaments. The filament is fused in a moving extrusion head and selectively deposited onto the previous layer. In order to use this technique in combination with conventional production processes, a prototype of a print nozzle unit will be developed that can be installed in the desired production step (end phase or intermediate processes).