Matching Build Volume to Your Application: ANiMA and ZRapid’s Metal AM Lineup at Formnext
Additive manufacturing must meet widely varying needs, from testing new alloys in a laboratory to manufacturing metal components for industrial applications. Research centers want to optimize material usage in their trials. Manufacturers need equipment that can produce larger parts and manage materials efficiently. How can the industry meet such diverse needs?
At Formnext 2026, ANiMA and ZRapid will showcase a range of SLM solutions. These span from compact research units to large-format systems designed for industrial production. Here is what to expect.
Researching New Materials with Less Metal Powder
Testing costs are a major challenge when developing new materials for additive manufacturing. Each trial requires a specific amount of metal powder. Reducing the build volume can make this experimentation easier.
ANiMA developed the Build Volume Reducer (BVR) module for its A1 3D printer to address this need. The device shrinks the build volume from 160 × 160 × 210 mm to a cylinder 50 mm in diameter and 80 mm in height. Researchers can then work with smaller batches of metal powder and evaluate new alloys with less material.
The A1 also features a 500 W laser and operates on single-phase power. This simplifies installation in laboratories and workshops by avoiding major electrical upgrades. The system supports open materials and parameters, allowing users to research and adjust printing conditions.
The ANiMA A1 metal 3D printer. To optimize R&D trials, it supports an optional Build Volume Reducer (BVR) add-on for testing smaller powder batches
Metal 3D printing in a Compact Format
Another new release on display is the ZRapid iSLM100. This desktop metal 3D printer aims to bring SLM technology to smaller workspaces. It has a build volume of 100 × 100 × 110 mm and a footprint of 0.66 × 0.88 m. The machine is designed to manufacture small, detailed parts and process specialized alloys.
The build platform heats up to 200 °C. This provides better control over thermal conditions during printing and helps when processing crack-prone materials. The machine also features over 220 open process parameters. Users can adjust these to explore different manufacturing conditions.
Launched this year, the iSLM100 is a new addition to the ZRapid catalog. ANiMA is now introducing it to the European market. The system expands the manufacturer’s range of metal additive manufacturing solutions.
The compact ZRapid iSLM100 desktop metal SLM system
Manufacturing Small Metal Components
ZRapid also offers the iSLM80P for applications that require small metal components with complex geometries. This system features a build volume of 80 × 80 × 175 mm. It is designed to work with layers of 20 μm or less.
The manufacturer states the machine achieves an accuracy of 5 to 25 μm and features a laser spot diameter of approximately 22 μm. Parts built on this system exhibit a surface roughness between Ra 0.8 and 2.8 μm. This can significantly reduce the need for post-processing, even on components with complex internal structures.
The iSLM80P printer is designed to work with layers of 20 μm or less
Automating Powder Handling to Move Toward Production
Powder management becomes another important aspect as metal additive manufacturing moves from experimentation to production. Recovering, sieving and reusing powder are part of the process. Some systems still require operators to perform these tasks manually.
In this area, ZRapid will present the iSLM300D. The machine features the AFS system, which automates powder suction, sieving, recycling and feeding. This setup aims to reduce manual intervention during powder handling. However, job preparation, part removal and subsequent finishing stages still require operator intervention.
The iSLM300D offers a build volume of 300 × 300 × 400 mm and two 500 W lasers. This configuration targets the production of medium-sized components. The range also includes the iSLM420D. It features a 420 × 420 × 500 mm build volume and two 500 W lasers to manufacture larger-format parts.
The ANiMA and ZRapid solutions also feature a permanent filtration system. The companies state that users can clean the filter directly through the software. The component can reach up to 50,000 hours of use.
ANiMA and ZRapid showcase their joint metal AM portfolio at Formnext 2026, spanning lab-scale research units to automated production systems
ANiMA and ZRapid at Formnext 2026
Beyond equipment, the collaboration between the two companies seeks to provide solutions for different stages of metal additive manufacturing. ZRapid supplies its range of industrial systems. ANiMA handles representation and technical support in Europe. ANiMA also develops its own technology. Its research projects focus, among other areas, on artificial intelligence and manufacturing process stability.
If you’re attending Formnext 2026, you can view these solutions in Hall 12.0 , stands G75-G79. You can learn more about ANiMA and ZRapid HERE.
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*All Photo Credits: ANiMA
