Our Pilot Projects
Advancing Additive Manufacturing Through Targeted Innovation
IAMHH e.V. initiates and coordinates collaborative research and development projects that address real-world challenges in industrial additive manufacturing.
Each project is shaped by the needs of our members, identified through structured “topical deep dives,” and executed by teams that bring together industry leaders, researchers, and technology providers.
From concept to funding to implementation, our role is to ensure that projects deliver practical, scalable, and high-impact results for the additive manufacturing community.
AKROPOLYS: Circular Economy for Polymer AM
Status: Active, Started 2025
AKROPOLYS (Additive Kreislaufproduktion von Polymeren in der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg) establishes a cross-technology circular economy for industrial additive manufacturing using polyamide 12 (PA12) from powder reuse to filament and pelletization. The project addresses EU sustainability mandates while maintaining material quality throughout reuse cycles.
Bilder von Fraunhofer IAPT
Led by Lehmann&Voss&Co. KG, the consortium includes six Hamburg-based partners, three SMEs, and two research institutes. The project has a total budget of ca. €2.5 million, with €1.75 million in funding from the Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank (IFB) at BWI.
Key Objectives:
Achieve up to 100% material and product reuse of SLS waste powder
Support applications in lightweight structures, production aids, consumer and art design
Ensure recycled materials meet EU and industrial standards for mechanics, color, and surface feel
Develop process technologies:
Evaluate filament extrusion from recycled powder
Implement laser-diode-based smoothing for inner and outer surfaces
Analyze flow, mechanical strength, and surface properties of recycled FFF components
Create a digital sustainability passport tracking material identity, process history, CO₂ consumption, and compliance documentation
Integrate “Design for Circularity” principles into design concepts
Projects in Planning:
In addition to AKROPOLYS, IAMHH is preparing two new pilot projects set to launch in the near future. One will focus on decarbonization by reducing emissions through the entire metal additive manufacturing process chain. The other will develop innovative quality assurance methods to monitor and validate every stage of the AM process, ensuring consistent, reliable production at industrial scale.
Tell us your challenge? Let’s tackle it together and turn it into the next IAMHH project.