About ADDLAB

What is ADDLAB?

ADDLAB is Linköping University’s centre for additive manufacturing – a unifying force for research, education and collaboration in industrial 3D printing. It brings together researchers, students and industrial partners to jointly develop the next generation of manufacturing technologies.

We combine advanced equipment with deep expertise in both polymer- and metal-based materials and processes. Through research, education and collaboration, ADDLAB contributes to strengthening the competitiveness of Swedish industry and driving the transition towards more sustainable and flexible manufacturing processes.

Additive manufacturing – also known as 3D printing – is a technology in which components are built layer by layer directly from digital models. The method enables lighter, stronger and more resource-efficient products and is currently used in sectors such as energy, medicine, aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing industries.

ADDLAB is an interdisciplinary hub within the Department of Management and Engineering (IEI) at Linköping University. Our mission is to:

promote research and innovation in additive manufacturing of polymers and metals,
provide education at undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development levels, andcreate platforms for collaboration between academia, industry and society.

With infrastructure that includes both metal and polymer printers, ADDLAB offers support for research projects, prototype manufacturing and industrial collaborations.

Our goal is to act as an enabler – a centre where ideas are transformed into sustainable solutions for the manufacturing industry of the future.

Vision

ADDLAB’s vision is to become a nationally leading and internationally competitive research and education centre for additive manufacturing of metal and polymer components.

Background and history

Researchers talking in the room where 3D printer in metal is located.

Research in additive manufacturing has been conducted at Linköping University for over a decade.

The Department of Management and Engineering (IEI) has been a driving force in areas such as topology optimisation, material relationships and process development. Through partnerships such as Vinnova’s competence centre CAM2 and other ongoing projects, Linköping University has established itself as a strong actor in AM research.

In December 2023, a decision was made to formally establish ADDLAB as a departmental centre, with the aim of further strengthening the research and educational environment in industrial additive manufacturing.

ADDLAB board

Strategic leadership rooted in research, education and industry.

To ensure ADDLAB’s continued development as a leading centre for additive manufacturing, a dedicated board has been appointed. The board serves as ADDLAB’s strategic leadership group and works to strengthen the centre’s links to both academic research and industrial needs.

The board members represent different parts of the organisation and share responsibility for shaping the direction of ADDLAB’s research, educational activities and collaborative projects, in line with Linköping University’s long-term objectives.