Drupa will feature 3D printing technology at its 2016 show because "the 3D revolution is spreading like wildfire".

Drupa has combined with German engineering association VDMA to launch a new brand, 3D fab+print, which will promote the technology and its potential.

The trade show's board said it was time for the printing industry to acknowledge that 3D was a legitimate production technology.

"Incorporating 3D printing into the canon of printing technologies as a fourth pillar next to letterpress, offset and digital print is the right thing to do; no half-way measures, please," according to Drupa.

[Review: Mcor Iris]

"Online print shops print on the strangest objects like Christmas baubles and coffee mugs.

"It only makes sense to also create certain objects according to customer instructions as the infrastructure and skilled labour is already in place. A realistic prospect to profit handsomely is certainly there."

Meanwhile, Mcor Technologies announced yesterday that it has cut print time on its Matrix and Iris lines of 3D printers by 50%.

Mcor chief executive Conor MacCormack said: “In order to be widely adopted, 3D printers need to be faster, safer, more powerful, versatile, convenient and affordable, to purchase and operate. With this enhancement, we are yet another step closer to delivering on our vision of widely accessible, professional-class 3D printing."

[Related: More news about 3D printing]

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter