FAN-D, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth-Frankengut
FAN-D, Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
Campus Additive.Innovationen | Additive Manufacturing & Innovation
The Campus Additive.Innovationen (CA.I) of the University of Bayreuth is the central address in Upper Franconia when it comes to research, transfer, and further education related to Additive Manufacturing. As an inter- and transdisciplinary network, the CA.I combines technical and non-technical perspectives, makes the potentials of 3D printing tangible for companies, and offers tailored formats from laboratory demonstration days to workshops. Organizationally, the CA.I is anchored at the University of Bayreuth (Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth); the practical focal point for technology demonstrations is the Keylab Additive Innovationen on campus, located on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer IPA, Universitätsstraße 9, 95448 Bayreuth. Thanks to its location near the A9 (exit Bayreuth-Süd) and good public transport connections (including lines 304, 306, 316, 326), getting there is uncomplicated, and there are plenty of parking spaces available across the campus. The following sections consolidate the most important information from first-hand sources: What makes the CA.I special? What facilities are available in the Keylab? How does the journey work? What event formats can visitors expect – and where can they find current dates?
Campus Additive.Innovationen (CA.I): Network, Focus Areas, and Benefits for Visitors
The Campus Additive.Innovationen is the research center of the University of Bayreuth for additive innovations. It uniquely combines the expertise of around 25 chairs and professorships as well as non-university research institutions. Interdisciplinarity is not just a buzzword here, but a lived reality: Natural and engineering sciences work hand in hand with legal and economic sciences; fields such as sports and African studies also come into play when it comes to societal, economic, and regulatory questions regarding technology adoption. The CA.I covers a wide range of topics from design, materials, and processes to the digitalization of additive value creation, business models, standards, and legal issues. This creates a think tank that sets new impulses for research, development, and transfer, systematically supporting companies in entering Additive Manufacturing – from the initial potential analysis to component and process optimization, and finally to implementation in existing production chains.
A central feature of the CA.I is its openness to the regional economy. Specifically, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are invited to experience the potentials and applications of additive manufacturing directly in laboratories and technical facilities on campus. In demonstrations and discussions, specific component geometries, material combinations, production times, post-processing strategies, and quality criteria are discussed. Educational, professional, and scientific further education is another building block: In cooperation with the Campus Academy of the University of Bayreuth and the regional chambers, target group-oriented offerings are created, ranging from basic understanding to in-depth process chain seminars. For visitors using the CA.I as an event location, this means: a compact, easily accessible ecosystem where events are never isolated but always embedded in the infrastructure of research facilities, expertise, and transfer channels. The official contact and location reference of the CA.I is at Universitätsstraße 30 in 95447 Bayreuth – right in the urban campus known for its short distances between lecture halls, laboratories, and services.
Technologies and Equipment in the Keylab Additive Innovationen: From Metal 3D Printing to HSS
The Keylab Additive Innovationen (KAI) on campus serves as the operational spearhead for demonstrations, prototyping, and technology transfer. It is located on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer IPA (Universitätsstraße 9, 95448 Bayreuth) and provides access to a machine park that meets both industrial and scientific requirements. For the metal sector, facilities for powder bed-based laser beam melting (L-PBF) are available, including an SLM Solutions SLM 125 and an Orlas Creator RA. Such systems are predestined for functionally demanding components made from titanium or aluminum alloys, for example in aerospace, medical technology, or special machine construction. On the polymer side, High Speed Sintering (HSS) is used – in the Keylab with a Voxeljet VX200 HSS, which can be operated with open parameters, thus enabling research and process development on both the material and equipment sides. The focus is on the qualification of new materials, process optimization, and the targeted control and gradation of material properties, such as strength and translucency.
For processing viscous media such as silicones and elastomers, a Lynxter S300X is available, enabling flexible, functional components – including integrable sensors or structures applied to textiles. When it comes to fast, economical prototyping, several systems are available in the Keylab: Six Bambulab X1 Carbon Combo allow for the rapid construction of meaningful functional prototypes due to their high printing speed and multi-color/multi-material options, while an Ultimaker S5 complements the machine park for precise polymer components. All facilities are supported by peripheral and measuring technology that enables process monitoring, analysis, and quality assurance – important both for the validation of demonstrator components during events and for research-related studies. For visitors, this means concretely: Those who want to learn about state-of-the-art technologies in additive manufacturing or evaluate suitable processes for specific components will find a realistic environment in the Keylab where machines, material characterization, and know-how come together. The combination of metal L-PBF, HSS polymer processing, silicone/elastomer printing, and fast prototyping covers a wide range of application scenarios – from lightweight components to functionally integrated parts and small series with high surface requirements.
Directions and Parking: How to Get to Campus Additive.Innovationen Relaxed
Getting to the CA.I is easy. By car, you can reach the campus via the A9 (Nuremberg–Berlin) and take the exit Bayreuth-Süd (AS 42). From there, it is about 900 meters straight ahead to the turnoff into Universitätsstraße. Follow the signs for 'University', and you will arrive on the campus grounds. Right after the main entrance, the large parking lot P1 (area Audimax/Mensa/B9) is located on the right. In addition, a large number of free parking spaces are available on campus; should these not be sufficient in exceptional cases, additional campus parking can be used. For fine orientation on the grounds, the clearly visible building abbreviations and signs ensure that paths to the Faculty of Engineering (FAN A–D) or research institutions such as the Fraunhofer building at Universitätsstraße 9 remain short.
You can also reach the campus comfortably by public transport. From the main train station Bayreuth, there is a direct connection to the campus via the city bus line 316 (depending on the time of day and frequency). Alternatively, you can take lines 304 (Birken/University), 306 (University/Campus), or 326 (Oberfrankenhalle/Campus) from the central bus station (ZOH) to the stop 'Mensa'. On campus, the stops 'Geowissenschaften' and 'Uni-Verwaltung' are distributed, keeping the paths to laboratories and event locations short. If you want to go to the Keylab Additive Innovationen (Universitätsstraße 9), you can orient yourself by the Fraunhofer signage on campus. For visitor groups, it is advisable to determine the exact meeting point and laboratory in advance, as there is no classic room plan and events sometimes take place in different laboratory areas. For deliveries or demonstrations with larger exhibits, the Keylab team provides information on access routes and safe procedures in the laboratory environment.
Events, Programs, and Formats: From Demonstration Day to 'Company Meets Campus'
The CA.I sees itself as an open place for exchange between science and practice. Accordingly, the formats with which additive innovations are made tangible are diverse: laboratory demonstrations, lectures, topic-specific workshops (e.g., on entering HSS or qualifying new powder materials), transfer and networking formats with partners from the region, as well as further education offerings in cooperation with the Campus Academy. Dates are published on the news pages of the Campus Additive.Innovationen and the participating chairs (e.g., Environmentally Friendly Production Technology); in addition, the University of Bayreuth offers a public event calendar as well as dates from the Campus Academy for further education. An example event was 'Company Meets Campus' on October 7, 2025, in the Keylab Additive Innovationen: The focus was on the exchange between regional companies and research institutions about modern production technologies and ongoing projects; at the same time, systems and application examples were presented – a good impression of how the campus as an event location brings technology hands-on, dialogue, and knowledge transfer together.
Even beyond individual events, visitors benefit from the infrastructure: Due to the close integration with the Chair of Environmentally Friendly Production Technology and other partners, every event can be modularly adapted to target groups – from SME consultation hours to tech deep dives to formats that bring students, start-ups, and industry together. For planning, it is important to note that since events sometimes take place in laboratory environments, safety instructions, closed shoes, and, if necessary, personal protective equipment should be planned; details will be provided to participants with the invitation. Those who wish to extend their stay will find additional public lectures, fairs, or tours in the event calendar of the university, for example in the Ecological-Botanical Garden on campus. This way, a professional appointment at the CA.I can be well combined with further campus programs.
Cooperations, Further Education, and Transfer: How the CA.I Transforms Knowledge into Impact
The CA.I is more than just a laboratory network – it is a catalyst for innovations along the entire process chain. In close collaboration with the regional economy – especially with SMEs – additive processes are industrialized for real applications. This includes component identification (Which components are suitable?), design-for-AM (topology, functional integration, lightweight construction), process selection (metal L-PBF, HSS, extrusion), parameter and material development, post-processing, quality assurance, and economic considerations. A special focus is on High Speed Sintering: With access to a Voxeljet VX200 HSS in a research environment with open parameters, materials, exposure strategies, and process windows can be systematically investigated – a unique feature that enables practical training and live demos. For metal applications, proven systems such as the SLM Solutions SLM 125 and the Orlas Creator RA are available, where the specifics of powder bed-based laser beam melting can be demonstrated.
Further education is highly valued at the Bayreuth campus. In dialogue with the regional chambers and the Campus Academy, offerings are created that range from entry into Additive Manufacturing to certifiable modules to tailored in-house training. Additionally, university structures such as 'Transfer and Innovation' provide the organizational framework for cooperation projects, from funded collaborative projects to bilateral development contracts. For organizers, this means: Content can be precisely tailored to target groups – for example, 'Additive for SMEs', 'Quality Assurance in HSS', or 'Economic Evaluation of Additive Series Production'. Visitors thus gain not only an overview of technologies but also concrete, application-oriented insights – from powder to scan strategy to process capability in series use. The strong position of the University of Bayreuth in national and international rankings, as well as its recognition as a successful young university, underpins this claim scientifically and organizationally.
Rooms, Use, and Services: What You Should Know for Planning Your Visit
The CA.I is a research and innovation campus – and that is precisely why it is so interesting as an event location. Instead of a single hall, there are laboratory and technical areas, meeting areas, and demonstration zones. Formats are placed precisely where facilities and exhibits provide the greatest added value. The Keylab Additive Innovationen on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer building (Universitätsstraße 9) serves as the first point of contact for many demos, as metal L-PBF systems, HSS systems, silicone/elastomer printing, and FFF prototyping are spatially bundled here. Depending on the program point, other campus areas can be included. For organizers, it is advisable to clarify the need for space, power connections, media and measuring technology, as well as safety instructions early on. The team on site supports ensuring that demonstration processes are safe, planning routes for visitor groups, and providing protective equipment if necessary.
The campus is designed to be barrier-free and structured by clear wayfinding systems. For deliveries and larger exhibits, access options can be used in consultation; details depend on the respective laboratory area. Catering options (mensa, cafeterias) are within walking distance, as are other service points on campus. Those arriving by public transport will find a close frequency with lines 304, 306, and 326 from ZOH or the direct line 316 from the main train station; the main stops on campus are 'Geowissenschaften' and 'Uni-Verwaltung', for orientation towards Universitätsstraße 30 (CA.I contact address) and Universitätsstraße 9 (Keylab/Fraunhofer). By car, there are plenty of parking spaces available on campus, including P1 near Audimax/Mensa right after the main entrance. Since laboratory events do not have classic seating arrangements, it is advisable to wear comfortable, lab-suitable clothing and closed shoes for appointments with longer stays in the demo area. With these tips, your visit to the Campus Additive.Innovationen can be planned – and above all, be professionally rewarding.
Sources:
- Research Center for Additive Innovations – University of Bayreuth
- Campus Additive.Innovationen – Contact & Arrival
- Keylab Additive Innovationen – University of Bayreuth
- Bavaria Innovativ – Campus Additive.Innovationen (Profile & Equipment)
- University Library Bayreuth – Directions (A9, Public Transport, P1)
- Central Student Advisory Service – Studying & Living (Parking, Bus 304/306/316/326)
- Chair of Environmentally Friendly Production Technology – News: Company Meets Campus (07.10.2025)
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Campus Additive.Innovationen | Additive Manufacturing & Innovation
The Campus Additive.Innovationen (CA.I) of the University of Bayreuth is the central address in Upper Franconia when it comes to research, transfer, and further education related to Additive Manufacturing. As an inter- and transdisciplinary network, the CA.I combines technical and non-technical perspectives, makes the potentials of 3D printing tangible for companies, and offers tailored formats from laboratory demonstration days to workshops. Organizationally, the CA.I is anchored at the University of Bayreuth (Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth); the practical focal point for technology demonstrations is the Keylab Additive Innovationen on campus, located on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer IPA, Universitätsstraße 9, 95448 Bayreuth. Thanks to its location near the A9 (exit Bayreuth-Süd) and good public transport connections (including lines 304, 306, 316, 326), getting there is uncomplicated, and there are plenty of parking spaces available across the campus. The following sections consolidate the most important information from first-hand sources: What makes the CA.I special? What facilities are available in the Keylab? How does the journey work? What event formats can visitors expect – and where can they find current dates?
Campus Additive.Innovationen (CA.I): Network, Focus Areas, and Benefits for Visitors
The Campus Additive.Innovationen is the research center of the University of Bayreuth for additive innovations. It uniquely combines the expertise of around 25 chairs and professorships as well as non-university research institutions. Interdisciplinarity is not just a buzzword here, but a lived reality: Natural and engineering sciences work hand in hand with legal and economic sciences; fields such as sports and African studies also come into play when it comes to societal, economic, and regulatory questions regarding technology adoption. The CA.I covers a wide range of topics from design, materials, and processes to the digitalization of additive value creation, business models, standards, and legal issues. This creates a think tank that sets new impulses for research, development, and transfer, systematically supporting companies in entering Additive Manufacturing – from the initial potential analysis to component and process optimization, and finally to implementation in existing production chains.
A central feature of the CA.I is its openness to the regional economy. Specifically, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are invited to experience the potentials and applications of additive manufacturing directly in laboratories and technical facilities on campus. In demonstrations and discussions, specific component geometries, material combinations, production times, post-processing strategies, and quality criteria are discussed. Educational, professional, and scientific further education is another building block: In cooperation with the Campus Academy of the University of Bayreuth and the regional chambers, target group-oriented offerings are created, ranging from basic understanding to in-depth process chain seminars. For visitors using the CA.I as an event location, this means: a compact, easily accessible ecosystem where events are never isolated but always embedded in the infrastructure of research facilities, expertise, and transfer channels. The official contact and location reference of the CA.I is at Universitätsstraße 30 in 95447 Bayreuth – right in the urban campus known for its short distances between lecture halls, laboratories, and services.
Technologies and Equipment in the Keylab Additive Innovationen: From Metal 3D Printing to HSS
The Keylab Additive Innovationen (KAI) on campus serves as the operational spearhead for demonstrations, prototyping, and technology transfer. It is located on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer IPA (Universitätsstraße 9, 95448 Bayreuth) and provides access to a machine park that meets both industrial and scientific requirements. For the metal sector, facilities for powder bed-based laser beam melting (L-PBF) are available, including an SLM Solutions SLM 125 and an Orlas Creator RA. Such systems are predestined for functionally demanding components made from titanium or aluminum alloys, for example in aerospace, medical technology, or special machine construction. On the polymer side, High Speed Sintering (HSS) is used – in the Keylab with a Voxeljet VX200 HSS, which can be operated with open parameters, thus enabling research and process development on both the material and equipment sides. The focus is on the qualification of new materials, process optimization, and the targeted control and gradation of material properties, such as strength and translucency.
For processing viscous media such as silicones and elastomers, a Lynxter S300X is available, enabling flexible, functional components – including integrable sensors or structures applied to textiles. When it comes to fast, economical prototyping, several systems are available in the Keylab: Six Bambulab X1 Carbon Combo allow for the rapid construction of meaningful functional prototypes due to their high printing speed and multi-color/multi-material options, while an Ultimaker S5 complements the machine park for precise polymer components. All facilities are supported by peripheral and measuring technology that enables process monitoring, analysis, and quality assurance – important both for the validation of demonstrator components during events and for research-related studies. For visitors, this means concretely: Those who want to learn about state-of-the-art technologies in additive manufacturing or evaluate suitable processes for specific components will find a realistic environment in the Keylab where machines, material characterization, and know-how come together. The combination of metal L-PBF, HSS polymer processing, silicone/elastomer printing, and fast prototyping covers a wide range of application scenarios – from lightweight components to functionally integrated parts and small series with high surface requirements.
Directions and Parking: How to Get to Campus Additive.Innovationen Relaxed
Getting to the CA.I is easy. By car, you can reach the campus via the A9 (Nuremberg–Berlin) and take the exit Bayreuth-Süd (AS 42). From there, it is about 900 meters straight ahead to the turnoff into Universitätsstraße. Follow the signs for 'University', and you will arrive on the campus grounds. Right after the main entrance, the large parking lot P1 (area Audimax/Mensa/B9) is located on the right. In addition, a large number of free parking spaces are available on campus; should these not be sufficient in exceptional cases, additional campus parking can be used. For fine orientation on the grounds, the clearly visible building abbreviations and signs ensure that paths to the Faculty of Engineering (FAN A–D) or research institutions such as the Fraunhofer building at Universitätsstraße 9 remain short.
You can also reach the campus comfortably by public transport. From the main train station Bayreuth, there is a direct connection to the campus via the city bus line 316 (depending on the time of day and frequency). Alternatively, you can take lines 304 (Birken/University), 306 (University/Campus), or 326 (Oberfrankenhalle/Campus) from the central bus station (ZOH) to the stop 'Mensa'. On campus, the stops 'Geowissenschaften' and 'Uni-Verwaltung' are distributed, keeping the paths to laboratories and event locations short. If you want to go to the Keylab Additive Innovationen (Universitätsstraße 9), you can orient yourself by the Fraunhofer signage on campus. For visitor groups, it is advisable to determine the exact meeting point and laboratory in advance, as there is no classic room plan and events sometimes take place in different laboratory areas. For deliveries or demonstrations with larger exhibits, the Keylab team provides information on access routes and safe procedures in the laboratory environment.
Events, Programs, and Formats: From Demonstration Day to 'Company Meets Campus'
The CA.I sees itself as an open place for exchange between science and practice. Accordingly, the formats with which additive innovations are made tangible are diverse: laboratory demonstrations, lectures, topic-specific workshops (e.g., on entering HSS or qualifying new powder materials), transfer and networking formats with partners from the region, as well as further education offerings in cooperation with the Campus Academy. Dates are published on the news pages of the Campus Additive.Innovationen and the participating chairs (e.g., Environmentally Friendly Production Technology); in addition, the University of Bayreuth offers a public event calendar as well as dates from the Campus Academy for further education. An example event was 'Company Meets Campus' on October 7, 2025, in the Keylab Additive Innovationen: The focus was on the exchange between regional companies and research institutions about modern production technologies and ongoing projects; at the same time, systems and application examples were presented – a good impression of how the campus as an event location brings technology hands-on, dialogue, and knowledge transfer together.
Even beyond individual events, visitors benefit from the infrastructure: Due to the close integration with the Chair of Environmentally Friendly Production Technology and other partners, every event can be modularly adapted to target groups – from SME consultation hours to tech deep dives to formats that bring students, start-ups, and industry together. For planning, it is important to note that since events sometimes take place in laboratory environments, safety instructions, closed shoes, and, if necessary, personal protective equipment should be planned; details will be provided to participants with the invitation. Those who wish to extend their stay will find additional public lectures, fairs, or tours in the event calendar of the university, for example in the Ecological-Botanical Garden on campus. This way, a professional appointment at the CA.I can be well combined with further campus programs.
Cooperations, Further Education, and Transfer: How the CA.I Transforms Knowledge into Impact
The CA.I is more than just a laboratory network – it is a catalyst for innovations along the entire process chain. In close collaboration with the regional economy – especially with SMEs – additive processes are industrialized for real applications. This includes component identification (Which components are suitable?), design-for-AM (topology, functional integration, lightweight construction), process selection (metal L-PBF, HSS, extrusion), parameter and material development, post-processing, quality assurance, and economic considerations. A special focus is on High Speed Sintering: With access to a Voxeljet VX200 HSS in a research environment with open parameters, materials, exposure strategies, and process windows can be systematically investigated – a unique feature that enables practical training and live demos. For metal applications, proven systems such as the SLM Solutions SLM 125 and the Orlas Creator RA are available, where the specifics of powder bed-based laser beam melting can be demonstrated.
Further education is highly valued at the Bayreuth campus. In dialogue with the regional chambers and the Campus Academy, offerings are created that range from entry into Additive Manufacturing to certifiable modules to tailored in-house training. Additionally, university structures such as 'Transfer and Innovation' provide the organizational framework for cooperation projects, from funded collaborative projects to bilateral development contracts. For organizers, this means: Content can be precisely tailored to target groups – for example, 'Additive for SMEs', 'Quality Assurance in HSS', or 'Economic Evaluation of Additive Series Production'. Visitors thus gain not only an overview of technologies but also concrete, application-oriented insights – from powder to scan strategy to process capability in series use. The strong position of the University of Bayreuth in national and international rankings, as well as its recognition as a successful young university, underpins this claim scientifically and organizationally.
Rooms, Use, and Services: What You Should Know for Planning Your Visit
The CA.I is a research and innovation campus – and that is precisely why it is so interesting as an event location. Instead of a single hall, there are laboratory and technical areas, meeting areas, and demonstration zones. Formats are placed precisely where facilities and exhibits provide the greatest added value. The Keylab Additive Innovationen on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer building (Universitätsstraße 9) serves as the first point of contact for many demos, as metal L-PBF systems, HSS systems, silicone/elastomer printing, and FFF prototyping are spatially bundled here. Depending on the program point, other campus areas can be included. For organizers, it is advisable to clarify the need for space, power connections, media and measuring technology, as well as safety instructions early on. The team on site supports ensuring that demonstration processes are safe, planning routes for visitor groups, and providing protective equipment if necessary.
The campus is designed to be barrier-free and structured by clear wayfinding systems. For deliveries and larger exhibits, access options can be used in consultation; details depend on the respective laboratory area. Catering options (mensa, cafeterias) are within walking distance, as are other service points on campus. Those arriving by public transport will find a close frequency with lines 304, 306, and 326 from ZOH or the direct line 316 from the main train station; the main stops on campus are 'Geowissenschaften' and 'Uni-Verwaltung', for orientation towards Universitätsstraße 30 (CA.I contact address) and Universitätsstraße 9 (Keylab/Fraunhofer). By car, there are plenty of parking spaces available on campus, including P1 near Audimax/Mensa right after the main entrance. Since laboratory events do not have classic seating arrangements, it is advisable to wear comfortable, lab-suitable clothing and closed shoes for appointments with longer stays in the demo area. With these tips, your visit to the Campus Additive.Innovationen can be planned – and above all, be professionally rewarding.
Sources:
- Research Center for Additive Innovations – University of Bayreuth
- Campus Additive.Innovationen – Contact & Arrival
- Keylab Additive Innovationen – University of Bayreuth
- Bavaria Innovativ – Campus Additive.Innovationen (Profile & Equipment)
- University Library Bayreuth – Directions (A9, Public Transport, P1)
- Central Student Advisory Service – Studying & Living (Parking, Bus 304/306/316/326)
- Chair of Environmentally Friendly Production Technology – News: Company Meets Campus (07.10.2025)
Campus Additive.Innovationen | Additive Manufacturing & Innovation
The Campus Additive.Innovationen (CA.I) of the University of Bayreuth is the central address in Upper Franconia when it comes to research, transfer, and further education related to Additive Manufacturing. As an inter- and transdisciplinary network, the CA.I combines technical and non-technical perspectives, makes the potentials of 3D printing tangible for companies, and offers tailored formats from laboratory demonstration days to workshops. Organizationally, the CA.I is anchored at the University of Bayreuth (Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth); the practical focal point for technology demonstrations is the Keylab Additive Innovationen on campus, located on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer IPA, Universitätsstraße 9, 95448 Bayreuth. Thanks to its location near the A9 (exit Bayreuth-Süd) and good public transport connections (including lines 304, 306, 316, 326), getting there is uncomplicated, and there are plenty of parking spaces available across the campus. The following sections consolidate the most important information from first-hand sources: What makes the CA.I special? What facilities are available in the Keylab? How does the journey work? What event formats can visitors expect – and where can they find current dates?
Campus Additive.Innovationen (CA.I): Network, Focus Areas, and Benefits for Visitors
The Campus Additive.Innovationen is the research center of the University of Bayreuth for additive innovations. It uniquely combines the expertise of around 25 chairs and professorships as well as non-university research institutions. Interdisciplinarity is not just a buzzword here, but a lived reality: Natural and engineering sciences work hand in hand with legal and economic sciences; fields such as sports and African studies also come into play when it comes to societal, economic, and regulatory questions regarding technology adoption. The CA.I covers a wide range of topics from design, materials, and processes to the digitalization of additive value creation, business models, standards, and legal issues. This creates a think tank that sets new impulses for research, development, and transfer, systematically supporting companies in entering Additive Manufacturing – from the initial potential analysis to component and process optimization, and finally to implementation in existing production chains.
A central feature of the CA.I is its openness to the regional economy. Specifically, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are invited to experience the potentials and applications of additive manufacturing directly in laboratories and technical facilities on campus. In demonstrations and discussions, specific component geometries, material combinations, production times, post-processing strategies, and quality criteria are discussed. Educational, professional, and scientific further education is another building block: In cooperation with the Campus Academy of the University of Bayreuth and the regional chambers, target group-oriented offerings are created, ranging from basic understanding to in-depth process chain seminars. For visitors using the CA.I as an event location, this means: a compact, easily accessible ecosystem where events are never isolated but always embedded in the infrastructure of research facilities, expertise, and transfer channels. The official contact and location reference of the CA.I is at Universitätsstraße 30 in 95447 Bayreuth – right in the urban campus known for its short distances between lecture halls, laboratories, and services.
Technologies and Equipment in the Keylab Additive Innovationen: From Metal 3D Printing to HSS
The Keylab Additive Innovationen (KAI) on campus serves as the operational spearhead for demonstrations, prototyping, and technology transfer. It is located on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer IPA (Universitätsstraße 9, 95448 Bayreuth) and provides access to a machine park that meets both industrial and scientific requirements. For the metal sector, facilities for powder bed-based laser beam melting (L-PBF) are available, including an SLM Solutions SLM 125 and an Orlas Creator RA. Such systems are predestined for functionally demanding components made from titanium or aluminum alloys, for example in aerospace, medical technology, or special machine construction. On the polymer side, High Speed Sintering (HSS) is used – in the Keylab with a Voxeljet VX200 HSS, which can be operated with open parameters, thus enabling research and process development on both the material and equipment sides. The focus is on the qualification of new materials, process optimization, and the targeted control and gradation of material properties, such as strength and translucency.
For processing viscous media such as silicones and elastomers, a Lynxter S300X is available, enabling flexible, functional components – including integrable sensors or structures applied to textiles. When it comes to fast, economical prototyping, several systems are available in the Keylab: Six Bambulab X1 Carbon Combo allow for the rapid construction of meaningful functional prototypes due to their high printing speed and multi-color/multi-material options, while an Ultimaker S5 complements the machine park for precise polymer components. All facilities are supported by peripheral and measuring technology that enables process monitoring, analysis, and quality assurance – important both for the validation of demonstrator components during events and for research-related studies. For visitors, this means concretely: Those who want to learn about state-of-the-art technologies in additive manufacturing or evaluate suitable processes for specific components will find a realistic environment in the Keylab where machines, material characterization, and know-how come together. The combination of metal L-PBF, HSS polymer processing, silicone/elastomer printing, and fast prototyping covers a wide range of application scenarios – from lightweight components to functionally integrated parts and small series with high surface requirements.
Directions and Parking: How to Get to Campus Additive.Innovationen Relaxed
Getting to the CA.I is easy. By car, you can reach the campus via the A9 (Nuremberg–Berlin) and take the exit Bayreuth-Süd (AS 42). From there, it is about 900 meters straight ahead to the turnoff into Universitätsstraße. Follow the signs for 'University', and you will arrive on the campus grounds. Right after the main entrance, the large parking lot P1 (area Audimax/Mensa/B9) is located on the right. In addition, a large number of free parking spaces are available on campus; should these not be sufficient in exceptional cases, additional campus parking can be used. For fine orientation on the grounds, the clearly visible building abbreviations and signs ensure that paths to the Faculty of Engineering (FAN A–D) or research institutions such as the Fraunhofer building at Universitätsstraße 9 remain short.
You can also reach the campus comfortably by public transport. From the main train station Bayreuth, there is a direct connection to the campus via the city bus line 316 (depending on the time of day and frequency). Alternatively, you can take lines 304 (Birken/University), 306 (University/Campus), or 326 (Oberfrankenhalle/Campus) from the central bus station (ZOH) to the stop 'Mensa'. On campus, the stops 'Geowissenschaften' and 'Uni-Verwaltung' are distributed, keeping the paths to laboratories and event locations short. If you want to go to the Keylab Additive Innovationen (Universitätsstraße 9), you can orient yourself by the Fraunhofer signage on campus. For visitor groups, it is advisable to determine the exact meeting point and laboratory in advance, as there is no classic room plan and events sometimes take place in different laboratory areas. For deliveries or demonstrations with larger exhibits, the Keylab team provides information on access routes and safe procedures in the laboratory environment.
Events, Programs, and Formats: From Demonstration Day to 'Company Meets Campus'
The CA.I sees itself as an open place for exchange between science and practice. Accordingly, the formats with which additive innovations are made tangible are diverse: laboratory demonstrations, lectures, topic-specific workshops (e.g., on entering HSS or qualifying new powder materials), transfer and networking formats with partners from the region, as well as further education offerings in cooperation with the Campus Academy. Dates are published on the news pages of the Campus Additive.Innovationen and the participating chairs (e.g., Environmentally Friendly Production Technology); in addition, the University of Bayreuth offers a public event calendar as well as dates from the Campus Academy for further education. An example event was 'Company Meets Campus' on October 7, 2025, in the Keylab Additive Innovationen: The focus was on the exchange between regional companies and research institutions about modern production technologies and ongoing projects; at the same time, systems and application examples were presented – a good impression of how the campus as an event location brings technology hands-on, dialogue, and knowledge transfer together.
Even beyond individual events, visitors benefit from the infrastructure: Due to the close integration with the Chair of Environmentally Friendly Production Technology and other partners, every event can be modularly adapted to target groups – from SME consultation hours to tech deep dives to formats that bring students, start-ups, and industry together. For planning, it is important to note that since events sometimes take place in laboratory environments, safety instructions, closed shoes, and, if necessary, personal protective equipment should be planned; details will be provided to participants with the invitation. Those who wish to extend their stay will find additional public lectures, fairs, or tours in the event calendar of the university, for example in the Ecological-Botanical Garden on campus. This way, a professional appointment at the CA.I can be well combined with further campus programs.
Cooperations, Further Education, and Transfer: How the CA.I Transforms Knowledge into Impact
The CA.I is more than just a laboratory network – it is a catalyst for innovations along the entire process chain. In close collaboration with the regional economy – especially with SMEs – additive processes are industrialized for real applications. This includes component identification (Which components are suitable?), design-for-AM (topology, functional integration, lightweight construction), process selection (metal L-PBF, HSS, extrusion), parameter and material development, post-processing, quality assurance, and economic considerations. A special focus is on High Speed Sintering: With access to a Voxeljet VX200 HSS in a research environment with open parameters, materials, exposure strategies, and process windows can be systematically investigated – a unique feature that enables practical training and live demos. For metal applications, proven systems such as the SLM Solutions SLM 125 and the Orlas Creator RA are available, where the specifics of powder bed-based laser beam melting can be demonstrated.
Further education is highly valued at the Bayreuth campus. In dialogue with the regional chambers and the Campus Academy, offerings are created that range from entry into Additive Manufacturing to certifiable modules to tailored in-house training. Additionally, university structures such as 'Transfer and Innovation' provide the organizational framework for cooperation projects, from funded collaborative projects to bilateral development contracts. For organizers, this means: Content can be precisely tailored to target groups – for example, 'Additive for SMEs', 'Quality Assurance in HSS', or 'Economic Evaluation of Additive Series Production'. Visitors thus gain not only an overview of technologies but also concrete, application-oriented insights – from powder to scan strategy to process capability in series use. The strong position of the University of Bayreuth in national and international rankings, as well as its recognition as a successful young university, underpins this claim scientifically and organizationally.
Rooms, Use, and Services: What You Should Know for Planning Your Visit
The CA.I is a research and innovation campus – and that is precisely why it is so interesting as an event location. Instead of a single hall, there are laboratory and technical areas, meeting areas, and demonstration zones. Formats are placed precisely where facilities and exhibits provide the greatest added value. The Keylab Additive Innovationen on the ground floor of the Fraunhofer building (Universitätsstraße 9) serves as the first point of contact for many demos, as metal L-PBF systems, HSS systems, silicone/elastomer printing, and FFF prototyping are spatially bundled here. Depending on the program point, other campus areas can be included. For organizers, it is advisable to clarify the need for space, power connections, media and measuring technology, as well as safety instructions early on. The team on site supports ensuring that demonstration processes are safe, planning routes for visitor groups, and providing protective equipment if necessary.
The campus is designed to be barrier-free and structured by clear wayfinding systems. For deliveries and larger exhibits, access options can be used in consultation; details depend on the respective laboratory area. Catering options (mensa, cafeterias) are within walking distance, as are other service points on campus. Those arriving by public transport will find a close frequency with lines 304, 306, and 326 from ZOH or the direct line 316 from the main train station; the main stops on campus are 'Geowissenschaften' and 'Uni-Verwaltung', for orientation towards Universitätsstraße 30 (CA.I contact address) and Universitätsstraße 9 (Keylab/Fraunhofer). By car, there are plenty of parking spaces available on campus, including P1 near Audimax/Mensa right after the main entrance. Since laboratory events do not have classic seating arrangements, it is advisable to wear comfortable, lab-suitable clothing and closed shoes for appointments with longer stays in the demo area. With these tips, your visit to the Campus Additive.Innovationen can be planned – and above all, be professionally rewarding.
Sources:
- Research Center for Additive Innovations – University of Bayreuth
- Campus Additive.Innovationen – Contact & Arrival
- Keylab Additive Innovationen – University of Bayreuth
- Bavaria Innovativ – Campus Additive.Innovationen (Profile & Equipment)
- University Library Bayreuth – Directions (A9, Public Transport, P1)
- Central Student Advisory Service – Studying & Living (Parking, Bus 304/306/316/326)
- Chair of Environmentally Friendly Production Technology – News: Company Meets Campus (07.10.2025)
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