2026 Hugo Junkers Prize: Laempe Wins First Place for Industrial Innovation with Groundbreaking 3D Printing Technology

The Hugo Junkers Prize is one of the most prestigious innovation awards in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and recognizes outstanding achievements in research and development that have significant social and economic relevance. A total of 80,000 euros in prize money was awarded. 

Award for Industrial Innovation from Saxony-Anhalt

The award recognized the 3D printing solution developed by Laempe for the automated production of sand cores and molds in the foundry industry. The technology enables the direct production of complex components from digital data—tool-free, without setup times, and with a high degree of design freedom. Through fast, automated processes and integrated quality controls, the L3D-200 3D printer combines the advantages of additive manufacturing with the requirements of industrial series production. The 3D printer is among the fastest systems worldwide in its segment. In its statement, the jury noted that the automated 3D printing process fundamentally reorganizes the production of molds and cores and, through its industrial scalability, reduces effort, costs, and complexity in production. As a result, the technology makes an important contribution to more efficient, flexible, and economical foundry processes.

Minister of Science Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann praised the significance of innovative developments from Saxony-Anhalt: “The award winners impressively demonstrate how excellent research leads to concrete solutions that can improve our lives. Especially in challenging times, it is such developments that inspire hope and open up new possibilities. Saxony-Anhalt is a state of innovation—at our universities, non-university research institutions, and in companies alike. Innovation requires close collaboration between science and industry so that ideas can be put into practice quickly and deliver real societal benefits.” For Laempe, the award is a special validation of its own innovation strategy. The company is making targeted investments in the further development of additive manufacturing technologies and has consistently tailored the L3D-200 to the requirements of industrial applications. The technology is already being used in demanding production environments (including at the BMW Group) and enables new freedoms in design, lightweight construction, and prototype and series production. 

“The Hugo Junkers Prize is a great honor for us and, at the same time, a validation of the path we have chosen. With the L3D-200, we have developed a technology that brings additive manufacturing into industrial practice. From the very beginning, our goal was to combine the advantages of 3D printing with the productivity, process reliability, and cost-effectiveness of modern series production. The fact that this achievement is now being honored with the state’s most prestigious innovation award makes us proud and, above all, is a tribute to the entire team behind the project,” says André Klimm, Managing Director of Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH. Winning the Hugo Junkers Prize is already the second major award within a few months for the 3D printing technology developed by Laempe. Just last fall, the company was honored with the prestigious “(R)evolution Award” at Formnext, the leading international trade fair. 

The Hugo Junkers Prize thus recognizes the innovative spirit and technological development that was driven forward largely by the dedicated team at Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH. “The team led by Frank Wedemeyer played a leading role in this, together with Jan Gümmer, Janosh Münzer, and all other participants who contributed to the project’s success with their expertise, perseverance, and passion,” emphasizes André Klimm.

Experience technology firsthand at Open Week

In just a few days, customers, partners, and representatives from politics, business, and the media will be able to experience the future of core manufacturing at the “Open Week” in-house exhibition held at the company’s Barleben site. From June 23 to 25, 2026, Laempe will open its doors to showcase the latest developments in core manufacturing, automation, digitalization, and additive manufacturing. The L3D-200 will also be a central focus. Visitors will gain insights into the technology, the development work behind the project, and the possibilities of industrial 3D printing for the foundry industry. In addition, Laempe will showcase its expertise as a full-service provider across the entire core manufacturing process—from traditional core shooting machines and automation solutions to digital applications.

About Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH

Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH is the global market leader for core production technology in the foundry industry and covers all areas of modern core production - from conventional and additive to hybrid production - with its comprehensive product and service portfolio. The long-established German company is a complete solution developer with its headquarters in Barleben/Meitzendorf in Saxony-Anhalt. A total of 350 employees work at this state-of-the-art production site, the Schopfheim site in the Black Forest and the Mannheim site, as well as at the subsidiaries in Pune (India) and Beijing (China). www.laempe.com 

Pressekontakt: Thomas Doriath  - PR/Öffentlichkeitsarbeit  - E-Mail: pr(at)laempe(dot)com