The trend of hybrid additive manufacturing has been growing steadily, and manufacturers are interested in machines that combine 3D printing technology with more conventional methods like CNC milling and robotics. One of the participating institutions for the LASIMM (Large Additive Subtractive Integrated Modular Machine) Project is the German Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG) Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, but manufacturing machines aren't the only hybrid technology the non-profit research institute is interested in. HZG is focused on developing and testing lightweight and advanced engineering materials, which should be able to improve how effectively energy is used in production processes. HZG is working with Polish 3D printer manufacturer Verashape to use its VSHAPER ONE Pro 3D Printer in order to study and analyze metal-polymer hybrid structures. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/174523/vshaper-hy...uctures-study/