Formnext 2023 has nearly reached the previous year’s figures, and is approaching a new record result – with 771 exhibitors and a booked gross area of more than 50,000 square meters, 2 months before the event. The world’s leading trade show for additive manufacturing and modern industrial production will set new standards in terms of content, too. The ‘Who’s Who’ of AM will show innovations along the entire process chain, and the supporting program will also present numerous exciting developments. A particular focus will be placed on topics including AM service providers and sustainability. This year’s Nordic partner region will also play an important role.

Contrary to the rather restrained economic development in most industrialized countries, Formnext is enjoying excellent registration figures – reflecting the dynamic development of the AM industry.

“Even in economically challenging times, additive manufacturing is taking on a prominent role in advancing the development of industrial production,” said Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext at event organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “That’s because state-of-the-art manufacturing methods like industrial 3D printing can give companies a real competitive edge. A visit to Formnext can show you how this can be achieved – and you will find the right partners there to help you realize your goals.”

Visitors can look forward to multiple innovations and world premieres at Formnext, from November 7 – 10, 2023. Early bird discounts are available until October 10.

Renowned AM suppliers from around the globe, as well as numerous start-ups and established industrial companies, will cover the entire additive manufacturing process – including materials, software, design, hardware, production solutions, post-processing, and quality assurance.

Numerous joint stands underline Formnext’s global reach. In addition to the established presences of Hessen Trade and Invest, Bayern Innovativ, Berlin Partner, or the Chemnitz Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the number of international collaborations is increasing and will include, for the first time, Canada Makes, Nordic Pavilion, and the Victoria Government from Australia.

‘Service Provider Marketplace’

One of the highlights of this year’s supporting program is the ‘Service Provider Marketplace’. This showcase, organized in collaboration with Daimler Truck and Buses, celebrates its premiere at Formnext. AM service providers will present applications exemplary from the automotive sector illustrating how additive manufacturing can be deployed successfully and which role service providers play in the process. Additionally, well-known automotive companies such as Daimler Buses or Brose will showcase how they are using AM in their production.

The Nordic region focuses on sustainability

This year’s Formnext partner region is the Nordic region. Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland are home to globally leading manufacturers of AM equipment and material suppliers, as well as a large number of innovative start-ups and medium-sized AM companies. At the same time, the region in northern Europe is a leader in sustainable thinking and will also present innovative solutions in this field. Several delegations from the Nordic region have also announced their attendance. There is a great deal of interest in AM, and tremendous potential for its development in industries such as oil and gas, fish farming and processing, boat building, and others.

Advanced conference concept

Formnext has also made advances in its conference concept. This year, for the first time, the presentation program will be spread across three stages (Industry Stage, Application Stage, Technology Stage). The different focal points cover important AM trends, applications, and innovations from exhibitors and will help visitors find the right product or service conveniently and efficiently. In this way, Formnext will further promote important communication between technology providers and users, and make the content publicly available to all stakeholders in the halls.

Extended and diverse supporting program

The supporting program of Formnext 2023 includes popular and established events, with new elements. The Formnext Start-up Challenge is being held for the ninth time and rewards innovative and viable business ideas from young companies. The exhibitors in the Start-up Area will present themselves in short sessions as part of the Pitchnext event.

On the Career Day on November 9, prospective job applicants can find out about career opportunities in the AM industry while also getting job advice and having a CV photo taken. For companies looking to enter the AM industry, the well-established and daily Discover3Dprinting seminars, held in cooperation with ACAM, offer excellent insight and advice.

The Working Group AM at VDMA will be presenting a showcase with valuable AM applications from the world of mechanical engineering. The BE-AM showcase will be making use of real-life applications to demonstrate advanced developments in the increasingly important issue of 3D printing in the construction industry. At the same time, the BE-AM Symposium will be presenting numerous background scenarios and future developments in this field.

The issue of standards, which is important to the entire AM industry and users, will again be discussed by experts and decision-makers from all over the world at the renowned ASTM Standards Forum, which will be held in cooperation with the organizations USCS, ASTM, ISO, and America Makes one day before the start of the trade show, on Monday, November 6.