Formnext 2023, held in Frankfurt from November 7 to 10, 2023, repositioned the city as the epicentre of global Additive Manufacturing and contemporary production technologies. This year’s event saw an increase in the maturity of AM integration, advancements in automation, new production technologies, materials, innovations in 3D printing and a strong emphasis on sustainability, attracting increased attention from both visitors and exhibitors. The Nordic region, this year’s featured partner, added depth to the event, as did a comprehensive stage programme.
Continuing its legacy, Formnext 2023 was another successful year that demonstrated the importance of Additive Manufacturing processes. The exhibition attracted 32,851 professionals and executives (with 50% international representation) in its ninth edition, representing a significant 111% increase over the previous year. The event set a new record with 859 exhibitors (59% international), showcasing the vast possibilities of Additive Manufacturing in industries such as healthcare, automotive, mechanical engineering, architecture, and aerospace. Visitors discovered innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their manufacturing processes.
Event Stats and the latest Innovations in 3D Printing
The exhibition featured cutting-edge developments in industrial 3D printing. Highlights included robotic 3D printing systems capable of printing large-scale items such as boats, as well as advancements in metal printing by companies such as AMCM, Eplus3D, and InssTek, demonstrating the production of complex, large components such as rocket engines via precision AM. Companies like BMF and Nano Dimension made breakthroughs in 3D printing electronic components in nanotechnology, paving the way for future applications and products. The Formnext innovation spectrum was broad, with established and emerging startups such as Bosch, D3-AM, Reinforce 3D, and Venox Systems presenting cutting-edge AM technologies.
The event’s essence was encapsulated by Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President for Formnext at event organiser Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, who highlighted the event’s unique combination of innovation, expert congregation, and decision-making influence. He cited Formnext as a critical platform for guiding the evolution of sophisticated manufacturing industries.
The event’s impact was echoed in participant testimonials. Mahdi Bodaghi, Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, praised the alignment of AM technologies with societal and business needs, emphasising the significant impact generated by AM. The Technology House’s CEO, Chip Gear, emphasised Formnext’s role in facilitating efficient exploration and selection of AM systems and materials.
The supporting events at Formnext 2023 were particularly diverse, catering to a wide range of industries ranging from automotive to mechanical engineering. The new service provider marketplace highlighted the critical role of service providers in expanding AM’s user base, with a multi-stage concept that effectively showcased AM applications, technologies, and innovations while also fostering discussions on key industry topics such as sustainability, cybersecurity, and investments.
Strong International Presence
Formnext had a strong international presence, with half of the visitors coming from outside Germany, reinforcing its position as a leading global exhibition for Additive Manufacturing and modern industrial production. Exhibitors praised the large number of visitors and the high quality of interactions. Gerhard Duda, CEO of 3D-Werk Black Forest GmbH, expressed his delight at the event’s productive discussions and valuable new contacts.
The sheer number of innovations and valuable conversations with potential customers, recognising new market opportunities in AM, overwhelmed Cunova’s Robin Bappert and Christof Dratner. Daniele Grosso, Marketing Manager at Prima Additive, was pleased with the high frequency and quality of visitors, citing their growing technical knowledge and decision-making power.
Mosaic Co-Founder and CEO Mitch Debora emphasised the significant interest in bringing 3D Printing to the factory floor, celebrating the successful showcasing of their Array system and the establishment of global partnerships.
Formnext 2023 successfully demonstrated the gradual integration of Additive Manufacturing into various industrial domains, emphasising its role in fostering sustainability and efficiency. The event’s success story continues, solidifying its position as an essential hub for innovation, industry networking, and the advancement of AM technologies in the future.
