Formnext 2023: Pioneering the Future of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Innovation

As the global additive manufacturing industry continues its rapid expansion, all eyes are turning to Formnext 2023. Heralded as Europe’s premier conference and exhibition for additive manufacturing, this highly anticipated event is set to open its doors in Frankfurt from Tuesday, November 7th, to Friday, November 10th. The entire 3D printing community, from pioneering researchers to industrial giants, is buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what promises to be a landmark gathering. Each year, Formnext serves as a critical barometer for the industry’s health and future direction, but how will this edition measure up against its celebrated predecessors? What groundbreaking innovations and pivotal discussions can attendees expect to encounter in 2023? We delve deeper into the eagerly awaited aspects of this year’s Formnext to provide a comprehensive preview.

A resounding testament to the vitality and continued growth of the additive manufacturing sector is the sustained and escalating interest in Formnext itself. The preceding edition, Formnext 2022, was universally acclaimed as a resounding success, marking a pivotal moment in the industry’s post-pandemic recovery. That year, the event proudly hosted an impressive 802 exhibitors and welcomed an astounding 29,581 visitors, all converging within a vast exhibition space spanning 51,148 square meters. These figures were not merely numbers; they represented a significant resurgence, showing a remarkable 32% increase in exhibitors and an even more impressive 66% surge in visitors compared to the previous year. Crucially, these statistics indicated a near-complete return to pre-pandemic participation levels, unequivocally signaling the robust recovery and renewed confidence within the global additive manufacturing industry. Looking ahead to Formnext 2023, the trajectory appears even more promising. Expectations are high that this year’s event will not only meet but potentially surpass these already impressive benchmarks. This optimistic outlook is already being substantiated by the sheer number of participating companies; the official Formnext exhibitor list for 2023 already features an unprecedented 885 exhibitors, underscoring the event’s growing allure and its indispensable role as a nexus for innovation and business in the 3D printing landscape.

Highlighting the strategic importance of this burgeoning sector, Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext at the esteemed event organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, articulated the profound impact of additive manufacturing on modern industry. He remarked, “Even in economically challenging times, additive manufacturing is taking on a prominent role in advancing the development of industrial production. 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.” This sentiment underscores Formnext’s mission as not just an exhibition, but a vital platform for businesses seeking to innovate and thrive. The competitive edge offered by industrial 3D printing extends across various facets of production, from accelerating product development cycles and enabling complex geometries for enhanced performance, to facilitating on-demand manufacturing that reduces waste and optimizes supply chains. Attendees at Formnext 2023 will have the unparalleled opportunity to explore these advantages firsthand, engage with leading experts, and forge strategic partnerships that can translate visionary concepts into tangible industrial realities. Indeed, with its expansive scope and diverse offerings, Formnext 2023 promises to deliver valuable insights and opportunities for every participant, regardless of their current engagement level with additive manufacturing.

What’s New at Formnext 2023?

The countdown to Formnext 2023 has ignited a wave of excitement across the industry, with numerous companies already generating significant buzz through a flurry of strategic announcements detailing the cutting-edge innovations and solutions visitors can expect at their respective booths. This pre-event anticipation is a clear indicator of the intensity of competition and the pace of technological advancement within additive manufacturing. For instance, INTAMSYS, a recognized leader in high-performance polymer 3D printing, has already outlined its exciting showcase, promising advanced applications and expanded material capabilities. Adding to the intrigue, industry giants like Formlabs, renowned for their accessible professional 3D printing solutions, and Markforged, a pioneer in composite and metal additive manufacturing, have both strategically teased forthcoming “major news” slated for revelation at the event. While specific details remain under wraps, these tantalizing hints suggest developments that could redefine market segments, introduce revolutionary hardware, or unveil transformative software platforms. Beyond these highly anticipated announcements, attendees can undoubtedly expect a plethora of entirely new solutions to debut, spanning the entire additive manufacturing value chain from advanced materials to sophisticated post-processing technologies.

The exhibition halls of Formnext 2023 are poised to become a launchpad for numerous cutting-edge technologies that promise to reshape various aspects of industrial production. Among the highly anticipated reveals, Emaskan Additive is set to unveil an innovative new metal 3D printer, a development that could significantly enhance the capabilities of metal additive manufacturing, offering greater precision, speed, or material compatibility for critical industrial applications. Concurrently, AMT, a leader in post-processing solutions, has already made waves with the announcement of its PostPro SFX desktop chemical vapor smoothing machine. This compact yet powerful system is designed to transform the surface finish of 3D printed parts, improving aesthetic quality, mechanical performance, and functional integration, thereby bridging the gap between raw prints and end-use components. Both revolutionary devices will be prominently featured at the event, offering live demonstrations and expert insights. Furthermore, BASF Forward AM, a powerhouse in advanced materials, is expected to introduce a compelling array of new products, likely encompassing innovative polymers, composites, or specialized filaments designed to meet the evolving demands of various industries. These material advancements are crucial for pushing the boundaries of what additive manufacturing can achieve. In a significant move to foster broader adoption and knowledge sharing, Replique will be launching a “comprehensive and open” material database specifically tailored for 3D printing. This platform will empower users to discover, compare, and select optimal materials for their specific applications, streamlining the design and production process and ultimately accelerating the industrialization of additive manufacturing.

Beyond individual product launches, strategic partnerships are emerging as a significant theme at Formnext 2023, signaling a collaborative drive within the industry to tackle complex manufacturing challenges. These alliances are crucial for integrating diverse expertise and accelerating the development of end-to-end solutions. A prime example is the recently announced development effort between Foundry Lab and Eaton Corporation, a globally recognized leader in power management solutions. This collaboration represents a substantial leap forward in both advanced prototyping and the broader additive manufacturing landscape. Utilizing Foundry Lab’s innovative Digital Metal Casting System, the partnership aims to revolutionize the production of aluminum parts, including those with integrated stainless steel pins. This particular application demonstrates the potential for hybrid manufacturing approaches, combining the strengths of additive techniques with traditional processes to create components with enhanced functionality and structural integrity. Such advancements are vital for industries demanding high-performance parts, such as aerospace, automotive, and energy. With the event just days away, the industry eagerly anticipates a cascade of further announcements concerning new collaborations, strategic investments, and joint ventures that will undoubtedly be unveiled on the Formnext stage. To ensure you don’t miss out on any of these pivotal developments and to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse companies shaping the future of additive manufacturing, we highly recommend consulting the comprehensive Formnext Exhibitor List, available for your review.

A More Diversified Program and Dedicated Stages

Beyond the impressive array of exhibitors and technological breakthroughs, Formnext 2023 distinguishes itself with a significantly expanded and diversified program, complemented by the introduction of innovative dedicated stages. These enhancements are meticulously designed to offer a richer, more engaging, and more informative experience for all attendees. The extended program is set to invigorate several of Formnext’s long-standing and highly successful events. For instance, the 9th edition of the prestigious Formnext Start-Up Challenge will once again shine a spotlight on the most promising young companies and groundbreaking ideas emerging in the additive manufacturing ecosystem, fostering innovation and providing crucial visibility to the industry’s future leaders. Furthermore, recognizing the critical importance of human capital in this rapidly evolving sector, Formnext will host a dedicated Career Day on November 9th. This invaluable initiative offers prospective job applicants a unique opportunity to explore a myriad of career pathways within the additive manufacturing field, receive personalized job advice from industry veterans, and even obtain professional photographs for their CVs, thus connecting talent with opportunity. Similarly, for companies contemplating their entry into the additive manufacturing space or looking to deepen their understanding, daily Discover3Dprinting seminars, meticulously organized in cooperation with ACAM (Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing), will provide foundational knowledge and practical insights, demystifying the complexities of AM adoption and highlighting its vast potential.

Adding further depth to the program, several specialized showcases and forums are designed to spotlight specific applications and critical industry discussions. The Working Group AM at VDMA, a leading voice in mechanical engineering, will present a comprehensive showcase dedicated to illustrating the invaluable applications of additive manufacturing within the mechanical engineering sector. This exhibit will highlight how AM is being leveraged to produce complex components, optimize designs for performance, and streamline production processes in traditional industries. Concurrently, the innovative BE-AM showcase will delve into the increasingly important role of AM applications in construction, demonstrating how 3D printing is revolutionizing building techniques, material usage, and architectural design. This showcase is perfectly complemented by the BE-AM Symposium, which will provide a deep dive into both historical advancements and future trajectories within this dynamic field, bringing together experts to discuss sustainable and efficient construction methods. Acknowledging the paramount importance of quality and consistency in industrial adoption, Formnext 2023 will also host the ASTM Standards Forum. Held a day before the main event on Monday, November 6th, and organized in cooperation with USCS, ASTM, ISO, and America Makes, this forum is an essential platform for industry stakeholders to engage with the latest developments in additive manufacturing standardization. Establishing robust standards is crucial for ensuring interoperability, quality assurance, and broader acceptance of AM technologies across various regulated industries.

The core agenda of Formnext 2023 is meticulously curated to be a powerhouse of knowledge exchange, brimming with a diverse array of important conferences and insightful presentations. This year, the organizers have elevated the experience with an innovative three-stage approach, significantly increasing the volume and depth of content available to attendees. Each stage is designed to cater to specific interests and foster comprehensive understanding of the additive manufacturing ecosystem: Firstly, the **Application Stage** will be dedicated to showcasing successful, real-world implementations of additive manufacturing. Here, participants will discover compelling case studies and practical insights into how AM is being effectively utilized across various industries, from aerospace and medical to consumer goods, providing tangible examples of ROI and operational efficiency. Secondly, the **Industry Stage** will serve as a vital platform for engaging with meta-topics and fostering cross-disciplinary discussions that address the broader strategic challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing landscape. Key themes will include critical issues such as supply chain resilience – a topic of increasing global importance, especially in the context of geopolitical shifts and material shortages – and cybersecurity, an essential consideration for digitally integrated manufacturing processes. Thirdly, the **Technology Stage** offers exhibitors an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into their groundbreaking innovations, presenting the latest advancements in hardware, software, materials science, and processing techniques. This stage is where the cutting-edge of additive manufacturing truly comes to life, providing detailed technical insights into the next generation of AM solutions. To ensure global accessibility and enhance the overall event experience, all these invaluable sessions will also be available through Formnext streAM. This complementary digital platform, featuring Formnext.TV, provides remote viewers with the opportunity to virtually follow events unfolding live on stage, connect directly with exhibitors, explore detailed product information, and even arrange virtual or hybrid meetings, truly extending the reach of Formnext beyond the physical halls. For a comprehensive overview of every session, speaker, and topic, the entire detailed agenda is readily accessible HERE.

Beyond the comprehensive coverage of the entire additive manufacturing value chain through its extensive conference program and supporting events, Formnext 2023 will also offer unique insights through its cherished traditions and special features. Of particular note is the dedicated focus on the Nordic partner region. Exhibitors from this innovative region will prominently showcase their commitment to sustainability, demonstrating how additive manufacturing can contribute to eco-friendly production processes, circular economies, and reduced material waste. This emphasis aligns perfectly with the growing global imperative for sustainable manufacturing practices, highlighting AM’s potential to drive environmental responsibility alongside technological advancement. Another key highlight is the highly anticipated “Service Provider Marketplace,” a unique initiative organized in close collaboration with industry giant Daimler Truck and Buses. As its name implies, this specialized marketplace will bring together leading additive manufacturing service providers, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to explore a wide array of exemplary 3D printing applications, with a particular emphasis on the automotive sector. This includes invaluable insights directly from renowned automotive companies, detailing precisely how they are integrating additive manufacturing into their own production lines, from prototyping and tooling to end-use parts. This segment is an absolute boon for professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses aspiring to enter the dynamic automotive sector, as well as for those already established but looking to significantly expand their adoption and implementation of cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies within their operations.

With its expanded program, record-breaking exhibitor numbers, and an unwavering commitment to showcasing the latest innovations, it is unequivocally clear that Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH is dedicated to making Formnext 2023 the most impactful and successful edition to date. This year’s event is set to be an indispensable convergence point for anyone involved in or considering the adoption of additive manufacturing – a place where ideas transform into solutions, and industry leaders shape the future. From exploring revolutionary technologies and forging strategic partnerships to gaining critical insights into market trends and sustainable practices, Formnext 2023 offers an unparalleled platform for growth and knowledge. To ensure you remain fully informed and abreast of all the breaking news and significant developments emanating from both the innovative exhibitors and the show itself, we strongly encourage you to continuously follow our dedicated Formnext page. We will be providing comprehensive updates before, throughout, and even after Formnext 2023, ensuring you capture every vital moment and announcement from this pivotal industry event.

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*All Photo Credits: Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Mathias Kutt