What Can We Expect from the Long Awaited Return of Formnext 2021?

Next Tuesday, Formnext 2021 will open its doors in Frankfurt, and will welcome, after an 18-month absence, the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem, between exhibitors, researchers and visitors. More European players are expected to be there this year due to the health crisis – it’s likely that many American and Asian companies will unfortunately not make the trip. But let’s be honest, after all this time without meetings, we are delighted to see each other again at this annual German event! According to the organizers, 600 exhibitors will be present from November 16th to 19th, 55% of them coming from abroad, which is an encouraging statistic given the current situation. But, what exactly will be showcased at the show? What can we expect from this latest edition?

In 2019, the Formnext trade show was a great success, as it worked to confirm the role and place of additive manufacturing in industry. 852 exhibitors and 34,532 participants walked the floor of Messe Frankfurt, showing the maturity of 3D technologies. The growing importance of metal additive manufacturing was highlighted, as well as materials such as silicone, ceramics, and high-performance thermoplastics. This year, the focus seems to be on process automation and repeatability. Namely, how to offer users a solution that provides greater productivity while addressing reliability issues.

In 2019, metal additive manufacturing was in the spotlight (photo credits: Mesago / Mathias Kutt)

The organizers are as excited as the rest of us, Sascha F. Wenzler, Formnext Vice President at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, commented,“The amazing response we have seen from exhibitors and the AM industry as a whole, including those based outside of Germany, underscores the importance of Formnext as the leading international event in this sector and the strong appetite for coming together and interacting in person once again. It also demonstrates that this vibrant, in-person exhibition is crucial to a highly innovative industry like ours as a platform for showcasing innovations and discussing them with international industry professionals. It is the perfect springboard for getting future-oriented, sustainable technological developments off the ground.”