As of late September, 820 companies (61% international) have registered for the world’s leading additive manufacturing (AM) trade fair, which will take place in Frankfurt from November 19–22, 2024. Visitors can now purchase tickets online and benefit from an early bird discount until October 22.
“The strong registration numbers reflect the significance of additive manufacturing for the entire industry,” says Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President of Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, the event organizer. "AM technology enables companies to address current challenges and unlock new economic opportunities, while Formnext showcases the latest innovations and applications that pave the way for the future of industrial production."
Of the exhibitors registered so far, 61% are international, with key exhibiting countries including the USA, China, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain. Each year, AM professionals present their latest innovations at Formnext, allowing visitors to experience cutting-edge technologies firsthand and engage directly with exhibitors. In addition to showcasing new applications, many exhibitors will focus on how manufacturers can efficiently integrate AM into their production chains.
A Stage for Progress: Formnext Awards and Supporting Program
Formnext 2024’s supporting program introduces new highlights alongside established events. The event’s startup awards have been transformed into the new Formnext Awards, which will recognize outstanding talent in six categories, including innovative companies, sustainable business ideas, and breakthrough technologies. For the first time, the audience can participate in the voting process, with exhibits displayed both at Formnext and online (from mid-October). Voting will close on Thursday, November 21, at 12:00 pm, with audience votes counted as an additional juror's decision.
Formnext’s extensive lecture program will continue this year, providing free access to visitors. On three stages, industry experts will discuss current and future applications, technologies, and trends in AM and manufacturing, with key topics including artificial intelligence in AM, medical and dental technology, robotics, and automation.
Following last year's premiere, the "Service Provider Marketplace" returns, offering companies without AM production capabilities the opportunity to benefit from this groundbreaking technology. The accompanying exhibition will display examples from sectors such as medical technology, dental, and packaging.
Startups will showcase their innovations at the "Start-up Area" and during the Pitchnext event, presenting opportunities to potential investors and partners. The Career Day will offer information on job opportunities in the AM industry, while the daily Discover3Dprinting seminars, held in cooperation with ACAM, will provide companies with insights and advice for entering the AM sector. Additionally, four Deep Dive seminars, also in cooperation with ACAM, will cover topics like AM industrialization, AM design, surface finishing, and materials.
The VDMA AG AM will feature valuable AM applications in the engineering sector at the Additive4industry exhibition. The BE-AM Symposium and exhibition will focus on advancements in 3D printing for the construction industry. On the day before Formnext, the AM Innovation and Standards Summit, held in collaboration with ASTM International, will take place. The finalists of the Hessian State Prize for Universal Design will also be showcased, with the winners announced during an awards ceremony at Formnext.
Partner Country: Australia
The partner country for Formnext 2024 is Australia, which boasts a thriving AM community, globally successful equipment manufacturers, and highly specialized AM companies. Supported by top universities and a unique environment that attracts talent from around the world, Australia is a key player in the global AM industry.
For more information, visit formnext.com.
