With numerous innovations and pioneering developments, the trade fair presented not only new solutions, but also tangible ways in which companies can use this technology to optimize their production processes and tap into new areas of business. Frankfurt once again became the international meeting place for Additive Manufacturing and other future-oriented production technologies. The atmosphere throughout the halls was consistently positive – among both visitors and exhibitors. Numerous in-depth and professional conversations highlighted the high quality of networking at the event. With record visitor numbers and an even broader range of applications on display, it became clear: Additive Manufacturing has not only established itself in industrial production but is increasingly gaining traction across a wide spectrum of users.
On its 10th anniversary, Formnext welcomed 38,282 specialists and executives (47% of them from outside of Germany), thus increasing the already strong visitor numbers from the previous year significantly. With 804 exhibitors (61% of them from abroad), Formnext turned in a very good result in these economically challenging times. The wealth of innovations from exhibitors along the entire process chain and the even more extensive supporting program showcased the myriad applications and concrete business opportunities that Additive Manufacturing presents in a wide range of industrial sectors. The AM sector thus proved that it is still full of forward-looking developments. AM system manufacturers presented numerous machines, some of which were based on completely new production technologies. Meanwhile, specialized materials that were unveiled for the first time will ensure that even better products and components can be produced for even more applications in the future using Additive Manufacturing. And to ensure that this happens ever more efficiently, exhibitors showcased advanced digital solutions from component design to automation, many of which are supported by artificial intelligence.
Formnext has helped shape the AM industry
"The last ten years have been characterized by tremendous technological progress. Additive Manufacturing is no longer a promise for the future, but a reality in numerous industries," says Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at event organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “With progress, however, come new challenges. And this is exactly where Formnext comes in: It showcases solutions for the ongoing industrialization of AM, greater supply-chain flexibility, and the technology’s increased accessibility for SMEs."
Petra Haarburger, President Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, adds: "Formnext shows how important it is to not only make progress visible, but to work together to drive the transformation of industrial manufacturing forward. Just like our slogan says: Driving technologies by connecting bright minds."
Visitors were impressed by the diversity of technologies and solutions showcased at Formnext, as well as by the numerous opportunities the event offers for networking and making new connections:
“This is my first time at Formnext and I wanted to learn as much as possible and make qualified new connections. I found a broad offer on companies, from small and medium-sized to big key players – they are all here. And it was very exciting to see, how varied and deep the technologies are. I am looking forward to coming again next year.” Phillip Chang, Product Developer, Mobile Outfitters
“At Rodin Cars we are producing high performance cars and because AM is a huge part of our process both in research and development and also production of final parts we were keen to come to Formnext to explore what the international industry has to offer. We’re excited and inspired by what we have seen. Formnext shows an overwhelming variety of opportunities for our business.” Michael Blair, Additive Technician, and Andrew Murton, Mechanical Design Engineer, Rodin Cars
“At Formnext, my team and I see what is driving the industry forward year after year. Everything that is new can be seen here first! The range on display here, from small businesses to global corporations and across the entire process chain, is truly impressive.” Frank Zimmer, Staff Engineer Industrial, TE Connectivity GmbH
A broad and varied program of supporting events
To mark its 10th birthday, Formnext significantly expanded its event program once again. In addition to its popular formats – such as a for visitors freely accessible program on three stages, numerous showcases, the Formnext Awards, a partner country, and specialized seminars and events – this year featured guided tours of the trade fair, AM live shows, and much more. As in the last year, the award concept and attendee voting proved to be a strong draw at Formnext 2025, with prizes conferred in six different categories. The winners were presented with their awards at a ceremony on 20 November. Atop the podium this year were PERFI Technologies (Start-up Award), IAM3DHUB – Project „3DMyMask“ (Rookie Award), Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH ((R)Evolution Award), Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd (Design Award), EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems (Sustainability Award), and Irena Heuzeroth, SKZ KFE GmbH (AMbassador Award).
"Formnext has shown that it’s far more than just a trade fair; it’s a source of inspiration and home to a steadily growing global fAMily,” Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, offers in summary.
Global reach at the highest level
With a high percentage of international attendees (47%), Formnext clearly reaffirmed its position as the leading global platform for Additive Manufacturing and advanced industrial production. Exhibitors emphasized the strong visitor turnout, the quality of professional discussions, and Formnext’s pivotal role as a hub for innovation and new business opportunities:
“As the world’s first developer of the shape-memory aligner, we have participated annually in Formnext since 2019. Strong partnerships and momentum strengthened at the show, helped us to grow rapidly. What we find now at Formnext is a growing number of technologies built for real-world, life-impacting applications that will drive the next phase of global 3d-printing innovation. Therefore, Formnext is the right place for presenting our portfolio.” Sim, Un seob, CEO/ President, Graphy
“We have the impression that Formnext is even better attended this year than last year. We’ve already experienced a huge rush of visitors since the morning and are spending the day engaged in intensive and productive discussions. The new offerings, such as the guided tour, have also provided us with great added value.” Stefan Krzykowski, Vertriebsleiter Region Süd & Area Sales Manager, MHG Strahlanlagen GmbH
“We decided to come to Formnext for the first time to present our new technology for thermoset composites. Formnext confirmed that this is the place to be and to show off advancement in AM!” Gabriele Natale, CEO, moi composites
"3D Systems is appreciative of the continuous support we receive from Formnext – their efforts enable us to continuously make an impact in the Additive Manufacturing industry and connect with the decision makers and attendees year after year." Cassie Harris, Global Tradeshow Manager, 3D Systems
Follow up with Formnext in the digital realm
The presentations from the Industry and Application Stages will soon also be available on demand on Formnext's digital channels (YouTube and Formnext.TV).
The next Formnext will take place from 17–20 November 2026 in Frankfurt am Main.
The 2025 event in figures:
Exhibition space (gross): around 50.000 m²
Exhibitors: 804
Visitors: 38.282
