Formnext will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025 with an expanded event program that builds on the show’s established formats and introduces new elements tailored to the evolving additive manufacturing landscape. In addition to three open stages, numerous special showcases, the Formnext Awards, a featured partner country and a series of seminars and side events, this edition adds guided trade fair tours focused on post-processing, live AM shows and interactive features. The stage program will examine current and future applications, technologies and trends across additive manufacturing and the wider production industry. Spain will appear as partner country with numerous exhibitors. The popular Discover3DPrinting seminars return, complemented by deep dives into large-format plastic 3D printing, DED, data-driven design and scaling. New livestream and quiz formats will broaden audience engagement across technical and general-interest topics.
“By expanding our event program, we’re addressing current developments in the world of Additive Manufacturing,” said Christoph Stüker, Vice President of Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “The range of industrial applications grows every year, and more and more people are gaining access to this innovative technology. At the same time, the AM industry is demanding ever more economical, but also more specialized solutions.”
Expanded stage program highlights applications and industry trends
Formnext’s three-stage format is open to all trade fair visitors and brings together recognized experts to discuss applications, technologies and trends. On the Application Stage (Hall 11.1, E69), topics range from individual orthoses, jewelry and watches to rocket engines, robot components, pipelines and spare parts for wind turbines, with a strong emphasis on economic efficiency. The Industry Stage (Hall 11.0, D72) addresses overarching themes that affect the AM sector, including sustainability, the industrialization of AM and “Design for AM”. Specific program examples include AI-generated consumer products and the 3D printing of mushroom mycelium. Exhibitors’ latest innovations will be presented on the Technology Stage (Hall 12.1, B49).
Key themes include decentralized production and desktop systems
Marking the 10th anniversary, the Industry Stage will host a keynote and panel discussion reflecting on a decade of AM developments and looking ahead. A panel on mergers and acquisitions will examine current consolidation in the AM market, and regional, national and international initiatives will be presented. Decentralized production, a core strength of AM across industries, will feature prominently, including its potential to rethink supply chains. The growing role of relatively inexpensive desktop 3D printers in industrial environments will also be discussed. The 2025 stage program will address opportunities and challenges arising from this democratization of AM, particularly for small and medium-sized companies.
AM knowledge for newcomers and experts
Discover3DPrinting seminars, organized in cooperation with the Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing (ACAM), will take place daily on the Application Stage to provide newcomers with an overview and practical insights. These sessions will be complemented by DeepDives on the Technology Stage covering large-format plastic 3D printing, the rise of DED technology, data-driven design and the scaling of 3D printing.
New formats: guided tours, livestream and quiz show
New guided tours will focus on post-processing, acknowledging its critical role in AM production. Led by AM and industry experts, the tours will last around 90 minutes and will run on Wednesday, 19 November in German, and Thursday, 20 November in English, both starting at 2:00 pm. The meeting point is the foyer in front of Hall 12.0. No advance registration is required and participation is on a first come, first served basis.
Additional program elements include “Show and Telling LIVE”, a livestream by YouTuber and content creator 3D Printing Nerd on Tuesday afternoon in Hall 11.0, and the Ultimate Additive Quiz Show on Wednesday evening on the Technology Stage.
The Industry Stage at Formnext 2024. Photo: Formnext Mesago, Marc Jacquemin
Special showcases and standards
Special showcases will provide deeper insight into sector-specific AM applications. At Additive4Industry (Hall 12.0, B01), the VDMA Additive Manufacturing working group will present applications from mechanical engineering. The BE-AM Symposium will take place on 19 November in the Portalhaus, room “Transparenz”, with a corresponding showcase in Hall 11.0, F49 to highlight 3D printing in construction. The AM Art Space (Hall 11.0, D82), organized with SUTOSUTO, will explore the interface between AM and art. The AM Innovation and Standards Summit at Formnext will be held the day before the trade fair on 17 November in Hall 4.0, room “Europa”, in cooperation with ASTM International, focusing on international norms and standards. Keynotes will concentrate on industry-specific approaches, success stories and challenges in qualification and certification.
Start-ups, careers and awards
In the Start-up Area (Hall 11.0, D62) and at the Young Innovators joint booth of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (Hall 12.1, B39), young companies will present their solutions and connect with investors and partners. Participating firms will also introduce themselves at a Pitchnext event on 18 November at 2:15 pm on the Industry Stage (Hall 11.0, D72). The Career Area in Hall 11.0 will provide information on current AM job opportunities, with a Job Wall, career advice and professional headshots available on 20 November.
The Formnext Awards will again recognize innovative young companies, sustainable business ideas and technologies across six categories. Finalists’ ideas will be presented on the Formnext website and at the event. Attendees can take part in online voting, with winners announced at the award ceremony on Thursday, 20 November at 4:20 pm on the Industry Stage.
Partner country: Spain
Spain will be the partner country at Formnext 2025, supported by numerous innovative exhibitors. Spain has been among the leading exhibitor countries at Formnext over the years, and around 30 companies are expected. The Spanish AM industry shows particular strengths in AM systems, materials and R&D.
Further information
For details on tickets and attending Formnext, visit: www.formnext.com/visitors
