Formnext 2025, held from 18 to 21 November in Frankfurt am Main, marked the tenth anniversary of the trade fair and highlighted the dynamic development of additive manufacturing as an established industrial technology. The event presented numerous innovations and new production technologies, as well as concrete examples of how companies are integrating additive manufacturing into their processes to optimize production and open up new business fields. The consistently positive atmosphere in the halls, reported by both visitors and exhibitors, was supported by intensive technical discussions and a high quality of networking. With record visitor numbers and a broad spectrum of applications on display, the 2025 edition illustrated that additive manufacturing is not only firmly anchored in industrial production but is also increasingly reaching a wider base of users.
On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Formnext welcomed 38,282 specialists and executives, 47% of them from outside Germany, significantly increasing the already strong attendance of the previous year. The exhibition hosted 804 exhibitors, 61% from abroad, despite economically challenging conditions. Exhibitors covered the entire additive manufacturing process chain, and the expanded supporting program illustrated a wide range of industrial applications and concrete business opportunities. System manufacturers presented numerous machines, including systems based on completely new production technologies. Newly introduced specialized materials are intended to enable improved parts and components for an even broader set of applications. In parallel, exhibitors presented advanced digital solutions spanning component design through to automation, many integrating artificial intelligence to enhance production efficiency.
Formnext and the industrialization of additive manufacturing
According to the organizer, the past decade of Formnext has coincided with significant technological progress in additive manufacturing. Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, emphasized the shift from promise to practice: "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." He also pointed to new tasks arising from this development: "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 of Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, underlined the importance of collaboration in industrial transformation: "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."
The breadth of technologies and solutions presented, together with the networking opportunities, left a positive impression on visitors. Phillip Chang, Product Developer at Mobile Outfitters, summed up his first visit: "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-d 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."
Representatives from Rodin Cars, a manufacturer of high performance cars, also stressed the relevance of the event to their operations. "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," commented Michael Blair, Additive Technician, and Andrew Murton, Mechanical Design Engineer at Rodin Cars.
From the perspective of established industrial suppliers, the event remained a central platform for innovation monitoring. "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," said Frank Zimmer, Staff Engineer Industrial at TE Connectivity GmbH.
Crowded aisles at Formnext 2025. Photo: Formnext Mesago Messe Frankfurt, Mathias Kutt.
Expanded supporting program and Formnext Awards
For its tenth edition, Formnext significantly expanded its supporting program. Alongside established formats such as the freely accessible stage program for visitors on three stages, numerous showcases, the Formnext Awards, the partner country concept and specialized seminars and events, the 2025 trade fair also introduced guided tours and AM live shows. These additions were designed to provide visitors with structured insights into technologies and applications as well as hands-on demonstrations.
The Formnext Awards once again attracted considerable attention. As in the previous year, the award concept combined expert evaluation with attendee voting. In 2025, prizes were awarded in six categories and presented at a ceremony on 20 November. The winners were: PERFI Technologies in the Start-up Award category; IAM3DHUB with the project "3DMyMask" for the Rookie Award; Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH for the (R)Evolution Award; Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd for the Design Award; EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems for the Sustainability Award; and Irena Heuzeroth of SKZ KFE GmbH for the AMbassador Award.
Summarizing the role of the event, Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, stated: "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."
International reach and feedback from exhibitors
Formnext 2025 recorded an international attendee share of 47%, reaffirming its role as a global platform for additive manufacturing and advanced industrial production. Exhibitors highlighted the strong visitor turnout, the level of technical discussion and the function of the event as a hub for innovation and new business.
Graphy, which describes itself as the world’s first developer of the shape-memory aligner, has been exhibiting at Formnext since 2019. CEO and President Sim, Un seob commented: "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."
From the perspective of equipment suppliers, the high visitor density and new formats were notable. "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," said Stefan Krzykowski, Vertriebsleiter Region Süd and Area Sales Manager at MHG Strahlanlagen GmbH.
Formnext 2025 also attracted companies presenting new technologies in thermoset composites. "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!" stated Gabriele Natale, CEO of moi composites.
3D Systems also underlined the trade fair’s role as an industry meeting point. "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," said Cassie Harris, Global Tradeshow Manager at 3D Systems.
Digital follow-up and outlook for 2026
To extend the reach of the technical content presented on site, the organizers announced that the presentations from the Industry and Application Stages will be made available on demand via digital channels, including YouTube and Formnext.TV. This is intended to offer participants and other interested parties the opportunity to review the content after the event and to reach additional audiences who could not attend in person.
The next Formnext is scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 November 2026 in Frankfurt am Main. The key figures for the 2025 edition underline the scale of the event: approximately 50,000 m² of gross exhibition space, 804 exhibitors and 38,282 visitors. The combination of high international participation, expanding application fields and a broad supporting program indicates that additive manufacturing is consolidating its position as a key component of modern industrial production.
