With numerous innovations and groundbreaking developments, the fair not only presented new solutions but also concrete ways for companies to optimize their production processes through AM and explore new business fields. Frankfurt once again became the international meeting point for Additive Manufacturing and future-oriented production technologies. The atmosphere in the halls was consistently positive – both among visitors and exhibitors. Many intensive and professional discussions underscored the high quality of the exchange. With record visitor numbers and an even broader variety of applications, it became clear: Additive manufacturing has not only arrived in industrial production but is increasingly gaining more users across the board.
At its tenth anniversary, Formnext welcomed 38,282 professionals and executives (47% of them international) and thus significantly increased the already strong visitor numbers from the previous year. With 804 exhibitors (61% of them international), Formnext achieved a very good result in economically challenging times.
The abundance of innovations from exhibitors along the entire process chain, as well as the even more extensive supporting program, showcased the numerous application possibilities and concrete business opportunities of Additive Manufacturing across various industry sectors. This demonstrated that the AM industry is still full of forward-looking developments: Manufacturers of AM systems presented numerous machines that are partially based on entirely new manufacturing technologies. Newly introduced specialized materials will ensure that even better products and components can be produced for even more applications through Additive Manufacturing. And to make this happen more efficiently, exhibitors showcased advanced digital solutions from component design to automation – often supported by the use of Artificial Intelligence.
Formnext has shaped the AM industry
"The last ten years have been characterized by enormous technological development. Additive manufacturing is no longer a promise of the future, but a reality in numerous industries," says Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at the organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. "But with progress come new challenges. And this is exactly where Formnext comes in: It shows solutions to further industrialize AM, to make supply chains more flexible, and to make the technology more accessible to medium-sized companies."
Petra Haarburger, Managing Director of Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, adds: "Formnext demonstrates how important it is to not only make progress visible but to drive the transformation of industrial manufacturing together. In line with our claim: Driving Technologies by connecting bright minds."
Visitors were impressed by the variety of technologies and solutions at Formnext as well as by the numerous opportunities the fair offers for exchange and new contacts:
Phillip Chang, Product Developer, Mobile Outfitters – "This is my first visit to Formnext and I wanted to learn as much as possible and make qualified new contacts. I found a wide range of companies – from small and medium-sized enterprises to large key players: all are represented here. It was particularly exciting to see how diverse and profound the technologies are. I am already looking forward to coming back next year."
Michael Blair, Additive Technician and Andrew Murton, Mechanical Design Engineer, Rodin Cars – "At Rodin Cars, we produce high-performance sports cars, and since Additive Manufacturing is an essential part of our process, both in research and development and in the production of final components, we definitely wanted to come to Formnext to explore what the international industry has to offer. We are thrilled and inspired by what we have seen. Formnext presents an overwhelming variety of opportunities for our business."
Frank Zimmer, Staff Engineer Industrial, TE Connectivity GmbH – "At Formnext, my team and I see year after year what is currently driving the industry. Everything new can be seen here first! The range represented here, from small companies to global corporations and along the entire process chain, is truly impressive."
Extensive and diverse supporting program
For its 10th anniversary, Formnext significantly expanded its event program. In addition to the successfully established formats such as the visitor-accessible stage program on three stages, numerous special exhibitions, the Formnext Awards, the partner country, and specialized seminars and events, this year there were focused tours of the fair, AM live shows, and much more.
The award concept, including visitor voting, was one of the visitor magnets of Formnext 2025 and honored winners in six different categories. The respective winners were ceremoniously awarded on November 20: 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).
Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, outlines: "Formnext has shown that it is much more than a fair, namely a driver of innovation and home to a global, steadily growing fAMily."
Global reach at the highest level
With a high proportion of international visitors (47%), Formnext clearly underscored its position as the leading global platform for Additive Manufacturing and modern industrial production. Exhibitors emphasized the high visitor frequency, the quality of professional discussions, and the central role of Formnext as a hub for innovations and new business opportunities:
Sim, Un seob, CEO/ President, Graphy – “As the world's first developer of the Shape-Memory Aligners, we have been represented at Formnext every year since 2019. Strong partnerships and the dynamics we have established at the fair have significantly supported our rapid growth. Today, we find a growing number of technologies for real applications at Formnext that will change our lives and drive the next phase of global 3D printing innovation. Therefore, Formnext is the ideal place to present our portfolio.”
Stefan Krzykowski, MHG Strahlanlagen GmbH –"We have the impression that Formnext is even better attended this year than last year. We are experiencing a huge influx of visitors in the morning and spend the day continuously engaged in intensive and good conversations. Especially the new offerings like the Guided Tours have provided us with great added value!"
Gabriele Natale, CEO, moi composites –"We have decided to participate in Formnext for the first time to present our new technology for thermoset composites. It has become clear: Formnext is the place to showcase advancements in additive manufacturing!"
Cassie Harris, Global Tradeshow Manager, 3D Systems –"3D Systems greatly appreciates the continuous support from Formnext – their efforts enable us to make a lasting contribution to additive manufacturing year after year and to connect with decision-makers and industry visitors."
Formnext digital after the fair
The presentations from the Industry and Application Stage of the program will soon be available on the digital channels of Formnext (YouTube and Formnext.TV) on demand.
The next Formnext will take place from 17th to 20.11.2026 in Frankfurt.
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