Formnext 2024: Focus on efficiency, productivity and sustainability

Formnext 2024 took place in Frankfurt from November 19 to 22, 2024. At the trade fair, exhibitors presented numerous new technologies and developments that are intended to provide impetus for the further development of industrial production towards greater efficiency, productivity and sustainability. There was a particular focus on expanding the areas of application for additive manufacturing and on more cost-efficient and faster production processes.

Despite economic challenges and global uncertainties, Formnext 2024 confirmed its position as the leading trade fair in this sector. With 864 exhibitors, 61% of whom came from abroad, and 34,404 trade visitors, 48% of whom were international, the trade fair exceeded the previous year's figures (859 exhibitors and 32,851 visitors). This illustrates the growing interest in additive manufacturing in various industries.

From medical technology and the automotive industry to architecture and aerospace: the diverse fields of application of additive manufacturing were highlighted by the supporting program and themed special shows. Visitors had the opportunity to discover innovative solutions for optimizing production processes and making them future-proof.

With numerous product innovations along the entire process chain, exhibitors contributed to further expanding the potential applications of additive manufacturing. For the manufacturers of AM systems, the topic of productivity was right at the top of the agenda, which was reflected in new solutions in the field of automation or specialized systems for special applications. At the same time, the megatrend of sustainability continued to play a decisive role - this ranged from exhibition stands printed from sustainable materials to systems for material recycling.

Inspiring journey to success and international presence

Formnext 2024 has once again underlined its importance as a platform for additive manufacturing Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at organizer Mesago Messe Frankfurt, emphasizes the importance of the trade fair for the further development of companies and the economy through innovative technologies. Christoph Stüker, also Vice President of Formnext, adds that close cooperation with the dynamic AM community makes it possible to open up new areas of application and bring technologies to industrial maturity.

This year, the trade fair has once again expanded its already extensive supporting program. Numerous special shows focused on various user industries from the dental and medical sectors to the packaging and construction industries and mechanical engineering. Important trends, technologies and applications were discussed in the multi-stage program with three lecture stages. The enhanced award concept, including visitor voting, honored companies in six different categories. The respective winners were presented with their awards at a ceremony on November 21: Axolotl Biosciences (Start-up Award), Oryx Medicals (Rookie Award), Fraunhofer IGCV (Revolution Award), Siemens / joint project 3D-PROCESS (Design Award), Ceratizit (Sustainability Award) and AM of Bones University of Stuttgart (AMbassador Award).

Once again, Formnext was able to boast a high proportion of international visitors (48%). The frequency and high quality of the discussions were also praised by the exhibitors: Norbert Gall, Head of Marketing at Lithoz, praised the quality of the discussions with international and national new users, while Shaun Wootton, Head of Communications at Colibrium Additive, described the trade fair as an essential part of his company's communication strategy. Sandy R. Sirotic, Territory Sales Manager D/A/CH, Atomization & Equipment, EMEA, from Linde AMT, emphasized the high visitor frequency and the valuable encounters that promoted both business initiation and the maintenance of existing customer relationships. Andreas Langfeld, President EMEA & APAC Stratasys, emphasized the increased number of contacts and the targeted demand for specific applications and solutions, which underlined the success of the trade fair.

The exchange continues: Formnext all year round

As part of the AM Hub, some of the content from the stage program will also be available on demand after the trade fair on Formnext's digital channels (LinkedIn, YouTube and Formnext.TV). Formnext also provides its community with valuable content, impulses and opportunities for exchange throughout the year. Petra Haarburger, President Mesago Messe Frankfurt: "Especially in turbulent times, it is essential that the industry talks to each other. For this reason, we are constantly expanding the Formnext brand into an AM and technology hub and creating opportunities to obtain information, take part in events and network through a wide variety of formats in order to inspire the entire industry."