Formnext 2026 puts UK and key industries in the spotlight

The United Kingdom has been one of the key players in additive manufacturing for years. The close integration of research, technology development and a powerful industrial base has created a diverse AM ecosystem that includes both established system manufacturers and dynamically growing young companies. These include Renishaw, Wayland Additive and numerous innovative start-ups. Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt, points out the international significance of these structures and sees the United Kingdom as traditionally one of the world's most important AM locations.

The partnership also underlines the strategic role of additive manufacturing from a UK perspective. Joshua Dugdale, Head of Additive Manufacturing UK, emphasizes the country's leading position in the global AM ecosystem, which is due in particular to strengths in research, materials development, mechanical engineering and software. In addition, there are sophisticated industrial applications in areas such as aerospace, defense, energy and medical technology. The aim of AMUK is to further intensify cooperation between industry, science and politics, accelerate the market launch of AM technologies and sustainably expand industrial use in order to increase the international visibility of British AM expertise.

Orthopaedics, aircraft construction and automotive

Regardless of the partner country, Formnext 2026 will focus even more strongly on specific user industries. In close cooperation with exhibitors and relevant stakeholders, the specific advantages of additive manufacturing for industries such as orthopaedics, aircraft construction and automotive are to be more clearly identified and made accessible to a broader user base. Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago, sees this as an important step towards further advancing the transfer of AM technologies into industrial series applications.

This increased commitment will also be reflected in Formnext's presence at selected trade fairs. Activities are planned at AERO Friedrichshafen in April 2026, OT World in May 2026 and Automechanika Frankfurt in September 2026, among others.

New hall structure

After the 10th anniversary in 2025, which set a new record with 38,282 visitors, Formnext is also setting new organizational accents. For 2026, the hall structure will be optimized and concentrated on three exhibition levels in Halls 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1. The aim of this realignment is to create shorter routes, clearer visitor flows and an overall denser trade fair atmosphere that takes account of the event's growth in terms of content and quality.

Exhibitors who want to participate in Formnext 2026 and benefit from the continued growth of the AM market can secure an early bird discount until March 2, 2026.