Formnext 2026: Additive Manufacturing Stages & Awards

Additive manufacturing Formnext 2026 puts industrial applications and production scaling in focus

2026-11-04 Source: Mesago 3 min Reading Time

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In addition to showcasing the latest solutions across the entire Additive Manufacturing process chain, Formnext 2026 (17-20 November) will once again offer an extensive supporting program featuring expert presentations, panel discussions, showcases, awards, and valuable networking opportunities.

The supporting programme at Formnext covers practical applications, technical topics and developments in additive manufacturing.(Source: Formnext, Mesago Messe Frankfurt, Marc Jacquemin) — The supporting programme at Formnext covers practical applications, technical topics and developments in additive manufacturing.
(Source: Formnext, Mesago Messe Frankfurt, Marc Jacquemin)

As a leading trade show for Additive Manufacturing and modern industrial production, Formnext complements the innovative strength of its exhibitors with additional knowledge-sharing formats, practical insights, and numerous opportunities for professional exchange. Highlights include the Industry & Application Stage, the Technology Stage featuring exhibitor presentations on the latest technologies and innovations across the AM process chain, the new Formnext Defence Summit, the Formnext Awards, as well as a variety of symposia and showcases.

Applications, industrialization, and future technologies in Additive Manufacturing on the Formnext stages

The two stages are a central element of the Formnext supporting program. While the Industry & Application Stage focuses on current applications, market trends, and future developments in Additive Manufacturing, exhibitors on the Technology Stage will present their latest innovations and solutions in areas including materials, software, AM production, and post-processing, providing insights into emerging technology trends and new approaches to industrial manufacturing.

Through real-world case studies and strategic perspectives, the Industry & Application Stage demonstrates how Additive Manufacturing is driving the development of new products, processes, and business models across relevant user industries. The program covers topics from aerospace, architecture and construction, automotive and mobility, energy, electronics, medical technology, tooling and mold making, defense, as well as consumer and lifestyle applications, highlighting the growing role of additive technologies in industrial value creation.

A key focus will be the continued industrialization of Additive Manufacturing. Discussions will explore current market and investment trends, successful business models, and the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling additive production processes. In addition, the stage will spotlight innovative developments and future perspectives in advanced manufacturing. Presentations and panel discussions will address topics such as artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalization throughout the Additive Manufacturing value chain. AI-driven design and production processes, robotics, digital twins, simulation-based manufacturing, and data-driven quality control illustrate how digital technologies are accelerating the industrial maturity of Additive Manufacturing. Further topics include 4D printing, supply chain resilience, sustainability, and workforce development.

Formnext Awards recognize outstanding innovations

The Formnext Awards will once again be among the highlights of the 2026 supporting program. Providing an international platform for groundbreaking ideas, technologies, and projects from across the Additive Manufacturing industry, the awards recognize outstanding achievements in six categories. The official award ceremony, taking place on 19 November during Formnext, will honor pioneering developments from across the AM ecosystem. The Formnext Awards are supported by Renishaw, the Fomas Group, FKM Sintertechnik, and Sutosuto.

Formnext Defence Summit makes its debut

With the introduction of the Formnext Defence Summit, Formnext expands its conference portfolio with a highly relevant new topic. The event, organized in cooperation with the Additive Manufacturing Defence Network e.V., will focus on the opportunities and challenges of Additive Manufacturing for defense and security applications, with particular emphasis on resilient supply chains, technological sovereignty, and the operational readiness of security-critical industries. The summit will bring together representatives from industry, research institutions, government agencies, and defense organizations, creating a platform for discussion around current developments and future requirements.

Standards, qualification, and certification

Ahead of the exhibition, the AM Innovation and Standards Summit (organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, ASTM International, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and America Makes) will provide an opportunity to discuss key issues related to standardization, qualification, and certification in Additive Manufacturing. The event brings together representatives from industry, government, and standards organizations to address challenges and solutions supporting the continued industrialization of Additive Manufacturing. This year's focus will be on defense and security applications.

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Start-ups, talent development, and knowledge sharing

Through the Start-up Area and the Pitchnext event, Formnext supports emerging companies by providing a platform to present their technologies, business models, and ideas to an international professional audience. At the same time, the Discover3DPrinting seminars offer a concise and practical introduction to the world of Additive Manufacturing. The program is further complemented by the Career Area, which connects skilled professionals and companies through networking opportunities, a job board, and career-focused offerings.

Showcases and thematic highlights

Additional highlights include the showcase presented by the VDMA Additive Manufacturing Working Group, the BE-AM showcase and symposium dedicated to AM in construction, guided tours and a new showcase focusing on current developments in post-processing, as well as insights into this year's partner country, the United Kingdom. Together with the conference and networking formats, these offerings provide additional opportunities to discover emerging trends, explore real-world applications, and build new connections within the international AM community.

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