Additive manufacturing spotlight UK named partner country for Formnext 2026

With the United Kingdom confirmed as partner country, Formnext 2026 is gaining early momentum and sharpening its focus on additive manufacturing applications in industries such as orthopedics, aviation and automotive.

The United Kingdom has been announced as the partner country for Formnext 2026 — with its strong manufacturing background and leading position in Additive Manufacturing, the UK boasts a powerful ecosystem of AM systems, software, and industrial applications. In addition, Formnext is starting the year with fresh impetus and ramping up its focus on key user industries such as orthopedics, aviation, and the automotive sector. Exhibitors looking to take advantage of this momentum have until 2 March to secure an attractive early bird discount for Formnext 2026.

“The UK has long been a key global player in the world of Additive Manufacturing thanks to the close ties with the country’s robust manufacturing industry, and with established system manufacturers such as Renishaw as well as fast-growing companies such as Wayland Additive and many innovative start-ups,” says Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt. According to Head of Additive Manufacturing UK (Amuk), Joshua Dugdale, “The UK plays a leading role in the global Additive Manufacturing ecosystem, with strengths spanning research, materials, machine development, software, and high-value industrial applications across aerospace, defence, energy, and healthcare.” Additive Manufacturing UK (Amuk) aims to bring together industry, academia, and government to support innovation, accelerate adoption, and increase the industrial use of AM technologies, positioning UK Additive Manufacturing capabilities on the world stage.

A greater focus on key user industries

In addition, Formnext will this year be placing a greater focus on key user industries, such as orthopedics, aviation, and automotive, through targeted events at leading industry exhibitions. Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago, explains: “In partnership with our exhibitors and stakeholders, our aim is to shine a light on the specific benefits and potential of Additive Manufacturing in these key industries to appeal to a broader user base.”

To deliver on this commitment, Formnext will thus be hosting a number of special AM-focused events at selected trade shows throughout the year, including the Aero Friedrichshafen (22–25 April 2026), OT-World in Leipzig (19–22 May 2026) and Automechanika in Frankfurt (8–12 September 2026).

“These events will enable us to reach an even broader target audience, some of whom will be unfamiliar with AM, and open their eyes to the possibilities of industrial 3D Printing. Users thus have an opportunity to speak to exhibitors at the various events throughout the year, experience the entire spectrum of Additive Manufacturing at Formnext in Frankfurt in November, and develop specific solutions with our exhibitors,” says Stüker.

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