10 years of Formnext: Additive manufacturing (AM) has arrived in industry
25 November 2025: Formnext 2025, held in Frankfurt am Main from November 18-21, impressively demonstrated the dynamic development of additive manufacturing. With numerous innovations and groundbreaking developments, the trade fair presented not only new solutions but also concrete ways in which companies can optimize their production processes using AM and tap into new business areas. Frankfurt once again became the international meeting place for additive manufacturing and future-oriented production technologies. The atmosphere in the halls was consistently positive – among both visitors and exhibitors. Many intensive and professional discussions underscored the high quality of the exchange.
At its tenth anniversary, Formnext welcomed 38,282 industry professionals and executives (47% of them international), significantly increasing the already strong visitor numbers from the previous year. With 804 exhibitors (61% international), Formnext achieved a very good result in economically challenging times. The wealth of innovations from exhibitors along the entire process chain, as well as the even more comprehensive supporting program, showcased the numerous application possibilities and concrete business opportunities of additive manufacturing in a wide variety of industrial sectors. This demonstrated that the AM industry is still brimming with groundbreaking developments: Manufacturers of AM systems presented numerous machines, some of which are based on entirely new manufacturing technologies. Specialized materials, presented for the first time, will ensure that even better products and components for even more applications can be manufactured using additive manufacturing.
Formnext has significantly 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 precisely where Formnext comes in: It showcases solutions to further industrialize AM, make supply chains more flexible, and 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 not only to make progress visible, but also to drive the transformation of industrial manufacturing together. This perfectly aligns 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 trade fair offers for exchange and new contacts:
Phillip Chang, Product Developer, Mobile Outfitters said “This is my first visit to Formnext and I wanted to learn as much as possible and make valuable new contacts. I found a wide range of companies – from small and medium-sized enterprises to large key players: they are all represented here. It was particularly exciting to see how diverse and in-depth the technologies are. I’m already looking forward to coming back next year.”
Michael Blair, Additive Technician and Andrew Murton, Mechanical Design Engineer, Rodin Cars said “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 end-use parts, we were eager to attend 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.”
Extensive and diverse supporting program
For its 10th anniversary, Formnext significantly expanded its event program. In addition to successfully established formats such as the freely accessible stage program on three stages, numerous special exhibitions, the Formnext Awards, the partner country, and specialized seminars and events, this year’s offerings included focused tours of the trade fair, AM live shows, and much more. The award concept, including visitor voting, was one of the main attractions of Formnext 2025 and recognized winners in six different categories. The respective winners were officially honored on November 20th: PERFI Technologies (Start-up Award), IAM3DHUB – Project “3DMyMask” (Rookie Award), Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH ((R)Evolution Award), Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Design (Design Award), EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems (Sustainability Award) and Irena Heuzeroth, SKZ KFE GmbH (AMbassador Award).
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 numbers, the quality of the technical discussions, and Formnext’s central role as a hub for innovation and new business opportunities.
Sim, Un seob, CEO/President, Graphy said “As the world’s first developer of the Shape Memory Aligner, we have been exhibiting at Formnext every year since 2019. Strong partnerships and the momentum we have gained at the trade fair have significantly supported our rapid growth. Today, we find a growing number of technologies for real-world 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 showcase our portfolio.”
Gabriele Natale, CEO, moi composites said “We decided to participate in Formnext for the first time to present our new technology for Thermoset Composites. It has become clear that Formnext is the place to showcase advances in additive manufacturing!”
Cassie Harris, Global Tradeshow Manager, 3D Systems said “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 professionals.”
Formnext digital following the trade fair
The presentations from the Industry and Application Stage of the stage program will soon be available on demand on Formnext’s digital channels (YouTube and Formnext.TV).
The next Formnext will take place from November 17-20, 2026 in Frankfurt.
The figures for 2025 at a glance:
Exhibition area (gross): approximately 50,000 m²
Exhibitors: 804
Visitors: 38,282
www.formnext.mesago.com
