Formnext 2026 is putting the United Kingdom in the spotlight as its partner country. This brings into focus a market that closely links additive manufacturing with conventional production, materials development, and software. The trade fair in Frankfurt wants to use this perspective to align industrial 3D printing more strongly with concrete applications, while also giving exhibitors additional planning certainty through an early-bird window running until March 2, 2026.
“With its close integration with a highly capable manufacturing industry, the United Kingdom has traditionally been one of the most important AM players worldwide and has for years maintained a strong presence with established system manufacturers such as Renishaw, as well as fast-growing young companies like Wayland Additive and innovative start-ups,” said Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH.
“UK plays a leading role in the global additive manufacturing ecosystem—also thanks to its strengths in research, materials, machine development, and software, as well as its high-quality industrial applications in aerospace, defense, energy, and healthcare,” added Joshua Dugdale, Head of Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK).
“For these key industries, together with our exhibitors and stakeholders we will highlight the specific advantages and potential of additive manufacturing even more clearly and bring them closer to a broader base of users,” explained Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago.
In parallel, Formnext is expanding its activities beyond the flagship trade fair itself. Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext, announced that the advantages of additive processes in user industries such as orthopedics, aircraft manufacturing, and automotive “will be highlighted even more clearly” and communicated through appearances at specialist trade fairs. Mentioned are AERO Friedrichshafen (April 22–25, 2026), OTWorld in Leipzig (May 19–22, 2026), and Automechanika in Frankfurt (September 8–12, 2026).
“This allows us to reach an even broader target group of users, some of whom have had little or no contact with AM so far. Our goal is to inspire them with industrial 3D printing. This enables them, on the one hand, to engage with exhibitors in this year-round format and, in November at Formnext in Frankfurt, experience the full spectrum of additive manufacturing and develop concrete solutions together with our exhibitors,” said Stüker.
“With the new sustainable hall structure, we are creating shorter distances, clearer visitor flows, and an even more vibrant trade fair experience,” explained Sascha F. Wenzler, adding: “Formnext continues to grow in terms of content and quality, and the optimized planning provides the right framework for that.”
Following 38,282 visitors at Formnext 2025, Mesago is also adjusting the hall layout: in 2026, the exhibition is set to take place on levels 11.0, 12.0, and 12.1. The aim is shorter walking distances and clearer visitor flows, making conversations between machine manufacturers, material suppliers, software companies, and users more efficient.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
