Text: Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext, 15 May 2024
The typical business cycle doesn’t make things easy, does it? Instead of following a nice upward trajectory, it looks more like a wave on paper – peaks and valleys, in other words. The latter is what a number of sectors are going through right now, especially the mechanical engineering and automotive industries. The reasons why have to do with economics, related policies, and geopolitical factors in Germany, greater Europe, and the world at large.
Here in Germany, some of these matter are of our own making – standards and requirements with regard to electromobility or climate protection, for example. Others, meanwhile, are external in nature, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and the growing distance among major political players like Europe, China, and the United States. These things also have a negative effect on sales and orders in the AM market, of course. Right now, the glimmers of light offered by user industries like medical and dental technology, and aerospace can’t quite brighten the overall picture.
Whether things will start looking up again in the second half of the year remains to be seen. One thing that’s certain, however, is that Formnext 2024 will once again serve as the event highlight of the global AM community this November. A strong market presence is essential for companies interested in staying up to speed with their customers and gaining new ones, as well. On the technological side, innovations are always finding their way into new systems and processes, and the world’s most prominent trade show in AM is the best place to check them out.
Having that proverbial leg up on the competition can be absolutely critical, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. That also applies to our own international efforts, by the way: Following our forays into Japan and China, we’ll be bringing Formnext to Chicago next year with another very special concept that’s sure leave our own competitors’ jaws on the floor.
Before signing off, I’d also like to thank you all for the many constructive responses we received to our reader survey. Your suggestions have already resulted in a change you’ll see right away in this issue: To make it easier to read, we’ve modified our font and made some slight adjustments to the page layout. Stay tuned for other future developments, as well!
Sincerely,
Sascha F. Wenzler
Vice President Formnext
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