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Text: Thomas Masuch
With this in mind, Formnext 2026 is stepping up its focus on concrete applications, successful implementations, and verifiable business cases across the entire value chain. The goal is to make the added value of Additive Manufacturing even more tangible and to offer users practical guidance for their own investment and production decisions.
Real-world use cases and innovative business models
To this end, Formnext is systematically expanding its lineup for various user industries. Real-world use cases, innovative business models and successful industrial products will be presented and discussed, both within the framework of the year-round programme and at the trade show itself. This year, the defence, energy, oil and gas, automotive, transportation and mobility, and construction and architecture sectors will receive special attention.
Formnext’s offerings range from industry-specific Technology Talks to white papers that shed light on current developments and best practices. Formnext Magazine regularly features articles on successful application examples and the key trends in end-user industries. During the trade show, specific use cases and their economic potential will be presented on the stages. In addition, the established special exhibitions on architecture and construction as well as mechanical and plant engineering offer in-depth insights into innovative AM solutions drawn from real-world practice.
The topic of defence will feature prominently on the agenda in 2026. At a summit organised specifically for this purpose, Formnext will examine the growing range of applications for Additive Manufacturing in the defence sector and provide a platform at the trade show for sharing ideas on current applications, requirements and future prospects.
Formnext will also feature a greater emphasis on an area that is becoming increasingly critical to the industrial success of additively manufactured components: post-processing. For the first time, there will be a dedicated special exhibition devoted to this topic, where visitors can learn all about the latest technologies, processes and solutions for post-processing additively manufactured components. Guided tours will also be available, offering a brief overview of the main innovations and suppliers.
To stay informed about the latest developments, you can subscribe to Formnext’s AM4U newsletter at formnext.com/getindustryinsights. This will provide you with regular updates on the year-round programme as well as important news and highlights relating to Formnext 2026.
