Reading time: 2 minutes
Text: Christoph Stüker
This is also illustrated by the latest VDMA survey in fall . So where does the truth lie? It’s hard to say, because the diversity that makes the AM world so fascinating for many also makes it difficult to understand and comprehend. Not only are there manufacturers, designers, service providers, and quality experts, but there are also users from a wide range of industries – from dentists to architects, jewelry designers, and rocket engineers to oil rig managers. And each of these sectors is developing at a different pace, with growth rates often varying greatly in these sectors as well as in the different regions. These different people and industries do however have an opportunity to come together within our AM world to exchange views of processes, share experiences, and much more besides.
We support and encourage this cross-sectoral dialog every year at Formnext, which last year welcomed a record 38,282 visitors from such varied sectors as mechanical and plant engineering, automation, scientific institutions, automotive, and medical and dental technology. The big increase in total visitor numbers was not the result of a boom in one sector, but can rather be attributed to the growing popularity of AM across diverse industries. For us as organizers, the success is the result of a wide range of activities and projects.
We work hard throughout the year, publishing media such as the Formnext Magazine, AM4U newsletter and various whitepapers, and offering other formats such as Formnext TV and webinars. We also organize seminars and workshops and often partner with other trade shows and conferences as an AM ambassador. The goal is always the same: To bring Additive Manufacturing and its business cases to new people and business owners.
In line with our ongoing mission to highlight promising user industries, we are this year focusing on automotive & transportation, construction & architecture, orthopedics and energy, and oil & gas. The sectors and target groups are therefore extremely diverse, all with different interests, challenges, and requirements. Just as the industry is constantly developing new applications, we are preparing for this by keeping abreast of the latest initiatives, trends, and target groups to ensure that Formnext in November is as up to date and varied as possible.
Sincerely, Christoph Stüker
Vice President Formnext
