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Text: Christoph Stüker
This combination of the old and the new is also evident in the world of Additive Manufacturing and its industrial environment. In many factories today, 3D printers operate alongside traditional machining and injection molding equipment. Despite all the innovation, Additive Manufacturing does not always require everything to be reinvented or for existing production structures to be replaced in their entirety. More often, the key is identifying the right applications where additive technologies can deliver technical and economic value.
The question of where and how AM can be used effectively, from material selection and the manufacturing process itself through to post-processing, is best answered through direct dialogue between technology providers and users. The more complex and diverse the world of additive manufacturing becomes, the more important this exchange becomes, which is precisely why it has remained a core element of Formnext for more than ten years.
This year, we are giving even more attention to the important topic of post-processing, with a special show on the topic as well as guided tours among other things. The growing importance of this field for efficient AM production and industrialization is also reflected in the innovations being presented at Formnext 2026. Alongside AM systems, post-processing ranks among the most innovative technology areas at this year’s exhibition. You will find an overview of these technologies from page 18, while a selection of new products and developments is featured on pages 16 to 21.
The many new products and launches featured in this issue, all of which can be experienced at Formnext 2026, showcase the remarkable breadth and versatility of our industry. While some AM technologies are already mature enough that focus has turned either to highly specialized innovations or specific applications, start-ups in particular continue to introduce new technological approaches. It is precisely this combination of maturity and new ideas that makes the industry so exciting.
This innovative strength is also contributing to a gradual improvement in business sentiment across the AM world. The trend is evident in conversations throughout the industry, in company sales figures and reports, and in the results of the latest AG AM member survey conducted within the VDMA. According to the survey, 85% of companies reported stable or positive business performance over the past 12 months. The outlook remains encouraging: approximately 70% expect growth in the domestic market, while around 60% anticipate export growth over the next two years.
The global AM community will have the opportunity to experience many more exciting developments beginning on 17 November 2026 in Frankfurt. I look forward to meeting you in person at Formnext.
Sincerely, Christoph Stüker
Vice President Formnext
