Formnext 2022 attendance back to pre-pandemic numbers
Over the course of four days, Formnext 2022 once again brought the global Additive Manufacturing industry to Frankfurt, Germany. With attendees from ninety-six countries, the high proportion of international visitors (51%) and exhibitors (58%) demonstrated its status as the leading international trade fair for industrial Additive Manufacturing and advanced production technologies.
Now in its eighth year, the event included 802 exhibitors, up from 606 in the previous year, and over 51,000 m2 of booked exhibition space. With attendance reported to be 29,581, up by 65.6% compared to 2021 (17,859), Formnext 2022 was virtually on par with pre-COVID levels.
“We are proud of the fact that Formnext has returned to its impressive pre-Covid level,” stated Sascha F Wenzler, VP – Formnext event organiser Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. “We have once again demonstrated the importance of Formnext as the world’s premiere AM platform and the vital role of face-to-face interaction at Formnext for the further development of this highly innovative sector.”
The numerous world premieres and developments included novel AM technologies and new and improved AM machines, as well as new materials ranging from wood to ceramics, software solutions, service offerings, post-processing solutions, and much more.
The programme of supporting events at Formnext 2022 was broader and more varied than before, leading visitors through the world of innovative startups, additively manufactured houses, and cutting-edge applications in medical technology. Recurring themes included the implementation of decentralised AM, the promotion of sustainable manufacturing solutions, and the growing maturity of industrial AM.
For the eighth time, the international Formnext Start-up Challenge recognised young companies from the world of AM for their business ideas and technical developments. Visitors once again enjoyed the Pitchnext event, where start-ups competed for the attention of investors. The purmundus challenge competition celebrated its tenth anniversary, with a reception and a showcase of winners from the past ten years.
The Discover3Dprinting seminars were another popular event during the exhibition, especially for newcomers to AM. The seminars are set to continue at various locations throughout 2023.
On November 14, the day before the start of the exhibition, the ASTM Standards Forum focused on the importance of standards and standardisation for Additive Manufacturing. On the same day, the Wohlers Report LIVE at Formnext 2022 event celebrated its debut.
Next year’s edition of Formnext is scheduled to take place on November 7–10, 2023.
