Formnext showcasing key Additive Manufacturing trends and innovations on three stages
Formnext 2023, scheduled to take place from November 7-10, 2023, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, will this year feature a conference programme held across three stages: The Application Stage, Industry Stage, and Technology Stage. These stages will be used to highlight key Additive Manufacturing trends, applications, and exhibitor innovations.
Application Stage: successful implementations of AM
On the Application Stage, leading international user companies will showcase how they are leveraging Additive Manufacturing to propel their innovations forward. This includes various domains such as footwear manufacturing, electronics, textiles for the fashion industry, components for aircraft cockpits, and robotic Additive Manufacturing on the moon. Distinguished representatives from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and MT Aerospace will also discuss the utilisation of new materials and hybrid manufacturing techniques for satellites (using DED and PBF) in the aerospace sector.
The Audi AG and the BWT Alpine Formula 1 team will appear on the Application Stage to showcase their successful use of AM. Additionally, experts from Austria, France, and Germany in the rail industry will discuss AM innovations in their respective companies and share success stories in bringing innovative applications to the rail sector.
The Application Stage will also provide in-depth insights into technical advancements and the most recent research discoveries. Users and researchers from universities worldwide will engage in discussions about topics including multimaterial Additive Manufacturing, continuous fibre reinforcement, and Additive Manufacturing of tool steel.
Sustainability will be another important subject area for this stage. Discussions will focus on wide-ranging applications, including Additive Manufacturing of building facades, AM for bio-inclusive cities, improving efficiency in the energy sector, and vertical wind turbines.
Industry Stage: meta-topics and cross-disciplinary discussions
Sustainability will also be a focus on the Industry Stage. Well-known companies from the partner region Nordic, including Equinor, Lego Group, Danfoss A/S, and Grundfos Holding A/S, will discuss how they are using Additive Manufacturing to conserve resources. The Industry Stage will also address other key topics, such as supply chain resilience and cybersecurity – amongst others Viaccess-Orca and Daimler Truck AG – Daimler Buses GmbH, as well as new emerging technologies such as bioprinting and Additive Manufacturing of medicine. The topic of investments is also highlighted, with brief presentations of start-ups during the Pitchnext event, experts including those from NewCap Partners, HZG Fund Management, Freigeist Capital GmbH, and AM Ventures Management GmbH will discuss investment and financing options for young Additive Manufacturing companies.
Beyond that, the program also covers topics such as skills shortages, profitable business models, and the challenges and opportunities that the entire AM world is currently facing.
Technology Stage: exhibitors showcase their innovations
Here, leading manufacturers will join a variety of young start-ups to showcase their latest innovations, some of which will mark their debut. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of innovative products up close and engage with industry experts.
The event program can be found, here.
