UK announced as partner country for Formnext 2026
Mesago Messe Frankfurt has announced the United Kingdom as the partner country for Formnext 2026. With its strong manufacturing background and leading position in Additive Manufacturing, the UK is home to an ecosystem of AM systems, software, and industrial applications. In addition, Formnext announced it is starting the year with fresh impetus and ramping up its focus on key user industries such as orthopaedics, aviation, and the automotive sector.
“The UK has long been a key global player in the world of Additive Manufacturing thanks to the close ties with the country’s robust manufacturing industry, and with established system manufacturers such as Renishaw as well as fast-growing companies such as Wayland Additive and many innovative start-ups,” says Sascha F Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. According to Head of Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK), Joshua Dugdale, “The UK plays a leading role in the global Additive Manufacturing ecosystem, with strengths spanning research, materials, machine development, software, and high-value industrial applications across aerospace, defence, energy, and healthcare.”
Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) aims to bring together industry, academia, and government to support innovation, accelerate adoption, and increase the industrial use of AM technologies, positioning UK Additive Manufacturing capabilities on the world stage.
A greater focus on key user industries
In addition, this year Formnext will be placing a greater focus on key user industries, such as orthopaedics, aviation, and automotive, through targeted events at leading industry exhibitions.
Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext at Mesago, explained, “In partnership with our exhibitors and stakeholders, our aim is to shine a light on the specific benefits and potential of Additive Manufacturing in these key industries to appeal to a broader user base.”
To deliver on this commitment, Formnext will be hosting a number of special AM-focused events at selected trade shows throughout the year, including the AERO Friedrichshafen (April 22–25), OT-World in Leipzig (May 9–22) and Automechanika in Frankfurt (September 8–12).
“These events will enable us to reach an even broader target audience, some of whom will be unfamiliar with AM, and open their eyes to the possibilities of industrial 3D Printing. Users thus have an opportunity to speak to exhibitors at the various events throughout the year, experience the entire spectrum of Additive Manufacturing at Formnext in Frankfurt in November, and develop specific solutions with our exhibitors,” said Stüker.
Additionally, Formnext 2026 will feature a new and improved hall structure, with the exhibition taking place across three levels in the future: in Hall 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1.
Wenzler added, “The new hall structure optimises the space available to improve visitor flows, reduce walking distances, and create a more vibrant experience overall. Formnext continues to improve in both its thematic scope and its quality, and the new floorplan accommodates this perfectly.”
Exhibitor registration is now open, with early bird rates available until March 2, 2026.
