Formnext 2024: A Celebration of Innovation in Additive Manufacturing

Formero Visits Formnext 2024

A recap from our Director, Simon Marriott

In 2023, I made the journey to Frankfurt, Germany, to attend the Formnext additive manufacturing exhibition. 2024, I returned—and wow, what an event it was! Formnext 2024 was bigger and more exciting than ever before, boasting over 700 exhibitors and nearly 35,000 attendees over four incredible days.

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s event was that Australia was the official country partner for 2024. Global Victoria played a significant role, hosting 13 Victorian exhibitors at Formnext. Speed3D made a strong impression with a major stand showcasing one of their Expeditionary Manufacturing Units, which demonstrated their cutting-edge Cold Spray technology. It was inspiring to see Australian innovation taking centre stage at this global AM event.

A Tour Through Cutting-Edge Technology

Walking through the four massive exhibition halls, it quickly became evident why the AM sector continues to thrive, even as some major companies have reported a drop in sales. Innovation was in full force across the show floor, spanning industries far beyond the usual medical and aerospace applications.

This year, new and exciting use cases emerged in electronics, energy, and even fashion. Companies such as Carbon and Stratasys demonstrated how 3D printing is revolutionizing the footwear and clothing sectors. What was once seen as experimental is now driving real-world business success, highlighting AM’s growing impact across industries.

Pushing Boundaries in Construction, Architecture, and Art

Construction and architecture also had a strong presence at Formnext 2024, with the BeAM special showcase featuring incredible innovations in structural components, furniture, and sustainably printed materials. Beyond that, the artistic applications of AM were truly inspiring. Exhibitors like Concr3de showcased stunning 3D-printed busts and sculptures made from stone dust, while Team Kubitur presented animated models designed for urban and traffic planning at the IGO3D booth. The ability to merge engineering with art through additive manufacturing was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The Rise of Ceramic 3D Printing

Another area of rapid development was ceramic 3D printing. Major players such as 3DCeram, Bosch Advanced Ceramics, D3, and Lithoz had a strong presence, displaying how ceramics are expanding into new industries. From semiconductor production to the adhesives industry and even lithium extraction, ceramics are proving to be a game-changer. Lithoz, for example, presented an innovative filter system for lithium extraction, underscoring how AM continues to unlock new business opportunities.

Driving Down Costs and Increasing Efficiency

Cost reduction remains a key focus for AM, and Formnext 2024 featured a wealth of solutions aimed at making 3D printing more economical. Across the entire process chain, companies showcased improvements in printing efficiency, materials, and post-processing techniques. Optimized software solutions played a crucial role, streamlining design workflows and reducing material waste—critical factors for high-cost applications.

Meanwhile, low-cost desktop printers are becoming a serious productivity driver. Companies like Prusa and Bambu Lab are offering affordable solutions that, with the right materials and expertise, can sometimes meet industrial standards. This trend is making AM more accessible than ever, opening the doors for small businesses and individuals to enter the space.

The Growing Influence of Chinese AM Companies

One major takeaway from this year’s Formnext was the increasing presence of Chinese AM companies. With a highly competitive domestic market, many Chinese firms are aggressively expanding internationally, setting up sales and service branches in Europe and beyond.

Western suppliers are feeling the pressure, and some are even finding it difficult to compete in China. During a press tour at Formnext, an executive from a leading European AM manufacturer admitted that their company has all but stopped selling in China due to fierce competition. However, Western companies still hold strong positions in critical sectors like aerospace and defence, where data security and intellectual property concerns remain paramount.

Aerospace and Defence: A Stronghold for Western Manufacturers

Despite growing competition, Western AM companies continue to dominate aerospace and defence applications. One standout example at Formnext was BLT’s O-ring seal, made from a specially developed alloy on their BLT S-400 systems and currently used by Airbus in the A320 program. These high-precision, high-security applications demonstrate that AM remains a crucial technology for mission-critical industries.

A Marathon of Innovation

With so much to see and experience, four days at Formnext 2024 barely scratched the surface. The sheer volume of innovation on display was staggering, and the enthusiasm of the industry was contagious. By the end of it all, my feet had given up, and I was more than ready for the 15-hour flight home—if only to process the incredible advancements I had just witnessed.

Formnext 2024 was a testament to the unstoppable growth of additive manufacturing. From game-changing technologies to new business opportunities, the industry continues to push boundaries in ways that will shape the future of manufacturing. If this year’s event was any indication, the next chapter of AM is going to be nothing short of revolutionary.

Hopefully you can get a leave pass to make the trip to Germany for Formnext 2025.

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