Formnext 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Formnext 2026 is the premier destination for the additive manufacturing industry.

It’s not just about "looking at printers." It’s about how 3D printing actually drives business. In detail. With data. With real-world use cases.

Venue — Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Video about Formnext

Check out the official channel's video. It perfectly captures the atmosphere and the massive scale of the event.

About Formnext 2026

The format is straightforward. A massive exhibition floor paired with a high-impact stage program. Plus, networking that actually delivers results.

Formnext 2026 brings the entire value chain together. From the initial concept to the finished part.

• 3D printing and manufacturing equipment;
• materials and powders;
• software and digital tools;
• post-processing and finishing solutions;
• automation and quality control;
• services, engineering, and on-demand manufacturing.

One more essential thing. Formnext features the AM Directory. It’s a comprehensive catalog of companies and products that helps you prepare in advance and maintain connections long after the show ends.

Who should visit Formnext

If you are responsible for production or product development, this is for you.

• engineers and production technicians;
• heads of manufacturing and R&D;
• procurement managers for equipment, materials, and services;
• startups and teams bringing new products to market;
• companies from automotive, aerospace, medical, mechanical engineering, and beyond.

The official visitor page puts it clearly: specialists from various industries come here to find solutions for real-world manufacturing challenges.

History of Formnext: How it became the industry benchmark

Formnext has been held annually in Frankfurt since 2015.

In 2025, the exhibition celebrated its 10th anniversary. This is a strong indicator of success. The project isn't a "flash in the pan." It is the stable hub where the market returns every single year.

Advantages of Formnext: Numbers that speak for themselves

Formnext has a unique edge. It attracts a massive number of international players and serious buyers.

Key figures from Formnext 2025:

• 804 exhibitors and AM solution providers;
• 38,282 visitors;
• 49,678 m² of exhibition space;
• 61% international exhibitors;
• 47% international visitors;
• 144 talks, panels, and presentations.

And another compelling fact from the official post-show analytics: 38% of visitors can only be reached through Formnext. They don't attend other trade shows. That kind of exclusivity is rare.

6 major companies at Formnext 2026

Below are examples of prominent participants from the exhibitor directory. These are great "anchors" to help you plan your route through the halls.

• EOS. One of the most recognized brands in industrial 3D printing, especially in metals. Their booth is usually the go-to place for discussions on process stability and serial production.

• HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions. A powerhouse in industrial approaches and scaling. If you're focused on speed and repeatability, their exhibits are a must-see.

• Siemens. Ideal for those looking to integrate manufacturing, data, and software into a single ecosystem. You can often discuss implementation step-by-step, without the "hype."

• Stratasys. A leader in polymer printing and industrial solutions for prototyping and manufacturing. Perfect for comparing technologies and understanding the economics of 3D printing.

• Renishaw. Renowned for precision and metal AM tools. At Formnext, they often demonstrate how to reduce build times while keeping quality under strict control.

• Materialise. One of the most iconic brands in software and services for the 3D printing industry. Essential if you want to streamline preparation, production, and process management.

The exhibitor list is always evolving. Before you go, it’s easiest to check the AM Directory on the official website.

What’s on display at Formnext: Product and service categories

The exhibition makes it easy to get a full picture of the market. Exhibitors typically cover the following sectors:

• 3D Printers and Printing Technologies: metals, polymers, composites, and hybrid solutions.
• Materials: powders, polymers, resins, and specialized formulations.
• Software: model preparation, simulation, production management, and data analytics.
• Post-processing: cleaning, heat treatment, finishing, coloring, and assembly.
• Automation and Quality Control: monitoring, quality assurance, repeatability, and throughput.
• Services: on-demand part manufacturing and engineering support.

Tips for Formnext visitors: How to navigate and get results

The show is massive. But it’s easy to manage if you do a few things beforehand.

• Create a shortlist of objectives. For example: "materials for specific parts," "post-processing," "serial production," or "software." This immediately clarifies where you need to go.

• Schedule meetings in advance. The best conversations rarely happen by chance. People come to Formnext with a tight schedule.

• Make time for the stages. With 144 presentations in 2025, it’s the fastest way to grasp current trends without spending all day guessing.

• Think about logistics. Plan your high-stakes meetings for the morning, and save the "walk-through for new tech" for the afternoon.

• Define the next step. After every meeting, jot down: the contact, what to test, the deadline, and the person responsible. This turns a visit into actual ROI.

How to participate in Formnext 2026 as an exhibitor

If you want to exhibit, keep it simple.

• Step 1. Submit your application on the official website and choose your format.

• Step 2. Define your booth’s objective. Whether it's sales, partnerships, finding dealers, or launching a new product. The goal dictates the design.

• Step 3. Prepare your team and your demos. At Formnext 2026, the most effective booths are those where visitors can quickly grasp the value and talk directly to an engineer.

At ESBAU, we build exhibition stands across Europe designed to attract crowds and drive sales. Want to make a bold statement in Frankfurt? Order a custom exhibition stand from ESBAU — we handle design, production, and installation tailored to your specific goals.

Looking for a fast start and a transparent budget? Check out the exhibition stand rental service by ESBAU. We’ll adapt it to your brand and include a functional meeting area so you’re ready for your first meetings from day one.