Formnext 2023 Plans Diverse Supporting Program

Formnext 2023 organizers say attendees can expect more content than the event has ever offered before, with a diverse program of supporting events focusing on a wide range of industry topics. Also, the Service Provider Marketplace will celebrate its premiere this year, while established events will feature new elements.

One of the highlights of this year’s supporting program is the Service Provider Market Place. The showcase is organized in cooperation with Daimler Truck and Buses, which is making its debut at this year’s Formnext. Using applications from the automotive sector, Daimler will demonstrate how Additive Manufacturing (AM) can be deployed successfully, and which role service providers play in the process. In addition, well-known automotive companies such as Daimler Truck & Buses or Brose will explain how they are using AM in their production.

This year’s partner region Nordic will point out the economic potential of the AM industry in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Given that the region is also known for playing a leading role in sustainability, the approximate two dozen Nordic exhibitors will also be presenting a host of AM-based innovations and solutions in this field. The central hub will be the Nordic Pavilion.

The supporting program of Formnext 2023 includes popular established events, which will feature new elements this year. The Formnext Start-up Challenge is taking place for the ninth time, recognizing innovative and viable business ideas. At the Pitchnext event on Nov. 7, exhibitors from the Start-up Area will give short pitches to present themselves and their innovative products.

Innovative young startups will also have an opportunity to present themselves at the “Young Innovators” booth of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). At Career Day on Nov. 9, job seekers can learn about career opportunities in the AM industry, speak to a career adviser and have an up-to-date application photo taken. For the duration of the exhibition, current vacancies for the AM community will be advertised on the Formnext Job Wall in the Career Area as well as in the new online portal “AM Jobs.” The exhibition also provides an opportunity for face-to-face interaction with potential new employers.

The Additive Manufacturing Working Group of the VDMA, the honorary sponsor of Formnext, will host a showcase which features beneficial AM applications from the world of mechanical engineering. Member companies from the association, which number around 200 in total, produce additively manufactured components that enable new functions, contribute to sustainability or improve supply chain issues.

Companies looking to enter the AM industry will find useful insights and advice at the established Discover3Dprinting seminars, which are being held in cooperation with ACAM and will be taking place on each day of the exhibition.

Using real applications, the BE-AM showcase will demonstrate the latest developments in the increasingly important topic of 3D Printing in the construction industry. Also, the BE-AM Symposium on Nov. 8 will provide extensive background and present future developments in the field.

One day before the exhibition commences, the ASTM Standards Forum, which is being held in cooperation with the organizations USCS, ASTM, ISO and America Makes, will once again bring together international experts and decision-makers from the AM industry to discuss the important topic of standards.

This year, Formnext will again offer a complementary digital platform. Beginning Oct. 16, interested parties will be able to view exhibitor products, connect with companies and arrange meetings (in person or online) at Formnext streAM. The platform will remain live until the end of November, providing a good opportunity to stay in touch even after the physical event. A special highlight of Formnext streAM is Formnext.TV, which gives viewers the chance to follow the events taking place on stage live and on demand.

---

• Learn about the 2023 Formnext Start-Up Challenge Winners, which include titanium recycling, new 3D printing technologies and medical applications.
   
• Read about the recent Formnext Forum Austin event which successfully kicked off the North American event series and drew more than 1,000 industrial additive manufacturing thought leaders, technology suppliers and end-users.
   
• Listen to this episode AM Radio #43 to learn more about the AM ecosystem, user journeys and more from Formnext Forum Austin.