Formnext 2026 has announced the United Kingdom as its partner country—with its strong manufacturing background and leading position in additive manufacturing, the UK boasts a powerful ecosystem of AM systems, software, and industrial applications. In addition, Formnext is starting the year—November 17-20, 2026—with fresh impetus and ramping up its focus on key user industries such as orthopedics, 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, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

According to Joshua Dugdale, Head, Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK), “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, Formnext will this year be placing a greater focus on key user industries, such as orthopedics, aviation, and automotive, through targeted events at leading industry exhibitions. Christoph Stüker, Vice President Formnext, Mesago, explains, “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 thus be hosting a number of special AM-focused events at selected trade shows throughout the year, including the AERO Friedrichshafen (April 22-25, 2026), OT-World in Leipzig (May 19-22, 2026), and Automechanika in Frankfurt (September 8-12, 2026). “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,” says Stüker.

From Formnext 2026, there will be 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. “The new hall structure optimizes the space available to improve visitor flows, reduce walking distances, and create a more vibrant experience overall,” explains Wenzler, adding, “Formnext continues to improve in both its thematic scope and its quality, and the new floorplan accommodates this perfectly.”

For more information: www.formnext.com