Formnext

03/06/2026

Supporting the cause: Why support strategies matter in AM

When it comes to Additive Manufacturing, the spotlight is often on materials – but what about supports? They are essential for enabling complex geometries and play a critical role across many AM technologies.

In our latest Formnext Magazine we explore how support strategies are evolving: from soluble materials in FDM and advanced approaches in LPBF to emerging concepts like self-supporting processes and selective solubility. Discover how smarter support solutions can reduce post-processing, lower costs, and unlock new applications.

👉 Read the full article and stay ahead of AM innovation: https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/industry-insights/fonmag/fonmag_articles_new/supporting-the-cause.html

02/06/2026

🎤 Your chance to step into the spotlight! ✨

The Call for Speakers is open until the end of June and there’s still room for fresh perspectives on our stages at the world’s leading event for Additive Manufacturing.

We’ve already seen a great range of inspiring submissions, but we know there’s more out there. If you have innovative ideas, valuable insights, or a story worth sharing, this is your moment to present it to an international audience.

👉 Send us your proposal and become part of Formnext 2026: https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/expo/program.html

We’re looking forward to your ideas!

26/05/2026

🚀 Formnext Awards 2026: Submissions now open!

The Formnext Awards recognize the people, companies, and solutions shaping the future of Additive Manufacturing across six categories that reflect the full spectrum of innovation and impact:

🏆 AMbassador Award – for community impact and education
Jury: Dr. Irene Skibinski (VDMA AM), Haden Quinlan (MIT), Lisa D. Block (Women in 3D Printing), Karsten Heuser (Siemens)

🎨 Design Award – for outstanding AM design and products
Jury: Duann Scott (CDFAM), Prof. Oliver Tessmann (TU Darmstadt), Dr. Patrick Pradel (Loughborough University)

⚙️ (R)Evolution Award – for solutions delivering real industry value
Jury: Dr. Maximilian Binder (BMW Group), Prof. Jennifer Johns (University of Bristol), Massimiliano Cecconi (Baker Hughes)

🚀 Rookie Award – for emerging talents and early-stage ideas
Jury: Arno Held (AM Ventures), Alex Kingsbury (nLight), Prof. Peter Mayr (TU Munich), Dr. Sascha Schwarz (TUM Venture Labs), Heather Swift Hunt (Kickstarter)

🚀 Start-up Award – for scalable, high-impact young companies
Jury: as Rookie Award

🌱 Sustainability Award – for lifecycle-driven, resource-efficient solutions
Jury: Prof. Kristian Arntz (FH Aachen), Dr. Mohsen Seifi (ASTM), Sherri Monroe (AMGTA)

Whether you're driving innovation, sustainability, design, or entrepreneurship in AM - this is your chance to gain global visibility and recognition.

📅 Deadlines:
Start-up Award: 31 July 2026
All others: 31 August 2026

👉 Submit now: https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/expo/program/award.html

Formnext gives outstanding ideas for modern production the stage they deserve with the Formnext Awards!

30/04/2026

✈️ Formnext Goes Vertical: Aviation Edition | AERO 2026

Additive Manufacturing took off at AERO Friedrichshafen 2026!
At the joint booth “Additive Manufacturing presented by Formnext”, Airtech, Bosch, Formlabs and Renishaw brought AM to life, giving visitors hands‑on insights into how the technology is transforming general aviation.

The accompanying stage program sparked lively expert exchanges, clearly underlining the growing impact and relevance of AM technologies in aviation.

👉 Take a look back: https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/industry-events/formnext-at-aero.html

Next stop: Automechanika 2026 | 9 – 10 September | Frankfurt, Germany!
“Formnext goes vertical” turns the spotlight on the automotive service industry.

👉 Discover more: https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/marketing-advertising.html

23/04/2026

More Than 25,000 Flight‑Ready 3D‑Printed Parts per Year

Polymer AM is a core element of Airbus’ production strategy. With high‑performance polymers and industrial 3D‑printing systems from Stratasys, Airbus manufactures certified, flight‑ready components faster and more flexibly – strengthening supply‑chain resilience. Today, more than 200,000 Stratasys polymer parts are already in active use across Airbus aircraft.

👉 Curious how polymer AM is reshaping aerospace production and enabling more resilient, decentralized manufacturing? Read the full article:
https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/industry-insights/fonmag/fonmag_articles_new/more-than-25000-flight-ready-parts-per-year.html

22/04/2026

🎤 The Call for Speakers is now open!

Share your expertise, showcase your innovations and help shape the Formnext stage program. This is your opportunity to reach an international audience and actively contribute to the development of Additive Manufacturing.

Do you have strong use cases, forward‑looking technologies or strategic insights? We invite you to take part in the program and make your knowledge visible on an international stage.

🔍 We are looking for contributions covering topics such as:

✔️ Applications & best practices
✔️ Technological developments
✔️ Trends, business models & future topics in Additive Manufacturing

👉 Become part of Formnext and submit your proposal now: https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/expo-convention/program.html

21/04/2026

How Ceramic 3D Printing Is Transforming Aircraft Engine Efficiency

Ceramic AM is emerging as a key technology for more efficient aircraft engines, helping reduce kerosene consumption – one of aviation’s biggest cost drivers. Highly precise 3D‑printed ceramic casting cores enable turbine blades with advanced internal cooling, allowing higher inlet temperatures and improved fuel burn performance.

👉 Curious how ceramic AM is advancing next‑generation propulsion? Dive into the full story:
https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/industry-insights/fonmag/fonmag_articles_new/how-ceramic-3d-printing-can-reduce-kerosene-consumption.html

16/04/2026

✈️ Panel discussion at AERO: Will it fly? Additive Manufacturing in New Heights

Faster, lighter, further: At AERO Friedrichshafen, experts from industry and aviation will discuss how Additive Manufacturing is progressing from experimentation to certified, high‑performance applications. Discover how AM ist redefining what is possible at 5,000 feet!

📅 When? 23 April 2026 | 13.00 – 13.45 p.m.
📍 Where? Innovation Stage, Hall A7

🎤 Our panelists:
Claus Cordes, Deutscher Aero Club e. V.
Calin Gologan, Elektra Solar GmbH
Malte Höltken, AUFWIND
Andreas Steinmetz, Aviation & Additive Manufacturing Expert

👉 Learn more about Additive Manufacturing at AERO presented by Formnext:
https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/industry-events/formnext-at-aero.html

Join the discussion and feel free to share!

Thanks to Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO Friedrichshafen, for the great support.

14/04/2026

3D‑printed rear frame for a next‑generation engine concept

At Formnext 2025, visitors saw a 3D‑printed rear frame from the CFM RISE program – a key step toward more efficient, lower‑emission aircraft engines. Developed by Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace, the RISE concept targets 20% lower fuel burn through innovations like an open‑fan design and a more efficient core. Nikon’s AM‑produced rear frame marks early progress toward the 2030 demonstrator and future series production.

👉 Want to see how AM is helping shape tomorrow’s propulsion systems? Find out more:
https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/industry-insights/fonmag/fonmag_articles_new/3d-printed-rear-frame-for-new-engine-concept.html

09/04/2026

Additive Manufacturing is reshaping the future of aviation

From dramatically lighter A350 door components to a next‑generation helicopter packed with AM parts, Airbus Helicopters shows what happens when engineering teams fully embrace design freedom.

Their latest breakthrough? Significant weight savings, smarter components, and an AM ecosystem built for true series production. And this is only the beginning.

👉 Curious how Airbus is redefining aircraft development with AM? Dive into the full story:
https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/industry-insights/fonmag/fonmag_articles_new/we-are-now-reaping-the-rewards.html