What Can We Expect from the Long Awaited Return of Formnext 2021?

Next Tuesday, Formnext 2021 will open its doors in Frankfurt, and will welcome, after an 18-month absence, the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem, between exhibitors, researchers and visitors. More European players are expected to be there this year due to the health crisis – it’s likely that many American and Asian companies will unfortunately not make the trip. But let’s be honest, after all this time without meetings, we are delighted to see each other again at this annual German event! According to the organizers, 600 exhibitors will be present from November 16th to 19th, 55% of them coming from abroad, which is an encouraging statistic given the current situation. But, what exactly will be showcased at the show? What can we expect from this latest edition?

In 2019, the Formnext trade show was a great success, as it worked to confirm the role and place of additive manufacturing in industry. 852 exhibitors and 34,532 participants walked the floor of Messe Frankfurt, showing the maturity of 3D technologies. The growing importance of metal additive manufacturing was highlighted, as well as materials such as silicone, ceramics, and high-performance thermoplastics. This year, the focus seems to be on process automation and repeatability. Namely, how to offer users a solution that provides greater productivity while addressing reliability issues.

In 2019, metal additive manufacturing was in the spotlight (photo credits: Mesago / Mathias Kutt)

The organizers are as excited as the rest of us, Sascha F. Wenzler, Formnext Vice President at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, commented,“The amazing response we have seen from exhibitors and the AM industry as a whole, including those based outside of Germany, underscores the importance of Formnext as the leading international event in this sector and the strong appetite for coming together and interacting in person once again. It also demonstrates that this vibrant, in-person exhibition is crucial to a highly innovative industry like ours as a platform for showcasing innovations and discussing them with international industry professionals. It is the perfect springboard for getting future-oriented, sustainable technological developments off the ground.”

What’s new at Formnext 2021

As you can imagine, Formnext is often the scene of launches, new solutions and important announcements. This edition is no exception to the rule. This year, many machine manufacturers have announced new products! If we focus on 3D printers, we can talk about Nexa3D, which will display its entire range of resin solutions along with a new younger sibling, everything having been designed to promote mass production 3D printing. Mimaki will also be present with a small format material jet machine, the 3DUJ-2207.

In terms of companies using extrusion technologies, Essentium from the U.S. will be showing the HSE 240 HT Dual Extruder, while Russian manufacturer Anisoprint will be exhibiting the PROM IS 500, which offers a printing volume of 600 x 420 x 300 mm. Roboze will show for the first time its large format solution ARGO 1000 which integrates Roboze Automate, a feature that allows to go further in the automation of the printing process.

Finally, Ricoh is apparently getting into metal binder jetting with a new machine on display at its booth. Additionally, show attendees will be able to check out FuseLab’s FL300M which, after three years of research and development, is finally coming to market. It is equipped with an exclusive extrusion technology to design metal parts.

FuseLab will present its extrusion technology (photo credits: FuseLab)

Let’s continue on this idea of automation of the additive manufacturing process with some exhibitors who will present industrial post-processing solutions. One example is Israeli manufacturer XJet, which will show its SMART machine, designed to facilitate the removal of printing supports. The company AM Solutions will also be present with its post-processing solutions, including the new S1 Wet, which can remove residual powder, homogenize the surface and smooth your metal parts.

For those who are interested, attendees can also expect interesting exhibitors from the first ever European partner country, Italy, for Formnext 2021. Companies like Lincotek, Mimete, Roboze, WASP and more will be at the show to highlight Italy’s importance in the AM industry in the special expo zone. There will also be presentations and special content dedicated to the nation in the Formnext Magazine.

Conferences and awards

The Formnext show is also an opportunity to look back at concrete application cases and feedback from major players in the industry. Several conferences and workshops will take place during these 4 days, so don’t hesitate to consult the agenda HERE.

Finally, the event will reward the most innovative startup; the 7th edition of the Start-Up Challenge will select the finalists this year on November 16. Among them: the Danish startup Atlant 3D Nanosystems, the American startups Azul 3D, Fited and Print Parts, and finally the Swedish Nobula. Another award ceremony will take place, the Purmundus Challenge. This challenge aims to reward the most innovative project in sectors as varied as medicine, robotics, 4D printing, virtual reality, etc. The winner will be announced on November 18th.

Startups and innovative projects will be rewarded (photo credits: Mesago / Mathias Kutt)

In any case, the whole 3Dnatives team will be present in Frankfurt to share the latest innovations in the additive manufacturing sector. Don’t hesitate to follow our dedicated page to not miss anything! Will you be attending Formnext 2021? Let us know in a comment below or on our Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also sign up for our dedicated, free Formnext newsletter here.

*Cover Photo Credits: Mesago / Mathias Kutt