The UK has been announced as the partner country for Formnext 2026, as focus on key industries in additive manufacturing ramps up ahead of the November event.
“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,” said Formnext VP Sascha Wenzler.
As the world’s leading additive manufacturing trade show, this partnership highlights the UK’s leading role in the global sphere of the AM ecosystem. With a portfolio of strengths from research, materials, machine development, software, to high-value industrial applications across aerospace, defence, energy, and healthcare.
More than 800 exhibitors head to Frankfurt each year, with 61% of participants coming from international companies. Over its four-day duration, the event attracts more than 34,000 visitors, nearly half of whom travel from outside Germany to attend.
AMUK is the UK trade body representing additive manufacturing and will be in attendance alongside its members. Joshua Dugdale, Head of AMUK, said: “We’re delighted that the UK has been selected as Formnext’s partner country for the 2026 expo, and AMUK is excited to be representing the UK.”
He continued: “Additive manufacturing has enormous potential to transform the way we design and produce parts and products. That’s why we support our members and the wider UK industry across the entire AM value chain, whilst also educating potential users about the opportunities this technology offers. The UK AM industry is set for significant growth, driven by benefits such as reduced waste, greater efficiency and lower production costs for small-batch manufacturing.”
Formnext 2025 saw tailored machines, such as a liquid silicone 3D printer from RLP (Rapid Liquid Print), all things Bambu Lab and exciting software from the likes of Nureo as well as Renishaw.
For 2026, organisers will be placing a greater focus on key user industries, such as orthopaedics, aviation, and automotive, through targeted events at leading industry exhibitions.
To this end, they will be hosting several AM- focused events at selected trade shows throughout the year, including the AERO Friedrichshafen in April, OT-World in Leipzig in May and Automechanika in Frankfurt in September, as Formnext looks to reach an even broader target audience, some of whom will be unfamiliar with AM.
Formnext 2026 runs from 17 – 20 November. Those looking to attend can secure an earlybird discount by booking before 2 March 2026.
