Like last year, FormNext will once again take place physically between November 7 and 10, 2023 at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds in Halls 11 and 12. While the scope of the exhibition was somewhat smaller last year immediately after the pandemic, this year the world's most important trade fair for 3D printing will be back to its former glory. FormNext offers a perfect overview along the entire process chain of additive manufacturing and conveys possibilities for how this new technology can find its way into industrial production in a targeted manner.
FormNext is the annual global meeting place for the additive manufacturing community and thus provides a good overall overview. With more than 800 exhibitors on over 50,000 square meters and over 30,000 visitors from all over the world, the who's who of additive manufacturing has been meeting in Frankfurt am Main in November since 2015. The trade exhibition is accompanied by a very broad lecture program.
Trade fair also for companies from the surface technology sector
Why is this trade fair also becoming increasingly interesting for companies from the surface technology sector, even though it is hardly on the agenda of any decision-makers from our industry? Additive manufacturing has developed into an independent manufacturing technology in recent years, whereby it does not replace conventional production methods, but rather ideally complements them. Surface finishing and coating issues are rapidly gaining in importance. A number of companies from the surface technology sector have already recognized this in recent years and were prominently represented with exhibition stands (including Oerlikon, Aalberts Surface Technologies, Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH, Otec Präzisionsfinish GmbH ...). Since FormNext also covers industries relevant to surface technology, such as automotive, aerospace and medical technology, there are numerous points of contact.
The trade fair offers a wide range of targeted networking opportunities to get into conversation with experts quickly and in a relaxed atmosphere and to find AM solutions for your own production through professional exchange.
Stronger cooperation between the rather unknown areas of electroplating and surface technology on the one hand and additive manufacturing on the other holds enormous potential for both sectors.
From the metallization of plastic components and the post-processing of metallic components to surface protection via anodization or electroplating, there is an increasing demand for 3D printing that can be optimally met with the in-depth experience and possibilities of (electrochemical) surface technology. Only through this type of cooperation can both industries grow across different topics. For this reason, a visit to FormNext is definitely worthwhile for experts in electroplating technology.
