Formnext 2026: Everything You Need to See & Why This Year’s Event Is Different
New industrial AM systems, a dedicated post-processing showcase, a defense summit, lots of AI, and a reorganized exhibition floor. Formnext 2026 | November 17–20 | Frankfurt, Germany
If you attend Formnext every year, you probably have a routine. You know which additive manufacturing equipment manufacturers to visit first, where to find the metal powder suppliers, and which exhibitors are likely to reveal a new production platform or manufacturing process.
This year, you might want to rethink that route.
All3DP editors will be reporting live from Formnext!
For one thing, an entire exhibition level has disappeared from the floor plan. Formnext 2026 occupies Halls 11.0, 12.0, and 12.1, rather than the four hall levels of previous editions. The organizer says the change maintains almost the same exhibition area while reducing walking distances. So, no, Hall 11.1 hasn’t been forgotten in this guide. It isn’t part of this year’s exhibition.
More importantly, Formnext continues to expand the conversation beyond AM machinery alone.
There are still plenty of new industrial systems to inspect, but this year’s event places particular emphasis on post-processing, production automation, software, AI, qualified materials, and the technologies needed to integrate additive manufacturing into established industrial workflows.
There’s also a new Defence Summit, the UK takes over as partner country, and two major AM equipment manufacturers have product launches scheduled for the first day of the show.
Here are the exhibits, announcements, and events we’re putting on our calendar. All3DP editors will be reporting live from the show and compiling our extremely popular annual report: The Best Printers Launched at Formnext.
New Additive Manufacturing Systems Set to Debut
Hardware premieres remain a major attraction at Formnext, but this year’s more interesting developments are not necessarily those promising the largest build volumes or the highest deposition rates. Systems designed for automated production, reduced operator intervention, process stability, and lower cost per finished part deserve at least as much attention.
Here are the systems slated to debut, but there are also plenty of show-floor suprises.
The biggest unanswered questions concern EOS and Stratasys, which have announced the times of their launches but not the full specifications. If you’re evaluating industrial polymer AM equipment, these are two first-day appointments worth keeping.
If unattended production is a higher priority, CR-3D’s SmartFAB MatriX deserves a closer look. Automated plate changes are less spectacular than an enormous build chamber, but reducing the need for manual intervention between builds can make a substantial difference to machine utilization and overall manufacturing throughput. Many have tried this. Let’s see if CR-3D can pull it off.
The same practical perspective makes Anabolic Mechanics’ DualCore approach interesting. Instead of simply increasing extrusion speed, the system divides deposition between two heads working on the same component. The question to ask at the booth is how much that translates into faster production of parts with demanding surface-finish and dimensional requirements. We reported on it’s Kickstarter launch in April, let’s see if it’s ready for prime time.
What's Actually New at Formnext 2026
If you feel a little disoriented at Formnext, you won’t be alone, there are quite a few new sections, focuses, and offerings at the show.
1. Post-processing gets its own dedicated showcase & tour
For the first time, Formnext 2026 will feature a dedicated Post-Processing Showcase in Hall 11.0, Booth F34, highlighting the manufacturing steps required to turn as-built AM components into finished industrial parts.
The showcase is a single exhibition area featuring physical examples that illustrate the post-processing chain, including machining, surface finishing, quality assurance, and measurement. It’s intended to demonstrate how these operations work together and why they’re essential to achieving the functionality and quality required for industrial applications.
If you want to explore individual technologies in more detail can also join separate guided post-processing tours. These two-hour tours take participants to selected exhibitors’ stands across the exhibition floor, where companies present their technologies and applications.
There are two tours, each offered in German and English:
- Wednesday, Nov. 18 — Metal post-processing: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (German) or 2–4 p.m. (English).
- Thursday, Nov. 19 — Polymer post-processing: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (German) or 2–4 p.m. (English).
Both tours depart from the south foyer of Hall 11.0, in front of the Press Center. Advance registration is recommended because places are limited.
Whether or not you join a tour, several exhibitors have noteworthy new post-processing technologies on display at their own stands.
DyeMansion (Hall 12.1, C32) will premiere the Powershot Go developed with HP as a companion to its MJF 1200 platform. Solukon (Hall 12.0, D58) will premiere its SFM-AT850 automated depowdering system, designed to handle metal LPBF components weighing up to 800 kg. Addiblast (Hall 12.0, C12) will present its Mars05 XL, capable of depowdering exceptionally large builds weighing up to seven metric tons.
Also worth investigating are Fraunhofer IAPT (Hall 12.0, C51), with an ultrasonic support-removal process for metal AM; Grenzebach (Hall 12.0, D61), with its approach to integrating automated post-processing and material handling; and BMF (Hall 11.0, B30), demonstrating how shot-peening can improve the surface properties of AM components.
These developments make post-processing one of the more interesting themes at Formnext this year, particularly for manufacturers concerned with automating downstream operations and reducing the total cost of finished parts.
2. A new Defense Summit puts AM supply chains in the spotlight
One of the biggest additions to the 2026 program is the inaugural Formnext Defence Summit, on Tuesday, Nov. 17, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Portalhaus, Room Transparenz. Organizers say it is already over capacity, but you could apply to attend and get on the waiting list. Although the summit is included in the normal Formnext admission price, but attendance requires advance registration, accreditation, and approval. An exhibition ticket alone does not guarantee entry.
Rather than concentrating solely on military hardware, the program explores the broader industrial questions of manufacturing for defence and security: qualified spare parts, supply-chain resilience, procurement, field repair, digitalization, and drone production.
The summit’s supporting organization, Additive Manufacturing Defence Network (AMDefNet), will also have its first dedicated Formnext exhibition stand, 11.0 F18.
This is a notable addition to the event because it puts regulatory requirements, certification, and distributed manufacturing alongside the established AM equipment and technology program.
3. The UK is this year’s partner country
After Spain in 2025, the United Kingdom is Formnext’s partner country for 2026.
More than 30 UK exhibitors are expected to be represented, giving regular visitors an opportunity to look beyond the established global AM equipment manufacturers and examine the UK’s combination of industrial research, specialist suppliers, engineering services, and manufacturing applications.
UK participation is especially worth investigating for companies working on qualification, production development, digitalization, and advanced materials.
4. The stage program has been reorganized
There are now two principal presentation stages, rather than the three-stage arrangement of previous years.
The Industry & Application Stage, Hall 11.0 D72, combines the industry and application tracks. It covers manufacturing use cases and business considerations, including aerospace, automotive, medicine, robotics, construction, sustainability, and industrial applications of AI.
The Technology Stage, Hall 12.1 B49, is more directly relevant to visitors evaluating industrial technologies and manufacturing solutions. Here, exhibitors will present advances in materials, data preparation, AM systems, and post-processing.
Both stages are accessible with an exhibition ticket, without additional admission fees.
3 Halls, Not 4: What's in Each Formnext Hall in 2026
The biggest practical change for anyone returning to Frankfurt is the new layout.
As a reminder, Hall 11.1 is not part of this year’s floor plan. Here’s a more useful way to navigate the three remaining levels.
Hall 11.0: Applications, post-processing, and emerging technologies
This is where some of the most interesting new program elements are concentrated.
- Prioritize the Post-Processing Showcase (F34), AMDefNet (F18), BE-AM (F49), Start-up Area (D62), and Awards Showcase (F60).
- It’s also the home of the Industry & Application Stage (D72).
- Among the specific equipment stops are Anabolic Mechanics (D62A), Oscar PLT (B62), and Lithoz (B50).
- Hall 11.0 is a good starting point if your goal is to discover emerging manufacturing processes, industrial applications, and new technology providers.
Hall 12.0: Metal AM, finishing, and industrial integration
Visitors evaluating metal additive manufacturing and its supporting process chain should allow plenty of time here.
- EOS (D71) is an important first-day stop because of its planned platform unveiling. Also look for Fronius (B59), Solukon (D58), Addiblast (C12), Fraunhofer IAPT (C51), and Grenzebach (D61).
- The VDMA Additive4Industry showcase (G90/G91) adds an industrial application perspective to the production machinery and process equipment.
- This hall offers opportunities to compare manufacturing and downstream operations, including part handling, powder removal, support removal, and finishing.
Hall 12.1: Polymer AM, software, materials, and automation
Expect to find a broad range of polymer additive manufacturing technologies and supporting software, from large-format extrusion to industrial FDM and digital production workflows.
- Start with Stratasys (D129), Raise3D (D21), Peopoly (A62), and CR-3D (E131).
- For software, check Tripo AI (B01), Layer Performance (F111), and Trinckle (B121). DeskArtes (12.0 F101) is a separate stop worth including when reviewing metal AM build-preparation software.
- The Technology Stage (B49) is also located here, making Hall 12.1 a useful place to combine scheduled technical presentations with evaluations of manufacturing equipment and software.
AI Focus at Formnext
While Formnext 2025 was overwhelmingly drone-focused, this year — yes, we’ll still see plenty of drones — get ready to see AI everywhere.
Artificial intelligence has become part of the pitch for a growing number of companies in additive manufacturing spanning hardware and software. At Formnext 2026, however, the exhibitors promoting AI span substantially different industrial and software applications.
Some companies are developing systems that generate 3D geometry from text, images, or drawings. Others are applying machine learning to process monitoring, defect prediction, 3D scanning, engineering optimization, materials development, or production automation.
For industrial AM users, these distinctions matter. AI-generated geometry is not necessarily validated engineering CAD, and AI-assisted process monitoring is not equivalent to qualified, closed-loop process control.
Here’s our list of AI-related exhibitors identified in Formnext’s official 2026 information.
AI-Based Geometry & CAD Generation
AI for Industrial AM Production, 3D Scanning & Quality Assurance
The Formnext Awards Showcase at Hall 11.0 F60 includes cAIclone, a Rookie Award finalist applying AI-assisted optimization to additively manufactured hydrocyclones used in battery recycling.
It is an example of AI-assisted engineering design for an industrial application, but an award finalist is not automatically a confirmed individual exhibitor. We’ve therefore kept it separate from the exhibitor list.
The takeaway: AI at Formnext 2026 extends well beyond geometry generation. Its industrial relevance lies in whether it can support reliable engineering data, accelerate process development, improve production quality, reduce manufacturing costs, or enable greater automation across the AM process chain.
How We'd Plan Four Days at Formnext 2026
Tuesday, Nov. 17 — System launches and emerging technologies. Start with the EOS announcement at 11 a.m. in Hall 12.0, then make your way to Stratasys for its 1 p.m. reveal in Hall 12.1. Fit in Pitchnext and the Start-up Area around those commitments. The Defence Summit is a separate priority for visitors who have secured accreditation.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 — Metal AM and downstream processing. Explore Hall 12.0’s metal production systems, finishing equipment, and process-integration technologies. Join the metal post-processing tour if you’ve registered, or investigate the BE-AM Symposium for developments in construction-scale additive manufacturing.
Thursday, Nov. 19 — Polymer AM, software, and materials. Focus on Hall 12.1’s polymer production systems, software, and materials exhibitors. The polymer post-processing tour is particularly relevant for anyone comparing production workflows. Visit the Awards Showcase and cast your vote before noon.
Friday, Nov. 20 — Technical and commercial follow-ups. Revisit the systems that made the best impression and address the questions an initial booth visit rarely answers: What is the demonstrated manufacturing throughput? Which materials and processes are qualified? What remains manual? What is the total cost per conforming finished part? What is commercially available now, and what is still in development?
Use Formnext’s official exhibitor directory and floor plan to plan a new route rather than relying on last year’s schedule. The organizer expects approximately 800 exhibitors, so prioritizing the technologies and suppliers most relevant to your operation will be essential.
Reserve space in your schedule for the new post-processing tours, check whether any summits require registration or accreditation, and watch the first-day announcements.
Most importantly, don’t judge Formnext 2026 solely by the number of new AM machines on display. The bigger story this year may be how much of the manufacturing process around those systems is being addressed — from design and qualified materials to automation, quality assurance, and the cost of producing finished industrial components.
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