On 3–4 June 2026, the NEC Birmingham will host a co-located event combining eight leading UK manufacturing and engineering shows, covering plastics, additive manufacturing, automation and smart factory solutions, among other sectors.
BMT has developed a smart prototyping approach that combines simulations, 3D-printed moulds and lab-scale blow moulding trials to accelerate PET bottle development, reduce design risk and cut tooling costs before metal moulds are produced.
By early March 2026, 527 exhibitors from 34 countries had already registered for Formnext 2026, with 64.5 percent coming from outside Germany. The Frankfurt trade fair remains a key platform for the global 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing market.
The Dutch company CEAD has integrated a Weima WLK 4 shredder into its large-format 3D printing lines to process thermoplastic composite waste into material for reuse. Research is underway on repalletizing the resulting flakes.
At JEC World 2026 in Paris, KraussMaffei will present a wide portfolio of composite and additive solutions, including LFI structural components, high-temperature plastic parts, and the powerPrint Flex and powerPrint Plus systems.
Formnext 2026 has announced the United Kingdom as partner country and introduced a new hall layout and a stronger focus on key user industries including orthopedics, aviation and automotive.
The 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 conference in Houston will bring together SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE users, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence and virtual environments in design and manufacturing.
The REDES4VALUE project develops mechanical and chemical recycling processes for polyamide fishing net waste, enabling the production of recyclates and new polyamides for packaging, agriculture, automotive and 3D printing applications.
Xenia Materials and the Fly-Mi EUROAVIA Milano student team from Politecnico di Milano have developed the O.L.I.V.I.A. drone for the UAS Challenge 2025, using 3D-printed composite moulds made from carbon fibre reinforced polycarbonate XECARB 40-C20-3DP.
Igus has launched the iglidur i4000 resin for manufacturing precise, wear-resistant gears using DLP, SLA and LCD technologies. Compared with standard 3D printing resins, the material offers higher elongation at break and extended service life.
BW Converting’s Packaging Innovation Center in Green Bay provides converters with practical flexographic training, hands-on pressroom learning and live demonstrations of production equipment, including the PCMC Meridian Elite+ laser anilox cleaner.
The Formnext 2025 AMbassador Award has been presented to Irena Heuzeroth from the SKZ Plastics Center in Würzburg for the course “Certified Industrial Technician specializing in Additive Manufacturing”, developed with the Würzburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce.