A look back at a successful participation at Formnext 2022
Formnext 2022 made Frankfurt the epicentre of Additive Manufacturing in the world for four days. Two halls and four floors were filled with all kinds of 3D printing solutions, automations and exciting technology. Flam3D was also present at this 3D printing exhibition with a group stand of no less than 144m², 13 enthusiastic members and the impressive AMbigram.
A look at the figures of the event, which was in its eighth edition this time, confirm how important Formnext has become over the years. With 802 exhibitors – up from 606 in 2021 – and 51,148m² of occupied exhibition space, the performance of the world’s leading trade fair for Additive Manufacturing and modern manufacturing was almost on par with pre-Corona levels. With an increase to 29,581 enthusiastic visitors – up from 17,859 in 2021 – Formnext’s growth continues to be ever increasing. A testament to the need to meet and exchange ideas within the 3D printing industry.
Several interesting trends emerged during this 2022 edition. Learn more about them in 3D Print Magazine. And also this year, the Flemish and Dutch AM companies were strongly represented at the fair. Besides Flam3D, visitors found the group stand of Brainport Eindhoven and more than 50 companies from our region. This is of course related to the region’s strength as a knowledge and innovation hub in the field of 3D printing: the Benelux is among the global leaders when it comes to the (implementation of the) technology.
This was also evident at Flam3D’s group stand involving no fewer than 13 members in an area of 144m². This immediately made the stand the largest group stand at Formnext and the largest in Flam3D’s six-year existence. Since 2016, Flam3D has been participating in the fair with an ever-growing group stand. It is therefore the ideal way for many members to get to know and explore the fair without coordination and organisational stress. For Flam3D, the real success stories lie with the well-attended booths of its members and/or those members who join for one or several years and then have the size, familiarity or confidence to take their own booth at Formnext.
The Flam3D consortium was exhibiting in hall 12.1. Besides Flam3D itself, signed AdditiveLabs, AMNOVIS, AMPC solutions, AMR, Chemstream, Dotx Control Solutions, Guaranteed, Hybrid software, KU Leuven, Metal Technics 3D, Sculpman, Seido Solutions and Windesheim attending.
Flam3D can speak of another successful edition this year. There was very little trace of the preceding corona crisis and uncertain future at Formnext: there was a lot of interest and companies did not seem immediately deterred from exploring 3D printing further. Afterwards, the voices sounded positive about the group stand. A satisfied Kris Binon, general director of Flam3D, also commented: “We managed to put the Benelux on the map as the strongest network during Formnext 2022. We hear from our members that business was created, ultimately two of our main goals.”
Flam3D stands for networking and its facilitation. So it was no coincidence that the stand provided enough space for a cosy networking café, under the AMbigram. The unique structure took some doing, but the result was enjoyed by members and visitors alike. This was partly due to the unique shape of the dome, a construction that – thanks to the 3D printed connectors and LED lighting – is not commonly seen at a fair and therefore catches the eye. More than 30 organisations and knowledge institutions helped make the AMbigram a reality and thereby highlight the Flemish-Dutch cooperation within Additive Manifacturing. The AMbigram was not only the result of close and smart cooperation, but also served as a catalyst for many conversations around and referrals within 3D printing: an important feat for (future) events and fairs.
After a hectic, but mostly educational and exciting week, it can be concluded that the Flemish-Dutch presence continues to make strides in the AM world, and in this, more than ever, cooperation is a decisive factor. Flanders and the Netherlands are among the world leaders when it comes to R&D and production in AM. An important fact we should (continue to) draw the attention of the outside world to and, above all, build on.
Still looking for a fresh take on Formnext week? Then click through to 3D Print Magazine’s article to discover the latest Formnext 2022 trends.
