One of the leading exhibitions of additive manufacturing, Formnext has announced that it decided to realise this year’s edition under the name of ‘Formnext Connect’ fully on a virtual platform; due to the increase in the number of Covid-19 pandemic cases at the end of summer. Then, the first information started to come about the fair that will happen soon. Many panels and sessions will take place; and many important names such as 3D Systems, Stratasys and Siemens will participate as exhibitors at the fair. In addition, Formnext Connect offers an important opportunity for start-ups to present themselves; and it will enable connection with potential business partners through artificial intelligence.
Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Vice President Formnext, Sascha F. Wenzler said that Formnext Connect offers an important platform for the additive manufacturing community to efficiently showcase new products, exchange ideas; and discuss projects and business before the end of the year, even in times like these. While a series of panel discussions on a wide range of topics are expected from the additive manufacturing world at Formnext Connect; For more detailed information, roundtable discussions that can also be organised and presented by the participants, will take place at the fair. There will also be a series of sessions targeting specific groups; So these sessions will provide opportunities, for example, to explain technological developments in more detail.
Important names take part in Formnext Connect
Participants include leading global players in the world of additive and equipment manufacturing; 3D Systems, Additive Industries, Arburg, Carbon, EOS, Formlabs, GE Additive, HP, Markforged, Materialise, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Renishaw, Siemens, SLM Solutions, Stratasys ve Trumpf. Virtual participants also contain many large companies from the entire process chain; Autodesk, BASF, Covestro, Dyemansion, Evonik, H.C. Starck, Heraeus, Höganäs, Oerlikon, Postprocess. In addition to these, research institutes such as Starck, Heraeus, Höganäs, Oerlikon, Postprocess, Fraunhofer Institute IPT, ILT and IAPT; and other innovative companies in the fields of design, materials, hardware, software, post-processing and quality assurance are among the participants of this virtual exhibition.
“Participating in Formnext Connect is an absolute must”
Although this year’s exhibition takes place virtually only as Formnext Connect, it maintains its importance for the additive industry. German RepRap GmbH, CEO Florian Bautz noted that Formnext is the leading trade fair for the additive manufacturing community. Relaying that thus the exhibition provides a vital opportunity for them to engage with new and existing customers, Bautz said; “We consider it an absolute must to participate in Formnext Connect as an effective, virtual platform for presenting our solutions and maintaining a dialog with the community”.
Siemens Digital Industries, Vice President Additive Manufacturing, Dr. Karsten Heuser explained that he considers Formnext Connect the most important AM platform for expanding the company’s own network and showcasing innovations. Under the slogan ‘Partnering for the next step to industrialise additive manufacturing @ Formnext Connect’, Siemens is working intensively on various formats to collaborate with partners and customers. Heuser said; “We are all keeping our schedules free for the 3 days in November and look forward to seeing everyone again; even if only virtually”.
Business connections will be offered to participants with artificial intelligence software
Formnext Connect 2020 also gives a chance for the global start-up community to stand out and interact with users or potential investors. In addition, participants have the opportunity to premiere their ground-breaking new products on Formnext Connect. In addition, business connections, proposed on the basis of information and preferences provided by exhibitors and visitors will be presented; using artificial intelligence-powered matching software. Stating that their focus of connecting participants, who have questions, with expert exhibitors was a deliberate choice; Sascha F. Wenzler told; “This allows a direct exchange and brings the greatest possible added value for the participants”.