Formnext 2024: Insights

Another year at Formnext has wrapped up, and what a week it was! One of the most exciting parts for us was the number of visitors who stopped by to check out our booth. It’s always exciting to see genuine curiosity as we share our thermal solutions and discuss where AM is heading. The interest and engagement in our heat exchange solutions confirmed that our technology is addressing critical market needs in thermal management and efficiency.

The buzz around large-scale applications was especially strong, with many eager to explore how these technologies are scaling up for industries like aerospace and industrial manufacturing. It’s clear there’s a growing demand for solutions that don’t just sound good in theory but deliver meaningful impact in the field.

We were particularly excited to showcase our latest advancements in heat exchange technology that we are currently providing to our customers. Our team has been hard at work developing solutions that are not only pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the additive manufacturing space but also addressing specific industry needs. The innovations we shared this year represent the next leap forward in creating more efficient, effective, and durable heat exchangers. It was fantastic to see the interest in these advancements, and we’re eager to continue pushing forward.

Left-Martin Bullemer Managing Director of AMCM, Right-Michael Fuller CEO of Conflux

Beyond our booth, the trends were evident: additive manufacturing is maturing, with a growing focus on solving specific, tangible problems. While sustainability and localised manufacturing are still important, this year’s emphasis was on practicality—how companies are delivering real-world results today while paving the way for even greater advancements in the future. Other reoccurring themes were:

AI-Driven Design:

The integration of AI in additive manufacturing was a hot topic, with discussions centred around its potential to optimise designs and reduce lead times.

Material Innovation:

The development of new materials is unlocking opportunities for applications once considered unfeasible, particularly in the aerospace and medical sectors.

• Constellium CP1: This aluminium alloy delivers remarkable improvements in strength and corrosion resistance compared to AlSi10Mg, making it a standout choice for demanding applications.
• Elementum 3D & Valimet: Elementum’s aluminum and nickel alloys showcase excellent mechanical properties, while Valimet offers various aluminium alloys, including Al2139 as a promising high-performance aluminium option.
• M4P: Known for its alloys with exceptional corrosion resistance, M4P provides innovative solutions for challenging environments.

Cost Efficiency:

Strategies to enhance the cost-competitiveness of additive manufacturing were a key focus, emphasizing reduced material wastage and improved machine utilization. The market also saw a surge of new LPBF machine entrants, offering competitive pricing and expanding options for buyers.

Regulatory Challenges:

Attendees emphasised the need for clearer standards and certifications to enable broader adoption in highly regulated industries like aerospace and automotive.

With 10 of our team members on the ground, we made the most of every opportunity to connect with current and prospective partners. Our team there reaffirmed the value of in-person engagement in building trust and fostering relationships. The conversations and connections made during the event will undoubtedly fuel our work in the months ahead.