The Global Additive Manufacturing Power Events Series

Presented by 3D Printing Channel
Showcasing the world’s three most important gatherings defining the future of 3D printing, design, and digital manufacturing.

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Event #1: Formnext — The World’s #1 Additive Manufacturing Show

Title:
Formnext: Where the Future of 3D Printing Comes to Life

Summary:
Held annually in Frankfurt, Germany, Formnext is the world’s largest and most influential additive manufacturing exhibition, bringing together more than 900 exhibitors and 35,000 attendees from across the globe. From product launches to billion-dollar partnerships, Formnext defines what’s next in 3D printing — connecting innovators, investors, and industrial leaders in a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and collaboration.

Highlights:

• Global hub for 3D printing, design, and industrial innovation

• Start-up Challenge, Research Hub, and deep-tech workshops

• Product debuts from EOS, HP, Stratasys, GE Additive, Nikon SLM, and more

• Strategic networking for investors, engineers, and entrepreneurs

Quotes:

“Formnext is where the global additive manufacturing community meets to move the industry forward.” — Sascha Wenzler, Mesago Messe Frankfurt
“It’s the CES of manufacturing — where the future of production is born.” — Brian Turner, AMT Labs USA

SEO Keywords:
formnext, 3d printing trade show, additive manufacturing expo, 3d printing germany, industrial 3d printing, AM ecosystem, design for AM, post-processing automation

Image Ideas:

• Wide shot of the Messe Frankfurt hall filled with booths and attendees

• Keynote speaker on stage with bright “Formnext” branding

• Close-up of metal parts or robotic 3D printers in action

• Networking lounge or startup zone photo

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Event #2: RAPID + TCT — The Powerhouse of Additive Manufacturing in North America

Title:
RAPID + TCT: Where Innovation Meets Production

Summary:
Co-produced by SME and The TCT Group, RAPID + TCT is North America’s leading additive manufacturing event, bridging the gap between research, industry, and government. With 400+ exhibitors and 12,000+ attendees annually, the show delivers cutting-edge product launches, live demos, and in-depth technical sessions that shape the trajectory of American manufacturing. From aerospace to healthcare, it’s where the best in AM come to collaborate, innovate, and grow.

Highlights:

• The largest AM event in the Western Hemisphere

• Live demonstrations of metal, polymer, and composite systems

• Deep technical conference with 200+ expert sessions

• Government, defense, and R&D participation from NASA, DoD, and America Makes

Quotes:

“RAPID + TCT is where America’s additive manufacturing future is forged.” — Bob Willig, SME CEO
“The energy is unmatched — it’s the only event where you see startups and Fortune 500s building together.” — Mark Douglass, Lincoln Electric

Success Story:
NovaForge Additive launched its SmartFab metal printing system at RAPID and landed five contracts in under 48 hours. “No other event delivers that kind of traction,” said founder Angela Gomez.

SEO Keywords:
rapid+tct, additive manufacturing usa, 3d printing conference north america, industrial 3d printing, SME conference, 3d printing boston, aerospace 3d printing, metal printing expo

Image Ideas:

• Exhibition floor panorama with live printer demos

• Speakers from NASA, Siemens, or America Makes presenting

• Attendees networking during a workshop or keynote

• Large “RAPID + TCT” LED signage at entrance

 

🤝 Event #3: AMUG Conference — The Soul of the Additive Manufacturing Community

Title:
AMUG: Where the Additive Community Learns, Shares, and Grows Together

Summary:
The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference is not a trade show — it’s a gathering of the world’s most passionate 3D printing professionals. Focused on collaboration over competition, AMUG delivers deep technical sessions, open forums, and real-world insights that empower users to master their craft. With its relaxed culture, legendary networking dinners, and hands-on workshops, AMUG is where innovation becomes personal.

Highlights:

• Peer-to-peer learning: engineers teaching engineers

• No sales pressure — only authentic collaboration

• Workshops, roundtables, and real case studies

• DINO Awards honoring top innovators in AM

Quotes:

“At AMUG, we don’t compete — we collaborate.” — Carl Dekker, AMUG President
“If Formnext is the heart of the industry, AMUG is its soul.” — Sarah Jordan, CEO, Skuld LLC

Success Story:
ForgeForm, a metal AM startup, found its first joint venture partner at AMUG.

“I came to AMUG as an attendee, left with a business partner, and six months later launched a new company,” said CEO Jason Richards.