The culmination of Formnext Forum Tokyo 2023 marked another successful chapter, drawing participants worldwide from the additive manufacturing (AM) and smart industrial production sectors. This year's event took place from September 28 to 29 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center HAMAMATSUCHO-KAN, witnessing a notable surge in engagement, with 67 exhibitors unveiling their evolving solutions to 1,185 enthusiastic attendees. In a dynamic industry that perpetually evolves, this annual gathering provides industry leaders with a premier platform to delve into Japan's most cutting-edge information and technology.
Featuring a diverse array of suppliers hailing from countries like France, India, Korea, and Sweden, both international and domestic exhibitors showcased their latest offerings in AM and intelligent industrial production, encompassing materials, powder metallurgy, design, software, and post-processing technologies.
The event's peripheral activities enriched attendees with forward-looking insights, including presentations on micro 3D printing, AM/3D printing industry trends, AM technologies, the construction sector, and quality assurance. This wide-ranging subject matter attracted participants from a myriad of sectors. Among the academic experts delivering talks, Dr. Markus Heering of VDMA Additive Manufacturing Working Group discussed global market trends and the significance of AM in the European mechanical engineering market.
Simultaneously, Ms. Saki Hagimori of DMG MORI CO., LTD. underscored the event's significance, stating, "In previous years, our presence in the Japanese AM industry needed a boost. After our participation in Formnext in Germany, it became evident that attending Formnext Forum Tokyo was the ideal choice to address our concerns. Here, we have the opportunity to spotlight our technologies and products, all while establishing invaluable face-to-face connections with new customers and forging business relationships."
This year, CT CoreTechnologie Asia Co., Ltd. made its debut at Formnext Forum Tokyo. Mr. Robin Vermet, the company representative, shared his thoughts on their participation, "The event's exclusive focus on AM is a strong advantage; hence, most visitors hail from related industries, including 3D printing companies, ensuring that our in-person interactions are meaningful. We are delighted to introduce our software and products to the Japanese market, with plans to return for the next edition."
With a wide array of AM exhibitors in attendance, buyers were pleased with this year's offerings. Mr. Masarou Ishii of Realize Inc. expressed, "I attend this event to stay updated on 3D printing technology, and I've been pleasantly surprised to see more foreign exhibitors than expected. I've connected with several companies and gathered valuable information."
As Japanese AM technology continues to ascend, Formnext Forum Tokyo comprehensively covers both upstream and downstream AM processes and equipment. As a sister event to Formnext in Frankfurt, Formnext Forum Tokyo is part of a series of international events, including:
- Formnext: November 7–10, 2023, Frankfurt, Germany
- Asiamold: March 4–6, 2024, Guangzhou, China
- IMTS 2024 Additive Manufacturing Sector – Accelerated by Formnext: September 9–14, 2024, Chicago, USA
- Formnext + PM South China: September 11–13, 2024, Shenzhen, China
The forthcoming edition of Formnext Forum Tokyo is slated for September 26–27, 2024.
