After a two year break caused by the pandemic, strong results were recorded as 1,175 visitors turned out at this year’s Formnext Forum Tokyo. For comparison, that’s a 40% increase over the previous event, signalling renewed impetus for the additive manufacturing (AM) industry in Japan. The two-day event was held on 27 and 28 September at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho-Kan.
A total of 65 exhibitors, more than double the number of the previous edition, presented the latest trends in manufacturing and services across the entire AM process chain. Highlights included presentations by academic experts on topics such as 3D food printing, construction, and quality assurance. This diverse topic coverage attracted trade visitors from a wide variety of industries.
Mr Takafumi Hieda of Mitsubishi Corporation Technos, an exhibitor at the Forum, commented favourably on his participation, explaining: “The visitor numbers are extremely high. Compared with other events we have attended, the buyers here are clearly focused on additive manufacturing. The more that exhibitors showcase their new products and success stories here at Formnext Forum Tokyo, the more the AM industry will develop through this event.”
Several overseas suppliers also utilised this year’s Forum to engage in business discussions with Japanese visitors. Reflecting on his experience, Mr Masao Koriyama of Conflux Technology Pty Ltd, said: “We are an Australian based company exhibiting to approach Japanese clients directly and in-person. We are definitely satisfied with the new connections we have made.”
Although still modest in size, Formnext Forum Tokyo has established its position as the only trade show in Japan dedicated exclusively to AM technology. Mr Shuhei Chida of Isuzu Motors Limited commented: “I come to the show looking for technology to make aluminium molds and I have been impressed to see that a good number of exhibitors could accommodate our needs. I have spoken to several companies to request quotations.”
With the development of AM technology in Japan on an upward trajectory, Formnext Forum Tokyo continues to support business networking, new product launches and information exchange. As a sister event of Formnext, the annual international trade fair for additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing held in Frankfurt, the Forum is part of a series of international events including:
Formnext: 15-18 November 2022, Frankfurt
Formnext + PM South China: 2022, Shenzhen
Asiamold: 1-3 March 2023, Guangzhou
Formnext Forum Austin: 28-30 August 2023, Austin, Texas.
The next Formnext Forum Tokyo will be held on 28 and 29 September 2023.
(Photo: Messe Frankfurt Japan)
