AMS in New York: Where AM’s Next Business Phase Is Defined
Additive Manufacturing Strategies (AMS) returns to New York for its 10th edition, reaffirming its status as one of the most influential additive manufacturing conferences for executives and investors. Organized by Additive Manufacturing Research and 3DPrint.com, AMS X will again convene more than 100 leaders focused on the economics of production-grade 3D printing, consolidation trends, and capital allocation across the sector. The agenda builds on themes from the previous year, when discussions highlighted how the industry is shifting toward production-focused applications in aerospace, defense, healthcare, dental, electronics, and energy, while companies concentrate on profitability, operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience. A standout moment came from Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif, who framed AM as entering a “more mature phase,” with desktop systems driving broad adoption and industrial platforms unlocking high-value applications. With Stratasys, EOS, and HP returning as top-tier sponsors, AMS positions itself as a must-attend AM business gathering for decision-makers shaping the technology’s next chapter.
AMUG: Inside the Community-Driven Heart of AM User Practice
While AMS emphasizes strategy and finance, the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) conference remains one of the most distinctive 3D printing industry events for hands-on practitioners. The 2026 edition showcased why many users consider it essential: high-caliber keynotes, deeply technical sessions, and a uniquely collaborative culture. Keynotes have ranged from NASA and motorsports to aerospace and Lego, with Lego’s Ronen Hadar outlining what it really takes to deploy additive manufacturing at scale in consumer goods. His message was clear: AM succeeds when it does what traditional processes cannot, and when automation and cost structures align with demanding quality requirements. Beyond the plenary stage, AMUG’s sessions dove into metal surface finishing, 3D printing safety, polymer powder recycling, and starting an additive manufacturing business, giving attendees practical, field-tested insights. For engineers, operators, and managers, the event doubles as a training ground and networking hub, surfacing user priorities and best practices that directly influence how organizations implement and refine their AM programs.
BMW’s Automotive AM Conference: Scaling AM from Prototype to Series Production
In the automotive additive manufacturing arena, BMW Group’s “Additive Manufacturing @ BMW Group” conference has quickly become a focal point for production-focused innovation. Returning on May 19–20, 2026, at the Leonardo Munich Arabellapark hotel, the event brings together engineers, researchers, and manufacturing decision-makers to examine how AM can be applied across the entire automotive production chain, from prototyping to series production. A guided tour of the BMW Group Additive Manufacturing Campus in Oberschleißheim offers a rare inside look at metal and polymer operations, including laser powder bed fusion, wire arc additive manufacturing, process development, and quality assurance. Sessions explore integration strategies within BMW, AM-enabled innovation, and approaches to scaling, featuring contributions from PIX Moving and others. The second day widens the lens to the broader automotive AM supply base, with Ford Racing, Nikon SLM, Hyundai, and Nissan discussing motorsport, infrastructure, and development workflows, alongside a poster session on artificial intelligence in additive manufacturing. This conference underlines how automotive AM is transitioning from isolated pilots to tightly integrated, scalable production solutions.
Formnext Asia Shenzhen and ViscoTec: Specialization in AI and Fluid 3D Printing
The next wave of additive manufacturing conferences is increasingly specialized, targeting emerging niches like AI infrastructure and fluid-based 3D printing. Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2026, for example, is set to spotlight innovations that extend beyond traditional part production, with particular attention on liquid cooling solutions for AI servers—a critical enabler for high-density, high-performance computing. In parallel, ViscoTec’s Additive Manufacturing Experience Day at its Customer and Innovation Center in Töging am Inn demonstrates how AM is expanding into liquid and paste-like materials. The event covered the entire process chain for dispensing challenging substances such as silicones, polyurethanes, conductive pastes, ceramics, and biological materials. Medical technology and bioprinting were headline topics, with 3D printed silicone organ models, RTV and LSR applications, and dedicated medical-grade solutions on display. By convening users, developers, and academics, ViscoTec’s gathering showcased how fluid 3D printing is enabling new applications in healthcare and beyond, complementing more conventional AM business gatherings with cutting-edge, application-driven knowledge.
Why These AM Business Gatherings Matter for a Maturing Industry
Taken together, these additive manufacturing conferences reveal a sector entering a new phase of maturity. AMS in New York anchors the strategic and financial discourse, helping leaders navigate consolidation, investment, and the shift to production-focused deployments. AMUG highlights user-centric learning, safety, and operational best practices, ensuring that the technology’s front-line practitioners stay aligned with evolving capabilities. Automotive additive manufacturing receives dedicated attention at BMW Group’s conference, where the focus is on integrating AM into complex production chains and leveraging AI for smarter workflows. Meanwhile, Formnext Asia Shenzhen’s emphasis on AI server cooling and ViscoTec’s deep dive into liquid and paste-based printing underscore how specialized tracks are emerging for AI infrastructure, medical technology, and advanced materials. For business leaders and practitioners, these 3D printing industry events are no longer just about discovering new machines; they are platforms for building ecosystems, forging partnerships, and translating innovation into sustainable, scalable value.
