Ceramitec 2026 returned to Munich from March 24 to 26 with a clear signal: the global ceramics industry is in motion. Over three days, 485 exhibitors from 38 countries (66% of them international) gathered across 33,000 square metres of exhibition space, making this one of the most international editions to date.
Around 120 companies were either newcomers or returning after a long absence. They were met by approximately 12,000 visitors from 74 countries: decision-makers, engineers, and researchers actively shaping the future of advanced ceramic materials and manufacturing.
Additive Manufacturing: A growing focal point
Additive manufacturing held a prominent place at ceramitec 2026, both on the show floor and within the conference programme. As ceramic 3D printing continues to mature from a niche process into a credible industrial technology, ceramitec has become one of the few global platforms where this convergence of materials science and advanced manufacturing is addressed with real technical depth.
Key players from the ceramic AM ecosystem were present, reinforcing the show’s role as a strategic gathering point for this segment. Richard Gaignon, CEO at 3DCeram, noted that ceramitec offers “a unique platform in Europe for bringing together key players from across the technical ceramics ecosystem“, a sentiment that resonates strongly with the AM community, where access to material expertise and application knowledge is critical for industrial adoption.
The conference program dedicated specific sessions to additive manufacturing, alongside digitalization and decarbonization, signaling a clear industry recognition that AM is no longer peripheral but central to the future of ceramic production. For companies active in ceramic 3D printing, ceramitec is increasingly the event where technology meets market.
A repositioned show with renewed momentum
ceramitec 2026 marked a successful repositioning for the Munich-based trade fair. The condensed three-day format, praised by exhibitors and visitors alike, brought greater dynamism and focus to the event. Collin Davis, Executive Director of Capital Goods Shows, highlighted that the strong international presence and the return of numerous companies confirmed the show’s continued relevance to the global ceramics industry.
High-performance & technical ceramics
The full spectrum of technical ceramics was on display, from traditional applications to highly specialized solutions in aerospace, medical technology, and energy. Dr. Lars Schnetter, Managing Director at Schunk Ingenieurkeramik, summarized the breadth well: ceramitec demonstrated how technologically diverse the industry is, and how relevant it remains, from heritage applications to high-tech frontiers.
Sustainability, decarbonization & energy transition
Sustainability was a through-line across both the exhibition and the conference. Decarbonization, energy-efficient production processes, and the role of ceramics in environmental and energy technologies were recurring themes. Thiago Boscolo Costa, VP at Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics and Refractories, noted the strong shared focus on improving process efficiency and addressing sustainability challenges in high-temperature industries.
A high-caliber business platform
Beyond technology, ceramitec confirmed its value as a high-quality business environment. Decision-makers with real investment authority and technology roadmap responsibilities were present in force. Andrea Pasquali, CEO at Keller HCW, captured it precisely: what makes ceramitec valuable is not just attendance numbers, but the level of expertise and decision-making responsibility found there.
The next ceramitec will be held in Munich from April 25 to 27, 2028.
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