WorldPM2026 showcases growth and evolving PM landscape

The publication of the full technical programme for the Powder Metallurgy World Congress – WorldPM2026, to be held in Montreal, Canada, June 25-29, reflects a number of metal powder processing trends as the PM, Additive Manufacturing and Metal Injection Molding (MIM) industries respond to shifting end-user markets and applications.

Organised by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) and co-located with AMPM2026 and Tungsten2026, WorldPM2026, the event features more than 300 technical presentations and promises to be one of the most comprehensive global PM gatherings in recent years.

As a World Congress, the event brings a broader international perspective and expanded technical depth. However, a closer analysis of the programme illustrates changes in the balance of materials, processes, and application across the industry.

A broader and more diversified materials landscape

A key feature of the 2026 PM World Congress programme is the expanded presence of refractory metals, driven in large part by the dedicated tungsten symposium. This has significantly increased coverage of tungsten, cemented carbides, and cermets, reflecting renewed industrial and strategic interest in these materials for applications ranging from energy systems to defence and electronics.

Alongside this, several other material categories show notable growth. Titanium stands out in particular, with a strong increase in presentations, many of which are linked to Additive Manufacturing and advanced powder production routes. This reflects titanium’s continued importance in high-performance applications and its close alignment with emerging manufacturing technologies.

There is also a clear rise in activity around hard magnetic materials, as well as increased attention on copper. Both trends are closely tied to the ongoing global push towards electrification, where demand for high-performance magnetic and conductive materials is accelerating across sectors, including automotive, energy, and electronics.

Additive Manufacturing and powder production gain further momentum

From a process perspective, the programme highlights the continued expansion of Additive Manufacturing within the broader PM landscape.

Presentations on Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) have increased significantly, particularly for high-value materials such as titanium. This reflects the growing maturity of these technologies and their increasing adoption in demanding industrial applications.

Supporting technologies are also strongly represented. Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), for example, is prominently featured, underscoring its role as a critical post-processing step for high-performance AM components. As quality and reliability requirements increase, the integration of HIP into AM production workflows is becoming ever more important.

Equally notable is the growth in presentations focused on powder manufacturing. As AM moves towards larger-scale industrialisation, the importance of powder quality, consistency, and supply chain control is becoming more pronounced. Advances in atomisation, powder handling, and reuse are therefore a key area of focus across the programme.

Sinter-based technologies: bridging traditional PM, MIM and AM

Beyond beam-based AM processes, the programme also highlights the continued development of sinter-based technologies, which are increasingly positioned as a bridge between traditional PM, MIM and Additive Manufacturing.

This includes growing activity in sinter-based AM routes, where shaping is followed by debinding and sintering, offering potential advantages in terms of scalability and cost. These technologies are attracting attention for applications where high volumes and complex geometries intersect.

MIM features within the programme, though to a lesser extent than some other areas, reflecting its established but relatively stable position within the PM landscape. Its continued inclusion underscores its role in the production of complex components and its technical overlap with emerging sinter-based AM approaches.

In parallel, there is sustained interest in advanced sintering techniques such as Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and Field Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST), particularly for research into difficult-to-densify materials. While still largely at the development stage, these processes point towards future opportunities in materials innovation.

Press-and-sinter finds new opportunities in electrification

While considerable attention is focused on advanced and emerging technologies, conventional press-and-sinter PM remains a significant part of the programme. Increasingly, its relevance is being shaped by new application opportunities rather than traditional markets.

In particular, the growth in hard magnetic materials presents a potential avenue for broader adoption of press-and-sinter technologies. As demand for magnetic components rises with electrification, PM offers advantages in material utilisation, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

This alignment between established PM capabilities and emerging application needs underscores the technology’s ability to adapt and remain relevant in a rapidly changing industrial landscape.

A high-value forum for a changing industry

As always, an accompanying exhibition will take place alongside the technical sessions, providing a platform for equipment suppliers, materials producers, and service providers to engage with attendees.

The strength of the PM World Congress lies in the depth and breadth of its industry coverage. The combination of established PM processes, rapidly advancing Additive Manufacturing technologies, and emerging materials applications offers a comprehensive view of the current state of the industry and its future direction.

For attendees, the event offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into these intersecting trends – and to understand how the PM industry is positioning itself for the next phase of its development.

Discover more about WorldPM2026 here.

To take advantage of the early discount prices, register here.

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