Goodfellow will focus on additive manufacturing, sustainable materials, and cross-sector innovation at the Advanced Engineering Show in Birmingham on Oct. 29–30. Dr. Aphrodite Tomou, head of the company’s technical department, said these themes reflect shifting priorities in advanced materials development. Based in Huntingdon, Goodfellow supplies more than 170,000 metals and materials and provides certified reference materials (CRM) and analytical services.
Goodfellow’s technical team has reported use of 3D printing in production, particularly in aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors. The company has also noted interest in green materials such as biopolymers, high-entropy alloys, and functional coatings, with attention on traceability, sustainability, and performance.
“With 9000 delegates set to descend on the Advanced Engineering Show at the NEC in Birmingham, there really is no better place to get under the skin of new applications and, importantly, the materials that will be at the heart of the next innovations,” explained Dr Aphrodite Tomou.
“Sectors – including fusion, aerospace, medical and battery tech – are all adopting new materials and, importantly for the domestic marketplace, there appears to be a genuine shift towards reshoring and just-in-time delivery. This is being driven by significant supply chain concerns.”
She went on to add: “Many of the technologies that will define the next 20 years, like quantum computing, hypersonic travel, and clean energy breakthroughs, will depend on materials that didn’t even exist a decade ago…that is a really exciting journey to embark on.”
“What was once science fiction – materials that self-heal, adapt to environmental conditions, or conduct electricity better than copper – are now entering real-world applications. And these materials are no longer hidden enablers; they are strategic assets shaping global competitiveness and I’m sure we’ll be talking about them during the two-day show.”
In 2025, Goodfellow expanded its certified reference materials through the acquisitions of Suisse TP and Bureau of Analyzed Samples. It offers metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, compounds, and composites.
Backed by Battery Ventures, Goodfellow supplies materials to organizations involved in R&D, advanced engineering, space and the scientific sector, with subsidiaries across Europe, North America and China. It also provides a range of post processing facilities, including rolling, electroplating, sputtering, heat treatment, disk punching/turning and guillotining/sawing.
Dr Aphrodite went on to add: “We’ve already got some excellent meetings lined up with OEMs, tier 1 suppliers and R&D leaders and there will be lots to discuss.”
“Rising demand for materials enabling electrification, quantum computing, and hypersonics will all be on the agenda and artificial intelligence is never far away from the conversation.”
“In particular, the increased use of AI and machine learning in material R&D and selection, whilst wider adoption in real-time simulation, design optimization and predictive maintenance, will all have a big impact going forward.”
In addition to exhibiting at Stand R195 at the Advanced Engineering Show, Goodfellow will sponsor the AM² Forum and record its “Innovation Discussed” podcast on Oct. 30 in Birmingham. The discussion, featuring Dr. Aphrodite Tomou and Adam Sells, channel partner manager at Goodfellow, will focus on trends shaping advanced materials supply in 2026.
Source: Goodfellow
About Goodfellow
Goodfellow, established in London in 1946 and now headquartered in Cambridge, UK, supplies metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, and composites for R&D and specialized manufacturing. The company maintains a catalog of over 170,000 materials and supports clients in more than 100 countries, serving sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and medical devices. It operates international offices in the USA, Germany, France, and China to support regional distribution. Goodfellow is ISO 9001:2015 certified, with orders shipped within 48 hours, indicating a streamlined supply operation. The company supports research and technical innovation by providing consistent access to specialized materials across academic, commercial, and industrial applications.
About Advanced Engineering Show
The Advanced Engineering Show is UK’s annual event for engineering and manufacturing professionals. It features exhibitions, forums, and networking opportunities across sectors including aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, rail, and medical technology. First launched around 2009, the event has grown into a key meeting point for industry leaders and innovators focused on advanced manufacturing and materials development.