Sheet metal processing of tomorrow

There is a great deal to experience in Stuttgart from November 7 to 10. The nine halls of the exhibition complex there are fully booked for the combination of the sixteenth edition of Blechexpo with the ninth edition of Schweisstec. You can expect lots of firsts from exhibitors, a particularly interesting fringe program, and the presentation of the best-Award 2023. In short, everything you need to know about sheet metal working of tomorrow.

The tandem Blechexpo/Schweisstec covers the entire process sequence of modern sheet metal working. The focus on future-proof solutions makes this trade fair a popular event for experts. "Nine fully booked halls, enormous interest in the trade fair, an incredible momentum," Gerog Knauer, project manager for Blechexpo/Schweisstec at fair promoter Schall, proudly sums up the situation on the eve of the fair. "It will be particularly exciting, not least because of the wide range of events programmed," he predicts.

Full value chain of sheet metal processing

What to expect. Topics covered on the show floor include efficient process technology, the latest developments in laser technology, fully robotic automated sheet metal working machines, high-precision tools and equipment for pressing, bending and forming, and even innovative micro water jet cutting technology. Of course, there will be a focus on the shortage of technically skilled personnel in manufacturing and what solutions exist to move toward automation in all areas of sheet metal working, from material handling to machine operation. Advances in production data integration to increase efficiency in the planning, execution and analysis of production processes are also high on the agenda. In short, the entire value chain in sheet metal working is covered, in a pleasant atmosphere.

Innovations in the spotlight

One of the events dotting the agenda is the presentation of the best-Award during the first afternoon of the fair, an initiative of the German trade magazines Blechnet and MM Maschinenmarkt. "I am already greatly looking forward to judging all the entries. Digitalization, sustainability and process efficiency will undoubtedly play a crucial role in these strong samples of technology," says jury member Philipp Leinhäupl, design engineer at Siemens. Robin Kurth, group leader omvormmachines at Fraunhofer IWU, also looks ahead enthusiastically: "Innovations in production technology are often in technical details that remain hidden to outsiders. The award not only reveals them, but also stimulates the exchange of ideas and inspiration, important building blocks for remaining a high-tech hub and expanding it even further." 

Incidentally, the five categories match the thematic layout of the halls. In 1, 3 and 5, pressing technology takes center stage. In hall 7, everything revolves around cutting, joining and fastening technology. Finally, in hall 10, the exhibitors are gathered around steel, metal service and surface processing. 

Well-stocked fringe program

Other events at the fair will also draw visitors to the halls. The first day of the fair, for example, includes the Blechexpo Stahl Convent, a conference that puts steel in the spotlight and this year's theme highlights the challenges in the 2023 market. On day two, visitors can visit the forum futureSteel. 

For the first time, experts from participating exhibitors will also have their say in forums according to the thematic layout of the halls. On the program are the Stamping Forum (Hall 4), the Schweisstec Forum (Hall 7), the BEST Forum (Hall 9) and the Steel Forum (Kongress West). Additional forums by specialists from trade associations ZVEI, IBU and EFB will also be organized on the third day of the fair. An excellent opportunity to benefit from expert knowledge, inspiration and networking opportunities.