Looking to the future with confidence

Focusing on six segments (joining, automation, machining, sheet metal working, 3D printing and surface/cleaning), organizer Easyfairs offers a complete platform with an ambition for 145 exhibitors. Networking will of course be central, but there is also very much a focus on knowledge exchange in cooperation with sector organizations.

The metals industry faces major challenges in the coming years. Customers are setting the bar ever higher in terms of quality, but at the same time they want individualized pieces at the price of mass production. Extensive automation and digitization will therefore be part of the answer to meet these demands. "How exactly that can be done, they can come and discover at METAVAK. About 150 exhibitors covering all areas of metalworking will present their solutions and services. Visitors can thus find local suppliers to produce and deliver efficiently. This is needed today more than ever. To help visitors find their way among all that technological beauty, we have divided the exhibition floor into six segments: joining, automation, machining, sheet metal working, 3D printing and surface/cleaning)," says Robin Vissers, marketing event manager at organizer Easyfairs.

Networking central

METAVAK is not only the perfect moment to track down new technological gadgets, but also, and perhaps in these times even especially, to re-establish ties with partners. Therefore this edition few novelties, but mainly ways to facilitate contacts. Vissers: "Because of corona, it has been a while since most companies were able to meet each other. A loss for everyone in the sector. Networking will therefore be central at this edition with our usual free catering to give everyone a pleasant experience." But in a coronaval way. Easyfairs has its own team that constantly monitors government measures and translates them into the safety measures that are needed. This is done in collaboration with SGS, by the way. "That way, every visitor and exhibitor can step through the door on Oct. 5, 6 and 7 with confidence," Vissers adds.

Three theme days: smart learning, producing and earning

The knowledge program that organizer Easyfairs is building works along three themes. On Oct. 5, smart learning will be addressed. Various academies will give presentations on technology, IoT, smart welding and robotization, among other topics. The program on Oct. 6 will then revolve around smart manufacturing with topics such as 3D printing and smart data use. Finally, Thursday, Oct. 7 revolves around smart earning with attention to ERP systems, servitization, cost-benefit tools and circularity, among other topics. Vissers: "Digitalization, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, these are buzz words that are often dropped, but what they mean in concrete terms and how companies can benefit from them is what we want to make clear with this series of sessions. The program was set up together with SMITZH (Smart Manufacturing Industrial Application Zuid-Holland), an innovation program set up from InnovationQuarter, Metaalunie, FME and TNO, among others, to support the South Holland manufacturing industry and its technological suppliers in automating, robotizing and digitizing production."

3D and smart Manufacturing square

Also worth mentioning are the special squares. For example, an interactive FLAM3D PrintPlein is organized with a number of members. Among others, FLAM3D itself and Buhlmann will advise companies there and show what 3D applications are available for specific issues. There will also be a session on this in the theater on Wednesday. In addition, the Smart Machining Platform will be on hand to get visitors up to speed on the latest developments around Smart Manufacturing. An attempt will be made to paint a picture of what the machining factory will look like in five, 10 or 20 years. Topics covered include Smart Industry, Industrie 4.0, automation and 24/7 production.