EuroBLECH in focus

With 1,000 exhibitors from 37 countries, EuroBLECH 2026 demonstrated the sheet metal working industry's continued commitment to technological development by bringing together machinery, specialist expertise and practical solutions to improve manufacturing performance. 

Held from 20-23 October 2026 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany, EuroBLECH 2026 combined live machinery, technical demonstrations and specialist expertise across 135,000m² of exhibition space. From targeted process upgrades to connected production systems, exhibits addressed manufacturers’ requirements for greater productivity, flexibility and resource efficiency. With 69% of exhibitors coming from outside Germany, the event offered access to an international supplier base spanning the sheet metal-working value chain.

EuroBLECH is the world's leading exhibition for the sheet metal working industry. Taking place every two years in Hanover, it brings together professionals from across the global sheet metal supply chain to discover new technologies, source tailored solutions and connect with industry peers. It covers the entire supply chain in 15 different technology sectors across eight exhibition halls. 

Its theme this year, ‘For a Stronger Future – Smart & Sustainable Production’, reflects the industry's ongoing transformation as it pursues greater efficiency, flexibility and resilience. From AI-enabled workflows and robotics to laser innovations and circular manufacturing, EuroBLECH highlighted the technologies, tools and strategies shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for sheet metalworking worldwide.

ISMR was an international media partner of EuroBLECH. Its October issue was handed out at all the hall entrances during the trade show, as well as at the trade press stand and on ISMR’s own stand in Hall 14 of the Hanover Exhibition Grounds.

Practical solutions for a changing industry

“EuroBLECH attracted buyers and manufacturing decisionmakers from around the world, welcoming 32,336 trade visitors from 110 countries. The exhibition continues to provide a meeting point for the international industry with growth in visitor numbers from Finland, China, Ukraine, Canada, India and Portugal. Alongside established sheet metal working markets, the visitor audience included professionals from defence and security, IT, telecommunications and data centres, and energy and environmental sectors,” confirmed the show organiser, RX.

Across the exhibition, technology suppliers demonstrated how advances in machinery, tooling, automation, software and process control can improve productivity, quality and resource efficiency. From cutting and forming to joining, surface treatment and digital production, the focus extended beyond individual machine performance to the efficiency of the wider manufacturing process.

Alongside complete production systems and advanced automation, visitors could explore solutions for improving existing operations, reducing downtime, optimising material utilisation and increasing process reliability. Live demonstrations and direct discussions with technical experts provided opportunities to examine specific applications and compare different approaches.

“Despite the challenging market conditions, EuroBLECH 2026 has shown that technological development and the drive to improve production remain strong across our industry,” said Evelyn Warwick, Event Director for EuroBLECH, on behalf of RX. “Manufacturing progress comes from investments of all sizes. Targeted improvements in tooling, automation or process control can make a significant difference to productivity and efficiency. Bringing these different approaches together, with machinery in operation and direct access to technical experts, is one of the real strengths of EuroBLECH.”

Conference and awards

EuroBLECH’s first fully curated conference programme extended this practical focus to the NextGen Technology Stage in Hall 27. Sessions examined how AI, automation and smart manufacturing are being applied in production, alongside energy efficiency, workforce development and the factors influencing technology purchasing. The programme connected strategic questions with the realities of implementation, complementing the machinery and systems on display.

Procurement took centre stage at the BME Buyer Day on 22 October 2026 in the Convention Centre. Organised with Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik (BME), the dedicated programme covered purchasing KPIs, supply chain management, steel market developments, economic security, CBAM and AI-supported product costing. It brought buyers’ priorities into the wider conversation about manufacturing performance and supplier selection.

Presented in partnership with blechnet and MM MaschinenMarkt, the EuroBLECH Awards recognised innovation across six categories. The six winners, chosen by public vote, were recognised for their commitment to advancing technical excellence. The 2026 winners were:

1.           Advanced Manufacturing Software & AI: LVD Company NV, CADMAN® Suite 9.

2.           Automation & Smart Factory: TRUMPF SE + Co. KG, Autonomy for sheet metal fabrication.

3.           Sustainable & Resource-Efficient Production: SafanDarley, Peak Shaving E-Brake.

4.           Cutting Technologies: TRUMPF SE + Co. KG, TruLaser Series 5000.

5.           Forming Technologies & Tooling: AMADA GmbH, EGB-6020ATCe.

6.           Joining, Surface Treatment & Quality Control: Q-Fin Quality Finishing Solutions, SER Ultimate Qombination.

A wealth of features

On the show floor, new guided tours were launched, offering visitors new opportunities to engage with interesting productivity trends and suppliers. The two awards trails centred on “Smart Manufacturing and Resource-Efficient Production” and “Market Opportunities in Electronics, HVAC, Aerospace and Defence”. Award Trails guided visitors to shortlisted exhibitors for the EuroBLECH awards.

New show features included an Innovation Zone | Advanced Manufacturing, a Job Shop & Subcontractors Market, a curated conference and guided tours. The Careers Day, on the last day of the trade show, connected students, apprentices and young professionals with hiring companies. This initiative supports workforce development and provides insights into careers across the sheet metal working industry.

The next EuroBLECH, the 29th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition, will take place from 24-27 October 2028 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany.

“Building on the 2026 edition, EuroBLECH will continue to bring together the international sheet metal working industry with a focus on the technologies, specialist expertise and production solutions that reflect the sector's evolving requirements,” concluded RX.