EuroBLECH highlights innovation

EuroBLECH 2026, from 20-23 October 2026 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany, is set to take a significant step forward in showcasing the future of sheet metal working with the launch of the Innovation Zone | Advanced Manufacturing. Designed as a high-visibility feature at the heart of the exhibition, the new zone will bring together the technologies and solutions redefining modern manufacturing.

Held every two years by RX, EuroBLECH is the world’s leading exhibition for sheet metal working technology. EuroBLECH 2024 welcomed 1,317 exhibitors and 38,946 trade visitors from 114 countries, occupying a gross exhibition space of 160,000 square metres. ISMR is an international media partner.

“EuroBLECH continues to evolve in line with rapid industry transformation. As manufacturers increasingly invest in automation, digitalisation and intelligent production systems, the Innovation Zone will showcase the technologies driving efficiency, precision and competitiveness alongside live machinery, new product launches and real-world demonstrations at exhibitor stands,” RX told ISMR.

Next-generation technologies

The Innovation Zone’s emphasis on advanced manufacturing reflects the industry’s ongoing demand for greater efficiency, flexibility and resilience. Bringing together technologies such as automation, digital production systems and precision engineering, it will provide a clear and focused view of the solutions driving sheet metal working today and in the future.

“EuroBLECH has always been a platform where the future of sheet metal working comes into focus,” said Evelyn Warwick, Exhibition Director for EuroBLECH on behalf of RX. “With the Innovation Zone, we are placing advanced manufacturing technologies firmly at the heart of the visitor experience. It is about making advanced manufacturing developments more accessible, more visible and more actionable for the global manufacturing community.”

“To ensure a strong focus on the latest developments, only technologies launched between 1 November 2025 and 20 October 2026 will be featured. In doing so, the Innovation Zone reinforces EuroBLECH’s position as the leading global platform for sheet metal working, connecting manufacturers with the solutions enabling smarter and more sustainable manufacturing,” added the show team.

For exhibitors, the Innovation Zone offers a focused platform to highlight a single breakthrough technology in a high-traffic, curated environment. With two participation formats, Showcase Podiums and Discovery Panels, companies can present their solutions through physical displays or visual storytelling, depending upon their application.

“At the same time, the feature is designed to support a more efficient and inspiring visitor journey. Guided tours will conclude in the zone, bringing targeted groups directly to the latest developments. Integrated access to technical data, case studies and product information enables faster identification of relevant technologies and suppliers. This creates a seamless journey from discovery to exhibitor stands and onto informed decision-making, making time at the exhibition more productive and outcome-focused. Companies looking to showcase their latest developments are invited to secure their place in the Innovation Zone and position their technology at the centre of industry discovery,” added RX.

Other new features of EuroBLECH will include a Job Shop & Subcontractors Market (a specialised space for fabrication centres and subcontracting manufacturers) and a guided tour for advanced machinery (for smart and sustainable production) as well as other guided tours. Returning features will include the ‘NextGen Technology Stage’ and EuroBLECH Awards as well as a Careers Day to connect students, apprentices and young professionals with hiring companies.

Optimised hall layout

As part of ongoing enhancements to the exhibition experience, EuroBLECH 2026 will also introduce an optimised hall layout designed to better reflect how visitors navigate the show and evaluate technologies. This includes the repositioning of surface and joining technology exhibitors into Hall 16, creating closer proximity between complementary technologies and supporting a more intuitive visitor journey.

To read the rest of this news story in the May 2026 issue of ISMR, see https://joom.ag/nAKd/p16