Along with the 8th Schweisstec international trade fair for joining technology, the 15th Blechexpo international trade fair for sheet metal working took place from 26-29 October 2021. As a key meeting point for the industry during a difficult year of COVID-19 disruption and lockdowns, the mood was upbeat as exhibitors and visitors were able to network face to face.

From 17-18 November 2021, the fastener and fixing community came together at Fastener Fair CONNECT. The new digital event connected international attendees from various industrial sectors looking to source the latest products, equipment and services from fastening technology suppliers. The interactive networking event also offered a platform for in-depth expert talks and knowledge transfer.

The global 3D printing metal market size is expected to reach US$ 2.36 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 25.7% over the forecast period. Market growth is attributable to the cost-effectiveness of 3D printed parts, reduced lead times and the development of complex parts during production.

Robot orders in the second quarter of 2021 in North America were up by 67% over the same period in 2020, showing a return to pre-COVID 19 pandemic demand for automation as manufacturers and other North American companies return to business.

For the first time, two major machine tool exhibitions in Taiwan, the Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS) and Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS), will be held at the same time as TIMTOS x TMTS 2022.

In the November 2021 issue of International Sheet Metal Review magazine , we ask various international sheet metal machine tool manufacturers for their views on markets, industry trends, current challenges and new product/R&D developments. You can read these interviews throughout the issue.