Read the April issue of ISMR

Read the April issue of ISMR today on https://joom.ag/b6jd 

In this issue of ISMR, against a backdrop of trade tariffs on steel and aluminium as well as global geopolitical uncertainty, we report on the European Commission’s new ‘Action Plan on Steel and Metals’ (page 7). It is designed “to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and safeguard the industry’s future.” The sector is at a critical turning point, challenged by high energy costs, global competition and the need for investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On page 18, we also profile additive manufacturing which enables a design-driven manufacturing process, where design determines production and not the other way around. Growth patterns, technology innovations, trends, forecasts and challenges in global consumer electronics’ markets come under the spotlight for manufacturers on page 22.

With the LAMIERA and Made in Steel trade shows coming to Milan soon, we outline manufacturing prospects, machine tool trends and macroeconomic forecasts for Italy on page 34. We also focus on sheet metal punching in this issue, as well as the benefits and limitations of the process, on page 44.

One of the top challenges for manufacturers over the past several years has been finding and retaining talent. The talent gap is not only hampering manufacturers’ digital transformation agendas but is also losing them competitive advantage. Diversifying teams does more than just address the shortage of workers and the skills gap; it also makes good business sense. We examine the importance of ED&I initiatives for manufacturers on page 50. Tube forming, coil processing and welding also come under the spotlight in this issue.