Innovation and resilience

Amidst ongoing global challenges, the sheet metal working industry showcased its dedication to progress and growth at the 27th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition, EuroBLECH 2024 (22-25 October 2024). With 38,946 trade visitors from 114 countries and 1,317 exhibitors over 160,000 sqm gross space, the event reaffirmed its role as the world's leading platform for innovation and business in this sector.

“A sense of cautious optimism dominated the halls, with many exhibitors securing substantial orders. Despite the slowing global economy, there was widespread agreement that key markets will eventually bounce back and grow, together with a clear commitment to driving the necessary transformational change. Determined to focus on new opportunities, the industry has been intensifying its push for innovation. The proactive stance on technological progress was matched with a notable willingness from buyers to consider new investment,” said show organiser, RX.

“The four-day event delivered massively on visitor quality, with the majority of visitors classifying as key decision-makers. The number of unique visitors increased by 3%, with a strong presence from Germany which has recently gained in market importance for certain technology sectors. Besides Germany, the top visitor countries in 2024 were the Netherlands; Italy; Poland; Sweden; Turkey; Austria; Spain; Belgium; Denmark and Switzerland. There has been significant growth in visitor numbers from Asia (Japan, Taiwan, India) and South America (notably Argentina), pointing towards promising new markets for the sheet metal working industry,” it continued.

Innovation in focus

Under the theme ‘The Power of Productivity,’ exhibitors showcased the world’s largest selection of sheet metal working technology under one roof, all designed to boost performance and efficiency. The event included live demonstrations, product premieres and a packed event programme with expert talks, guided visitor tours, the prestigious EuroBLECH Awards and a dedicated Careers Day to promote young talent

EuroBLECH’s nine exhibition halls hosted a wealth of product launches and groundbreaking innovations, sending a bold signal for technological progress and growth opportunities within the sector. Throughout all 15 technology areas, machine-makers displayed a clear commitment to enhancing production efficiency through technical innovation.

Key technologies included, but were not limited to, a new AI vision system for fully automated sorting of laser-cut parts; remote machine diagnostics and monitoring for fast troubleshooting and servicing and highly automated factory systems that integrate people, machines and data into smart production flows.

Folding machines with fully automatic tool changers; modular or compact bending cells for smaller production environments and a substantial 20kW high-speed fibre laser cutting machine for extra-demanding applications were also showcased. AI-driven robotic software for complex and adaptive applications was also displayed at the exhibition.

EuroBLECH award winners

Of the many innovation leaders on the exhibition stands, 76 companies were shortlisted for the prestigious EuroBLECH 2024 Award (organised by RX in partnership with blechnet and MM MaschinenMarkt).

The six winners, chosen by public vote, were recognised for their commitment to advancing technical excellence in:

• Stamping and forming: AMADA, for its ‘EGB-1303ARse’ fully automatic robot bending cell.

• Cutting technology: TRUMPF, for bevel cutting on its 2D laser cutting machines.

• Joining technology: Weil Technology, for its LWC-RT4-BPP laser welding system.

• Surface technology: Q-Fin, for its Q-Fin F250 small parts finishing machine.

• Automation and handling: Reis Robotics, for its ROBOTstar VII robot controller.

• Sustainability: Bosch Rexroth, for its energy-efficient, servo-hydraulic drive solution for deep-drawing presses.

The runners-ups were: Airco; BENEVA; Bystronic; CNC Europe/LASERMACH; EMC; ENGMAR; EPCM Expert; Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik; MicroStep Europa; Schuler and Wilson Tool.

Visitors were also invited to explore the new Award Trails, featuring all 76 shortlisted companies and their innovations.

Knowledge, engagement and fresh talent

Two dedicated Presentation Areas in Halls 26 and 27 hosted live talks by prominent change-makers, covering key developments in automation and digitalisation. Visitors saw innovation drivers live on stage including Coherent; Fraunhofer IWU; Klöckner; Schuler; Tata Steel; TRUMPF and more. A special panel discussion focused specifically on solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.

On the show floor, new guided tours were launched, offering visitors new opportunities to engage with interesting productivity trends and suppliers. The tours focused on productivity solutions by companies such as AMADA; Libellula; OTC DAIHEN Europe; Panasonic Connect Europe; RICOThomas Castro Silva; SEYI Presses Europe; Voortman Steel Machinery and WILA. Each stop included a short presentation and a Q&A session with an exhibitor representative.

As the flagship event of the sector, EuroBLECH hosted many young companies and new participants alongside well-known global players, giving visitors access to a broader array of fresh ideas and technologies.

“EuroBLECH 2024 also reinforced its commitment to championing young talent and fresh approaches within the industry. One in five exhibitors was new at EuroBLECH, adding valuable input to the event. This included a group of promising start-ups in the 'Young Innovators' Pavilion in Hall 15 which highlighted young businesses and innovations from Germany. On Friday’s Careers Day, EuroBLECH welcomed students and apprentices who benefited from free admission and the unique opportunity to engage with ground-breaking technologies and world-class suppliers,” outlined show organiser, RX.

ISMR at EuroBLECH

ISMR celebrated its 25th anniversary at EuroBLECH 2024 with giveaways on its booth H92 in Hall 14. Copies of ISMR’s October issue were hand distributed at all the hall entrances and visitors could also pick up copies of ISMR’s September issue, with its EuroBLECH preview, from the ISMR booth.

In conclusion

EuroBLECH ended after four productive days of fostering connections across the sheet metal supply chain and unlocking new potential for industry players.

“This year’s EuroBLECH has proved vital for the sheet metal working community, which has shown remarkable resilience and innovation amid economic challenge,” said Evelyn Warwick, Event Director of EuroBLECH, on behalf of RX.

“This year’s event marked a strategic milestone for many companies as it delivered, once again, an impressive showcase of technological advancements in a promising business environment. We thank all our participants for making EuroBLECH such a vibrant platform for exchange and growth – their enthusiasm and active engagement in meaningful conversations, ideas and business ventures is what drives our industry forward.”

EuroBLECH 2026 is set to take place from 20-23 October 2026 in Hanover, Germany.

You can also read this article in the November issue of ISMR on https://joom.ag/kz7d/p22