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.

In the October 2021 issue of ISMR, which was distributed at the Blechexpo exhibition in Germany, we quiz various sheet metal machine tool manufacturers around the world on their responses to the COVID-19 challenge, as well as their views on markets, industry trends and product development.

In the July/August issue of ISMR, we outline the principles of plasma cutting as well as process variations, key components and variables (page 16). Sources of future spending, growth and innovation are highlighted in global aerospace and defence markets (page 20) and we chart Italy’s path through the pandemic, with forecasts and growth projections for its economy and manufacturers (page 30).

Incorporating interviews with leading international industry, government figures, academic and association figures, International Sheet Metal Review offers a strategic insight into the latest news, company and product developments, technological and technical advances, market trends, innovations and new business opportunities. It has a targeted global readership of over 35,000 per month.