EuroBLECH 2018

Euroblech 2018 to focus on digitalisation and Industry 4.0

This year’s international sheet metal working technology exhibition Euroblech will focus on the topics of Industry 4.0, digitalisation, and big data, organisers have announced.

Taking place from 23-26 October 2018 in Hanover, Germany, the 25^th edition of the show will feature a total of 1,500 exhibitors from 39 countries – including Germany, Italy, China, Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark and the USA.

Digital developments are set to offer significant advantages in streamlining and simplifying sheet metal processing, as well as improving productivity and efficiency.

‘While an app for maintenance control of machines or the interaction of machines and robots across the whole production process were still a vision of the future a couple of years ago, today this is the reality in sheet metal working,’ said Evelyn Warwick, exhibition director of Euroblech.

According to Warwick, it is not only large companies that have been gaining ground in the realm of digitalisation, but small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also recognising its potential. ‘Their company size usually allows them to react flexibly and quickly to such transitions, therefore they are in a good position to use digitalisation to their advantage,' she continued. '…visitors can expect the most comprehensive technology range in terms of industrial digitalisation of sheet metal working. 1,500 companies will be exhibiting, ranging from large industrial corporations to small innovative start-ups.’

Euroblech covers the entire sheet metal working technology chain: sheet metal, semi-finished and finished products, handling, separation, forming, flexible sheet metal working, joining, welding and surface treatment, processing of hybrid structures, tools, additive manufacturing, quality control, CAD/CAM/CIM systems and research and development. Visitors include design engineers, production managers, quality managers, buyers, manufacturers, technical directors and experts from associations and research and development. The show attracts sheet metal working specialists at every management level in both SMEs and large companies.

The topics of digitalisation, e-mobility and lightweight construction have been covered in three new Euroblech white papers, which explore the recent developments within these areas and provide insight into new trends in the sheet metal processing industry. All three White Papers are now available free of charge on the exhibition website.

Lastly, the young generation is increasingly gaining importance in the sheet metal working industry due to the digital transformation and the related changes to occupational profiles. Therefore, Euroblech is offering students free entry on Friday 26 October when presenting a valid student ID at the entrance. During all other show days, students can visit at a reduced fare of €15 per day ticket. At the show, there will be a job board, where exhibiting companies are advertising latest job openings. The job board is also available online.