Industry fairs Review of three major trade events in 2019

As this year comes to an end, MM International recaps three popular events that were held in 2019. Each of these trade fairs focused on various upcoming and futuristic segments of the machinery industry. Read on to know more…

New technologies, innovative ideas and developing several business contacts – 2019 was all of this and much more. Numerous trade exhibitions held across the globe made sure that industry players witnessed the latest solutions and trends in the market. In this background, let’s take a look at all the major shows that made headlines this year.

Hannover Messe

The blockbuster industrial technology show, Hannover Messe was a smashing hit yet again as around 6,500 companies from 75 different countries exhibited their innovations at the trade fair. Held in Germany, the event revolved around the lead theme of ‘Integrated Industry –Industrial Intelligence’ and highlighted areas such as Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, 5G, smart energy and lightweight construction.

Some of the most stunning solutions showcased on this platform included Schunk’s Co-act EGL-C long-stroke gripper. Claimed to be the world’s first long-stroke gripper for collaborative operation, the gripper is capable of handling workpiece weights of up to 2.25 kg and can achieve high gripping forces up to 450 N and combine them with a long stroke of 42.5 mm per finger. The smart gripper can also be controlled and adjusted via Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus/TCP or TCP/IP.

Event preview

All eyes on Formnext 2019

In addition to this, ABB also introduced e-mobility solutions such as the 24kW DC wallbox. The DC fast charger offers fast-charging infrastructure directly to EV users and delivers 24 kW power directly to the vehicle’s battery and offers a faster charging time than the typical on-board converter rated at 6 kW. Equipped with a seven-inch full-colour, daylight readable touchscreen display, the wallbox includes key functions such as starting and stopping of charge sessions, progress indication during charging, tariff information, help menus, language selection, and PIN code access.

EMO

EMO, The biggest show for machine tools and the machining industry was held in Germany this year. Under the motto ‘Smart technologies driving tomorrow’s production’, 2,200 plus global exhibitors showcased their unique and futuristic innovations. The trade fair also attracted footfalls from about 117,000 production specialists from 150 countries. The core focus of EMO 2019 was the launch of umati – the universal machine tool interface.

Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop, Chairman of the VDW (Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenhersteller – German Machine Tool Builders' Association), at the umati press conference had stated, “umati is opening up a new chapter in production. The interface enables machine tool manufacturers to fulfill another Industry 4.0 promise: the simple, fast and secure exchange of data.” Interestingly, 70 companies from ten countries connected 110 machines and 28 value-added services via the umati standard interface at the trade fair.

Event review

Understanding the market at Moulding Expo 2019

Some of the solutions that were launched at the expo included Sandvik Coromant’s ‘CoroDrill DS20’ indexable insert drill. The drill offers outstanding penetration rates in all 4-7×D applications and is capable of boosting productivity by up to 10 per cent and also offers up to 25 per cent better tool life. Apart from this, Fanucalso launched its new IIoT platform – Field(Fanuc Intelligent Edge Link and Drive) system in Europe. The open system has the capability to link together production machines from different manufacturers and generations in a single factory, thus enabling comprehensive data analysis to be conducted along the entire process chain and propelling users ever closer to the coveted smart factory.

IMTEX

With 1,222 exhibitors and 91,446 visitors, IMTEX, India’s biggest machine tool show completed 50 years this year. The event exhibited numerous turning, grinding, drilling, boring, milling machines; machining centres; CNC multi-function machines; special purpose grinding machines; tool grinding machines; etc. At the inauguration of the trade fair, P. Ramadas, President, Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers' Association (IMTMA) predicted the market for the Asian country as he stated that for the year 2019-20, production of the Indian machine tool industry is estimated to grow by 25 % and consumption by 20 %.

New innovations at the show included 7th Sense, an Industry 4.0 machine by Indian major Jyoti. Equipped to perform mundane and repeat tasks independently, the machine combines the sets of features such as productivity, machine health monitoring & tool life management which helps in processing the most sophisticated operations in the industry.

Event review

Celebrating the Indian Machine Tool Industry at IMTOS

Renishaw’s latest AM system – the new multi-laser RenAM 500Q was also launched at IMTEX 2019. The system is equipped with four high-power 500 W lasers, each laser is capable of accessing the whole powder bed surface simultaneously. RenAM 500Q achieves significantly higher build rates, vastly improving productivity and lowering cost per part.

IMTEX also hosted a concurrent event called ToolTech which displayed machine tool accessories, metrology and CAD/CAM cutting tools, and tooling systems.

Apart from these major shows, there were many other industry events that were held around the world and each of them contributed in their own way towards the growth of the industry.

For more news visit our facebook page or twitter.

(ID:46225891)