The 24th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition (EuroBLECH 2016; held in Hanover, Germany) closed after five successful show days from October 25-29, 2016, where 60,636 visitors from 100 countries viewed the latest technical developments in sheet metal processing--including high-power fiber laser cutting--by 1503 companies from 41 countries.
Attendance increased by 2% compared to the previous show in 2014. At this year's show, 39% of visitors and 54% of exhibitors came from outside Germany. A record percentage in international attendance saw a major increase in Asian visitors (+30%), but also in visitors from EU countries outside Germany (+11%).
A great majority of the visitors came from industry (80%), followed by visitors from workshops, trade, and services. The percentage of visitors involved in decision-making has increased by 3% to a total of 84%.
The New Generation of Sheet Metal Working was the theme of the annual EuroBLECH awards, and the winners were chosen online by the sheet metal working community. In the Factory of the Future category, TRUMPF was awarded a prize for TruConnect, the World of Solutions for a Smart Factory.
In the Original Design category, Schuler was awarded for the development of the tools to manufacture the “Planet Earth” €5 coin, which contains a blue polymer ring. Startup company WSoptics received an award in the Young Generation category for WSweld, a laser cutter that can instantly be turned into a laser welder and back.
For more information, please visit www.euroblech.com.