The combined 16th Blechexpo – international trade fair for sheet metal working – and the 9th Schweisstec – international trade fair for joining technology – promises a multitude of attractions. There will be nine fully booked halls at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre, a packed programme of events and stunning submissions for the best-Award 2023. The eagerly awaited industry extravaganza will be held from 7th to 10th November 2023.

The Blechexpo/Schweisstec dual exhibition covers the entire process sequence of modern and future-oriented sheet metal working, making it a highly respected event among experts. "Nine fully booked halls, huge interest in the trade fair, incredible momentum", is how Georg Knauer, project manager for Blechexpo/Schweisstec at trade fair promoter Schall, sums up the current situation. "It's going to be really exciting, not least thanks to the wide-ranging, top-class programme of events, which is currently being prepared", explains Knauer.

Only a few days to go until the submission deadline

This includes, for example, the best Award 2023, which is now being organised for the sixth time in collaborations with the trade magazines Blechnet and MM Maschinenmarkt. The organisers have defined five application categories that match the hall themes: Halls 1, 3, 5 and 9 will house sheet metal, pipe and profile processing. Halls 4 and 6 have stamping technologies as their theme. Hall 7 is home to cutting, joining and fastening technologies. Hall 8 focuses on pressing and forming technologies. And finally, Hall 10 deals with steel, metal service and surface finishing technology. "This way, every applicant can find the right category for their masterpiece", explains Knauer. "Above all, we want to invite everyone to participate in the best Award 2023. We would particularly like to invite small companies to take part, as this is a unique opportunity for everyone to showcase their innovations."

The best-Award showcases innovations

A panel of experts consisting of well-known representatives from the industry will choose the winners. The victors will receive their best-Award at a ceremony on the afternoon of the first day of the fair. "I am looking forward to the prestigious task of sitting on the panel and am very excited to see all the submissions. Digitalisation, sustainability and process efficiency will all play crucial roles in these technological wonders. The award is an outstanding opportunity to present new innovations and subsequently benefit from wide media coverage and the increased business it generates", says panel member Philipp Leinhäupl, design engineer in the field of stamping and forming technology at Siemens. Robin Kurth, Group Leader for Forming Machines at Fraunhofer IWU, is also looking forward to the submissions: "Innovations in production technology often lie in technical details that remain hidden from outsiders. The award not only reveals innovations of this kind, but also encourages the exchange of ideas and inspiration – important building blocks for maintaining and expanding a high-tech hub. Presenting the award at the celebrated Blechexpo/Schweisstec is a great way to encourage even more innovation in the industry." Exhibitors can submit their applications by 31 July 2023 via www.blechnet.com or www.maschinenmarkt-awards.de/blechexpo

Engaging programme of events

The industry is eagerly awaiting the winners of the best-Award 2023. The schedule of supporting events is also impressive and will attract many trade visitors to Stuttgart. The Blechexpo Stahl Convent 2023 will take place in the forum area in Hall 10 at noon on the first day of the trade fair. The theme is Challenges on the steel markets in 2023. This convention is organised by the agency Stahl-Kommunikation. A forum named futureSteel is being prepared for the second day of the fair in collaboration with the Düsseldorf-based company Marketsteel Media.

The daily exhibitor forum has been very popular for many years. As a result, the organiser has further expanded the forum structure for trade visitors. For the first time at Blechexpo/Schweisstec 2023, high-profile speakers from the exhibiting companies will give talks on all days of the fair in various forums tailored to the hall themes: the Stamping Forum in Hall 4 (1FO-01), the Schweisstec Forum in Hall 7 (7515), the BEST Forum in Hall 9 (9315) and the Steel Forum in Kongress West. Additional specialist forums will be held on the third day of the fair, 09 November 2023, with the associations ZVEI, IBU and EFB. These specialist forums make visiting the fair even more worthwhile; industry visitors will benefit from the latest expert knowledge, inspiration and networking opportunities. Attendance is free of charge.

Clear topics, specialist visitor experiences, discussions with peers

The range of topics covered at the Blechexpo/Schweisstec includes efficient process technologies, the latest laser technology, fully automated robot-based sheet metal working machines, high-precision tools and equipment for stamping, bending, folding and forming, as well as innovative micro waterjet cutting technologies. The shortage of skilled labour in production continues to drive automation in all areas, for example in materials handling and machine operation. Advancements in the integration of production data improve the efficiency of the planning, execution and analysis of production processes.

Trade visitors to Blechexpo/Schweisstec can experience the entire sheet metal working process chain with a high degree of practical relevance and in a pleasant working atmosphere. "We are delighted that suppliers and investors will be able to meet on an equal footing at Blechexpo/Schweisstec and cordially invite the international trade public to Stuttgart from 7 to 10 November 2023", says Bettina Schall, Managing Director of trade fair promoter P. E. Schall.