On 21-25 October, the international sheet-metal-working industry will meet again in Hanover, Germany. A record number of 1,600 exhibitors from 38 countries will put their products and services on display in eight exhibition halls, on a total net floor space of 86,500 sq m.

This represents a 5% increase in exhibitor numbers and a 3% increase in floor space compared to the previous EuroBLECH.

Nicola Hamann, managing director of Mack Brooks Exhibitions, said: “This event is the largest trade exhibition and an economic and technological trend barometer for the sheet-metal-working industry.

"We are confident that, with the size of this year’s show and an overall positive economic outlook for the industry sector, it will provide a key market-place for successful business and world-wide contacts.”

At 47%, the proportion of international exhibitors is again very high. As well as host country Germany, major exhibitor countries include Italy, China, Turkey, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, the USA and the UK.

To help visitors make the most of the show, the organisers are providing an app that offers information about all exhibitors and their products, along with a map of the exhibition grounds for orientation and guidance — plus a personal show planner.

Furthermore, visitors can register and convert their smart-phone into an entrance ticket. ‘Euro-BLECH 2 go’ is available now and can be accessed via the Web site (www.eb2go.de); it is also free to download as an Android or iPhone app.

Meanwhile, participation in the Job Board allows sheet-metal-working specialists to reach employers world-wide; job vacancies and candidate profiles are advertised on the EuroBLECH Web site, through the exhibition app as well as on-site at the exhibition.

Taking part as a candidate is free of charge, and further details are available in the visitor section of the exhibition Web site (www.euroblech.com).

Amada (Hall 12, Stands D06/F06)

Sheet metal machinery specialist Amada (www.amada.co.uk) will be showing a number of new and recent technology introductions that are designed to offer customers significant competitive gains in all aspects of the component fabrication process (Hall 12, stands D06 and F06).

The company will be focusing on solutions that consider systems not in isolation but in relationship to the entire production process — with lasers, robots and software all having an equally important role to play.

On the fibre laser front, Amada will be presenting its new Ensis — a 2kW machine capable of profiling mild steel that would previously have required the use of a 4kW laser.

The secret behind this development is the ability to modulate the laser beam as a function of the sheet thickness. Amada will also be demonstrating the advantages of fibre laser welding technology using its expanded range of FLW welding cells.

Integration is among the key Amada themes at EuroBLECH this year; for the company, this means combining multiple processes within a single system solution. It will present its LC-C1 AJ, which brings together processes such as punching, fibre laser machining, automation and tool management.

Similar integration trends are taking place in bending, where it is the integration of robots and software solutions that are making production more efficient.

Three automated bending cells on the Amada stand will demonstrate that robots can bring about an enormous gain in flexibility and dramatic time savings — even when processing small batches.

Amada will also be unveiling its new VPSS 3i software package, an ‘intelligent’, integrated and interactive software system that acts as the core of the entire production process.

The dimensioning of the final assembly is the starting point, after which the system anticipates all blanking, bending and welding operations, thus avoiding mistakes or quality issues on the final product.

Yamazaki Mazak, (Hall 11, Stand D14)

Yamazaki Mazak (www.mazak.eu) is exhibiting five laser cutting machines and one machine tool at Euro-BLECH 2014, the largest number of machines ever exhibited at the show by the company (Hall 11, stand D14). The company’s 1,000 sq m stand will be themed ‘make [it] better’ and will demonstrate a ‘total solution’ for sheet-metal cutting, combining both laser processing and machine tools.

The ‘total solution’ will include the new Optiplex Nexus 3015 — a compact machine that has been specifically designed for new entrants into laser processing with limited production floor space.

Mazak will also be exhibiting a new Optiplex machine with a larger cutting table; this is available in both fibre and CO₂ versions.

The new Optiplex 4020 Fiber combines an enlarged cutting table (4,000 x 2,000mm) and a new cutting head; manufactured by Mazak, it can adjust laser beam size and generate a greater focal length. The machine is also equipped with an automatic nozzle changer (the specific machine being exhibited is also equipped with a flexible automation system).

Visitors to the Mazak stand will also be able to view the Super Turbo-X 3015 — a fast fixed-optic machine that can undertakethe non-stop cutting of a variety of different materials and thicknesses.

This machine is equipped with a number of ‘intelligent’ functions, including automatic nozzle changing within the program and ‘auto focus distance measurement adjustment’.

Also making its European debut will be the 2D Tube Gear 150. Designed for high-speed tube and pipe laser cutting operations requiring high levels of precision, this machine accommodates square tubes, round tubes and pipes up to 6in in section size. It also features a three-chuck design that delivers high levels of precision and significantly reduces vibration.

Alongside the laser cutting machines, Mazak will also demonstrate a Vertical Centre Smart 430A vertical machining centre, complete with friction-stir welding capability. This can mill, drill, weld and tap flat components.

Trumpf (Hall 11, Stand B30/1-3)

Numerous world premieres and many innovations along the entire process chain will be shown on the Trumpf stand (www.trumpf.com), including the new generation of TruBend Series 5000 press brakes and the semi-automated TruBend Center — a completely new member of the Trumpf press brake line.

Also having its premiere is the TruPunch 5000, which has again raised productivity and reliability standards in punching. Meanwhile, the TruMark 5050 now features even higher mean laser power, allowing it to mark products even faster while maintaining outstanding quality.

The TruMatic 6000 fiber — a combined punch laser machine — is a totally new product that combines the advantages of the solid-state laser with high-quality punching technology, making it a particularly productive punch/laser machine when working thin sheet metal.

It uses the high cutting speeds possible with the TruDisk 3001 and combines its 180kN of punching force (1,000 strokes per min max) with highly dynamic drives. The machine rapidly cuts, punches and shapes sheet metal up to 6.4mm thick. When engraving, it marks parts at up to 2,800 strokes per min.

The benefits of the solid-state laser are most apparent when cutting galvanised mild steel and film-covered stainless steel; for these applications, the cutting speeds are as much as six-times those of a CO₂ laser of the same power.

The solid-state laser also expands the range of materials that the TruMatic 6000 fiber can work; as well as mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium, the machine can process non-ferrous metals like copper and brass. Furthermore, nitrogen cutting technology allows the best edge quality and dimensional accuracy to be achieved in non-ferrous metals with a minimum of thermal warping.

Trumpf also offers a range of options designed to minimise non-productive time on the TruMatic 6000 fiber. Among them are automation for the material flow and tool change, along with what the company calls ‘smart functions’; these determine whether a need for action has arisen and then take that action automatically.

The smart punch monitoring function, for instance, detects when a punch has broken, stops the machine and notifies the operator. The machine has also been designed to provide optimum operator access to all critical locations. In spite of this open concept, the machine has been ranked in Laser Safety Class 1.

Safan Darley (Hall 14, Stand H06)

One of the highlights on the stand of Safan Darley (www.safandarley.com) is the new generation of servo-electric press brakes (Hall 14, Stand H06). The company’s well known dual-drive pulley principle has evolved into a new machine concept that offers even more benefits than the established E-brake.

These new machines have a C-frame, a narrower press beam and higher pressing force per metre, as well as faster positioning, higher acceleration and greater accuracy. This new-concept E-Brake also has a fully adjustable operator panel (small servo motors automatically adjust the position of the screens for maximum operator comfort).

Even the highest-quality world-leading press brakes cannot guarantee end-product accuracy. Variations in material quality, grain direction and tensile strength contribute to angle variation that can result in time and material losses. Safan Darley has solved this problem with its new and patented E-Bend L angle-measuring system.

This offers significant increases in productivity by eliminating the need for test bends, providing greater up-time and avoiding material waste. In production, the system only needs to measure the angle once, as it ‘learns’ the required bend depth, then applies this measurement to each of the following components.

The system uses two laser cameras which move on their own linear guide (CNC W axis) to measure the bend angle from both the front and back of the material for maximum angle accuracy.

Meanwhile, the Safan Darley E-Control touch-screen system provides an efficient and simple man-machine interface; only the buttons required at that moment are visible on the 17in screen.

Another feature is the optional second screen, on which additional bending information can be displayed for the operator. The PC-based control runs under Microsoft Windows. The unit is fitted with a 100MB Ethernet UTP network connection as standard; moreover, the new E-control offers 3-D programming with graphical bend simulation and the ability to import DXF files.

Other machines on the Safan Darley stand include the E-Brake 35T-1250 Ergonomic, the E-brake 50T-2050, the E-Brake 150T-3100 and the M-Shear 310-6.

LVD Co (Hall 12, Stand F50)

A part of the EuroBLECH line-up of LVD Co nv (www.lvdgroup.com) will be a new technology developed with Industry 4.0 in mind (Industry 4.0 is a project promoting the computerisation of the manufacturing industry).

LVD’s technology is designed to transform a shopfloor, giving decision-makers a powerful real-time view of their operations (Hall 12, Stand F50).

From its laser cutting range, LVD will be showing its Electra fibre laser. This will be equipped with what the company describes as its most flexible automation yet; the FA-L can unload a finished sheet and load the next within 40sec.

For cutting thicker materials, LVD will be highlighting its Sirius Plus CO2 laser equipped with Adaptive Laser Cutting (ALC) technology, which uses continuous feedback to increase productivity and assure quality by constantly monitoring and regulating laser power, speed and assist gas pressure.

LVD’s latest bending technology includes the Dyna-Press, which the company describes as a super-compact press brake ideal for the bending of small and simple parts.

Meanwhile, the new-generation Easy-Form control features advanced in-process adaptive bending technology and an advanced touch-screen control. LVD will also be showing its Tool Cell — a press brake with an integrated tool-changing system that significantly reduces press brake set-up times.

Representing LVD’s punch press range is the Strippit PX with a 10-pallet automated material-handling system — the CT-P Compact Tower.

The Strippit PX combines punching, forming, bending and tapping in a single machine for complete workpiece processing, including complex three-dimensional parts. The CT-P provides full capabilities for the loading, unloading and storage of raw material and finished parts.

Finally, LVD will be demonstrating the new features on its latest version of CADMAN off-line programming software for punching, bending and laser cutting applications.

Kasto (Hall 11, Stand A15)

Kasto (www.kasto.com) will exhibit products from its ranges of sawing and storage equipment (Hall 11, Stand A15). Its new bandsawing machine range, Kasto Win, consists of five automatic bandsaw models that cover a cutting range from 330 to 1,060mm.

These machines are suitable for universal use and for all types of material; and because they feature a modular design and many common components across the range, they offer a high performance-to-price ratio.

Also on display will be the automatic pivot-type workshop saw Kasto Practical A2, which has been designed for efficient cutting and mitring of profile, tube and solid bar.

A two-speed drive unit delivering 35 or 70m/min cutting speed and a fully hydraulic feed are just two of this machine’s features. Furthermore, steplessly variable mitre selection without length correction makes the saw simple to use, as does the Smart Control with easy to understand symbols and information on the cutting condition.

Automated storage will be represented by the Kasto Uniline. This is based on a longitudinal design and can be erected fully internally, internally but through the roof as a ‘chimney’ installation, or externally and fully clad against the elements. It is particularly well suited to all sheet-format pallets from small to large and extra-large, as well as for cassettes holding tube, profiles and cubic products.

Kasto Uniline can be connected directly to processing machinery such as laser cutting machines and press brakes. The exhibition model will be demonstrating integrated robotic sorting from the cut nesting program for unattended production in a typical laser processing company.

Prima Power (Hall12, Stand B64)

Prima Power (www.primapower.com) will be exhibiting new 2-D and 3-D laser solutions — plus a new generation of punching, right-angle-shearing and bending solutions, and flexible manufacturing systems.

For example, the latest Platino Fiber laser machine has higher power and enhanced performance, allowing it to deliver improved cutting quality, shorter cycle times and better process control; it also offers new automatic functions for unmanned operation.

EuroBLECH will also see the world premiere of a new 3-D laser product designed for the high-volume production of automotive parts, including hot-stamped and hydro-formed components.

Also on display will be the LaserDyne 430, which is designed to give precision laser processing, as well as the drilling and welding of metal and non-metal components.

The exhibition will also see the world premiere of the Shear Brilliance cell. This features linear drives and a composite construction, as well as servo-electric punching and shearing; it also achieves higher material utilisation and high-quality parts with no nibble marks — plus automatic loading and fast sheet positioning.

Table lengths up to 4,070 and 3,100mm allow punching/shearing without repositioning. Furthermore, the 24- or 30-station turret minimises set-up times, while the 35-tonne ram force allows high-speed processing of very long contours in one operation. Moreover, Shear Brilliance is easy to integrate with FMS systems that include automatic sheet storage, sorting and stacking.

Prima Power will also be showing its servo-electric eP-Series of press brakes, as well as its new Tulus Power Processing manufacturing-execution system, which controls the whole production process from order management to finished product — and reporting in real time. Also on show will be the company’s NC Express CAM software and Maestro-Libellula Tube for 2-D laser machines with a rotary axis for tube cutting.