GrindingHub, taking place from 14-17 May 2024 in Stuttgart, is set to open its doors to grinding experts from all over the world. Over 460 exhibitors from 31 countries will be showcasing their latest grinding technology solutions — the show has expanded into four exhibitions halls in just its second year.

The event will be about more than just technical products and innovations, as Dr Markus Heering, managing director of the organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association), said: “Automation and digitalisation, skills shortages, new customers and markets, the promotion of young talent — the industry is facing multiple challenges and opportunities. As the meeting place for the grinding technology industry, we want to offer the community a platform for swapping ideas and picking up information. I am convinced that we will succeed in this — thanks to the increased number of exhibitors, the impressive supporting programme and the international and sectoral diversity which is now even greater.”

The trade fair concept expands the tried and tested elements but also breaks new ground. The latest industry innovations are presented in the GrindingSolutionPark Science and in the Startup Hub. The overall concept establishes close links between business and research. The show organiser says it is important to include smaller companies and start ups at the show and this is why the Startup Hub has been created to offer innovative companies to promote themselves.

For the first time, there will also be a joint stand for Swiss companies. This market is particularly important for grinding technology, and its exhibitors will now have the opportunity to get a taster of the GrindingHub and present their products and services to the visitors under their national banner.

A further focal point will be on digitalisation in production. This includes a live demonstration of umati, the joint interoperability initiative of the VDW and VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association) for global data connectivity. Numerous exhibitors will be connected to the umati dashboard and will be recognisable by the distinctive sticker on their machines.

The supporting programme is rounded off by the Specialist Forum (Fachforum) (Hall 10, Stand E80), which provides a platform for exhibitor presentations of all kinds. Companies will be given 20 minute slots to inform the audience on all that is new in the world of grinding technology.

GrindingHub is keen to address the needs of the next generation and emphasise how it is combatting the shortage of skilled workers and promoting young talent with its Grinder of the Year competition. It will put the theoretical knowledge and practical grinding skills of young talents from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to the test. Also to be won, alongside the title itself, are training vouchers worth up to 3,500 euros. The finalists from the preliminary round will then demonstrate their skills live during the GrindingHub show.

Growth in all key areas
Martin Göbel, VDW’s head of trade fairs, said: “We are particularly pleased to be presenting even more aspects of the grinding process chain than in the first event. More exhibitors, greater internationality, more product diversity. There is clear growth in all key areas compared to the premiere in 2022. A total of 461 exhibitors had registered by 23 February — 85 more companies than in 2022. The number of companies and the amount of exhibition space they have booked have made it necessary to open a fourth hall.”

However, visitors can look forward not only to increased numbers but also to greater diversity in terms of international involvement. The exhibitors will be coming from a total of 31 countries — eight more than last time. The top five, headed by Germany (210 companies), also includes Switzerland (62), China (43), Italy (37) and Japan (15). Accordingly, the VDW is expecting an increase in the number of visitors from Asia now that the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted there.

The exhibitors are spread across 40 sectors, from grinding, polishing and honing equipment, through to cylindrical and non-cylindrical grinding machines, cooling and lubrication. In the grinding, polishing and honing products area, the organisers have registered almost 120% growth. The top five sectors include cylindrical and non-cylindrical grinding machines, grinding machines for the cutting and machining of tools, machines for lapping, polishing and honing as well as surface grinding machines.

Grinding is a key metalworking process that comes at the end of almost every process chain, ensuring a precise surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Accordingly, grinding technology plays a decisive role in determining the durability and functionality of a wide range of end products. Grinding technology is also particularly important for energy efficiency as a result of lower energy losses, and for environmental friendliness due to the reduced emissions.

The total volume of global machine tool production amounted to 80.4 billion euros in 2022. Grinding technology accounted for around 7% of this, at 5.5 billion euros. The production volume has thus increased by 14.9% compared to the previous year, although the share has remained almost the same.

China, Germany and Japan are among the most prolific producers. Almost a third of all grinding machines are manufactured in Germany, Switzerland or Austria. What is striking is that almost half of all grinding machines are manufactured in Europe. This means that the region plays a special role as a global producer. When it comes to grinding, honing, lapping and polishing machines, however, the largest markets are China, the USA and Germany.

In 2023, the Chinese sales market was of particular interest for German exports, taking first place by a clear margin, followed by the USA and Italy. The largest suppliers for the German market included Switzerland, the Czech Republic and China. Asia accounted for more than half of the global market in 2022. Europe only accounted for 1.6 billion euros (around one third of world consumption), playing a smaller role here in relation to production. This shows that a large proportion of domestic production is destined for export.

Dr Heering concluded: "At GrindingHub 2024, trade visitors will once again be able to experience the entire world of grinding technology live and first hand. The trade fair reflects the internationality and diversity of the industry and thus offers an excellent opportunity to forge contacts across national borders and tap into new markets.”