The 27th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition, EuroBLECH 2024, concluded successfully, demonstrating the sheet metal industry’s strength and innovation amidst global economic challenges. Welcoming 38,946 visitors from 114 countries and 1,317 exhibitors across 160,000 square meters, EuroBLECH reaffirmed its status as a top event for sector advancements and business connections. Despite a slower economy, exhibitors reported a positive response with robust orders and an optimistic outlook for market recovery and growth.
Despite a challenging global economy, there was consensus that core markets will recover and grow, backed by a strong commitment to transformational change. With a focus on new opportunities, the industry has accelerated its drive for innovation. This commitment to technological advancement was met with enthusiasm from buyers, who showed a clear interest in new investments.
The four-day event attracted high-quality visitors, with most identified as key decision-makers. Unique visitor numbers grew by 3%, with strong representation from Germany, a key player in several tech sectors. Top visitor nations also included the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland, along with a significant increase in attendees from Asia (Japan, Taiwan, India) and South America (notably Argentina), indicating new, promising markets for the sheet metal industry.
Innovation Sparks Significant Technological Advances
EuroBLECH’s nine halls showcased a host of product debuts and pioneering innovations, emphasizing the sector’s commitment to technological progress. Among the featured technologies were an AI vision system for automated sorting of laser-cut parts, remote machine diagnostics for rapid servicing, automated factory systems that seamlessly integrate human and machine interactions, and user-friendly laser-cutting machines for new operators. Other highlights included modular bending cells, a powerful 20kW high-precision fiber laser, and AI-driven robotic software for complex applications.
Recognizing Innovation Leaders
EuroBLECH 2024 honored 76 companies shortlisted for its prestigious awards in partnership with blechnet and MM MaschinenMarkt. The six winners, selected by public vote, included:
- Stamping and Forming: Amada, for their fully automatic bending robot cell ‘EGB-1303ARse.’
- Cutting Technology: TRUMPF, for bevel cutting on 2D laser cutting machines.
- Joining Technology: Weil Technology, for the ‘LWC-RT4-BPP’ laser welding system.
- Surface Technology: Q-Fin, for the small parts finishing machine ‘Q-Fin F250.’
- Automation and Handling: Reis Robotics, for the robot controller ‘ROBOTstar VII.’
- Sustainability: Bosch Rexroth, for an energy-efficient, servo-hydraulic drive solution for deep-drawing presses.
Runners-up included Airco, BENEVA, Bystronic, and others. Award Trails highlighted all shortlisted companies and their innovations.
Engagement, Knowledge Sharing, and New Talent
Two Presentation Areas in Halls 26 and 27 hosted live talks on automation and digitalization. A special panel focused on strategies for small and medium-sized businesses, while Guided Tours provided visitors with structured insights into productivity trends and suppliers. EuroBLECH 2024 also celebrated young talent, with one in five exhibitors new to the show and a ‘Young Innovators’ Pavilion in Hall 15 showcasing start-ups and innovations. Friday’s Careers Day welcomed students and apprentices for a unique learning experience.
EuroBLECH Inspires Optimism for the Future
The event ended on a high note after four productive days, fostering connections across the sheet metal supply chain and unveiling fresh growth opportunities. Evelyn Warwick, EuroBLECH Event Director, highlighted the community’s resilience and praised participants for their active engagement and contributions, which continue to drive industry progress. Preparations are already underway for EuroBLECH 2026, set for October 20–23, in Hanover.
RX, the event organizer, is a global leader in events and exhibitions, dedicated to empowering industries through data-driven insights and inclusive practices. RX operates in 25 countries and hosts approximately 350 events annually, as part of RELX, a provider of professional analytics and decision tools.
