On 14 May 2025, the spring meeting of the VDMA Working Group ‘Laser and Laser Systems for Material Processing’ took place at Weil Technology in Müllheim in the Markgräflerland region.

Host Florian Weil, CEO of Weil Technology, and Nikolas Meyer, Head of Sales and Industry Management and member of the working group's executive committee, welcomed the participants to a day of professional exchange, networking and discussions on current economic developments and technological trends.

Weil Technology specialises in the development and manufacture of machines and systems for sheet metal processing, particularly in the areas of laser welding, punching and forming. Current projects focus on automation solutions for electromobility, applications in hydrogen technology and sustainable manufacturing concepts.

At the beginning of the meeting, news from the Laser Working Group was presented, such as new members and activities in the digital showroom at the Industry Arena, which promotes the products and services of the members. The working group conducts public relations work in the fields of lasers, quantum technologies and photonics and offers member companies presentation platforms with the international trade fair programme and business development trips.

This year, the Laser Working Group is a partner of the annual conference of the VDMA Electronics, Micro and New Energy Production Technologies (EMINT) trade association, which will take place on 2–3 September 2025 at Viscom/LZH in Hanover. An important item on the agenda of the annual conference is the exchange of ideas among members on specific topics at market stands. The Laser Working Group will be represented with the topic ‘Intelligent laser systems for quality control and the energy transition – innovations for batteries, electronics and photovoltaics’ and will engage in discussions with EMINT members.

The meeting focused on the latest information and discussions among members on export control, the market situation and OPC UA for laser systems. Particular emphasis was placed on the resulting umati showcase, which will be presented at the upcoming Laser World of Photonics and automatica trade fairs in Munich (24 to 27 June 2025).

Anke Odouli, Exhibition Director at Messe München, reported on the record number of exhibitors at Laser World of Photonics and World of Quantum and gave an overview of the diverse programme for visitors and exhibitors.

The trade fairs offer a comprehensive platform for innovations in photonics, laser technology and quantum technology. Particular emphasis will be placed on applications in medical technology, manufacturing, communications and sensor technology. World of Quantum focuses on quantum technologies such as quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensor technology. Numerous specialist presentations, live demonstrations and networking events are planned.

The Laser Working Group will be represented with a booth to promote the products and services of its members.

There will also be guided tours of World of Quantum for exhibitors at Laser World of Photonics and automatica to learn about the application possibilities for companies in the field of photonics and robotics.

There will also be a press conference by the Laser Working Group, held by members of the Executive Board, to highlight the latest developments and application possibilities in the laser industry.

Mr Oliver Wack, VDMA Foreign Trade, presented China's economic position from the perspective of market data and the current and future assessment of VDMA member companies. Mr Wack outlined the options available to German mechanical engineering companies and the VDMA's demands on politicians.

In addition, VDMA projects were presented that support members in economically and politically challenging times – particularly in regulatory matters.

For example, the VDMA has launched the “Stormproof: Safe through economic turbulence” initiative to provide targeted support to member companies in times of economic uncertainty. The aim is to make companies more resilient to economic fluctuations, geopolitical risks and supply chain problems. The initiative bundles practical offers such as webinars, guidelines, checklists and best practice examples. Key topics include liquidity management, more resilient supply chains, strategic personnel planning and digitalisation. Members benefit from exclusive access to expert knowledge, individual consulting services and an intensive exchange of experience within the network. In addition, current market analyses and recommendations for action are provided on a regular basis. More information can be found here.

Dr Peter Soldan from the VDI Technology Centre presented current funding opportunities from the BMBF and the EU in the field of photonics and quantum technologies.

The meeting at Weil Technology was rounded off with an exciting tour of the company. The date for the next meeting of the Laser Working Group was set for November 6, 2025 at the VDMA in Frankfurt am Main.