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2024-01-12 Precision grinding ensures smooth and efficient running in electric vehicles

Precision grinding ensures smooth and efficient running in electric vehicles
A cyclist out in the countryside on an e-bike would rather hear birdsong than annoying noises from the bike's drive unit. Smooth running is also an important factor in electric cars. The electric motor is much quieter than a diesel or petrol engine, meaning that unpleasant noises are more noticeable when driving. Go to press info

2023-11-10 OPC UA moves into international forming technology

OPC UA moves into international forming technology
From November 7 to 10, 2023, Blechexpo invites all experts in sheet metal working to Stuttgart for the exhibition. umati, the joint connectivity initiative of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) and VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), will also be exhibiting in Hall 9/Stand 9502. Go to press info

2023-04-26 Dr. Markus Heering to join VDW executive team as of May 2023

Dr. Markus Heering to join VDW executive team as of May 2023
Dr. Markus Heering (55) will join the management team of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) and the Machine Tool and Manufacturing Systems Association within the VDMA, both in Frankfurt am Main, on 1 May 2023. He will assist Dr. Wilfried Schäfer in steering the fortunes of the two associations until the end of the year. Go to press info

2022-08-24 German machine tool orders stable

 German machine tool orders stable
In the second quarter of 2022, order intake in the German machine tool industry rose by 24 percent compared to the same period last year. In this context, orders from Germany increased by 27 percent and those from abroad by 23 percent. In the first half of 2022, orders increased by 34 percent overall. Domestic orders contributed to this with a 35 percent increase and foreign orders with a 33 perce Go to press info

2022-05-20 GrindingHub debut a resounding success

GrindingHub debut a resounding success
GrindingHub 2022 concludes today, with the four-day event proving a major success. Under the banner of Brings solutions to the surface, more than 370 exhibitors showcased their latest grinding technology innovations, products and solutions on almost 18,000 net square meters of exhibition space. Go to press info

2022-03-31 Energy transition offers great potential to machine tool industry

Energy transition offers great potential to machine tool industry
Annual global investment in energy-related plant is set to more than double in the future, from EUR 762 billion in 2020 to EUR 1.808 billion in 2040. This represents an annual rise of 4.4 percent in real terms. Go to press info

2022-03-15 Grinding technology manufacturers showing strong commitment to Stuttgart as new hub for sector

Grinding technology manufacturers showing strong commitment to Stuttgart as new hub for sector
About 340 well-known exhibitors from more than 20 countries have already signed up for the first event. This will underpin GrindingHub's declared intention to become a major international hub for the sector. Go to press info

2022-02-24 GrindingHub attractive for European grinding technology manufacturers

GrindingHub attractive for European grinding technology manufacturers
GrindingHub, the new trade fair for grinding technology, is set to premiere from 17 to 22 May in Stuttgart. The organizers, VDW and Messe Stuttgart, are holding a series of press conferences in the key European markets for grinding technology: France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. Go to press info

2022-02-15 German metal forming technology sector closes 2021 with full order books

German metal forming technology sector closes 2021 with full order books
Orders received by the German metal forming technology sector in the fourth quarter of 2021 were 50 percent up on the previous year's figure. Go to press info

2022-02-15 German machine tool makers close 2021 with full order books

German machine tool makers close 2021 with full order books
"This great result reveals how German manufacturers have worked their way out of the Covid crisis," says Dr Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association), Frankfurt am Main, commenting on the result. Go to press info

2022-02-15 German machine tool industry surges ahead in 2022 after the pandemic

German machine tool industry surges ahead in 2022 after the pandemic
"2022 has a good chance of being a successful year for the machine tool industry," said Franz-Xaver Bernhard, Chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) at the association's annual press conference in Frankfurt am Main on Tuesday. Go to press info

2022-01-20 GrindingHub cooperating with Schleiftagung grinding conference

GrindingHub cooperating with Schleiftagung grinding conference
GrindingHub, the new hub for grinding technology in Stuttgart, aims to bring all the major names in grinding together in one place. The ‘Schleiftagung’ constitutes a premium partner Go to press info

2022-01-13 Hybrid manufacturing processes for increased competitiveness

Hybrid manufacturing processes for increased competitiveness
GrindingHub, the internationally oriented trade fair for grinding technology, will provide a compact overview of the market for production technologies in this challenging environment from May 17 to 20 in Stuttgart. Go to press info

2021-12-16 The new VDW Chairman – Franz-Xaver Bernhard

The new VDW Chairman – Franz-Xaver Bernhard
Franz-Xaver Bernhard was unanimously elected the new Chairman by the Executive Board of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) and the Machine Tool and Manufacturing Systems Association within the VDMA, Frankfurt am Main, at its fall meeting. Go to press info

2021-12-15 Finished to perfection

Finished to perfection
GrindingHub, the new leading trade fair for grinding technology, will be held in Stuttgart from 17 to 20 May 2022 and will provide a platform for finishing and superfinishing. After the pandemic-related hiatus in trade shows, many of the exhibitors are now registering a strong desire for face-to-face communication and knowledge transfer regarding the more complex processes. Go to press info

2021-11-26 Supply bottlenecks holding back metalforming production

Supply bottlenecks holding back metalforming  production
In the third quarter of 2021, order intake in the German metalforming sector increased by 35 percent compared with the prior-year period. Domestic orders increased by 22 percent. Foreign orders were 42 percent higher than a year earlier. Go to press info

2021-11-26 Supply bottlenecks holding back machine tool production

Supply bottlenecks holding back machine tool  production
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the third quarter of 2021 were 69 percent up on the previous year's figure. Orders from Germany rose by 67 percent. Foreign orders were 71 percent higher than in the previous year. Go to press info

2021-04-12 GrindingHub registration forms available – Register now!

GrindingHub registration forms available – Register now!
In the last few days the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association) has sent out registration forms to potential GrindingHub exhibitors all over the world. "We first presented our trade fair concept just four weeks ago, and since then we have succeeded in creating the registration forms for the new GrindingHub and distributing them within record time," reports Dr. Schäfer. Go to press info

2021-04-12 German machine tool manufacturers are back in China

German machine tool manufacturers are back in China
Germany presents largest foreign participation at Cimt 2021. "Finally, a real trade fair again with flesh-and-blood, exhibitors and visitors, with exhibition stands and face-to-face discussions" is what many German machine tool manufacturers are looking forward to at Cimt 2021. Go to press info

2021-03-15 Starting in 2022 – GrindingHub in Stuttgart

Starting in 2022 – GrindingHub in Stuttgart
GrindingHub, the first edition of the new leading trade fair and the center for grinding technology, will be held from 17 to 20 May 2022 in Stuttgart. Go to press info

2021-02-24 German machine tool industry sees light at end of tunnel

German machine tool industry sees light at end of tunnel
The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), Frankfurt am Main, expects production in the German machine tool industry to grow by 6 per cent to around 12.6 billion euros in 2021. At the association’s annual press conference, Chairman Dr Heinz-Jürgen Prokop stated that the improved mood in the economy is raising the willingness to invest. Go to press info

2021-01-20 Pushing forward digitalisation in the machine tool industry with intelligent algorithms and platform

Pushing forward digitalisation in the machine tool industry with intelligent algorithms and platform
The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), Frankfurt am Main, has acquired a minority stake in Munich-based Spanflug Technologies GmbH. The contract was signed last November. The start-up has been operating since 2018 and was spun off from the Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management (iwb) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Go to press info

2021-01-08 Perfect boost for umati

Perfect boost for umati
All good things are worth waiting for! The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), Frankfurt am Main, originally planned to present its “Project of the Year” award to the Stuttgart research trio Caren Dripke, Tonja Heinemann and Christian von Arnim at the METAV last March. Go to press info

2020-12-11 Machine tool manufacturers opening a new chapter in the roll-out of Industry 4.0

Machine tool manufacturers opening a new chapter in the roll-out of Industry 4.0
The VDW will be firing up the next stage of umati – the universal machine technology interface – on 16 and 17 December. Go to press info

2020-11-25 Corona leaving deep scars on the machine tool industry

Corona leaving deep scars on the machine tool industry
Corona leaving deep scars: sharp drop in incoming orders in the machine tool industry. VDW has to revise production forecast. Go to press info

2020-10-14 Plug and play milestones in mechanical and plant engineering

Plug and play milestones in mechanical and plant engineering
• Publication of OPC UA for Machinery and OPC UA for Machine Tools • umati community testing functionality of both specifications in umati demonstrator Go to press info

2020-08-12 Corona crisis holding down German machine tool industry orders

Corona crisis holding down German machine tool industry orders
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the second quarter of 2020 were 46 per cent down on the same period last year. In the process orders from Germany fell by 36 per cent. 51 per cent fewer orders were received from abroad. Go to press info

2020-06-02 METAV Web Sessions – Ideal further training

METAV Web Sessions – Ideal further training
The METAV Web Sessions take place from 15 to 19 June 2020 and offer a unique range of compelling information and presentations on the latest developments in production Technology. Go to press info

2020-05-29 German machine tool industry under great pressure

German machine tool industry under great pressure
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the first quarter of 2020 were 25 per cent down on the same period last year. Orders from within Germany fell by 22 per cent. 27 per cent fewer orders were received from abroad. Go to press info

2020-05-27 Medical engineering requires long-term approach

Medical engineering requires long-term approach
First there was Brexit, trade wars and structural change in key industries, now it's the corona pandemic. Up to now the machine tool manufacturers have only been marginally affected by the economic setbacks, but they are now facing increasing threats. Medical engineering readily springs to mind when it comes to markets that still hold growth potential. Go to press info

2020-05-12 let’s talk about innovation

let’s talk about innovation
Launching on 15 June 2020, the METAV Web Sessions are the digital platform for metalworking aimed at providing information on production solutions in the post-corona era. Go to press info

2020-04-02 umati – on its way to becoming the global language of production

umati – on its way to becoming the global language of production
The VDMA and VDW are joining forces to promote the use and dissemination of OPC UA standards throughout the mechanical engineering sector under the umati label. Go to press info

2020-02-19 Order bookings at the German machine tool industry disappointing in 2019

Order bookings at the German machine tool industry disappointing in 2019
In the fourth quarter of 2019, the German machine tool industry’s order bookings fell by 20 per cent in comparison to the preceding year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders were down by 18 per cent, export orders by 20 per cent. In 2019, order bookings decreased by a total of 22 per cent. Domestic bookings fell by 21 per cent, export orders by 22 per cent. Go to press info

2020-02-19 German machine tool industry facing major challenges in 2020

German machine tool industry facing major challenges in 2020
The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) is expecting production output to fall by 18 per cent in 2020. “This is something the sector hasn’t seen in a long time, following the boom of recent years,” to quote Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop, Chairman of the VDW speaking at the annual press conference in Frankfurt am Main on 13 February 2020. The decline in demand, already perceptible in the seco Go to press info

2019-07-05 New dimension in networked production

New dimension in networked production
umati - universal machine tool interface goes live at EMO Hannover 2019 from 16 to 21 September with an exciting presentation. "Around 50 machine tool manufacturers from all over the world will be joining forces to show how umati makes machine data usable," says Dr. Alexander Broos, umati project manager and Head of Research and Technology at the EMO organiser VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ As Go to press info

2019-05-29 Sharp fall in orders for the machine tool industry

Sharp fall in orders for the machine tool industry
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the first quarter of 2019 were 21 per cent down on the same period last year. Orders from Germany fell by 10 per cent whereas those from abroad were down by 27 per cent. Go to press info

2019-05-29 Vietnamese economy picking up speed

Vietnamese economy picking up speed
Germany and German products enjoy an excellent reputation in Vietnam. This was confirmed by Marko Walde, Executive Director of the German-Vietnamese Chamber of Foreign Trade and cooperation partner for the second VDW (Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken – German Machine Tool Builders' Association) Symposium in the Mekong Delta. Vietnam's economic development is continuing to pick up speed. Go to press info

2019-03-25 All major control suppliers support umati

All major control suppliers support umati
Standard interface for machine tool industry umati, universal machine tool interface, attracting great international interest. Go to press info

2019-01-22 US boom boosting demand for machine tools

US boom boosting demand for machine tools
The USA: El Dorado for the machine tool industry? According to the US Association for Manufacturing Technology, the level of orders received by the industry in the USA rose by 27 per cent to EUR 3.4 billion in the first three quarters of the year. In September alone, orders shot up by 50 per cent. Go to press info

2018-11-29 Full throttle towards a common language for machine tools

Full throttle towards a common language for machine tools
umati (universal machine tool interface) moves one step ahead towards becoming a generally accepted standard. VDW, the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association and the OPC Foundation establish a so-called Joint Working Group. Interested parties are cordially invited to participate with immediate effect. “The group will start its work in January 2019”, reports Dr. Alexander Broos, project manager Go to press info

2018-11-19 German forming technology manufacturers maintaining record order levels

German forming technology manufacturers maintaining record order levels
Orders received by German forming technology manufacturers were 14 per cent up in the third quarter of 2018. Orders from Germany rose by 12 per cent whereas those from abroad were up by 16 per cent. Orders increased by 12 per cent in the first nine months of the year. Domestic orders grew by 20 per cent, while foreign orders rose by 8 per cent. Go to press info

2018-09-21 Connectivity initiative leads to first applications

Connectivity initiative leads to first applications
VDW Chairman Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop unveiled the new umati brand at AMB Stuttgart. This should give greater visibility to the industry initiative Connectivity for Industry 4.0 which was launched exactly one year ago during EMO Hannover 2017. The initiative is also presenting the first applications for the future standard interface. Go to press info

2018-08-16 German manufacturers of forming technology maintain record order level

German manufacturers of forming technology maintain record order level
In the second quarter of 2018, order bookings at German manufacturers of forming technology maintained the preceding year’s level. Domestic orders were up by 22 per cent, while exports fell by ten per cent. In the first half of the current year, order bookings rose by eleven per cent. Domestic orders were up by 24 per cent, exports by five per cent. Go to press info

2018-08-14 German machine tool industry maintains record order level

German machine tool industry maintains record order level
In the second quarter of 2018, order bookings in the German machine tool industry increased by two per cent compared to the preceding year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders were up by 29 per cent, while export orders fell by nine per cent. In the first half of this year, order bookings rose by twelve per cent. Domestic orders were up by 34 per cent, exports by three per cent. Go to press info

2018-07-12 German machine tool manufacturers score highly in South Korea

German machine tool manufacturers score highly in South Korea
In contrast to the German football team in the world cup match a few weeks ago, the German machine tool industry has scored highly in the tiger nation of South Korea. 14 prestigious German machine tool manufacturers met with keen interest on 3 July 2018 in the metropolis of Busan. Go to press info

2018-07-02 Dr. Broos explains “Connectivity for Industry 4.0” to Chinese media

Dr. Broos explains “Connectivity for Industry 4.0” to Chinese media
Dr. Broos, VDW’s expert on technology and standardization, explained our initiative of a common language for machine tools in an interview with Hoisting and Conveying Machinery. Go to press info

2018-05-30 VDW gets the Club of Metalworking off to a successful start

VDW gets the Club of Metalworking off to a successful start
Frankfurt am Main, 28 May 2018. – Making a visit to the fair simpler, faster and better: this is the goal pursued by the Club of Metalworking, which the VDW launched a few days ago. Membership is free of charge, and offers attractive services for international metalworking experts Go to press info

2018-05-09 German machine tool industry hits the ground running

German machine tool industry hits the ground running
In the first quarter of 2018, order bookings in the German machine tool industry rose by 22 per cent compared to the preceding year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders were up by 39 per cent. Orders from abroad increased by 15 per cent. Go to press info

2018-05-09 German manufacturers of forming technology hit the ground running

German manufacturers of forming technology hit the ground running
In the first quarter of 2018, order bookings at the German manufacturers of forming technology rose by 23 per cent in comparison to the previous year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders increased by 26 per cent. Export orders were up by 21 per cent. Go to press info

2018-02-07 Bountiful orders for the German machine tool industry

Bountiful orders for the German machine tool industry
In the fourth quarter of 2017, the German machine tool industry’s order bookings increased by 24 per cent in comparison to the preceding year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders were up by 48 per cent. Orders from abroad rose by 13 per cent. For 2017, there is an overall plus of eight per cent: domestic orders climbed by ten per cent, while orders from abroad ended with a seven-per-cent plus. Go to press info

2018-02-07 German machine tool industry achieves another production record

German machine tool industry achieves another production record
“The German machine tool industry is setting one production record after another.” With this good news, Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop, Chairman of the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association, Frankfurt am Main, opened the organisation’s annual press conference. In 2017, the sector achieved growth of four per cent. Go to press info

2017-12-11 Hoisting the German flag in the lead market of China

Hoisting the German flag in the lead market of China
Following a lengthy lean period, China, the most important market for the German machine tool industry, is regaining momentum. Reason enough for the VDW to host the second technology symposium in the Middle Kingdom. From 27 November to 1 December 2017, 20 German machine tool manufacturers were showing the flag in Tianjin, Chengdu and Shenzhen, spotlighting high-tech from Germany in a very compact Go to press info

2017-11-29 Turnaround materialises for German machine tool orders

Turnaround materialises for German machine tool orders
In the third quarter of 2017, order bookings at the German machine tool industry rose by 13 per cent compared to the previous year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders were up by 31 per cent, exports by 5 per cent. In the first three quarters of 2017, total order bookings increased by 3 per cent. Domestic orders were down by 2 per cent. Go to press info

2017-08-07 German machine tool orders continuingly stable at a very high level

German machine tool orders continuingly stable at a very high level
In the second quarter of 2017, order bookings in the German machine tool industry fell by 7 per cent compared to the preceding year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders were down by 27 per cent, while export orders rose by 4 per cent. In the first half of 2017, total order bookings shrank by 1 per cent, with domestic orders decreasing by 15 per cent. Go to press info

2017-07-24 VDW’s Malaysia symposium opens up market opportunities

VDW’s Malaysia symposium opens up market opportunities
Despite the currently weakened vigour of its economy, Malaysia remains an attractive export market for German machine tool manufacturers. Admittedly, the forecasts for machine tool consumption in 2017 are only very cautiously optimistic, but as from 2018 annual growth rates of around 3 per cent are again being predicted. Go to press info

2017-05-05 Strong demand for German machine tools

Strong demand for German machine tools
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the first quarter of 2017 were 6 per cent up on the previous year. Domestic demand rose by 2 per cent, while overseas orders grew by 8 per cent. Go to press info

2017-02-07 German machine tool industry finishes 2016 with a solid result

German machine tool industry finishes 2016 with a solid result
In the fourth quarter of 2016, order bookings in the German machine tool industry fell by four per cent compared to the preceding year’s equivalent period. Both exports and domestic orders showed a roughly equal decline. For 2016 as a whole, the rise came to seven per cent, with orders from abroad up by ten per cent, while domestic orders ended up at plus/minus zero. Go to press info

2017-02-06 German machine tool industry anticipating further growth in production output during 2017

German machine tool industry anticipating further growth in production output during 2017
The German machine tool industry is in an optimistic mood as 2017 gets under way. “For the current year, we are anticipating significant growth in production output of three per cent,” says Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop, Chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), speaking at the organisation’s annual press conference in Frankfurt am Main. Go to press info

2016-12-07 German manufacturers impress Vietnamese customers

German manufacturers impress Vietnamese customers
The German machine tool industry has met with keen interest in Vietnam. For the first time, the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), in conjunction with the German-Vietnamese Chamber of Industry and Commerce, in late November organised a one-day symposium in Ho Chi Minh City. Twelve prestigious companies showcased their products, solutions and services for industrial products. Go to press info

2016-11-02 German machine tool industry continues on course for further growth

German machine tool industry continues on course for further growth
In the third quarter of 2016, the German machine tool industry’s order bookings rose by 8 per cent compared to the preceding year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders were down by 14 per cent, while demand from abroad increased by 22 per cent. Go to press info

2016-08-08 Looking into the future of production technology

Looking into the future of production technology
Under the motto of “Connecting systems for intelligent production”, manufacturers of production technology from all over the world will be showcasing what needs to be done in order to generate maximised customer benefits from digitisation and networking of production operations. Go to press info

2016-08-03 Helping robots to communicate more effectively with machines

Helping robots to communicate more effectively with machines
Industry 4.0 is on everyone’s lips, but practical implementation is still rather tentative. This is due not least to the lack of standards for linking the digital machines to each other. The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) in Frankfurt am Main is now engaged in changing this. It has for the first time formulated a comprehensive and nonetheless flexibly applicable standard with whic Go to press info

2016-08-01 German machine tool industry running into very good form

German machine tool industry running into very good form
In the second quarter of 2016, order bookings in the German machine tool industry rose by 16 per cent compared to the preceding year’s equivalent period. Domestic orders were up by 19 per cent, while demand from abroad increased by 14 per cent. The eurozone contributed growth of 37 per cent, and non-eurozone nations a ten-per-cent rise in orders. Go to press info

2016-06-20 German machine tool industry is re-inventing itself

German machine tool industry is re-inventing itself
“From a position of strength, the German machine tool manufacturers have to utilise the changes in the markets, among the customers, in the technology, and in the products themselves, in order to generate new opportunities for enhanced competitiveness,” said Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop, Chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association). Go to press info

2016-05-03 Demand for machine tools boosted by project business in China

Demand for machine tools boosted by project business in China
In the first quarter of 2016, order bookings in the German machine tool industry rose by an impressive eight per cent compared to the first quarter of 2015. While domestic order bookings stagnated, orders from abroad showed a steep rise of eleven per cent. Go to press info

2016-04-28 German machine tool manufacturers firmly committed to the Chinese market

German machine tool manufacturers firmly committed to the Chinese market
A few days ago, the Chinese trade fair CCMT (China CNC Machine Tool Fair) in Shanghai came to a successful end, having hosted 59,000 visitors (up by five per cent on 2014). Go to press info

2016-03-23 India’s expanding market opts for German production technology

India’s expanding market opts for German production technology
The German machine tool industry continues to arouse keen interest in India. For the fourth time in succession, the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) has joined forces with the German-Indian Chamber of Industry and Commerce to organise one-day symposia on 15 March in Chennai and on 17 March in Pune. Go to press info

2016-03-16 Mexico’s evolution to shooting-star status

Mexico’s evolution to shooting-star status
Germany’s machine tool exports rose by 4 per cent in 2015. “With an export proportion of almost 70 per cent, the world market is the most important arena for the sector’s commercial success. And there we once again performed very well last year,” comments Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) in Frankfurt am Main. Go to press info

2016-02-16 IAMA 2016: three nominees vying for the 3D award

IAMA 2016: three nominees vying for the 3D award
In the search for a winner, three nominees have been determined for the “International Additive Manufacturing Award 2016“ (IAMA): Additive Industries, Concept Laser and DMG MORI are now vying for the coveted trophy. Presented this year for the second time, the IAMA honours fit-for-purpose innovations and solutions in the field of additive manufacturing. Go to press info

2016-02-01 Europe drives demand for machine tools in 2015

Europe drives demand for machine tools in 2015
In the fourth quarter of 2015, the German machine tool industry recorded 3-per-cent growth in order bookings compared to the final quarter of 2014. Orders from both Germany and abroad increased equally, up by 3 per cent compared with the preceding year. For 2015 as a whole, the final rise in order bookings was one per cent. Go to press info

2016-01-27 AMB Iran: New platform for expert knowledge in production

AMB Iran: New platform for expert knowledge in production
Messe Stuttgart and the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW) are to organise a joint symposium with a trade fair in Teheran. The cancellation of economic sanctions is paving the way for the revival of business relations with Iran. Great importance is being attached to the entire value creation chain in manufacturing technology. Go to press info

2015-12-16 Heinz-Jürgen Prokop from Trumpf to take over as the VDW’s Chairman

 Heinz-Jürgen Prokop from Trumpf to take over as the VDW’s Chairman
Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Prokop has been elected as the new Chairman of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) and the Special Section Machine Tools and Manufacturing Systems within the German Engineering Federation (VDMA). As of 01 January 2016 he will be succeeding Martin Kapp. Go to press info

2015-12-07 German machine tool industry takes on its Japanese competitors - Twelve manufacturers show the flag

German machine tool industry takes on its Japanese competitors - Twelve manufacturers show the flag
Twelve manufacturers of machine tools took the opportunity to showcase their products, solutions and services on the spot. 113 high-ranking representatives of Indonesia’s industrial sector responded to the VDW’s invitation to the VDW's Technology Symposium in Jakarta held on 25 November 2015. Go to press info

2015-11-02 German machine tool industry performing valiantly

German machine tool industry performing valiantly
“In the year’s third quarter, our sector was boosted by orders from Germany itself and from the Eurozone,” comments Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the trade organisation VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) in Frankfurt am Main. Go to press info

2015-10-01 German machine tool industry out in force at the EMO Milano 2015

German machine tool industry  out in force at the EMO Milano 2015
When the EMO Milano, the international trade fair for the machine tool industry, opens its doors in a few days, the German machine tool industry will be very well represented. Accounting for more than 290 exhibitors and occupying 24,500 square meters of net exhibition space, it will field the second largest group of exhibitors after Italy. Go to press info

2015-07-30 German machine tool industry posts balanced half-year thanks to foreign orders

German machine tool industry posts balanced half-year thanks to foreign orders
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the second quarter of 2015 were 10 percent up on the previous year's figure. Domestic orders were 3 per cent higher, foreign demand grew by 14 percent. There was 6 percent growth in orders from the euro zone, and a 16 percent increase from non-euro countries. Compared to the previous year, incoming orders stagnated in the first half of 2015. Go to press info

2015-05-27 German machine tool industry remains committed to the Russian market

German machine tool industry remains committed to the Russian market
With a good 100 exhibitors, the German manufacturers are showcasing their corporate capabilities as the biggest joint foreign presence at the fair. They are complemented by numerous German companies who are exhibiting on their own account or through their Russian agencies. Go to press info

2015-05-05 Demand for machine tools takes a breather

Demand for machine tools takes a breather
Europe underpins the order situation in Germany’s machine tool industry. During the first quarter of 2015, order bookings for the German machine tool industry were down by 8 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2014. Go to press info

2015-03-30 German machine tool industry has its sights firmly set on South Korea

German machine tool industry has its sights firmly set on South Korea
23 German manufacturers of machine tools showcased their products, solutions and services at the Technology Symposium hosted by the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) in Seoul on 17 and 18 March. 270 representatives from South Korean companies responded to the VDW’s invitation. Go to press info

2015-02-12 German machine tool industry expects increased production output in 2015

German machine tool industry expects increased production output in 2015
Boosted by developments in the oil price and the euro exchange rate. The German machine tool industry is anticipating a three-per-cent rise in production output during 2015. “The low oil price and the fall in the euro’s exchange rate are invigorating capital investment and thus also increasing the demand for machine tools,” says Martin Kapp, Chairman of the VDW... Go to press info

2015-02-12 German machine tool industry puts in a notable finishing sprint for 2014

German machine tool industry puts in a notable finishing sprint for 2014
In the fourth quarter of 2014, order bookings in the German machine tool industry were up by an impressive 15 per cent compared to the final quarter of 2013, a steeper rise than expected. Go to press info

2014-11-27 German machine tool industry in Thailand

German machine tool industry in Thailand
“In 2013, with around 2.5 million vehicles produced, Thailand was the world’s ninth-biggest manufacturing location for automobiles,” explained Klaus-Peter Kuhnmünch, who at the VDW is responsible for the German technology symposia... Go to press info

2014-11-26 Weak order bookings in the German machine tool industry

Weak order bookings in the German machine tool industry
“Order bookings have not come up to expectations so far in 2014,” says Dr. Wilfried Schäfer, Executive Director of the trade association VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) in Frankfurt am Main. Go to press info

2014-09-10 Date for EMO Hannover 2017 set

Date for EMO Hannover 2017 set
The dates have now been finalised for the EMO Hannover 2017, the world’s premier trade fair for the metalworking sector. The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) in Frankfurt am Main, which is responsible for organising the EMO Hannover, has announced that the next event will be held from 18 to 23 September 2017... Go to press info

2014-08-27 Order bookings for the German machine tool industry still on course

Order bookings for the German machine tool industry still on course
In the second quarter of 2014, order bookings in the German machine tool industry rose by 1 per cent compared to the second quarter of 2013. Go to press info

2014-06-27 Russo-German machine tool business is weakening

Russo-German machine tool business is weakening
Record participation by German manufacturers at the Metalloobrabotka. 134 exhibitors showed their capabilities on a net exhibition area of around 4,000 m². Go to press info

2014-05-07 Domestic clients boosting demand for machine tools

Domestic clients boosting demand for machine tools
Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the first quarter of 2014 were 10 percent up on the previous year. Domestic orders were 20 percent higher than last year, whereas orders from abroad increased by 5 percent. Order levels began to rise at the end of 2012 and this ongoing trend confirms just how optimistic German clients are at the moment. Go to press info

2014-04-30 The METAV 2014 showcased up-to-the-future technologies

The METAV 2014 showcased up-to-the-future technologies
The METAV 2014 showcased up-to-the-future technologies Innovative production technologies for increasing productivity and optimising resource utilisation Technical closing report on the METAV 2014 from 11 to 15 March 2014 Under the vision of Industry 4.0, numerous solutions were showcased that map out the opportunities offered by new process chains. Go to press info

2014-04-17 Mexico needs machine tools

Mexico needs machine tools
León and Mexico City were the two venues for the VDW’s 2014 technology symposia in the high-growth market of Mexico. Over two days for each event, 23 German machine tool manufacturers showcased their products and solutions for the Mexican automotive industry and its component suppliers, the mechanical engineering sector and aviation industry, metalworking plants... Go to press info

2014-03-19 METAV is a major platform on the metal processing market

METAV is a major platform on the metal processing market
METAV 2014 has demonstrated that it is a major platform on the metal processing market. Keen interest in replacement and new investments is stimulating business transactions. An attractive additional programme involving innovative topics and presentations attracted the interest of trade visitors from Germany and abroad. Go to press info

2014-03-12 VDMA sets up a new working group for medical technology

VDMA sets up a new working group for medical technology
The new Medical Technology Working Group in the VDMA has been launched, with more than 80 members already. “We are deeply gratified by this excellent response, which shows we are catering to a real need”, says Harald Preiml, the freshly appointed Chairman of the new group speaking at the foundation proceedings in Düsseldorf on 11 March 2014. The declared aim is to offer a shared platform. Go to press info

2014-02-25 Real and virtual worlds in harmony?

Real and virtual worlds in harmony?
The vision of Industry 4.0 is taking on ever-more-tangible shape. But before it becomes reality, the task is to bring the real world of production equipment into harmony with its virtual representatives. For this purpose, virtual control of the machine tools and process simulation have to reflect everyday shopfloor reality. The obstacles still to be overcome are analysed by Dr.-Ing. Werner Herfs. Go to press info

2014-02-21 “Metrology isn’t everything – but without metrology nothing is anything ...”

“Metrology isn’t everything – but without metrology nothing is anything ...”
To ensure that innovative products are available in the desired quantity, quality assurance within the product creation process must never be the bottleneck. The METAV will be examining this issue from all aspects and with the “Quality Road” forum will be looking at the latest trends and developments – after all, like health, “metrology isn’t everything, but without metrology nothing is anything!" Go to press info

2014-02-18 Is safe really safe? It’s safe to say: yes!

Is safe really safe? It’s safe to say: yes!
The VDW’s Technology Conference at the METAV 2014 themed around safety technology for metal-cutting machine tools The safety of technical products is an issue on everyone’s lips. Are residual risks really unavoidable? And what residual risks are in fact still acceptable? Besides the ethical and moral aspects involved, experts are also discussing specific technical questions. Go to press info

2014-02-07 German machine tool industry expects another record production output in 2014

German machine tool industry expects another record production output in 2014
Germany’s machine tool industry expects its production output to rise by 4 per cent in 2014 to what will then be around 15.1 billion euros. “This means the previous production output record will be broken yet again”, reports Martin Kapp, speaking at the annual press conference in Frankfurt am Main on 6 February 2014. Go to press info

2014-02-07 Unspectacular end to the year in the German machine tool industry

Unspectacular end to the year in the German machine tool industry
In the fourth quarter of 2013, order bookings in the German machine tool industry fell by 6 per cent compared to the final quarter of 2012. Domestic orders were up by 3 per cent, while export orders were 11 per cent below the previous year’s figure. For the year 2013 as a whole, there is a minus of 6 per cent, with domestic orders down by 7 per cent, and export bookings by 6 per cent. Go to press info

2014-02-07 METAV 2014 is attracting international production experts

METAV 2014 is attracting international production experts
The METAV – the international trade fair for production technology and automation – will be held in Düsseldorf from 11 to 15 March 2014. Currently, around 600 exhibitors from 25 different countries have registered. The keynote themes of the fair include machine tools for metal-cutting and forming, manufacturing systems, high-precision tools, automated material flows, computer technology and more. Go to press info

2014-01-31 Cutting-edge calculations: diamond fever or hard-metal reality?

Cutting-edge calculations: diamond fever or hard-metal reality?
Diamonds have long since also been numbered among the best friends of innovative machiners of lightweight materials. They are running head-to-head with hard-metals, which are likewise numbered among the friends of lightweight material machiners. The broad bandwidth of present-day lightweight materials also necessitates a concomitantly broad choice of cutter materials. Go to press info

2014-01-29 Green Factory marries economic to ecological excellence

Green Factory marries economic to ecological excellence
The METAV in Düsseldorf from 11 to 15 March 2014 will be showing how leading manufacturers of production technology are nowadays bringing economic and ecological excellence into productive harmony. The formula for the green factory of tomorrow is called EMC² Factory. Go to press info

2014-01-27 Grinding is more than just finishing

Grinding is more than just finishing
Grinding is more of a conventional production technique, suitable only for the final polish, but otherwise with nothing new to offer. An opinion that will be refuted by the Institute of Machining Technology (ISF) at Dortmund University of Applied Science during its Grinding Seminar during the METAV 2014. Go to press info

2014-01-21 More precision and efficiency in medical technology production

More precision and efficiency in medical technology production
METAV 2014 to focus on holistic production concepts. Ageing societies, higher disposable income, better medical care and at the same time the rising pressure on costs in the health care sector, these are the salient features of the business environment for medical technology companies. Go to press info

2014-01-21 Machine tool industry determined to tackle the shortage of qualified recruits

Machine tool industry determined to tackle the shortage of qualified recruits
“Your opportunity in mechanical engineering” is the new motto of the Special Show for Young People at the METAV 2014. From 11 to 15 March 2014, the VDW-Nachwuchsstiftung (the VDW’s Youth Training Foundation) is inviting more than 3,000 schoolchildren from North Rhine-Westphalia and about 1,000 vocational college teachers and trainers to the METAV in Düsseldorf. Go to press info

2013-12-03 German machine tool industry sends a prestigious delegation to Istanbul

German machine tool industry sends a prestigious delegation to Istanbul
On 26 and 27 November 2013, the VDW from Frankfurt hosted a German Technology Symposium in Istanbul, inviting industry representatives and production experts. Under the title of “Machine Tools and Production Systems from Germany”, 27 German manufacturers showcased their products, their solutions and their services for efficient, modern-day production operations. Go to press info

2013-11-28 North Rhine-Westphalia to score highly at the METAV 2014 as a leading technology

North Rhine-Westphalia to score highly at the METAV 2014 as a leading technology
At the METAV in Düsseldorf from 11 to 15 March 2014, ProductionNRW, the Mechanical Engineering/ Production Technology Cluster, will be organising multifarious activities designed to demonstrate the performative capabilities of North Rhine-Westphalia’s companies. Go to press info

2013-11-26 German machine tools are the safest in the world

German machine tools are the safest in the world
At the METAV 2014, to be held in Düsseldorf from 11 to 15 March, this issue will be elucidated by a high-profile VDW Technology Conference. It will map out how far implementation of the new ISO 13849 has progressed, and where the new assessment methods are causing difficulties for the manufacturers concerned. Go to press info

2013-11-25 German machine tool orders rising again

German machine tool orders rising again
In the third quarter of 2013, order bookings for Germany’s machine tool industry rose by 9 p. cent compared to the third quarter of 2012. Domestic orders were up by 12 p. cent, while orders from abroad were up by 6 per cent on the preceding year’s figure. For the first nine months of 2013, there was an overall drop of 6 per cent: domestic orders fell by a tenth, and orders from abroad by 4 p.cent. Go to press info

2013-11-15 EMO to be continue to be staged in Hannover through 2025

EMO to be continue to be staged in Hannover through 2025
Up though the year 2025, Hannover, Germany, will remain the venue of choice for EMO Hannover as the world’s leading metalworking trade fair. Representatives of the VDW and Deutsche Messe as the operators of the Hannover venue signed a corresponding agreement stipulating that EMO will take place at the Hannover Exhibition Center in September of 2017, 2019, 2023 and 2025. Go to press info

2013-11-11 Rapid.Tech goes METAV

Rapid.Tech goes METAV
The VDW and the trade fair organisers Messe Erfurt GmbH are entering into a long-term partnership in the field of generative production. The background here is the adoption of generative manufacturing technologies in mass production operations. Go to press info

2013-11-11 From energy-efficiency to research and training

From energy-efficiency to research and training
At the Blechexpo 2013, the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) will in Frankfurt am Main on 8 November 2013 be showcasing issues and trends in the field of forming technology as part of the Exhibitors’ Forum. The event will focus on research results from forming technology, energy-efficiency in production operations, and recruitment for the machine tool industry. Go to press info

2013-10-29 EMO Hannover 2013 showcased the production technologies of tomorrow

EMO Hannover 2013 showcased the production technologies of tomorrow
Under the motto of “Intelligence in Production”, solutions were presented at EMO Hannover 2013 that efficiently integrate new information technologies. Go to press info

2013-10-23 METAV 2014 will showcase prospects for new cooling strategies

METAV 2014 will showcase prospects for new cooling strategies
The boom in giant aircraft, particularly, is driving a radical transformation in the materials of choice: suddenly, titanium, nickel-based alloys, ultra-high-strength steels and carbon-fibre composites have to be machined on a large scale and at high levels of productivity. Go to press info

2011-11-24 How does a professional machine carbon-reinforced plastics

How does a professional machine carbon-reinforced plastics
Midtier machinery manufacturers, too, are attracted by the exceptional lightness of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics. But the changeover is far from easy: one manufacturer of textile machinery reports on his changeover to... Go to press info
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