Industrial innovation and automation: the 7 key trends in the metal fabrication and processing industry

• The first edition of Advanced Manufacturing Barcelona, and its shows MetalBarcelona and Robomática Barcelona, will host the latest advances and innovations for the industry.
• Organised by Easyfairs, it will be held on 13 and 14 September 2023 in Pavilion 1 Fira de Barcelona – Gran Via exhibition centre.
• “Our aim is to bring together industry leaders, start-ups and technology experts to explore and share the latest developments and help drive industry growth,” says Oscar Barranco, CEO of Easyfairs Iberia.

Barcelona, 23 March 2023 – The latest advances in industrial innovation and automation are changing the way products are manufactured, ranging from mass production to large-scale customisation. The metal fabrication and processing industry is one of the sectors most affected by this transformation, as technology is being used to improve quality, reduce costs and optimise processes.

Today, companies seeking to remain highly competitive must keep abreast of the latest trends in industrial innovation, robotics and automation. These trends are developing at a dizzying pace and it is therefore essential for companies to be aware of them in order to remain relevant in the market.

In this context, and with the aim of compiling the latest developments and innovations for the industry, Easyfairs is launching the first edition of MetalBarcelona and Robomática Barcelona – Part of Advanced Manufacturing Barcelona, to be held on 13 and 14 September in Pavilion 1 Fira de Barcelona – Gran Via exhibition centre.

“Trends in the metal fabrication and processing industry are changing thanks to innovation and automation. At Easyfairs, we are committed to identifying and promoting these trends through events such as MetalBarcelona and Robomatica Barcelona. From additive manufacturing to the implementation of Artificial Intelligence, these trends are fundamental to the competitiveness of companies in an increasingly demanding market. Our aim is to bring together industry leaders, start-ups and technology experts to explore and share the latest developments in these key areas and help drive the growth of the industry as a whole,” says Oscar Barranco, CEO of Easyfairs Iberia.

Trends in the metal industry

Among the trends that are shaping the metal industry, the following stand out:

1. Artificial intelligence (AI): thanks to the incorporation of advanced technologies in manufacturing, such as artificial intelligence (AI), greater automation and efficiency in manufacturing processes is being achieved. For example, AI is being used to analyse data, detect equipment failures and improve production efficiency.
2. Additive manufacturing: 3D printing technology is increasingly revolutionising metal manufacturing and processing processes, enabling the creation of customised and complex parts with high precision and speed. This allows manufacturers to reduce costs and increase efficiency, as they can produce more complex parts in less time and with less waste material. In addition, the ability to customise allows them to adapt quickly to changing market needs and offer innovative solutions.
3. Collaborative robotics: Collaborative robots work hand in hand with employees, increasing efficiency and safety on the shop floor. This can optimise the use of factory space and reduce downtime by allowing robots to perform dangerous or repetitive tasks. This frees up employees to focus on more important and higher value-added tasks.
4. Digital twin: This technological tool is increasingly being used in the metal industry to improve efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing process. It is a virtual replica of a machine or industrial system that can be used to simulate, analyse and optimise the operation of the real machine or system. In the metal industry, it is mainly used for the manufacture of metal components and parts.
5. Augmented reality: Augmented reality is being used to train workers, improve productivity and reduce downtime by allowing technicians to see instructions and repair equipment in real time.
6. High-speed machining: High-speed machining tools are enabling the production of more complex and accurate parts at much higher speeds than traditional tools.
7. Advanced surface treatment: Advanced surface treatment technology, such as PVD coating, improves wear and corrosion resistance and reduces friction on parts.

“In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the adoption of emerging technologies in the metal industry. From process automation to artificial intelligence, companies are investing in technologies that allow them to be more efficient and competitive in the market. However, it is also important to keep in mind that success depends not only on technology, but also on the ability to constantly adapt and evolve in response to changes in the market and consumer preferences,” concludes Oscar Barranco.

About Easyfairs

Easyfairs organises events as meeting points for communities that want to visit the future.

We currently organise 200 face-to-face events in 14 countries (Algeria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK) and manage eight exhibition venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden (Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen-North Brussels, Namur, Gorinchem, Hardenberg, Malmö and Stockholm).

We are passionate about “making life easier” for our clients and increasing the return on their investment and time through our all-in formulas, advanced technology and customer-centric strategy. Our digital offering also provides these communities with excellent opportunities for effective networking and year-round business.

The Easyfairs Group employs 700 highly engaged talents, implements best-in-class marketing and technology tools and develops brands with strong appeal to our stakeholders.

In 2018, Easyfairs was named “Entrepreneur of the Year®” in Belgium and earned recognition as “Best Managed Company” from Deloitte and “Great Place to Work”. For the fourth consecutive year, in 2022, Deloitte again awarded Easyfairs the status of “Best Managed Company”.

The company is ranked 17th in the list of the world’s leading trade fair organisers.

Visit the future with Easyfairs and find out more at www.easyfairsgroup.com

For more information, please contact:

Easyfairs Communications Agency

Javier Martinez

Tel. +34 915 77 92 72

javier.martinez@evercom.es