Moulding Expo 2025: Exploring Trends in Tool, Pattern & Mould Making

Trade fair in Stuttgart Moulding Expo 2025 returns with Future Forum, innovation showcases and industry honors

2025-04-08 Source: Landesmesse Stuttgart 4 min Reading Time

Related Vendors

Trade visitors will have the opportunity to further explore the tool, pattern and mould making industry for the fifth time already when Moulding Expo takes place again from 6 to 9 May 2025. The programme of accompanying events aims to provide guidance on the latest trends and developments.

As a platform for discussion, the Future Forum is a key element of the Moulding Expo accompanying programme.(Source: Messe Stuttgart) — As a platform for discussion, the Future Forum is a key element of the Moulding Expo accompanying programme.
(Source: Messe Stuttgart)

The Future Forum for Tool, Model and Mould Making first started as a discussion platform during the initial Moulding Expo event, but has developed into an established feature of the accompanying programme since. In the Oskar Lapp Halle (Hall 6) at Stand 6E36, experts will provide valuable insights into the industry’s latest developments. Germany’s Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) is responsible for the programme, along with the Association of German Tool and Mouldmakers (VDWF).

Both the VDMA Precision Tools and VDMA Measuring and Testing Technology associations will be turning the spotlight on the value chains for plastic and sheet metal. One programme highlight is the new and particularly user-friendly AI tool for decision-makers in the tool construction and mould-making industry, which promises major time savings and a streamlining of key tasks. Precision tool manufacturers will also be presenting innovative technologies for the processing of moulds and stamping/forming tools, while those involved in the measuring technology sector will be exploring the innovative use of measurement technology in tool manufacture.

Markus Heseding, Managing Director of VDMA Measuring and Testing Technology, as well as VDMA Precision Tools, explains: “The crises in important customer industries, along with increasing international competitive pressure, are presenting those involved in the toolmaking sectors with significant challenges. The programme for the Future Forum is responding to these issues and underlines the necessity of investing in competitive approaches, especially during economically difficult times. In line with the motto of “Minimax — creating major advantages with small investments”, contributions will be made which showcase how innovative tool and measuring technology concepts do not cost the world, and still offer enough leverage to reduce manufacturing costs.”

The VDWF will be presenting content that explores opportunities for the tool construction and mould making industry. Concrete ideas that lie right at the heart of the company. The VDWF will be exploring a wide range of approaches, covering everything from sustainability and process efficiency to employee qualifications. The association will also be looking at current developments in the area of additive manufacturing, as well as socio-cultural aspects such as the potential provided by plastic for everyday products.

Ralf Dürrwächter, Managing Director of VDWF: “With our involvement in the Future Forum, we are looking to contribute towards the improvement and competitiveness of companies, to promote the tool construction and mould making industry among young people, to develop a sense of optimism among employers, as well as generate new fields of business.

Whether hidden champion or large corporation: Moulding Expo brings together the best that high-quality European tool, pattern and mould making and its supplier companies have to offer. (Source: Miketraffic/ Landesmesse Stuttgart)

In short: We are inviting all tool manufacturers, their customers and suppliers, as well as those only just starting out in the industry, to come and be inspired by what is possible here — in conversation with experts and discussions among themselves. Because the title of this programme not only refers to the “future” but also a “forum”: where visitors are encouraged to exchange information and expand their own networks. Moulding Expo provides the perfect platform for this!”

BME Buyers’ Day providing procurement guidance

The aim of the BME Buyers’ Day is to provide industry experts with a foundation for sound purchasing decisions. Organised by the Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik e.V. (BME), a leading trade association and network partner for purchasing, supply chain and logistics managers in Germany and Europe, practical presentations will explore the latest developments and innovative ideas within the industry, focusing on areas relevant to purchasing. Benchmarking, cost cutting and global sourcing are just some of the topics that will be covered on Buyers’ Day. Participants will have the chance to acquire new information here and gain fresh perspectives when it comes to designing the future of purchasing in the industry.

“Market conditions are evolving due to geopolitical changes; supply chains need to be reviewed and reconsidered. Those involved in purchasing are also facing new challenges from the changes introduced by the EU to legal framework conditions. With its selection of topics, the BME Buyers’ Day is aiming to help industry experts make sound and strategic purchasing decisions, even in times of crisis,” explains Dr. Frithjof Kilp, Divisional Management, BME e.V.

Subscribe to the newsletter now

Don't Miss out on Our Best Content

Business E-mail

Please enter a valid mailadress.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. The consent declaration relates, among other things, to the sending of editorial newsletters by email and to data matching for marketing purposes with selected advertising partners (e.g., LinkedIn, Google, Meta)

Date: 08.12.2025

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.

Honorary medals for deserving industry giants

The Honorary Tool Construction and Mould Making Medal has been awarded since the very first Moulding Expo event. Pioneers and visionaries within the industry who have paved the way for new developments will be honoured at this year’s ceremony, which will take place on 7 May 2025. Richard Pergler, organiser of the award, explains: “The honorary medal is in no way intended to celebrate a successful life’s work, but rather an opportunity to honour those who will continue to set an example for others active in this industry or who wish to be. The winners are role models for young people, in particular, and provide inspiration that goes beyond the confines of the industry.” The medals will be awarded by an independent jury, which will include representatives from VDWF and VDMA, as well as the Werkzeugbau-Akademie Aachen (WBA).

Official give-away — Mouldmaker the Game

Mouldmaker the Game is the official give-away of Moulding Expo 2025. Developed by mechanical engineering students from Reutlingen University, it is a card game that focuses on the basic design of various types of tools. Visitors to Moulding Expo will be able to take home their own set of cards from the event.

Autograph session with Regional F4 Champion

A real Formula 4 racing car will be on display at the Sauter Engineering + Design stand (Stand 6B12). Star racing driver Michael Sauter, F3 Regional Champion 2024 in Japan, will also be signing autographs here on 9 May at 15:00.

(ID:50382585)