The 30th edition of Plastpol brought 15,000 visitors and 660 exhibitors from 36 countries to Kielce. The trade fair highlighted investments in automation, energy efficiency and recycling technologies despite a slower European plastics market.

Hypermill users can now access cutting tool data from Machining Cloud directly within the CAM environment. Thanks to a new integration by Open Mind Technologies, the collaboration simplifies tool selection and programming while enhancing efficiency and machining quality.

Lamiera returns to Fieramilano Rho from 11 to 14 May 2027 for its 24th edition, with early exhibitor sign-ups already signalling strong industry demand. The show will bring together more than 500 working machines across six technology themes — from automation and welding to metrology and heat treatment — alongside a new Futuretech Award spotlighting the sector’s most innovative solutions.

At Formnext, Open Mind will showcase how its Hypermill suite bridges additive and subtractive manufacturing. With integrated 5-axis strategies, simulation technologies, and the new Best Fit feature, the software ensures precise finishing of additively manufactured parts and maximizes process reliability.

The “Grinder of the Year” competition at Grinding Hub put young talent in grinding technology in the spotlight. Fabio Schoppet won the two-day live contest in Stuttgart, where the finalists demonstrated not only technical skill but also the role of modern tool grinding in securing the next generation of skilled workers.

UK metalformers warn that steel quotas and tariffs are putting downstream manufacturing under mounting pressure. The CBM says supply gaps, rising costs and import barriers are already forcing companies to consider offshoring, job cuts or reduced production.

Germany’s mechanical engineering industry closed 2025 with order books at the previous year’s level, according to an analysis by the VDMA. Business sentiment has also shown a slight improvement.

With 722 exhibitors from 37 countries and around 15,000 trade visitors, Euroguss 2026 confirmed its status as the leading international platform for the die casting industry

The UK subcontract manufacturing market saw a sharp rebound in 2025, rising 47 percent compared with the previous year, according to Qimtek’s latest Contract Manufacturing Index.

Module Works strengthens its global marketing leadership with the appointment of Clinton Perry. The seasoned Autodesk and Delcam veteran takes charge of a 17-person team, aiming to expand the company’s international visibility and industry impact ahead of EMO 2025.