Artificial intelligence is redefining industrial manufacturing, turning machine tools into self-learning, adaptive partners that optimise processes, reduce waste and ease the impact of skills shortages. From predictive maintenance to intuitive operator guidance, AI is emerging as a key driver of efficiency, flexibility and competitiveness in modern production.

Fotec Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt has succeeded in making the reworking of additively manufactured components more economical with the help of a process known as ‘Hirtising’.

Replique, a platform for on-demand industrial part production, has been nominated for the German Founder Award 2025. With strong industry backing and rapid growth, the startup is reshaping procurement through digital, decentralized manufacturing.

The global market for rapid prototyping materials is set to skyrocket — from 586.7 million Dollars in 2023 to over 3 billion Dollars by 2033—driven by booming demand in aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries.

Simulation in CAM has evolved from a visual aid to a core pillar of safe, efficient manufacturing. This personal deep dive traces its transformation — from the early days of 5-axis backplotting to today’s real-time collision avoidance and GPU-accelerated material removal. What has been achieved, what challenges remain, and what lies ahead?

From 6 to 9 May 2025, Stuttgart will host Moulding Expo, the international trade fair for tool, mould and model making. In Hall 6, Stand D74, Speedpart will present innovative manufacturing solutions that combine toolmaking with state-of-the-art 3D printing technology.

To boost efficiency in machining challenging thermosetting plastics, German subcontractor Ament Plastics has invested in a high-precision turn-mill centre from DMG Mori. The upgrade enables one-hit, six-sided machining, significantly reducing throughput times and increasing flexibility in the production of complex components for demanding industries.

At the Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Show 2025, from February 4th to 6th at Farnborough, Vericut will unveil its latest advancements in simulation and verification software. Highlights include Vericut 9.5 with enhanced tool wear tracking, real-time CNC connectivity and improved automation.

NCMT has launched a comprehensive five-year Extended Service Warranty for Makino and Okuma CNC machines in the UK and Ireland, ensuring peak operational performance with minimal downtime.

Roeders’ new RPT series of vertical machining centres (VMCs) promises to set a new standard in precision for industries like mould and die making. Offering exceptional accuracy, with tolerances half that of existing models, the RPT VMCs integrate advanced temperature control and Nanotol technology to achieve sub-micron precision.