Switching between steels, stainless steels and cast iron can require several drilling tools. Seco’s X Tip Drill combines a reusable body with exchangeable carbide tips, allowing manufacturers to adapt the cutting geometry to different materials and hole requirements.

Automating gate removal and deflashing requires tools that can withstand demanding cutting loads. Pushcorp’s new STC0440-BT40 robotic spindle combines a 30 kW servo motor with standard BT40 tooling compatibility for foundry and casting applications.

The European manufacturing industry is increasingly recognising the potential of humanoid robots, particularly as the region faces growing labour shortages. From Schaeffler’s global deployment plans to logistics trials at Siemens and pilot projects at BMW, manufacturers are beginning to assess how quickly the technology can be introduced into production. Tool and mould makers face similar recruitment challenges and are also exploring possible applications.

Innovation awards, debates on the future of plastics processing and opportunities for young talent will accompany Fakuma’s 30th edition. Around 1,600 exhibitors are expected in Friedrichshafen, where the anniversary programme will connect the industry’s history with its next steps.

AMB 2026, the trade fair dedicated to metalworking, concluded on 19 September. Here is Messe Stuttgart’s assessment of the event.

Seven decades after starting on a plastics factory shopfloor, Gerald Bloom has received a lifetime achievement award. The Big Bear Plastic Products chairman continues to support the family business as it invests in equipment and targets new markets.

Connecting machine tools with software, automation and AI will be the focus of Nexgem, a new trade fair alongside Hannover Messe in April 2027. The event will explore practical routes to digital metalworking, including ways to integrate existing machinery.

Recycled carbon fibre, composite hydrogen tanks and AI-based quality inspection illustrated the changing role of plastics at Taipeiplas 2026. Exhibits linked material development with specialised applications and increasingly connected production systems, as buyers from 77 countries attended the show.

Modular adapters allow lathe operators to exchange preset cutting tools while leaving the base toolholder in the turret. Launched at AMB, EWS Varia Next extends this approach across the manufacturer’s range, with claimed changeover times of around 20 seconds.

Automated tool grinding and compact metrology took centre stage at Walter’s AMB presentation. The new Helitronic Fusion combines grinding with integrated workpiece and tool automation, while the Helicheck Compact measures standard and macro tools.