'Transformation' in latest machine tools and automation

Nearly 1,000 leading companies will gather at two professional industry exhibitions to showcase their state-of-the-art technologies in Shanghai between Nov 4 and 8.

The annual Metalworking and CNC Machine Tool Show, and the Industrial Automation Show, run concurrently at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

Abbreviated MWCS and IAS, the trade shows "will demonstrate how traditional manufacturers are transforming into advanced technology developers", said organizers.

"They are also a platform to provide one-stop solutions to companies that want to promote new products, look for trading partners and serve clients."

James Fu, general manager of Hannover Milano Fairs China, organizers of the twin events, said "exhibitions have been constantly increasing value, improving quality and expanding influence in recent years".

"The events also prompt traditional industrial companies to transform themselves into modern manufacturers and serve as an accelerator to China's industrial modernization," Fu said.

With a total exhibition area of 60,000 square meters, more than 550 leading companies are expected at this year's MWCS.

Giants in the sector displaying cutting edge technologies include Trumpf, Amada, Salvagnini, Prima-Power, LVD, Mitsubishi, Muratec, Flow, RAS, Adira, Pivatic, Arku, Kohler, Megafab, Cidan, Accurepress, Han's Laser, Unity Prima, Shanghai ACL and JinFangYuan.

It will be the first time for Italian laser and sheet metal fabrication machine manufacturer Prima-Power, Belgium's sheet metalworking giant LVD and Japan's Meruga to participate in MWCS. The three companies plan to launch new products during the exhibition period.

MWCS takes place on the heels of the world's largest metalwork technology exhibition - EuroBlech in Hannover, Germany - with EuroBlech exhibitors moving next to Shanghai for the Asia or China debuts of new products.

At the same time, the largest automation exhibition in Asia is estimated to draw more than 500 exhibitors to this year's IAS to showcase their latest products and technologies at a 40,000-square-meter exhibition area.

Visitors will have opportunities to look at different types of robots and robotic arms during the five-day event.

Leading industrial robot manufacturers such as ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, Nachi, Yaskawa, Hyundai, Staubli, Epson and Yamaha will gather in Pavilion N1, leading to a new round of innovation competition in the robotics sector.

The exhibition has also caught the attention of international companies working in systems control, sensor technology, motors and cabinets. Leading companies Balluff, Siemens, Phoenix, SMC and THK will attend the exhibition.

They offer visitors the chance to observe the latest metalworking technologies on the site during the event. Other exhibitors including those in stamping, surface treatment, bending, welding, cutting and software will also be available to serve clients.

More than 20 professional forums and workshops will be held during the exhibition to give participants more industry-related information.

About 100 buyer groups from around the globe will visit the exhibitions to communicate and trade with exhibitors.

tangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn