GENERAL NEWS
European machine tool sector view
During its Economic Committee meeting organised under the auspices of its Brussels Forum held in Brussels , CECIMO ( the European Association of Manufacturing Technologies ), highlighted the challenges faced by the European machine tool sector in 2024 , due to political and economic uncertainties impacting order intake levels .
However , the association remains reasonably optimistic , with some positive signs of improvements in key economic indicators , ongoing expectations of further interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank and a continued easing of inflationary pressures . These are all projected to foster a more positive economic outlook for 2025 .
Economic outlook
“ Alongside evolving market dynamics , 2024 has so far brought some challenges . Production levels for European Machine Tool ( MT ) builders are estimated to decrease by around 7.5 % in 2024 , compared to 2023 . However , CECIMO members are expected to maintain a robust presence , accounting for approximately 32 % of global MT production , highlighting their resilience and strong market standing ,” it said .
“ In 2024 , consumption levels of MT in CECIMO countries are anticipated to decline by 11 %. However , trade figures highlight some positive trends , with European MT
François Duval , President of CECIMO .
builders achieving a 2 % increase in total exports during the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter . Imports into Europe also grew by approximately 3 % during the same period . The USA and China remain key export destinations for European MT builders while Japan , Taiwan and China continue to be the most significant suppliers contributing to Europe ’ s import flows ,” added the association .
Despite the positive development in trade , CECIMO companies ’ performance has been influenced by broader global challenges including rising geopolitical tensions , market uncertainties and a slowdown in the global economy with a consequent reduction in machine tool demand . As a result , CECIMO8 total orders index * saw a 12 % decline in orders in the third quarter of 2024 , compared to the same period last year .
An eye on 2025
“ Looking to 2025 , projections point to a potentially favourable period for European MT producers . Machine tool consumption levels in CECIMO countries are expected to increase by 4.1 % in 2025 , while global consumption of machine tools is expected to grow by 7 % during the same period . Additionally , the European Commission estimates growth in the EU to increase to 1.5 % in 2025 , with investments anticipated to recover following the challenges of 2024 . The ongoing process to reduce inflation is expected to continue and to ease [ by ] 2.4 % in 2025 ,” said CECIMO .
‘’ With consumption levels expected to rise , and key forecasts pointing to a more positive economic trajectory , the industry remains resilient and well positioned to capitalise on the opportunities ahead ,” outlined Francois Duval , CECIMO President .
“ Nevertheless , most machine tool builders will start 2025 with a significantly reduced order backlog compared to the previous year . Therefore , the first half of 2025 will be critical in terms of workload , profitability and backlog recovery ,’’ he concluded . n
www
. cecimo . eu
Third Schuler press for Ak-Pres in Turkey
With its third order of a press in six years , Schuler is strengthening its relationship with the Turkish automotive supplier , Ak-Pres .
As part of Küçükoğlu Holding , Turkish company Ak-Pres specialises , at its two sites in Bursa and Sakarya , in the manufacture of structural parts for global automotive OEMs . To satisfy stringent quality requirements in the sector with a high level of productivity , presses from Schuler are increasingly playing their part in this . The shared history of the Turkish automotive supplier and the German machine manufacturer extends back to 2016 with the first engineering calculation that Schuler performed for its future customer . In 2018 , a 1,600-ton servo press was commissioned , and in autumn 2022 another servo press was delivered , this time with a press force of 2,000 tons .
“ Founded in 1990 , Ak-Pres has since continuously expanded its reach as a globally active automotive supplier and established itself as one of the top 1,000 industrial companies in Turkey ,” Schuler told ISMR .
In September 2024 , Schuler received a third commission for the construction of a press ; this time , not a servo design , but rather a conventional 1,600 link drive press ( type TML4-1600 ) with a bed length of 6,100mm and bed width of 2,500mm . The Göppinger company will look after engineering for the system , assembly , commissioning and final acceptance as well as complete management of the project . A transfer unit and blankloader from Schuler will also be integrated into the system on-site .
After the order was placed in September 2024 , the individual parts of the press are expected to be delivered to the northwest of Turkey by August 2025 . Assembly is scheduled to occur immediately afterwards . After final acceptance , which is planned for
November 2025 , the press is then expected to commence operation .
Like the servo press delivered in late 2022 , the TML4-1600 also belongs to the Triton series from Schuler . Triton is based on a modular system that allows users to configure their press according to their expectations and requirements . The user interface of the Triton presses , and the operation of tools such as “ Optimizer ” and “ Smart Assist ” ( which assist operators in achieving their goal of maximizing output ) are consistent across all presses in the Triton series .
Schuler offers customised technology in all areas of forming — from the networked press to press shop planning . Its products also include automation , dies , process expertise and service for the entire metalworking industry . n
www . schulergroup . com
8 | ismr . net | ISMR December 2024 / January 2025