ISMR February 2024 | Page 8

GENERAL NEWS

EuroBLECH 2022 .

Don ’ t miss EuroBLECH 2024

Stand allocation is in full swing for
EuroBLECH 2024 , this year ’ s global flagship
event on sheet metalworking . Pre-bookings
have substantially increased , and the show
is open to new exhibitor enquiries . The
previous EuroBLECH edition in 2022 marked
a significant milestone in the recovery of
the sheet metal industry , featuring 1,300
exhibitors from 39 countries over a net
exhibition space of 86,136 square metres .
“ Despite mixed forecasts for the sheetmetalworking
industry , re-bookings for
EuroBLECH 2024 have hit new heights .
solutions , this means a substantial window
80 % of available stand space in the nine
of opportunity . Participating at EuroBLECH
exhibition halls has already been reserved ,
2024 will help them capitalise on current and
and the show team is now embarking on the
future demand ,” she continued .
mammoth task of allocating new exhibitor
Fifteen technology sectors across nine
bookings . The 27th International Sheet Metal-
exhibition halls cover the entire supply
Working Technology Exhibition will take place
chain in the manufacturing of sheet metal
from 22-25 October 2024 at the Hanover
prototypes , industrial components and
Exhibition Grounds in Germany . It provides a
consumer parts . This includes machines ,
unique marketplace for tech suppliers who
tools and IT solutions for cutting , punching
wish to market their latest technological
and forming ; joining ; welding and fastening ;
advancements to a global audience of
surface treatment and finishing ; process
industry experts and stakeholders ,” the show
control and quality assurance ; machine
organiser , RX , told ISMR .
elements and components ; CAD / CAM / CIM
“ The economic outlook for companies
systems ; warehouse and factory equipment ;
in the sheet metalworking industry is
material recycling and other solutions related
challenging , yet promising . Placing their
to the processing of metal sheets ; tubes ;
technology and expertise at the forefront
profiles ; plastic hybrids and other structures .
of the sheet metalworking sector , and
“ With 80 % of EuroBLECH visitors
marketing themselves as a thought leader
involved in purchasing decisions and nearly
is the best option to secure crucial business
every second visitor attending with the
in future ,” said Evelyn Warwick , Exhibition
intention to invest , exhibitors can expect four
Director of EuroBLECH , on behalf of show
days of valuable face-to-face business with
organiser RX . “ In addition , sheet-metal
key contacts from global companies looking
producers are looking into more resourceful
to source sheet metalworking solutions . The
ways to tackle fluctuating prices for
provisional exhibitor line-up features leading
energy and raw materials , rapidly changing
international brands as well as promising
consumer markets and stricter government
start-ups from 32 countries ,” concluded RX . n
regulations to lessen the industry ’ s carbon
footprint . For tech suppliers offering
innovative tools , equipment , software and
www . euroblech . com

Patent success for Group Rhodes

Group Rhodes , one of the UK ’ s largest original equipment manufacturers , has been granted patents in Europe and China for its Superplastic Forming ( SPF ) and Diffusion Bonding ( DB ) technology .
This technology , which is used in the production of large , complex components , involves the diffusion bonding of multiple layers of titanium sheet at selected points , which can then be superplastically formed using inert ( argon ) gas to inflate the sheets into the shape of a hollow die .
“ This process is extremely temperatureand pressure-sensitive and allows for the creation of much more complex shapes , no springback and significantly higher elongation , in comparison to other traditional metalforming methods ,” explained the stamping specialist .
At the point the ambient temperature argon forming gas is admitted into the heated component , the gas expands , increasing its volume and hence its pressure if not adequately controlled . The new Group Rhodes patent enhances the control of this process by compensating for atmospheric pressure .
Applied extensively to the lightweighting of components in the aerospace and automotive industries , Superplastic Forming and Diffusion Bonding play an integral part in performance improvement , carbon reduction and effective implementation of low-emission technologies .
Speaking on the achievement , Peter Anderton , Technical Director , Group Rhodes , said : “ This new innovation serves to enhance Superplastic Forming accuracy , reduce scrappage and improve productivity . The recent grant of patents in Europe and China reinforces our position as a leading global provider of this technology .”
Group Rhodes has been developing and manufacturing the SPF / DB process for over 40 years . The company boasts extensive capabilities in the design , development and manufacture of bespoke equipment and turnkey solutions . Rhodes is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2024 . n
www
. grouprhodes . co . uk
The Group Rhodes factory in Wakefield , UK .
8 | ismr . net | ISMR February 2024