ISMR July/August 2026 | Page 4

JULY / AUGUST 2026

CONTENTS

03
Welcome and Diary of Events
ISMR showcases a range of forthcoming international events.
06 General News
09 People Watch
10 Industry News
15 Research News
44 Product Reviews
ISMR reviews a selection of the latest new product innovations.
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Focus on Tube Forming
24.
A Holistic View
20.
A Flexible Fabrication Focus
30.
70 Years of BI-MU
Industry Report
16 Defence of the Realm
We present drivers, trends, opportunities and challenges in global defence markets for manufacturers.
Focus on Laser Cutting
20 A Flexible Fabrication Focus
Bell Steel Fabrications in the UK has transitioned from a CO₂ laser cutter to a new 8kW fibre laser cutting system from BLM.
Focus on Control Technologies
24 A Holistic View
AI-integrated ERP( Enterprise Resource Planning) for manufacturing brings measurable improvements by combining intelligence, automation and real-time insights into everyday operations. We examine the benefits and challenges.
Regional Report
32 A Sustainable Process
Royal Ahrend’ s factory in the Netherlands manufactures sustainable school furniture using a new automated laser tube cutting machine from TRUMPF.
Focus on Diversity
36 The Human Approach
ISMR attended an‘ Industry Voices’ panel event in London that focused on equity, diversity and inclusion( EDI) in engineering.
Focus on Bending
38 Automate to Accumulate
Why should manufacturers opt for robotic bending systems? We outline the benefits of the technology and its latest advances and capabilities.
Event Preview
40 Focus on FABTECH
We preview FABTECH, which returns to Las Vegas( for the first time in ten years) from 21- 23 October 2026.
32.
A Sustainable Process
28 Made in the USA
We outline economic and manufacturing trends and forecasts for the United States, along with metal forming activity.
Event Preview
30 70 Years of BI-MU
This year’ s BI-MU will celebrate its 70-year history with a new slogan, new features, special events, contests and seven technological focus areas. We preview the 35th edition of BI-MU, which will be held from 13-16 October 2026 in Milan, Italy.
Focus on Roll Forming
42 A Versatile Technique
Roll forming can incorporate cutting, punching and other secondary operations inline, eliminating the need for additional, separate processes that may consume more energy.
ISMR’ s September issue will contain its EuroBLECH 2026 preview. Its October issue will be handed out at EuroBLECH entrances in Hanover.
See page 47 of this issue for further details.
VISIT US ONLINE To view back issues or read the latest news
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