Conference Programme of Intec, Z and GrindTec 2023 with Numerous Highlights – Focus on Future-Oriented Technology Topics

"Exhibitors and visitors of our trade fairs are continually looking for solutions to the challenges of the future in their professional daily lives. These challenges will play a major role at Intec, Z and GrindTec. The conference programme provides a variety of formats for participants to access information covering the entire sector as well as guidance that is relevant to their own professional activities. This allows them to recognise new trends and incorporate them into their decision-making. Our high-quality conference programme offers exhibitors and visitors increased professional value as well as an additional platform for making contacts," says Ulrike Lange, Project Director of Intec, Z and GrindTec.

Modern Technology in Additive Manufacturing Continues to Evolve

The dynamic process of integrating additive manufacturing into industrial production is a major topic at both the special exhibition and the trade forum "Additive Manufacturing – Evolution of a modern technology". Exhibits on display in a dedicated area will attract visitors to this section of the trade fair hall. Companies taking part will include 3D-Metall Theobald, METROM Mechatronische Maschinen and TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik. At the trade forum, Dr Blanka Szost-Ouk, Head of Additive Manufacturing, Predevelopment & Planning for BMW Group will give a keynote lecture entitled "Successful Industrialisation and Digitalisation of Additive Manufacturing". Industry experts will also provide information on important topics in a variety of sessions, such as "Digitalisation and Automatisation in Additive Manufacturing", "Sustainability and Profitability of Additive Manufacturing" and "Toolmaking Using Additive Manufacturing".

Focus on New Concepts Relating to Sensors as a Key Technology

The transformation of industrial production by means of digitalisation and automation requires the targeted and innovative use of sensor technology. At the special exhibition and trade forum "Sensor technology - use and perspectives in manufacturing", experts will present on topics such as sensor requirements and new concepts for this key technology with reference to tried and tested, cutting-edge manufacturing methods. Subjects such as intelligent manufacturing via the use of sensors, trends in the use of sensor technology, and collaboration between humans and robots will be discussed. Visitors can also look forward to selected lectures by exhibitors as well as presentations by start-ups.

Programme Premiere for "Fuel Cell Hub"

A new item on the conference programme is the forward-looking technology topic of "Fuel Cell Hub". Science and industry are called upon to combine their talents to overcome the challenges of efficient large-scale industrial production of hydrogen systems. For example, the suitability of technologies for high-quality mass production must be analysed and evaluated if this is to succeed. A collective stand and four-day colloquium, hosted in cooperation with the innovation cluster HZwo and the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU, will demonstrate the potential for the supply industry and provide inspiration on how to align manufacturing to this new field of application.

Multifaceted Conference Programme of GrindTec sets accents

GrindTec is also presenting an extensive, practically-focused conference programme, organised by the Fachverband der Präzisionswerkzeugmechaniker e.V. (Association of German Precision Tool Grinders, FDPW), together with the event host Leipziger Messe. A well-established section of the programme is the GrindTec FORUM, with informative expert lectures on practice, theory and science followed by the opportunity for discussion at FDWP's exhibition stand. Also exciting is the GrindTec CHALLENGE. This well-known competition to find the "Tool Grinder of the Year" has been held since 2006. Young precision tool grinders from various companies demonstrate their skills on-site in the exhibition hall and can win titles, recognition and attractive prizes.

The GrindTec INNOVATION AWARD, which will be awarded in March of next year for the second time, honours products, methods and services that impress with their innovative strength, performance and sustainability. The award is presented during the trade fair, thus giving recognition to the special significance of the winning ideas. GrindTec CAMPUS will once again provide a meeting place for skilled tradespeople, researchers and businesses, where universities of applied science and universities can inform visitors to the trade fair about their research, newest discoveries and current projects. A particular highlight is the "University meets Practice" event, where researchers and professionals from industry and the trades meet together in a speed dating format.

"As the professional sponsor of the trade fair, the FDPW places great value on the high quality of GrindTec's conference programme. We see ourselves as a kind of ‘bridge-builder’ and aim to bring the various industry stakeholders together to promote intensive dialogue among them. Besides the technical topics, we also want to focus on training and the lack of skilled tradespeople as growing challenges for our industry in the future," explains Prof Dr Wilfried Saxler, Managing Director of FDPW.

Industry's Hidden Champion Conference – at the Heart of Transformation

The industry's Hidden Champions Conference will take place for the third time on 7 March 2023. Under the title "At the Heart of Transformation – World Market Leaders in Uncertain Times," the Saxon State Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport, Martin Dulig invites attendees to this event which will take place in Leipzig in conjunction with the trade fair combination. It aims to highlight transformation successes in medium-sized companies that are world market leaders and their underlying strategic action paradigms. Managers and shareholders of hidden champions present their successful transformation efforts in relevant industries and value-added networks in "Powerful Practices". Content includes a focus on new platforms and digital applications (e.g. smart services), innovative technologies in production and construction (e.g. automobile manufacturing) and business models for the efficient use of resources (e.g. circular economy and cradle-2-cradle). The keynote address at the conference will be given by Meyer Burger Technology. Among others, TRUMPF Werkzeugmachinen, Wandelbots and Freiberger Compound Materials will also contribute to the programme. Participation in the Industry's Hidden Champions Conference is free of charge.

CONTACT Business Meetings: Making Contacts Beyond Borders

The Saxon network partners of the Enterprise Europe Network and the Leipzig Chamber of Industry and Commerce invite interested persons to attend the 15th edition of CONTACT Business Meetings on 8 March 2023 at Leipziger Messe. Cross-border partnerships for comprehensive solutions along the entire value-added chain are becoming a decisive factor in today's global economy due to international competition. The cooperation exchange provides support in finding targeted new business contacts. Participants from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Slovenia and Spain have already signed up. Registration for CONTACT Business Meetings is available free of charge online until 15 February 2023.

About Intec, Z and GrindTec

The international trade fair trio Intec, Z and GrindTec will take place from 7 to 10 March 2023 at Leipziger Messe. Intec is one of the leading trade fairs for metal processing in Europe. Active global market leaders as well as SMEs make use of the trade fair as an efficient marketplace in the fields of machine tools, systems for automated production and precision tools. As one of Europe's most important subcontracting fairs, Z focuses its exhibition profile on parts, components, modules and technologies. GrindTec, the international leading trade fair for tool grinding and machining, will be held in parallel with Intec and Z as an independent exhibition for products and services surrounding tool machining systems. In 2019, 24,400 visitors and more than 1,300 exhibitors from 31 countries participated in Intec and Z. The most recent GrindTec in 2022 welcomed 7,100 visitors and over 300 exhibitors.