Machinery - GrindingHub 2024 to shine the spotlight on grinding technology

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GrindingHub is set to open its doors for the second time to grinding experts from all over the world from 14 to 17 May 2024. Over 460 exhibitors from 31 countries will be presenting their latest grinding technology solutions in Stuttgart – now in four exhibitions halls for the first time.

The event will be about more than just technical products and innovations, as Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the organizer VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association), reports: "Automation and digitalization, skills shortages, new customers and markets, the promotion of young talent – the industry is facing multiple challenges and opportunities.

As the meeting place for the grinding technology industry, we want to offer the community a platform for swapping ideas and picking up information. I am convinced that we will succeed in this – thanks to the increased number of exhibitors, the impressive supporting program and the international and sectoral diversity which is now even greater."

The trade fair concept expands the tried and tested elements but also breaks new ground. The latest trend topics are presented in the GrindingSolutionPark Science and in the Startup Hub: The overall concept establishes close links between business and research. It is important to include smaller companies and start-ups in the industry get-together.

This is why the Startup Hub was created, offering ideal conditions for innovative companies. For the first time, there will also be a joint stand for Swiss companies. This market is particularly important for grinding technology, and its exhibitors will now have the opportunity to get a taster of the GrindingHub and present their products and services to the visitors under their national banner.A further focal point will be on digitalization in production. This includes a further live demonstration of umati, the joint interoperability initiative of the VDW and VDMA for global data connectivity. Numerous exhibitors will be connected to the umati dashboard and will be recognizable by the distinctive sticker on their machines.

The supporting program is rounded off by the Specialist Forum (Fachforum) on Stand E80 in Hall 10, which provides a platform for exhibitor presentations of all kinds. Companies will be giving live, 20-minute presentations, informing the audience at first-hand about what's new in the world of grinding technology.

GrindingHub is keen to address the needs of the next generation and emphasize how it is combatting the shortage of skilled workers and promoting young talent with the "Grinder of the Year" competition. It will put the theoretical knowledge and practical grinding skills of young talents from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to the test. Also to be won, alongside the "Grinder of the Year" 2024 title itself, are training vouchers of up to 3,500 euros in value. The finalists from the preliminary round will then demonstrate their skills live during the GrindingHub in Stuttgart.

"We are particularly pleased to be presenting even more aspects of the grinding process chain than in the first event. More exhibitors, greater internationality, more product diversity. There is clear growth in all key areas compared to the premiere in 2022," says Martin Göbel, Head of Trade Fairs at the VDW.

A total of 461 exhibitors had registered by February 23 – 85 more companies than in 2022. The number of companies and the amount of exhibition space they have booked have made it necessary to open a fourth hall.

However, visitors can look forward not only to increased numbers but also to greater diversity in terms of international involvement. The exhibitors will be coming from a total of 31 countries – eight more than last time. The top five, headed by Germany (210 companies), also includes Switzerland (62), China (43), Italy (37) and Japan (15). Accordingly, the VDW is expecting an increase in the number of visitors from Asia now that the coronavirus-related restrictions have been lifted there. The exhibitors are spread across 40 sectors, from grinding, polishing and honing equipment through to cylindrical and non-cylindrical grinding machines, cooling and lubrication. In the grinding, polishing and honing products segment, the organizers have registered almost 120 percent growth. The top 5 sectors include cylindrical and non-cylindrical grinding machines, grinding machines for the cutting and machining of tools, machines for lapping, polishing and honing as well as surface grinding machines.

Grinding is a key metalworking process that comes at the end of almost every process chain, ensuring a precise surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Accordingly, grinding technology plays a decisive role in determining the durability and functionality of a wide range of end products. Grinding technology is also particularly important for energy efficiency as a result of lower energy losses, and for environmental friendliness due to the reduced emissions.

The total volume of global machine tool production amounted to 80.4 billion euros in 2022. Grinding technology accounted for around 7 percent of this, at 5.5 billion euros. The production volume has thus increased by 14.9 percent compared to the previous year, although the share has remained almost the same.

China, Germany and Japan are among the most prolific producers. Almost a third of all grinding machines are manufactured in Germany, Switzerland or Austria. What is striking is that almost half of all grinding machines are manufactured in Europe. This means that the region plays a special role as a global producer.

When it comes to grinding, honing, lapping and polishing machines, however, the largest markets are China, the US and Germany. In 2023, the Chinese sales market was of particular interest for German exports, taking first place by a clear margin, followed by the US and Italy.

The largest suppliers for the German market included Switzerland, the Czech Republic and China. Asia accounted for more than half of the global market in 2022. Europe only accounted for 1.6 billion euros (around one third of world consumption), playing a smaller role here in relation to production. This shows that a large proportion of domestic production is destined for export.