One of the articles in this issue covers the forthcoming Machine Tools Africa 2024 exhibition that takes place at Nasrec, Johannesburg towards the end of May 2024. We must be grateful that the exhibition is actually taking place as four years ago, when it was last scheduled to take place, the world was in turmoil after having been struck down with the pandemic. The previous exhibition, which took place in 2017, was the resurrection of the stand-alone machine tool and related equipment industry showpiece. For economic reasons the show had last been held in 1997.
The exhibition has been designed to showcase the very latest technology developments, machinery, products, services and solutions in this innovative sector. Thankfully the exhibition is not being held in the same year as the world’s premier exhibition for the metalworking industry – EMO. I always wondered why the organisers would choose to hold an exhibition before EMO, especially as most of the equipment, tooling and related accessories are imported. It is almost guaranteed that none of these international manufacturers would release new products into the marketplace before being exhibited at EMO, where we have to admit there is a much, much bigger audience.
Hopefully the organisers continue to have the exhibition in the year when EMO is not scheduled, just like those organisers from Japan, the US, Spain, UK, Korea and many other countries who hold a national exhibition. It is my opinion that the international suppliers would be less receptive to supporting the exhibition in the year when budgets are tight because of EMO.
Machine tools touch every aspect of our lives from cell phones to cars, heart monitors to food processing equipment, computers to coffee machines – almost everything that’s used on a daily basis at work and at home. Quality tools and machinery are the backbone of the South African manufacturing industry. This important sector will take centre stage at Machine Tools Africa 2024 with all the latest innovations, products, services, technologies, trends and developments.
The exhibition will bring machinery alive through daily demonstrations and interactive displays. Manufacturers and suppliers will showcase a broad range of machinery, equipment, products and services involved in the metal shaping and forming cycle. This will include CNC metal removal machines, sheet metal and plate processing machinery, metal tube and pipe processing machinery, metal forming and metal cutting machine tools, machines for welding and for thermal and surface treatments, special purpose machinery for electrical and hydraulic, and mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic driven devices. In addition, foundry and forging technology and equipment as well as bearing, gear generating, mould processing, manufacturing technology and equipment will be on display. Also in the spotlight will be robotics, mechatronics, automation hardware and software, additive manufacturing technologies, assembling, tools, parts and components, cutting tools and accessories, metrology, quality control, and systems for safety and environmental protection, all an integral part of the successful engineering shop.
I therefore urge you to support your industry suppliers by taking time out and visiting the exhibition. I have visited many exhibitions, both locally and internationally, associated with our industry and I have never been disappointed. Besides the networking there are countless opportunities to learn. Metalworking News will visit the Brazilian exhibition FEIMEC in São Paulo later this month and then later this year JIMTOF 2024 in Tokyo, Japan, because we realise the value and importance of attending.
Entrance to the exhibition is free so there is no excuse not to attend. The knowledge that you will glean from visiting this exhibition is immeasurable. I look forward to seeing you there.
