Participants at MachTech & InnoTech Expo 2019 presented the possibilities of modern technologies

Four days devoted to presentation of machines for the last generation industry equipment, fruitful business contacts, intriguing accompanying program and ideas about the future of the industry. This was the spirit of the 11th edition of the International Business Forum MachTech & InnoTech Expo 2019. From 15^th to 18^th April the four exhibition halls of Inter Expo Center will host the largest edition of the Forum since its establishment which has created a professional platform for the metal processing and industrial technologies sector.

Within four days, more than 5600 visitors from Bulgaria and abroad were attracted by automated systems, cobots, 3D printers and items engineered by applying modern technology and of course – giant metal machining equipment. Bulgarian and foreign representatives of companies manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, importers, business delegations, innovators and visitors from specialized educational institutions were attracted by the products and technologies that more than 190 companies from Bulgaria, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Austria, Czech Republic and Greece presented. They presented the proposals of more than 400 world brands on a total area exceeding 10 000 sq.m.

Companies from Austria and the Czech Republic participated jointly. The focus of their presentation has become smart technologies, innovative machines and maintenance tools. Meeting representatives of the business from Bulgaria and abroad, the Forum has become an international platform for business development, networking and establishing new markets. MachTech & InnoTech Expo 2019 attracted the attention of Taiwanese companies. During the days of the exhibition, the Taiwanese Trade Center organized a business visit and the interest of the company representatives was mainly focused on machinery building.

The exhibition, which inspires

MachTech & InnoTech Expo 2019 also inspired the students of the "Electronic Systems" technology school (TUES) at the Technical University in Sofia. Every day groups of students visited the automation, robotics, 3D design and modeling exhibition. The young researchers saw how the big machines cast fine details. Also, they were witnessing how the software itself functions. They saw a demonstration of the qualities of modern robots for the needs of different production processes. The students  also saw the exhibited car prototype, created by students from the Ruse University with the help of the close connection with the business.

Robots demonstrating their skills

KUKA ready2_educate was in the focus of the attention of the visitors . The educational module helps young professionals to learn more about the programming of robots. The YuMi cobot, which was taking business cards with one hand, and with the other hand was thanking offering a packet of jelly candies was impressing everyone.

The visitors were impressed by the numerous collaborative robots and mechanical arms, designed to perform precise and monotonous activities – which are of paramount importance in the metalworking and mechanical engineering sector, as well as in food industry, medicine, pharmacy and precision electronics.

Numerous ideas were demonstrated for the "Plant of the Future", among which was the remote servicing of machines and remote operations.

“Giants”

 This year in the halls of MachTech & InnoTech Expo participants set up some of the biggest production machines in the sector. Among them was the huge innovative TruLaser 5030 fiber. The laser-producing machine is with a strong active substance of a new generation and offers economical solution for processing. The next generation of metalworking machinery was demonstrated through the innovative tube laser LT7. String electro-erosion machines were presented for the needs of metalworking. The two-spindle string-milling center Mazak QT200MSY was under the spotlight also. The SWISS TYPE CITIZEN A20 with the diameter of the rod material between 2 and 22 mm was impressive, as well as high-tech lathes with robotic pallet stations.

Modern lathes and metal cutting machines with CNC with impressive dimensions, technological capacities and flexibility of the production process were presented at the exhibition.  Among the evidence thereof were the horizontal lathe center Lynx2100 and the highly efficient vertical machining center DNM 4500 by Doosan Machine Tools.

3D printing is more than necessary

The Forum MachTech & InnoTech Expo 2019 re-confirmed the opinion of specialists that 3D printing has long been not exotic, but a necessary element of every industrial sector. The elimination of "human errors" was among the specifics of  the "ROBOT" – welding and 3D printing extruder. Among the solutions was also the RI1-3D printer with FDM technology. Its qualities allow for efficient use of the machine both for prototyping and construction of finished products. The powerful industrial 3D printer 3D INDUSTRY F340 was demonstrated. Thanks to its modularity, it allows for customization to the needs of the respective production. There were also numerous 3D printers specializing in the creation of fine details which are applicable in the education, crafting of jewelry, dental medicine and various other spheres. Of course, the companies also exhibited a variety of metal parts and assemblies for end use, functional prototypes and spare parts.

MachTech & InnoTech Expo 2019 is over.  But the work on the project continues. Because the next, 12th edition, is coming up. The international exhibition will be held again from 6^th to 9^th April 2020.

The participants set up some of the biggest production machines in the sector