The internationally operating Mapal Group recorded a growth of just under 5 % in 2018. And Asia is still the second most important market for the company.

Established in 2017, Norican Digital develops digital technology solutions tailored to applications around the formation and enhancement of metallic parts. The company works with customers of DISA, Italpresse Gauss, StrikoWestofen and Wheelabrator, to help them leverage opportunities presented by the Industrial Internet of Things. At GIFA we talked to founders Rudi Riedel (President) and Dr. Dennis Janitza (VP Technology Development) about the impact of Industry 4.0 and its advantages for foundries.

The Robocell one from Fastems is designed to handle workpieces and automate the processes of up to two machine tools of the same type. This ensures optimum machine utilization even with frequently changing orders.

The Materials Testing Institute of the University of Stuttgart has developed a method based on friction stir welding which can be used to combine aluminum and steel sheets of different thicknesses.

The German based company Hüttenes-Albertus Chemische Werke GmbH and Garmi del Norte S.A. de C.V. announced a new joint venture to bundle all commercial activities in Mexico in the new corporation named HA Quimica de Mexico (HAMEX).

What will vehicle production look like in the future? The management consultancy firm Boston Consulting Group investigated the future of vehicle production in a study and a simulation - based on real production data. Daniel Küpper and Christoph Sieben explain the effects in this interview.

Products have become extremely complex. It is therefore difficult to predict the impact of a decision on the overall design. The knowledge gained from simulations can be used to evaluate different options, construct with more confidence and ultimately develop better products. A few rules have to be observed to ensure the successful use of simulation.

In order to remain successful in the future, companies must identify and maximize customer benefits. The basis for this is data - but also the willingness to break new ground.