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The tube process chain at AL-KO includes the highly efficient TruLaser Tube 7000 laser tube cutting machine from TRUMPF. An automated robot unloading system from Starmatik and an automated long goods storage system from Stopa. © TRUMPF

Automation in the pipe process chain

27. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Flexibility and automation are not mutually exclusive. Together with TRUMPF, the AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group has completely restructured its tube processing – and today benefits from a continuous process chain […]

The use of machined tubes and profiles is diverse - laser-supported machining offers an almost unlimited production spectrum. © Bystronic

Tube laser cutting as a growth market

26. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Bystronic is increasing its strategic focus on tube laser cutting and wants to position itself sustainably in a dynamically growing market segment. Christoph Rüttimann, Global VP Business Unit Tube & […]

The Smac process combines high-speed laser coating (EHLA) with mechanical processing in a single step. © Fraunhofer ILT

How the laser becomes more productive

25. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Laser research is changing: as the laser has established itself as a manufacturing tool, many processes have matured. The key question now is how efficiently, robustly and economically lasers can […]

At the 44th EFB Colloquium, participants can not only learn more about innovation drivers for sheet metal processing, but also network themselves. © Telke Nieter- EFB

What drives sheet metal innovations forward

24. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

“Green production and AI – innovation drivers for the sheet metal processing of tomorrow?” – this is the guiding theme of the 44th EFB Sheet Metal Working Colloquium. The European […]

Jean-Patrick Sauvy (left), CEO of Pommier, and Dietrich Leifert, CEO of Titgemeyer, sign the takeover agreement. Titgemeyer

Titgemeyer sells vehicle components business

13. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

The Pommier Group takes over Titgemeyer’s vehicle components business, including Rieko GmbH. In this way, both companies aim to create added value for their customers through specialization, continuity and a […]

Pressed into cubes, the steel scrap is returned from the body parts plant to the steel manufacturer. © Salzgitter

Steel in the cycle

12. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Volvo Cars and Salzgitter AG have launched a closed-loop partnership. The Salzgitter Group already supplies Volvo Cars’ body parts plant in Olofström in southern Sweden with flat steel and is […]

The new "Bystronic Rofin" division offers laser systems for medical technology production, among other things. © Bystronic

Rofin now belongs to Bystronic

11. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Bystronic AG, Niederönz/Switzerland, has completed the acquisition of the “Tools for Materials Processing” division of Coherent Corp. The machine manufacturer also wants to breathe new life into the “Rofin” brand. […]

More than 30 companies will be presenting themselves at the trade exhibition at the 16th Stamping Technology Congress in Dortmund. Strategy X/Sylvia Meyborg

AI, automation and materials at the Stamping Technology Congress

10. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

The program for the 16th Congress Stamping Technology 2026 has been finalized. The focus will be on AI, automation and materials. The focus will be on three main specialist topics: […]

Christian Vietmeyer, Managing Director of the WSM: "Local content regulations secure production and value creation, jobs and tax revenue for a resilient Europe." © WSM

WSM wants more local purchases

10. March 2026 Stéphane Itasse

A “yes” to “local content” comes from the German Steel and Metal Processing Association (WSM). The association, which has always advocated free trade, sees this as the only way forward […]

WEDOLiT® FW: Fully Synthetic ERW Coolant Technology for Efficient and Stable Tube Production

9. March 2026 Thomas Schumann

High-speed ERW tube production places demanding requirements on the coolant: stable cooling and wetting at continuous line speeds, consistent surface condition for downstream processes, and reliable system behaviour despite variable […]