The 16th Stamping Technology Congress, held in Dortmund in April 2026, brought together approximately 200 experts in stamping technology, metal forming, and toolmaking. The event focused on automation, AI language models, and materials development. A trade exhibition featuring 34 companies complemented the lecture program.
The first day of the conference focused on intelligent automation approaches and digital tools for production. Simon Gautschi of Bruderer AG presented the new B3 machine control system. The concept of software-defined automation integrates the punching machine, feed mechanism, punch packaging, and tool monitoring into a single platform, thereby laying the foundation for largely autonomous decision-making in the production process.
Digital tools enhance physical applications
Christian Maurer of Feintool International Holding AG demonstrated how forming simulation can be used in the manufacture of metallic bipolar plates. A two-stage FEM approach enables the simulation of physical effects before changes to the tool are required. Sebastian Denz of Stampack GmbH and Markus Peter of Hirschmann Automotive Freyung GmbH explained potential applications for virtual tryouts. They presented approaches for reducing correction loops, conducting robustness analysis, and implementing AI-supported tool monitoring using sensors and acoustic analysis.
Angelo Castrignano of Schürholz Stanztechnik GmbH and Christian Franke of Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH described the integration of a welding process into the stamping process. The process is used to manufacture approximately 85 million guide sleeves annually. Philipp Niemietz presented the development of his startup, Pulse of Production, which emerged from the machine tool laboratory at RWTH Aachen University. The system monitors progressive dies using structure-borne sound sensors and detects, among other things, wear or broken screws at an early stage.
AI Increases Overall Plant Effectiveness
Torsten Petrick of Andritz Schuler Pressen GmbH discussed Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). According to him, only about one-fifth of the constraints can be attributed to the machine itself. AI-powered assistance systems could help identify additional sources of loss. Sven Porepp of Plock Control GmbH presented a system that links digital twins of components, coils, and processes and translates production data into recommendations for action. Samuel Wolf from Vapic GmbH presented systems for automated parts handling and component cleaning to support a continuous production flow.
The first day concluded with a presentation by Dr. Christoph Hartmann from the Chair of Metal Forming and Foundry Engineering at the Technical University of Munich on methods for deriving reliable cause-and-effect relationships from production data in multi-stage manufacturing processes.
Language Models in Industrial Practice
The second day of the conference began with an overview of the fundamentals and potential applications of large language models (LLMs). Prof. Mario Trapp from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems (IKS) and the Technical University of Munich explained approaches to developing agent-based AI systems with the goal of reducing hallucinations and omissions. Frank Strathoff of the Fraunhofer Society presented the institute’s internal chatbot, Fh-Genie, which supports the use of AI while taking data protection and digital sovereignty into account.
In the panel discussion that followed, the participants shared their experiences from the industrial sector. Thomas Unseld of hiqs GmbH said that AI is particularly well-suited for repetitive tasks—companies must define clear objectives before implementing it. Porepp pointed out the differing needs of engineers and machine operators and predicted competitive advantages for stamping companies that use AI for process optimization. Strathoff added that employees’ skepticism diminishes over time as they become more familiar with the technology; Trapp recommended using LLMs as tutors.
Materials for New Applications
The afternoon of the second day of the conference focused on current developments in materials. Dr. Benedikt Schauerte of Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG explained the requirements that electromobility places on non-grain-oriented electrical steel. The focus was on low core losses, high strength, and high polarization at speeds of up to 20,000 min⁻¹.
Dr. Nils Wulbieter of Voestalpine High Performance Metals Deutschland GmbH presented typical failure mechanisms in stamping technology and demonstrated the influence of tool steels on tool life and process reliability. Michael Zeitz of Meusburger Georg GmbH & Co. KG concluded the conference with an overview of powder-metallurgical tool steels for applications with high compressive strength requirements.
Trade Show and Industry Networking Event
Alongside the lecture program, a total of 34 companies presented their products and services at a trade exhibition. The evening event took place at the German Soccer Museum in Dortmund and provided an opportunity for professional exchange.
Prof. Wolfram Volk and Prof. Hartmut Hoffmann from the Chair of Metal Forming and Foundry Engineering at the Technical University of Munich once again served as the scientific directors of the conference. The event was supported by an advisory board comprising representatives from industry and trade associations. Sponsors included the Sheet Metal Forming Industry Association (IBU) and the Dortmund Economic Development Agency. The Dortmund-based event agency Strategie X once again handled the organizational aspects.
The 17th Stamping Technology Congress is scheduled for April 19 and 20, 2027.
