GrindingHub: a showcase for international grinding technology

GrindingHub 2024, the international trade fair for grinding technology, is being held from May 14 to 17, 2024, in Stuttgart, Germany, for the second time.

"This is the second GrindingHub, and the event has already established itself as the undisputed meeting place for the grinding technology community," says Dr. Markus Heering, Executive Director of the VDW (German Machine Tool Builders' Association), the organizer of the event. Grinding technology is a small but thriving sector which represents one of the most important metalworking processes. "It is so gratifying to be able to bring together all the international market leaders and put together such an attractive show for trade visitors," Heering continues.

The GrindingHub in figures: around 490 exhibitors from over 30 countries, more than half from abroad, roughly 41,500 gross square meters in four halls – up from the previous three. The range of products has also been expanded and now covers more than 40 product sectors. There is growth in all the key figures. “And this means that we are meeting in full our aim of showcasing the entire grinding process chain," Heering explains.

In addition to the extensive range on display on the exhibitors’ own stands, the supporting program represents a further source of ideas and inspiration. The program includes the GrindingSolution Park Science on stand D20 in Hall 10. Five institutes are presenting their latest research projects in the field of grinding technology. The aim of the GrindingSolution Park Science is to help them make the leap from the laboratory to industrial practice. The research topics include networking, new materials, process reliability, machine learning, sustainable production, digital process integration, and innovative tool concepts for precision surface finishing.

The umati (universal machine technology interface) stand (D20) in Hall 9 is the central point of contact for visitors seeking information on the use of OPC UA in grinding technology. More than 50 specifications are currently being drawn up in the fields of mechanical and plant engineering with the aim of ensuring seamless communication in the factory on the basis of OPC UA. Ten or so sectors have contributed their specifications to the umati initiative. Around 360 international partners – machine manufacturers, research institutes, and industry associations – are collaborating to prove that communication based on open, independent standards is a successful model.

The Start-up Hub on stand D 50 in Hall 7 will also be showcasing plenty of innovations. The offerings of the young companies are striking. They include new machine concepts, software for automated procurement, innovative diamond coatings for cutting tools and wear parts, AI-based maintenance software, and high-precision cutting edge preparation for cutting tools. Such preparation can have a decisive influence on the precision, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of a tool.