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When it comes to foundry technology, there is no way around GIFA in Düsseldorf. Every four years, international experts gather here to discuss the latest developments in materials, machines and processes. Once you have entered the halls, you immediately realize that this is not just about metal casting, but about future technologies that will shape entire industries. More than 900 exhibitors from over 45 countries present at the trade fair what is possible - and what is to come. Foundry technology today is highly specialized and technologically sophisticated. But that is precisely what makes this leading trade fair so attractive. An overview of other technology trade fairs of this size can be found at Düsseldorf Trade Fair.
Casting is an age-old craft. At the same time, foundries are faced with the challenge of integrating digital technologies in a meaningful way. At GIFA, you can see that automation, robotics and data evaluation have long been a reality. If you want to survive here, you have to master the balance between experience and innovation. One example? Intelligent casting cells that record and evaluate production data in real time. The aim is to make processes more stable, save energy and reduce waste. And while traditional materials such as cast steel continue to dominate, light metals - aluminum, magnesium - are gaining in importance, driven by the automotive and aviation industries.
The production of cast parts is energy-intensive, no question about it. However, rising costs and climate regulations are forcing the industry to rethink. Melting furnaces with optimized burner technologies, efficient heat recovery, recycling concepts for moulding materials - at the trade fair, many companies will be demonstrating that saving energy is no longer an option, but the basis of their business. Recycling approaches are also interesting: Aluminum, for example, can be reused with almost no losses. Those who organize their production processes cleverly not only save energy, but also raw materials - an advantage that is increasingly becoming a decisive economic factor.
Materials research is playing a greater role in the industry than ever before. High-performance alloys, specially developed casting systems for e-mobility components or hybrid solutions in which casting is combined with additive processes - at GIFA, you can get an impression of how intensively work is being done in this area. Many exhibitors will be presenting new aluminum and magnesium alloys that are not only lightweight but also mechanically resilient. This is an important component for the automotive industry, which urgently needs to reduce weight.
Despite all the technology, you can't do it without qualified personnel. And this is precisely where the shoe pinches for many foundries. The need for specialists is growing, while the number of skilled workers is falling. At GIFA, the topic is addressed openly. Many companies are now focusing on their own training initiatives. They are looking for people who not only understand materials technology, but also have an understanding of digitalization. The traditional foundry specialist is evolving into a process manager - a role that now requires in-depth technological knowledge.
GIFA is international - no question about it. Nevertheless, it is clear that many of the companies remain loyal to their region, especially in Germany. Medium-sized foundries dominate the scene, often family-run, often highly specialized. They stand for experience, quality and innovative strength. At the same time, you can see the big players from Asia and America. The exchange of ideas is intensive, and cooperations often arise directly on the exhibition grounds. Anyone who understands markets knows that the foundry market is globally networked, but characterized by regional strengths.
The foundry industry is in the midst of a process of change. Digitalization, the energy crisis, climate targets - the challenges are great, the solutions diverse. But anyone looking around at GIFA will sense optimism. Not because the problems are small, but because the industry is working on their further development. New technologies, intelligent processes, sustainable management - these are not just buzzwords, but concrete strategies. GIFA shows: Casting remains a key process in modern industry. And it also shows that those who position themselves correctly now have the best chances of remaining competitive in the future. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.gifa.de
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