Exhibitors and products

With around 1,600 international exhibitors from 45 countries, EMO Hannover 2025 presented itself as an important meeting place for production technology.

Companies such as DMG Mori, United Machining Solutions, Grob, Okuma, Mazak, Röders, Schaeffler, Balluff and Beckhoff showcased their latest technologies at the trade fair. On display were smart machine tools, automated robot solutions, additive manufacturing processes and AI-supported approaches to process optimization.

Additive manufacturing for series processes

The focus was clearly on additive manufacturing, particularly for components that are difficult to produce using conventional methods.

3D screen printing platform for the series production of microfilters

The Exentis Group from Switzerland presented its 3D screen printing platform for the series production of microfilters. The technology enables precise components made of metals, technical ceramics or polymers, which are used in diesel engines for exhaust gas purification, for example. Compared to classic metal meshes, these filters offer greater stability, precise wall thicknesses of just 75 µm and surfaces with Ra = 2 µm. Production is fully automated, layer by layer, and demonstrates how additive manufacturing can be used on an industrial scale.

New generation of metal 3D printers based on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)

DN Solutions from South Korea also presented its new generation of metal 3D printers based on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). Their special feature: they combine machine, software and material management into one platform that optimizes the entire production process, from the selection of suitable components and process simulation to the reduction of support structures and post-processing.

Efficient machining and tool solutions

Cutting tools remain a central component for reliable production processes. At EMO, numerous manufacturers presented practical solutions that combine productivity, precision and automation.

Solid carbide milling cutter for automated production environments

Mapal (Germany) presented the new generation of the OptiMill-Uni-HPC solid carbide milling cutter, optimized for automated production environments. The milling cutter combines wear-resistant cutting material, chip breaker options and special coatings - ideal for steel, stainless steel and cast materials. The tools are complemented by process solutions that facilitate integration into automated production lines.

Grooving systems for greater cutting depths and systems for multidirectional turning

Paul Horn presented new grooving systems, including the S234 for deep cuts up to 64 mm in diameter, and the DA65 milling system with larger indexable inserts for greater cutting depths.

Iscar presented the Quickturn and Quickpenta system, which enables multidirectional turning and improves chip control thanks to targeted cooling.

The FairTools project, in which milling cutters are additively coated with carbide, is particularly interesting. The aim is to replace cobalt and tungsten with more sustainable materials without compromising performance. Targeted heat treatments and surface analyses extend tool life and use resources more efficiently.

Machine tools, clamping technology and automation

Innovations in machine tools and clamping technology are characterized by automation.

Wassermann Technologie (Germany) presented the Tool-L modular storage system for up to 5,000 tools. With robot integration and movable walls, the system can be used directly on machines or centrally, making automation easier.

Anca (Australia) showed how high-precision grinding can be combined with sensor technology, AI and intelligent control. Highlights included the MicroX Ultra machines for micro tools from 0.03 mm in diameter and the MX7 Ultra for indexable inserts. The AIMS Connect platform combines job management, operator guidance and existing machines, creates transparency and reduces manual intervention.

Index (Germany) presented High Dynamic Turning 2.0, a turning system that dynamically adjusts the tool angle. This allows complex contours to be machined on turn-mill centers without changing tools, which increases process reliability and flexibility.

Schunk, Römheld and Rego-Fix showcased intelligent clamping systems that use electrical signals, sensors and AI. They enable distortion-free clamping, real-time monitoring and automated clamping cycles, which shortens throughput times and ensures production quality.

Measuring and testing technology

Quality assurance is indispensable in automated processes.

Renishaw presented the Equator-X 500 measuring system, which combines absolute and comparative measurement in one device. It offers high speed, precise measurements directly on the machine and simple operation via software.

Zoller has integrated AI into tool measurement: wear patterns are detected, analyzed and evaluated. In addition, the micBox enables automated turning and replacement of indexable inserts - a step towards autonomous production.

Johs. Boss presented fully automated systems for thread testing that combine gauge accuracy, thread depth and thread runout in one compact system. Ideal for use directly on machines or centrally in quality assurance.

Networking, digitalization and AI

The trade fair made it clear that modern manufacturing increasingly relies on intelligent systems.

In the AI + Digitalization Area, visitors were able to experience the practical use of AI and digitalization. The AI-supported chatbot Emil helps with orientation at the trade fair and shows practical applications in metalworking.

Siemens and Heller presented AI-based assistance systems that support maintenance, fault diagnosis and programming. Siemens also showcased the Machine Tool Robot (MTR), which combines robot technology and machine tools to increase precision and flexibility.

AI is also used in tool production: Profin Progressive Finish optimizes edge preparations by calculating the optimum process parameters, both for grinding machines and separate processing.

Sustainability and circular economy

Sustainability is no longer a marginal issue - it is an integral part of modern manufacturing.

Ceratizit recycles carbide, delivers carbon footprints and strives for climate-neutral production in Scope 1 and 2. Over 99% of the carbide in the S-Cut series already comes from recycling.

Igus presented the ready-chain-eco-rack, a lightweight transport rack for energy chains that reduces CO₂ emissions and transport volumes.

Chiron plans to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2028 and is relying on green electricity and PV systems.

Startups and promoting young talent

The Startup Area offered insights into new ideas for manufacturing.

Vorpco showed Spin Window and Revocam for clean vision and process monitoring with AI.

Visiontag offered a solution for identification of components via surface structure, independent of QR codes or engravings.

AdaptX presented a retrofit cooling system without coolant or oil, directly on the tool for longer tool life.

Special show on education

The special education show was aimed at young talents, training companies and businesses. Interactive stations and practical offers are intended to arouse interest in technology and attract skilled workers to the digitalized industry at an early stage.

Manufacturing of the future: automation, digitalization and sustainability

EMO Hannover 2025 has shown: Automation, digitalization and sustainability are the keys to the manufacturing of the future. Networked, self-optimizing systems enable flexible, autonomous and resource-saving production processes.

AI-supported assistance systems, intelligent clamping and tooling solutions and additive manufacturing technologies are key components of this. The trade fair made it clear that modern manufacturing is increasingly efficient, precise and environmentally conscious, how existing systems can be further developed and optimized and how companies are bringing their production ever closer to the vision of a dark factory through complete autonomy.

The German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW), organizer of EMO Hannover, summarizes the results and highlights of the trade fair in a 27-page final technical report.