Intec and Z have developed positively in recent years. Will this trend continue with the next edition from February 5 to 8, 2019?

Dr. Deliane Träber has been Head of the Industrial Fairs Division at Leipziger Messe since 2001, which includes Intec and Z, among others. © Leipzig Trade Fair

Dr. Deliane Träber: In February 2019, our trade fair association will once again be the first important industry gathering of the year for production technology in the metalworking and supplier industry in Europe. The response to the upcoming edition is great. During Intec and Z 2019, around 1,300 exhibitors will present their range of products and services at the Leipzig trade fair. These include global market and technology leaders from the machine tool industry, renowned suppliers of precision tools, specialists for automation solutions, experienced providers of basic technology and innovative suppliers from Germany and abroad. We are therefore very optimistic that our trade fair duo will reinforce its strong position among European industrial trade fairs.

What exactly can visitors expect at the Intec and Z 2019 trade fairs?

Träber: Innovative products and services, sophisticated technology and, above all, user-oriented solutions for the industry are the focus of the trade fairs. Visitors to Intec can expect a wide range of production technology for metalworking. Laser and welding technology, handling and assembly technology are just as well represented as tool and mold making. A range of innovations and further developments - for example from the machine tool sector - will be demonstrated live at the trade fair stands.

The supplier fair is once again well attended by suppliers of parts and components made of metals, plastics and innovative materials, with suppliers often offering special services such as surface processing, development and prototyping for the industry in addition to specific products. In addition, current hot topics in the industry will be discussed in the trade fair duo's accompanying specialist program - offering visitors additional added value.

Which industry topics will play a role in the specialist program this time? Are there any new thematic approaches?

Träber: Yes, there are. In cooperation with AMZ - Automotive Suppliers Saxony, we are designing a new special show with a specialist forum on the subject of "Sensor technology - on the way to the intelligent product". We did not choose this subtitle by chance, as modern industry is heading towards a new generation of intelligent, networked systems, both in production and in the products themselves. Sensor technology plays a key role in this. In the forum, users and developers will explain, for example, how sensors can be implemented in the production process or how sensor data can be mastered. Another highly topical subject will be covered by the special show "Additive + Hybrid", which will highlight innovative manufacturing processes used in various industrial sectors, applications and trends for intelligent process and material combinations as well as solutions for quality assurance. In the accompanying specialist forum, the choice of technology will be examined from a cost-effectiveness perspective, among other things.

The "new mobility" specialist forum is also celebrating its premiere at Intec and Z. Why is this topic being addressed?

Träber: One topic that the industry will increasingly have to deal with in the future is new drive concepts in vehicle construction. This development will also influence conventional production processes and manufacturing technology. It is therefore important for us to hold the "new mobility" specialist forum for the first time at Intec and Z together with the Automotive Cluster East Germany. It offers a platform for observations and discussions on the challenges and opportunities for production technology and the supplier industry that new vehicle drives bring with them. For example, the VDMA's Drive Technology Association will report on the impact that the electrification of vehicle powertrains is having on mechanical and plant engineering. This shows that we tailor the events in the specialist program precisely to the target groups of our trade fairs.