From June 12–16, the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, will become the center for the international casting and metallurgical industries: the world’s leading trade fairs GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST (GMTN) will cover the complete spectrum of foundry technology, castings, metallurgy, and thermo-process technology. The concurrently held events are particularly in demand in these energy-intensive sectors this year since current challenges drive digitalization in the metal technology sector and its search for sustainable and forward-looking solutions.  

More than 2,000 exhibitors from over 50 countries will address global trends and showcase the complete spectrum of current technologies and products in 12 exhibition halls at GMTN, also known as “The Bright World of Metals.” The focus will be on decarbonization of the metallurgical industry, ecoMetals, circular economy, digitalization, and additive manufacturing processes, as well as e-mobility and lightweight automotive construction.

“In view of the current industry environment, we are in for forward-looking GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS, and NEWCAST editions. The EU’s Climate Protection Plan 2050 will test the ‘mettle’ of the metallurgical industry, so it needs a strong communication platform for worldwide exchange more than ever,” said Malte Seifert, director of all four shows at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. “The exhibitors’ feedback shows that the get-together in June at the four technology trade fairs will prove an absolute highlight. Next to top-notch brands such as Heinrich Wagner Sinto, Oskar Frech, Vesuvius for GIFA, Dihag Holding, Primemetals, SMS group (METEC), Heunisch, Kutes Metal, Thoni Alutec (NEWCAST), or Aichelin, Electrotherm and WS Wärmeprozesstechnik (THERMPROCESS), virtually all well-known companies will be represented in Düsseldorf to tackle the big transformation with ground-breaking innovations and ideas.

“The relaxation of travel restrictions in Asian regions has provided an additional boost to exhibitor registrations. So, trade visitors can again look forward to the accustomed, broad international attendance at the four trade fairs this year.” 
In addition to exhibitors from over 50 nations, international diversity is also again expected on the visitor side: at past stagings of GMTN, more than half the trade fair attendees came from overseas and throughout Europe. 

Clear Hall Segmentation

To improve orientation, the halls are segmented by trade fairs and focal ranges:

• GIFA Hall 10 - 11: Pressure die casting and periphery. 
• GIFA Hall 12: Gating and riser technology, foundry chemistry.
• GIFA Hall 13: Additive manufacturing, Special Show “Technik in Guss,” GIFA-Treff, GIFA-Forum.
• GIFA Halls 15 - 17: Pattern, die and core making, casting machines and equipment.
• GIFA Hall 16: Robotics.
• METEC Hall 1: Forging technology.
• METEC Halls 1, 4 and 5: Plant engineering. 
• METEC Hall 5: Components and raw material suppliers.
• THERMPROCESS Hall 9: THERMPROCESS and ecoMetals Forum.
• THERMPROCESS Hall 9: FOGI Special Show.  NEWCAST: Halls 13 - 14 with NEWCAST-Forum (Hall 13).

ecoMetals – The Path Into the Future

Forming an integral part of the Bright World of Metals since 2011, Messe Düsseldorf’s ecoMetals Campaign will be a special highlight of the trade fair quartet. As an initiative promoting sustainability, it refers to the ecological path of the casting and metallurgical industries and promotes exhibiting companies that invest in innovative, sustainable, and economically competitive technologies. Trade visitors can identify the eco-conscious innovations by the ecoMetals logo displayed at exhibition stands and on the online portal. On-site visitors can take part in daily guided tours to the selected exhibitors on the ecoMetals Trails. 

With new technologies and new processes for reducing and avoiding CO2, along with the increased use of renewable energies and hydrogen instead of coal, The Bright World of Metals is on a green path to a climate-neutral future. At the ecoMetals Forum in Hall 9 the key transformation themes in the metal industry will be addressed.

Click here to view the column in the May 2023 Modern Casting digital edition.