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The impact of Artificial Intelligence on the mechanical industry: a lot of interest among companies, but still a long way to go

ASCOMUT presents the results of the survey "From Productivity to Competitiveness" Artificial intelligence is also entering the Italian import and distribution chain of machine tools, equipment, and measuring instruments: not as a fad, but as a response to the growing demand for speed, precision, and autonomy in industrial manufacturing. The ASCOMUT AI Observatory, based on a survey conducted in the second half of 2025, depicts a sector in flux: adoption is growing but has often not progressed beyond the experimental stage. Furthermore, certain key factors—such as data quality, the ability to analyze and transform processes, organizational adaptation, and the measurability of solutions—risk derailing the ultimate goal of increased competitiveness if not properly addressed. The Observatory's four key findings are: Many barriers to entry remain. The main reasons for AI non-adoption highlighted by ASCOMUT member companies are a lack of awareness of its actual areas of use, insufficient internal expertise, and other competing priorities/projects. These are followed by uncertainty about costs/returns and perceived risks/security. Where AI already works: productivity and quality of content and knowledge. The most common applications are aimed at reducing time and increasing consistency: support for documents and translations, sales materials, quick access to procedures and technical documentation, document-based support (manuals, factsheets, FAQs), and data analysis. Where AI gets stuck: few numbers, inconsistent data, undefined responsibilities. The Observatory highlights recurring critical issues regarding baselines and KPIs (benefits perceived but not measured), the quality/consistency of product information (variants, compatibility, versions), and governance (who decides, with what rules and controls). A clear sign: internal training is still marginal. Few companies report having launched an internal training program, a key indicator that explains why AI is under-appreciated or remains confined to unstructured, individual uses. "Our membership responded to the survey with great professionalism and participation, a sign of the importance of this topic. The results are in line with expectations: the diversity of the companies surveyed and the extreme variety of operational solutions offered in the AI ​​field, " states ASCOMUT President Dr. Andrea Bianchi, " have contributed to a picture characterized by a certain inconsistency in perception, attitude, and application capabilities. At this point, it's ASCOMUT's turn to act as facilitators, presenting feasible and concretely useful proposals that support our business system in the process of greater AI integration."

Registration now open for Fastener Fair Italy 2026, italy’s leading event for fastener and fixing industry

The fifth edition of Fastener Fair Italy, the biennial exhibition dedicated to the fastener and fixing industry, is drawing ever closer. The event will take place from 24 to 25 June 2026 at CityLife – Allianz MiCo in Milan.Online registration is now open and for a limited time you can secure complimentary access to this two-day exhibition dedicated to fastening technologies. National and international manufacturers and distributors will showcase their products and services, presenting the latest innovations and technological developments in the sector.The exhibition is expected to welcome approximately 3,700 industry professionals and around 200 exhibitors including more than 100 international companies from Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey and China, in addition to Italy, the leading exhibiting country. Confirmed exhibitors include Ambrovit, Berardi Bullonerie, Bontempi, Corbetta Ermanno, Fastbolt, Gandini, Index/Chavesbao, Vilux Viterie, Vipa, Viteria Fusani and Viteria Smel, among others.The event offers a valuable platform to build strategic industry connections and discover new product launches and breakthrough technologies shaping the future of the fastening and fixing sector.A comprehensive overview of the fastener and fixing industryFastener Fair Italy 2026 will once again provide visitors with a comprehensive and highly focused overview of the fastener and fixing industry. The exhibition will showcase solutions across the entire value chain, from high-performance industrial and construction fasteners engineered for demanding applications to advanced assembly and installation systems that enhance precision, speed and repeatability.Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the latest fastener manufacturing technologies, including production machinery, quality testing and surface treatments, as well as intelligent storage, distribution and factory equipment solutions designed to optimise operational performance, compliance and traceability. The event provides a unique platform to discover innovations first-hand, compare technologies and connect with industry experts.Applications are wide-ranging, spanning construction, automotive, mechanical engineering and industrial manufacturing sectors. Visitors will gain a comprehensive overview of reliable fastening and fixing solutions designed to enhance efficiency, support maintenance processes and ensure consistent performance across diverse operational environments.Visitor information and opening hoursFastener Fair Italy 2026 will take place from 24 to 25 June 2026 at CityLife – Allianz MiCo. Opening hours are from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on both exhibition days.For further information, please visit www.fastenerfairitaly.com

Industrial kaleidoscope at the ITM trade fair. Exhibitors announce new products.

Before the noise of working machines can be heard in the Poznań halls, some of the exhibitors at the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE 2026 trade fair are showing their cards. This year's offer from companies operating in various industry sectors focuses on real increases in profitability through optimisation, digitalisation and process reliability. These solutions will be available for viewing live in Poznań by visiting the trade fair halls on 26-29 May 2026.The ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE trade fair has been an important point in the industrial sector calendar for years. The event not only presents innovative machines and solutions for modern factories and medium-sized and smaller enterprises, but above all creates directions for the development of the manufacturing sector. Every year, exhibitors compete with each other in arranging their stands, and the plan for what they will show at the fair is created many weeks before the halls open.MACH-TOOL and AUTOMA: the Foundation of EfficiencyIn the heart of the MACH-TOOL exhibition we will meet leaders in the field of process stabilisation. Arco will present solutions that increase processing efficiency already at the mounting stage. The star of the exhibition is the TOPlus premium holder from HAINBUCH, which is ideal for precise serial and automated processing. In turning and milling centres, the MAXXOS T212 hexagonal spindle leads the way, offering twice the torque in 5-axis machining. The CentroteX S system, in turn, allows you to set up small spindles in less than 2 minutes, which is crucial when there are frequent production batch changes. A breakthrough in tool life is the TER heat-shrink sleeves from BILZ, which, thanks to their stable clamping, extend the life of carbide inserts by 300 percent. The offering is complemented by the STA system, which compensates for machine synchronisation errors during thread cutting, and the TESTit modular gauge, which measures actual clamping forces in clamping fixtures and 0-point systems. The list ends with the Heule SOLO tool for difficult back-counter boring in steeply inclined walls. Our new DTH deburring tool holder is now officially available on the market and we will present it to the general public at the ITM trade fair. It was developed for an efficient, reliable and safe deburring process. Our goal was to provide our customers with ease of use and high-quality processing. Importantly for our partners, the product is available immediately, and we provide full technical documentation and implementation support, which, combined with high economic profitability, is a strong argument for launching this system, emphasises Andrzej Rudenko, Managing Director of Arco.The Toruń-based company MASZYNY-POLSKIE.PL has been attracting visitors to the ITM trade fair for years with its exhibition, presenting modern solutions for the metalworking industry, supporting the development of production, process automation and the implementation of advanced technologies. The company's offering includes laser technologies for processing sheet metal, pipes, profiles and large-sized structural elements, as well as CNC machining solutions. At the fair, you will be able to see live solutions used in demanding production processes.Our offer responds to current market trends, such as increasing the power of laser sources, automation of loading and receiving parts, production flexibility, and process stability and repeatability. Of particular importance are systems enabling precise machining of long elements and complex shapes, including steel structures. During the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE trade fair, we plan to present solutions in laser technology and other areas directly related to our business, inviting participants to discuss and exchange experiences, notes Marta Świechowicz from Maszyny-Polskie.pl.Complementing the mechanical precision is the offer of the ASTAT Group, which at the AUTOMA show will present components supporting safety and continuity of work, from Icotek cable glands to ETA control cabinets and Contex Experts barriers. At the stand, visitors will see a wide range of proven and top-of-the-line industrial solutions, including Icotek cable glands and Agro cable glands, Satech safety fencing, and Contex Experts flexible protective barriers. The company will also present ETA, Irinox and Multibox control cabinets and enclosures, Decril cable carriers, as well as temperature control components in cabinets, multi-pin connectors and DIN rail connectors (Molex, Ilme, Cabur), and Kübler encoders and rotary joints.What counts today is the automation and digitisation of production processes. When offering industrial automation components, we focus on providing real customer support—from the modernisation of existing lines to technically advanced implementations tailored to individual needs in various industry sectors. ITM Industry Europe is a great opportunity for us to discuss these solutions directly with participants of the market. The fair is an ideal space for presenting solutions that support efficiency, says Łukasz Zenker, Project Manager at the ASTAT Group.Diagnostics and DigitisationA key element of a modern factory is control and analytics. SCHENCK – RoTec Polska will present the Pasio 100 dynamic balancing machine with the innovative Schenck ONE measuring system, which allows for intuitive operation even by less experienced personnel. Pasio 100 was designed for very precise balancing of rotors weighing up to 100 kg. The device is ideal for industrial applications where high accuracy, measurement repeatability, safety and ease of use are required. It can be used in serial production, repairs and maintenance departments.At the ITM trade fair, we will also present the latest device for balancing in own bearings and vibration diagnostics, SCHENCK SmartBalancer 4, already awarded the MTP Gold Medal.  Thanks to advanced measurement and diagnostic functions, the ability to perform measurements on up to 6 channels simultaneously and real-time data monitoring, Smart Balanacer 4 ensures fast and precise balancing, eliminating vibrations. Smart Balancer 4 increases the efficiency and quality of work and allows you to minimise operating costs, explains Piotr Cimr, Branch Director of SCHENCK – RoTec Polska.In the area of data management, the leader is Monitor ERP, a system created for manufacturing companies, developed since 1974 and currently used by over six thousand companies and three hundred thousand daily users around the world. The advantages of standardising the system include faster implementation and smooth start-up without additional adaptations. The MI Monitor function allows you to download data on starts, stops and the number of rejections in real time.At the ITM trade fair, we will answer all questions about the system and the benefits of implementing Monitor ERP, share stories from current customers and conduct a practical demonstration of the system. Our stand will also feature a robot showcasing the Machine Integration (MI Monitor) function, which provides a clear overview of machines, enabling downloading and tracking, announces Paweł Łuczak, Marketing & Lead Operations Manager at Monitor ERP.SURFEX: The Painting of TomorrowAt the SURFEX exhibition, Ecoline will prove that a modern paint shop is an intelligent and fully digitalised organism. The main novelty at this year's exhibition are plastic surface preparation tunnels—exceptionally light, durable and easy to install. At the same time, the company places emphasis on advanced analytics, presenting a predictive module in data monitoring systems. Thanks to it, it is possible to intelligently predict the behaviour of the painting line, which means optimising production and effectively reducing costly downtime. Visitors to the Ecoline stand can expect a rich programme of demonstrations and workshops on the practical use of data analysis in everyday production and modern powder coating technologies. The company's experts will present specific examples of industrial implementations integrating painting robots and intelligent control systems. The entire offer fits perfectly into the strongest industry trends: automation, digitisation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to make better technological decisions and forecast service needs.Our solutions not only respond to current market needs, but also exceed expectations, supporting the digital development of the industry. We develop tools that help both monitor processes and fully optimise them. An important pillar of our activities is also industry education, including through organising the Modern Painting Technologies Forum. It is this broad perspective and real support for customer development that distinguishes us as a technology partner, emphasises Marcin Borowicz from Ecoline.A New Dimension of Manufacturing: 3D Printing and Metrology at the Service of Production3D printing at the ITM trade fair is no longer just a prototyping method, but becomes a fully-fledged production link. Cadxpert will present the full spectrum of modern additive technologies in Poznań—from desktop solutions ideal for the SME sector to systems for mass production in the halls of the largest enterprises. At the stand, you will be able to see in action, among others, the Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W powder-based 3D printing machine, the ultra-fast Formlabs Form 4 resin printer, and the reliable Stratasys F123 series FDM machines. An important point of the exhibition will be 3D metal printing (SLM) and modern metrology based on Shining 3D scanners, which is revolutionising quality control. Visitors will be able to hold finished parts and test their mechanical properties, learning about the potential of rapid tooling in maintenance, where printed tooling is increasingly replacing traditional methods. We will showcase devices ranging from desktop solutions to mass production. Our offer reflects market trends, such as the development of metal printing on BLT machines and the growing importance of high-speed metrology. Our advice is based on real case studies from our daily work as a distributor and service provider for market leaders such as Michelin, but also smaller companies from the SME sector. We invite you to live demonstrations of the Form 4 and Stratasys F370 machines in action, announce Piotr Gurga and Maciej Dukat, CEOs of Cadxpert.The presented technologies are only part of the wide range of innovations that will be presented by exhibitors during the upcoming edition of ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE. Many companies choose to reserve the details of their most important premieres until the official opening day of the exhibition, which makes a visit to Poznań essential for professionals planning investments.ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE will be held on 26-29.05.2026 on the fairgrounds of MTP Poznań Expo. The exhibition of the Modernlog, Subcontracting and European Science Fair trade fairs will be available simultaneously. 

UCIMU: machine tool orders down 13.6% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Domestic orders (-2.9%) Foreign orders (-17.1%). In the fourth quarter of 2025, the machine tool orders index developed by the UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE Study & Business Culture Centre recorded a 13.6% decline compared to the October-December 2024 period. The absolute value of the index stood at 68 (base 100 in 2021). On the domestic front, orders recorded a 2.9% decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, for an absolute value of 56.3. The result of orders collected abroad was more severe, recording a 17.1% decline compared to the same period of the previous year. The absolute value of the index stood at 69.3. On an annual basis, order intake remains in positive territory thanks to the positive trend recorded in the first three quarters, and amounts to +3.1% (67.6 absolute index) compared to the 2024 figure; +38.9% domestic orders (absolute index 55.1); -9.4% foreign orders (absolute index 76.4). Riccardo Rosa, president of UCIMU, stated: "The overall result of order intake for 2025 is in line with that of the last 2 years and therefore once again disappointing." "With particular reference to the last quarter - added Riccardo Rosa - it is clear that the slowdown in activity on foreign markets was not matched by a substantial recovery on the domestic market." "On the domestic front, the results collected demonstrate that plan 5.0 did not work as it should have. Certainly the measure, together with 4.0, boosted demand a little but the countless starts and stops made everything less fluid until its conclusion in December." "Now," continued Riccardo Rosa, "we are awaiting the implementing decrees of the new measure that will accompany investments in new technologies until 2028. Italian companies have great expectations regarding this measure, especially because of its duration, which allows for better planning of purchases by users and therefore also a more effective and efficient distribution of our companies' production activity. However, we believe it is essential that the decrees arrive very soon so that we can operate immediately and clearly, supporting demand at a time when the international scenario is severely testing the industrial systems of traditional economies." "Looking beyond our borders, the highly uncertain environment, driven by geopolitical instability, is a factor that is severely impacting the results of our companies, which today find themselves cut off from many business opportunities abroad. Open conflicts, Trump's trade strategy with its constant retractions regarding tariffs, the automotive and German crisis, and the closure and now inaccessibility of certain markets such as Russia and China are severely limiting what has always been one of our strengths: export activity.""In this regard," stated Riccardo Rosa, "we warmly welcome the free trade agreement just signed by the EU and India, a country with enormous potential for development and growth, potential that Italian machine tool, robot, and automation manufacturers will undoubtedly be able to capitalize on. Moreover, with €135 million in exports (in the first nine months of 2025, the latest available data), India is now our fourth largest export market, and we believe that the newly signed agreement, together with the Ministry of Heavy Industries' repeal of the "Omnibus" order, which was due to come into force at the beginning of 2026 and which would have made machinery imports subject to obtaining a BIS license, will give further impetus to our business in the area." "On the contrary," added President Rosa, "we consider the decision to postpone the EU-Mercosur agreement for an assessment by the Court to be a severe blow to the manufacturing industry, and in particular to the Italian machine tool industry, which has always paid close attention to emerging markets or markets with fluctuating trends like those in the area. Many of those countries, Brazil first and foremost, represent potentially interesting markets for our companies, whose local users appreciate the high quality and customization of their offerings. For this reason, we must act as soon as possible to implement the agreement, which would also free our sales from many of the duties currently in force." "Also by virtue of this agreement, over the last two years, the association has strengthened its initiatives dedicated to Latin American countries. In addition to the exploratory missions carried out in Brazil, designed to strengthen partnerships with the local system of institutions, businesses, and representative organizations, UCIMU has initiated interesting discussions with industrial representative organizations in Argentina, preparatory to new collaborations between the two countries' industries. We have not neglected the so-called "associated" and "observer" countries linked to the agreement, confident that they too will offer interesting opportunities for Italian manufacturers. Among the Mercosur associates, we have turned our attention to Chile, where, following a reconnaissance mission, a project for the development of a Technology Center has been under consideration. Among the observer countries of the agreement, our focus is on Mexico, where, since the beginning of 2025, the Oficina Italiana de Promotiòn Mexico has been operating, a desk that works to support Italian companies in their knowledge and market penetration activities. of the relevant market, including for the Central and North American area." "We cannot allow," concluded President Rosa, "the great potential of companies and the work done by organizations like ours to be undermined by an absolutely senseless decision. The competitiveness of European manufacturing is at stake."

EU-Mercosur agreement: it's important to quickly overcome the stalemate.

Confindustria's Anima: the postponement is hindering exports, competitiveness, and the global positioning of Italian mechanical engineering.The postponement of the ratification of the partnership agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, decided by the European Parliament with a request for an opinion from the European Court of Justice, sends a negative signal for the Italian and European manufacturing industry. A choice that risks postponing by 18–24 months the entry into force of a strategic instrument to strengthen exports, competitiveness and the global positioning of companies, in an international context marked by growing geopolitical and trade tensions, new tariff barriers and the need to diversify markets and supply chains. Anima Confindustria, which represents the Italian mechanical industry in numerous strategic sectors, views with great concern a postponement that risks weakening a fundamental lever of industrial and commercial policy. The EU-Mercosur agreement would have allowed for a structural strengthening of the presence of European companies in an area with over 700 million consumers, promoting access to the markets of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay through a progressive reduction of duties and greater harmonization of rules. The economic context makes this choice even more difficult to understand. The most recent data on exports of mechanical engineering represented by Anima show a phase of slowdown and uncertainty, with signs of weakness both on the export front and on the domestic market. In this scenario, South America has long been an area of ​​strategic interest—in 2024, it accounted for 4.3% of Italy's total mechanical engineering exports (data from Anima's Statistics and Market Intelligence Office)—with significant growth potential, especially for industrial technologies, machinery, and high-value-added solutions. According to aggregate industrial estimates by Anima, the entry into force of the EU-Mercosur agreement would generate, already in the first three years, an overall increase in mechanical engineering exports to the area of ​​at least 20%, with a potential further doubling in the medium-long term thanks to the progressive removal of tariff barriers, particularly on the Brazilian market. Anima Confindustria has also invested in recent years in strengthening industrial relations with the Mercosur countries. This is the context in which the memoranda of understanding and cooperation signed with Argentina's leading industrial associations, including Adimra (Argentine Association of Metallurgy and Mechanics), aim to foster technological exchanges, industrial partnerships, and new investment opportunities for mechanical engineering companies. Initiatives that confirm how the EU-Mercosur agreement is not just a commercial instrument, but a fundamental piece for consolidating long-term industrial relations. "Postponing the EU-Mercosur agreement again means wasting precious time and giving up a concrete lever for growth for our industry. But above all, it causes Europe to lose credibility," declares President of Anima Confindustria, Pietro Almici. «At a time when mechanical engineering exports are slowing at a worrying rate, blocking access to dynamic and alternative markets like South America is a short-sighted choice. After more than twenty-five years of negotiations, Europe should demonstrate vision and responsibility, strengthening its industrial and commercial role at a global level." President Almici also underlines how the postponement risks weakening European competitiveness in comparison with other major international players. In a context marked by new protectionist policies, growing global competition, and increasingly inaccessible markets, the EU cannot afford to slow down, or even block, the implementation of strategic agreements. The agreement with Mercosur would allow Italian and European companies to diversify their markets, reduce dependencies, and support employment and investment. Continuing to postpone means blocking the industry and Europe. auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variant-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-language-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.4;">While aware of the sensitivities existing on some sectoral issues, Anima Confindustria reiterates the need to bring the center of gravity of the debate back to the overall strategic value of the agreement, both for European manufacturing and for Italian mechanical engineering. A sector that accounts for approximately 20% of the national GDP and is one of the main drivers of Italian exports, and which, without a determined strengthening of international trade relations, risks seeing its growth prospects compromised. In this context, Anima Confindustria hopes that the European institutions will quickly evaluate solutions capable of overcoming the current stalemate and making the EU-Mercosur agreement operational as soon as possible. This choice would represent a concrete signal of attention towards industry and the competitiveness of the European production system, maintaining the Union's credibility on the global economic stage. 

METAL SHOW & TIB 2026 will take place on 12–15 May at Romexpo

As advanced technologies and digitalization continue to shape the investment strategies of industrial companies, METAL SHOW & TIB remains a key event for technical professionals.The 2026 edition, scheduled for 12–15 May in Bucharest, will bring together manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, technologies, and solutions for sheet-metal and tube processing, machining, CNC systems, additive manufacturing, welding, cutting, measurement and control instrumentation, industrial software, metallurgy, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, and automation.By expanding the focus on advanced technologies for smart factories, robotics, and systems integration, and by opening the event to broader international participation with a strong framework for high-level technical dialogue, METAL SHOW & TIB 2026 positions itself as a primary reference point for the technical industry.To support the exhibitor community, the organizers will maintain the same participation fees in 2026, unchanged for the past four years.Live demonstrations on exhibited equipment, direct technical discussions with industry leaders, buyers, suppliers, and service providers, along with commercial offers available exclusively during the event, remain essential components that strengthen industrial networking at METAL SHOW & TIB and drive new business opportunities while reinforcing existing client relationships. More information is available at www.metalshow-tib.ro