Themes, the knowledge program and trade fair initiatives
Themes
METAVAK will start again on October 1, 2 & 3, 2024! This edition we are also busy filling the knowledge program. This of course also includes current themes, this edition we zoom in on the themes of sustainability, labor shortage, automation and digitalization.
14:00 - 14:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Productmanager Meten en GPS at STODT
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Senior Accountmanager at STODT
14:30 - 15:00
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Business Developer Robotica at EKB
15:00 - 15:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Strategisch marketeer at Effecty
15:30 - 16:00
![](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2024/07/Jelle-Koning-Produmize.jpg)
CEO at Produmize
![](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2024/07/Jeroen-Broekhuijsen.jpg)
CTO Smart Industry at TNO
16:00 - 16:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Productmanager Meten en GPS at STODT
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Senior Accountmanager at STODT
14:00
14:15
14:30
14:45
15:00
15:15
15:30
15:45
16:00
16:15
16:30
14:00 - 14:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Productmanager Meten en GPS at STODT
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Senior Accountmanager at STODT
14:30 - 15:00
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Business Developer Robotica at EKB
15:00 - 15:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Strategisch marketeer at Effecty
15:30 - 16:00
![](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2024/07/Jelle-Koning-Produmize.jpg)
CEO at Produmize
![](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2024/07/Jeroen-Broekhuijsen.jpg)
CTO Smart Industry at TNO
16:00 - 16:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Productmanager Meten en GPS at STODT
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Senior Accountmanager at STODT
14:00
14:15
14:30
14:45
15:00
15:15
15:30
15:45
16:00
16:15
16:30
14:00 - 14:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Productmanager Meten en GPS at STODT
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Senior Accountmanager at STODT
14:30 - 15:00
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Business Developer Robotica at EKB
15:00 - 15:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Strategisch marketeer at Effecty
15:30 - 16:00
![](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2024/07/Jelle-Koning-Produmize.jpg)
CEO at Produmize
![](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2024/07/Jeroen-Broekhuijsen.jpg)
CTO Smart Industry at TNO
16:00 - 16:30
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Productmanager Meten en GPS at STODT
![](https://www.metavak.nl/wp-content/plugins/easyfairs-guest-list/public/img/avatar-placeholder.png)
Senior Accountmanager at STODT
14:00
14:15
14:30
14:45
15:00
15:15
15:30
15:45
16:00
16:15
16:30
The existence of the metalworking manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in our society. We use the metalworking manufacturing industry for a wide range of products, such as various car parts, electronics and building materials. Yet the pressure to become more sustainable is increasing in the metalworking manufacturing industry. The industry faces various challenges such as the impact on the environment, energy use, raw material consumption and waste production. There are promising developments that could have a positive impact on sustainability in the sector.
Circular production is a major challenge. The manufacturing industry produces a lot of waste in the form of unused and surplus products. By using materials more efficiently, manufacturers can reduce their ecological impact. Using processes more efficiently also helps save costs and improves competitive position.
- Energy and emissions: Metal processing is often energy-intensive and causes emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Reducing energy consumption and therefore also harmful gases are essential objectives. This is a complex task due to the nature of the industrial processes.
- Raw materials and waste: The metalworking manufacturing industry uses large amounts of raw materials, which also produces a significant amount of waste in the form of surplus materials and scrap. It is therefore important to keep the ecological impact as small as possible.
- Technological transition: Adopting sustainable technologies and production methods often require a large investment, which means a financial hurdle for many companies. Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. This means that the transition to sustainability can take place less quickly.
- Competition and market demand: In a competitive market, the focus of sustainability can sometimes be lost from view. Sometimes decisions have to be made based on economic considerations and competitive pressure. By investing in sustainable products, costs increase, which puts the company at a disadvantage compared to their competitors. Stimulating sustainability should be addressed.
- Regulation: There is a lack of clear regulations and policy frameworks in the field of sustainability. The lack of consistent standards and incentives leads to uncertainty and inconsistencies in addressing sustainability issues. The implementation of clear regulations and incentive measures can help to create a better environment for sustainability.
The shortage of personnel is a growing problem in the metalworking manufacturing industry. The metalworking manufacturing industry is an important player in the production of many goods, such as cars, machines or construction materials. As the aging population increases, there is a shortage of skilled workers.
The biggest challenges for the labor shortage in the metalworking manufacturing industry are:
- Aging: A large number of professionals are retiring. Fewer skilled workers are becoming available, creating a shortage. It is difficult for companies to find experienced employees.
- Lack of skills: Due to rapid technological developments, there is a major lack of knowledge of advanced machines and computer-controlled systems. The shortage of employees makes it difficult to optimize production processes.
- Competition: There is growing competition for talent in the metalworking manufacturing industry. Companies are fighting a battle to recruit and retain qualified employees. This leads, for example, to wage increases, which affects the profitability of a company.
- Education: There is a lack of appropriate education and training programs that prepare prospective employees from school for a career. Improving access to technical education and the promotion of these courses can already make a positive contribution.
- Automation: Robotics and automation help increase productivity. This makes production less dependent on skilled workers. These developments mean that specialized knowledge and skills are required.
Automation in the metalworking manufacturing industry leads to an improvement in efficiency, accuracy and competitive position. The counterpart of automation is that the dependence on manual labor is less. In the metalworking manufacturing industry, automation brings both opportunities and challenges. The most important challenges are:
- Cost: In the long run, automation is cost effective, but significant capital investments must be made first. It is difficult for small to medium-sized companies in the metalworking manufacturing industry to make this investment.
- Complexity: The implementation of automation systems is a complex process. This includes, for example, integrating new equipment with the machines, training staff and adapting processes to make it more efficient.
- Change: Technologies are constantly evolving. For companies looking to implement automation, this means they need to offer ongoing training and development. This is of course more difficult for smaller companies.
- Labor market: Automation is driving a skills shift. The work remains, but the actions change. At the same time, this leads to a challenge in finding enough qualified personnel.
- Flexibility: Automation takes away a form of flexibility. Machines are often designed for specific tasks and cannot deviate from them. Naturally, this poses challenges for companies that have to adapt to changing market demands.
- Maintenance: Automation systems require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure optimal performance. Machine downtime entails additional costs. Especially when a company does not have sufficient resources, including qualified technicians.
Digitalization in the metalworking manufacturing industry is a great development, but it brings with it various opportunities and challenges, such as:
- Investments: New technologies often lead to significant investments. When considering investments, consider machines, software, but also the training of the staff who will have to work with them. These costs pose challenges for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Complex technology: The technologies used in digitalization are complex. Think of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analysis. It requires specialized knowledge and skills to use such technology effectively.
- Data security: Due to the increase in digitalization, concerns about security and privacy are also increasing. Companies must also protect the data they collect from companies that want to hack them. That is why the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was created to ensure that companies ensure good data protection.
- Skills change: Employees’ skills change due to digitalization. The traditional tasks of an employee in the metalworking manufacturing industry are changing due to automation and digital technologies. As a result, skilled personnel must be found or current employees may choose to be retrained.
- Standardization: In an increasingly digitally driven world, it is important that machines communicate effectively with each other. Therefore, think carefully about standardization or protocols that are crucial for the smooth operation of the production process.
- Business processes: Digitalization leads to a change in business processes of the metalworking manufacturing industry. It is important for a company to bring about a change in culture.
- Cyber attacks: Connectivity between machines is increasing. As a result, metalworking companies increasingly have to take cybersecurity measures to keep hackers and other malicious parties out.
![digitalisering in de metaal](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2023/07/Seijbel-Photography-0660-300x200.jpg)
Digitization
The metals industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades thanks to continuous advances in digitalization and technology. This evolution has led to dramatic changes in all aspects of the industry, from design and production to distribution and service. Using advanced software, automated processes and connectivity between devices, the traditional metal industry is being transformed into a modern, efficient and more competitive industry. This introduction takes a look at some of the crucial ways in which digitalization has impacted and continues to shape the metals industry, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for companies within this dynamic sector.
![robotisering in de metaal](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2023/07/Seijbel-Photography-0066-300x200.jpg)
Robotization
The metal industry is at the forefront of technological advancement with the widespread introduction of robotics into its processes. Robotization has played a crucial role in redefining the way metal parts are manufactured, assembled and processed. In a drive for increased efficiency, precision and flexibility, robots and automated systems have entered manufacturing facilities, delivering improved performance and greater competitiveness. This introduction highlights some of the key aspects of robotics in the metal industry, highlights its impact on both operational processes and strategic decision-making, and explores the promising future that this technology embodies for the further development of the industry.
![automatisering in de metaal](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2023/07/Seijbel-Photography-0030-300x200.jpg)
Automation
The metal industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to the increasing implementation of automation technologies. In an era where efficiency, precision and speed are crucial, automation has taken on a central role in all facets of the sector. From advanced robotics and CNC machines to smart manufacturing systems, the integration of automation has revolutionized the production of metal parts and components. This primer takes a look at some of the key ways in which automation has transformed the metals industry, and explores the benefits and challenges this development brings to companies seeking improved performance and competitive advantage in this evolving sector.
Knowledge program
This year, a freely accessible knowledge program will be put together in collaboration with 54UMedia, focusing on the above themes. Our program is packed with solutions aimed at automation, digitalization or robotization in the metal industry. Here you can discover the latest technologies, trends and best practices that not only improve efficiency but also have a positive impact on the environment.
![kennisprogramma tijdens METAVAK 2023](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2023/07/Seijbel-Photography-0722-768x512.jpg)
Knowledge program METAVAK
Daily in the knowledge theater
14:00 - 14:45 uur | Hoe 3D printen in jouw maakbedrijf van waarde kan zijn
Wil je ontdekken hoe je de complexiteit van je productieproces kunt verminderen en tegelijkertijd de functionaliteit van je producten kunt vergroten? Of ben je benieuwd hoe je jouw productieproces kunt aanpassen aan de groeiende vraag naar customization, terwijl je tegelijkertijd de voorraden lokaal kunt produceren en bijdraagt aan een circulaire strategie?
Kom dan naar onze interactieve presentatie op de maakindustrie beurs en ontdek hoe je deze uitdagingen kunt aanpakken! Tijdens onze presentatie zullen we dieper ingaan op de genoemde thema’s en je laten zien hoe je jouw productieproces kunt optimaliseren door middel van slimme oplossingen en innovatieve technologieën.
We zullen niet alleen de theoretische kant van deze thema’s bespreken, maar ook praktische voorbeelden geven van hoe andere bedrijven dit succesvol hebben geïmplementeerd. Daarnaast is er voldoende ruimte voor interactie en vragen, zodat we jouw specifieke uitdagingen kunnen bespreken en je concrete handvatten kunt bieden voor de optimalisatie van jouw productieproces.
16:00 - 16:45 uur | Slimmer werken, meer winst: de digitale toekomst van industrie! | Powersessies
Spreker: Marc Schouten, Business Development Manager Smart Industry bij TNO
Beschrijving: Echt papierloos: de digitale werkinstructie en production support door Marc Schouten (TNO).
Assembleren met geprojecteerde werkinstructies, meekijken door de bril van een monteur of zelfs de technische data te zien krijgen. Het is al realiteit, maar wat levert het mij op?
Spreker: Jeroen Broekhuijsen, Team lead Digital Factories bij TNO
Beschrijving: Smart Industry in de praktijk: Waar staan we? door Jeroen Broekhuijssen (TNO) en Jelle Koning (Produmize).
Met veel voorbeelden uit de praktijk vertellen we waar het MKB staat met smart industry.
Spreker: Jelle Koning, CEO bij Produmize
Beschrijving: Zelf aan de slag: 10x klaar voor Industry 4.0 door Jeroen Broekhuijssen (TNO) en Jelle Koning (Produmize).
Wil je weten hoe ook jouw bedrijf laagdrempelig stappen kan zetten naar Industry 4.0? Maak dan kennis met het programma “10x klaar voor Industry 4.0”.
![Studenten zijn welkom op METAVAK](https://easyfairsassets.com/sites/221/2023/08/Seijbel-Photography-0973-768x512.jpg)
Visit during your studies?
METAVAK, in collaboration with Koninklijke Metaalunie Zuid-Holland, offers a great meeting place for students. Discover the vacancy wall here where sufficient internships can be found. Are you done with school yet? Then find your next step in your career. This is a good opportunity to make new contacts. We welcome groups of students between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. As a student you can register separately.