RX Tradex proudly inaugurates "METALEX 2023," the preeminent machine tools and metalworking technology event serving ASEAN, showcasing the latest innovations from over 2,500 brands representing 50 countries and featuring 7 International Pavilions. This edition surpasses its predecessor in scale and anticipates a turnout of over 95,000 participants.
Dr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, who presided over the event's opening ceremony, emphasised the Ministry's unwavering commitment to the holistic transformation of the manufacturing supply chain. This transformation involves upgrading machinery, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, embracing robotics and automation, and implementing real-time digital technology for production management. The government is at the forefront of driving Industry 4.0 transformation, with initiatives spanning the development of the robotic and automation industry, marketing strategies, enhancing System Integrators (SI) competitiveness, bolstering supply chains through investments in robotic and automation systems, and nurturing the potential of SMEs in this sector. Dr. Nattapol underscored the imperative for the manufacturing sector to embrace suitable machinery and technology for efficient production sector development.
METALEX 2023 is not only recognised but widely celebrated in ASEAN as a pivotal event for industrial experts, leading machinery manufacturers, and traders from across the region to showcase cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and intelligent innovations. The event offers an invaluable platform for networking, negotiations, and discussions to foster trade partnerships. The exhibition will feature the latest advancements in machine tools and automated technologies, making their debut at this event. Additionally, numerous seminars led by industry experts will cover current and trending topics. Dr. Nattapol expressed confidence that METALEX 2023 would create opportunities for participants to leverage technology, knowledge, and business networks to advance and promote growth in the country's metalworking sector.
Mrs. Varaporn Dhamcharee, Managing Director of RX Tradex, ASEAN's leading exhibition organiser, highlighted that the "METALEX 2023" event marks its 37th year, aimed at equipping businesses with innovations, new technologies, knowledge, partners, and collaborators to address increasingly intricate challenges in today's business landscape. This includes responding to trade measures imposing stricter requirements and practices. In this year's event, besides showcasing innovations from over 2,500 brands representing 50 countries, attendees can anticipate several enhancements compared to the previous edition. These include expanded exhibition space across various product profiles, the addition of special features, and new seminars.
"This year, attendees can expect an enriched experience, featuring:
• Expanded exhibition space:
o 30% increase in the Machine Tool area
o 75% expansion in the Sheet Metalworking area
o 70% enlargement in the Factory Automation area
o 95% growth in the Robot area
• A comprehensive range of metalworking solutions with participation from prominent brands:
o Machine Tool: International machine tool companies, including GF AgieCharmilles and Rollomatic from Switzerland, renowned for producing high-precision workpieces like aerospace components, are returning to the event after the COVID period.
o Sheet Metalworking: This year witnesses significant advancements in sheet metalworking technology from Asia, offering higher power capable of working with thicker materials, delivering higher volumes, and reducing costs. Participating brands include AMADA and KOMATSU from Japan, as well as JIER, Accurl, and Reci from China.
o Metrology: European brands, such as Mahr from Germany and Carl Zeiss, a renowned lens manufacturer from Germany, are joining the event.
o Factory Automation: With an expanded exhibition space, the showcase for factory automation extends to the foyer area. Participating brands include Misumi from Japan.
o Robots: Leading brands are featured, including Yaskawa, Fanuc, Nachi, and Kawasaki from Japan; Universal Robot from Denmark; Kuka from Germany; Siasun, Techman, and Hans Robot from China; as well as Hiwin from Taiwan (R.O.C.)
• Expanding the exhibition space, three special features have been added to make the event even more comprehensive:
o Smart Materials.
o Additive manufacturing: Featuring renowned names like ZG, Flashforged, and Dome 3D offering 3D metal printers.
o Artificial Intelligence.
• An assembly of 21 leading Japanese machine tool companies under the JAMTAT (Japanese Machine Tools Association of Thailand) Pavilion.
• Introducing several new innovations being introduced for the first time in ASEAN, including:
o A new metal folding machine featuring the latest Servo technology from AMADA in Japan. It is precise and efficient, with voice-activated controls and other user-friendly features.
o The latest laser machine from GF AgieCharmilles, a Swiss brand imported by Sahamit Machinery, providing solutions for engraving and surface marking with lasers, thereby enhancing the quality of component production.
o A machining centre from Brother, imported from Japan by Yamazen (Thailand), delivering high output and environmental efficiency, enabling the cutting of large or multi-sided workpieces.
o A Cobot from Nachi Technology Thailand offering high-speed and precision in handling workpieces, achieving top speeds comparable to industrial robots.
o A compact, high-speed, highly accurate, and efficient machining centre from Fanuc Thai, featuring a tool magazine capable of holding up to 28 tools," Mrs. Varaporn elaborated.
In addition to the technology showcases, RX Tradex collaborates with 34 organisations and trade
associations to organise 41 conference sessions featuring 119 speakers. Highlighted conferences include the "METALEX AI Forum: Key Success on AI Project Management," held in collaboration with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and the Thai IoT Association on the morning of November 23. Additionally, in the afternoon of November 24, the "METALEX AI Forum: National AI Strategy, Best Practices, and Lessons Learned – AI in Manufacturing" will take place in collaboration with the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC). On November 24, three conferences are scheduled: the "Metallurgy Forum" addressing "CBAM Defensive Measures of the Thai Aluminium Industry Leading to Circular Economy," in collaboration with the Aluminium Industry Group, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC). Noteworthy is the "EV Tech Forum," discussing "Emerging Business in the EV Ecosystem," in collaboration with the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT). Also, introducing a new conference called the "Additive Manufacturing Forum," focusing on "Exploring Opportunities to Become the Next Industrialisation," in collaboration with the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC).
Mrs. Varaporn concluded, "We anticipate over 95,000 participants at METALEX 2023, and the trade value of business deals from the event is expected to exceed 7 billion THB."
METALEX 2023 will be held at Halls 98-104, BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center), from November 22nd to 25th, 2023, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. As this is a trade event, visitors are requested not to wear shorts and flip-flops, and children under the age of 15 are not permitted inside the event due to the presence of large machinery. Advance registration for the event is available at www.metalex.co.th. For further information, please contact RX Tradex at 02 686 7222 or via email at contactcenter@rxtradex.com.
