The Future Forum for Tool, Model, and Mould Making was established as a discussion platform at the first Moulding Expo and has become an integral part of the supporting program. In the Oskar Lapp Hall (Hall 6) at Stand 6E36, experts provide valuable insights and impulses into the developments of tomorrow. The program is organized by the Association of German Machine and Plant Manufacturers (VDMA) and the Association of German Tool and Mould Makers (VDWF).
The two VDMA specialist associations for Precision Tools and Measurement and Testing Technology focus on the value chains of plastics and sheet metal. A highlight of the program is a newly developed, particularly user-friendly AI tool for decision-makers in tool and mould making, which promises significant time savings and minimizes non-value-adding activities. Additionally, manufacturers of precision tools present innovative technologies for the processing of moulds and stamping/forming tools, while measurement technology manufacturers showcase pioneering trends in the use of measurement technology in tool making.
Markus Heseding, Managing Director of VDMA Measurement and Testing Technology and VDMA Precision Tools, states: 'The crises in key customer sectors and the increasing international competitive pressure pose immense challenges for tool makers. The program of the Future Forum responds to these issues and underscores the necessity to invest in one's competitiveness, especially in economically difficult times. Under the motto 'Minimax - generating great advantages with small investments', contributions will be presented that demonstrate how innovative tool and measurement technology concepts do not cost the earth but provide a strong lever for reducing manufacturing costs.'
The VDWF program section aims to highlight opportunities for the tool and mould making industry. Specifically and directly at the pulse of the companies. The VDWF program presents content from various directions, for example, on topics such as sustainability, process efficiency, or employee qualification. Current developments in the field of additive manufacturing and the socially and culturally relevant potentials that plastics offer for the products of our everyday lives are also in focus.
Ralf Dürrwächter, Managing Director of VDWF: 'We aim to contribute to the Future Forum so that companies can improve and increase their competitiveness, that young people are eager to engage in tool and mould making, and that entrepreneurs look positively to the future and develop new business fields.'
In short: We warmly invite all tool makers, their customers and suppliers, as well as the industry's young talent, to gather ideas for a vibrant future in the industry – and to seek dialogue with the speakers and among themselves. Because alongside the look into the 'future', the title of this supporting program also contains 'forum': Here, it is important to exchange ideas and expand one's network. The Moulding Expo provides the ideal platform for this!
BME Purchasing Day provides guidance in procurement
The aim of the BME Purchasing Day is to provide industry experts with the fundamentals for informed purchasing decisions. Organized by the Federal Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics (BME), the program features practical presentations on current developments and the latest innovations in the industry – focusing on purchasing-relevant questions. Benchmarking, cost-cutting, and global sourcing are just some of the topics addressed on the Purchasing Day. Participants thus expand their knowledge and gain new perspectives to shape the future of purchasing in the industry.
'Due to geopolitical changes, market conditions are changing, and supply chains need to be reviewed and reconsidered. The changes in legal frameworks by the EU also present new challenges for purchasing. The BME Purchasing Day supports industry experts with its choice of topics to make informed and strategic purchasing decisions even in times of crisis,' says Dr. Frithjof Kilp, Head of Department, BME e.V.
Honorary Medal for Distinguished Industry Leaders
The Honorary Medal of Tool and Mould Making is an award that has been presented since the first Moulding Expo. This year's award ceremony will take place on May 7, 2025. Pioneers and visionaries who have set groundbreaking signs for the industry will be honored. Richard Pergler, organizer of the award, reports: 'The Honorary Medal is explicitly not a prize for a completed life’s work. The jury hopes that the award winners will continue to be examples for all those who are active in this industry or wish to become so. The award winners are particularly role models for the youth and beacons beyond the industry.' The medal is awarded by an independent jury, which includes representatives from the VDWF, VDMA, and the Tool Making Academy Aachen (WBA).
Official Give-Away – Mouldmaker the game
Mouldmaker the game is the official give-away of the Moulding Expo 2025. It was developed by mechanical engineering students from Reutlingen University. The card game focuses on the fundamental structure of different types of tools. Visitors to the Moulding Expo can secure the card game on-site as a give-away.
Autograph Session with Regional F4 Champion
Sauter Engineering + Design presents a real Formula 4 racing car at Stand 6B12. On May 9 at 3 PM, Michael Sauter, successful racing driver and F3 Regional Champion 2024 in Japan, will be available for an autograph session at the Sauter stand.
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