TRADE SHOWS + EVENTS Interview with Matthias Müller, Public Relations, Goepel Electronics discussing the new markets the industry is facing. International tradeshow Over 400 exhibitors from 26 countries displayed technologies and solutions to 13,000 visitors that came from around the world, including the DACH region, China, Italy, France, Czech Republic, Hungary, Great Britain, and more. Not only were they globally based, they also came from a variety of fields and backgrounds. This included automotive electronics, aerospace and mechanical engineering, industrial electronics, and more. It was concluded that more than three-fourths of these visitors were in a decision-making role, including departments such as production, research and developments. All current market trends were also highlighted, including smart factory, automation, digitalization, 5G, M2M communication, and robotics. “We think that the electronics industry is growing and facing new markets, especially in the automotive industry, such as connected cars or vehicle communication and smart factories or smart homes. This is why, this show has been very successful for us.” – Matthias Müller, Public Relations, Goepel Electronics Source: EPPEurope/ Charlene Hesse Source: EPPEurope/ Charlene Hesse “I think the new concept is working well. For Electrolube certainly, it seems to be sort of a bigger and more interesting show this year. I find the forum concept and the layout great. It definitely suited us better this year.”- Julia Vorley, Marketing Manager, Electrolube Presentations, forums, and discussions covered a variety of topics and trends. E-mobility, renewable energy, reliability were some themes that were presented, including software and hardware solutions for challenges throughout the value chain. Future developments and expectations of the industry were also explored, seeing which direction the market might lead to. Visitors were able to compete in the hand soldering competition for a chance to participate in the World Championship that will occur at productronica. Highlights of the show With its name and approach, the tradeshow provided an assortment of opportunities to discuss and learn techniques for specific situations, as well as to put sensible solutions into practice. 22 EPP EUROPE November 2019
Source: EPPEurope/ Charlene Hesse Like every year, the Future Packaging Production Line included all parts of a line, where visitors were able to see it running live. “So now a days, we see at Parmi that regular SMT is trying to catch up with the backend semiconductor market. Therefore, we are adapting the curve on the portfolio for taking part in the backend semiconductor market.” – Walter von Dooren, Sales Manager, Parmi Corporation New beginnings Taking place for the first time, the Technology Days was a learning opportunity for 164 participants to gain more knowledge about different subjects, including mounting, substrates, the connecting of components and assemblies, and soldering. Presenters shared their knowledge and experience on developments and solutions for the industry. The Newcomer Pavilion also occurred for the first time this year. This platform not only gave the opportunity for startups to create a niche in the industry, but also for larger, more experienced companies to get a glimpse of new and innovative ideas. This was a great collaborative occasion for all who participated. Another innovative event that occurred was the EMS Park. In this area, 12 exhibitors were able to build connections with visitors in a park-like atmosphere. A Speakers’ Corner was also there to further share knowledge, best practices, and solutions. Reoccurring events As previous years, the IPC Hand soldering competitions took place again, for professionals as well as for students. This gave a chance for employees from a variety of companies to demonstrate their soldering skills. Participants competed for a chance to take part in the Hand soldering world championship, which will take place at the end of this year at the productronica show in Munich. The Future Packaging Production Line organized by Fraunhofer IZM was another success this year. With the motto “Get in the ring – Meeting the challenges of modern manufacturing”, visitors were Source: EPPEurope/ Doris Jetter able to see a live running production line. Tours were made throughout in both English and German to further explain each solution and its capabilities. Another great development offered this year was the career planning platform as it is a challenge for the industry to find well skilled employees. This platform was centered towards helping visitors that are interested in starting a career in the electronics industry to find available job openings. Focus on power electronics The PCIM tradeshow also took place alongside SMTconnect. This show focuses on the entire power electronics industry, including energy management, intelligent motion, thermal management, renewable energy, sensors, and more. 515 exhibitors displayed a variety of solutions to over 12,000 international visitors. This year’s highlights included conferences, lectures, and forums, which presented guidance and know-how on all market trends. Over 800 participants attended the conferences, with 333 lecturers. There were also 107 forums, which included short presentations covering a variety of topics. A main highlight was the e-mobility forum that examined the latest trends of power electronics and solutions to its challenges. Both shows will take place again next year on May 5–7, 2020 at the NurembergConvention Center. www.smtconnect.com Next year, the SMTconnect show will take place on May 5–7, 2020 at the NurembergConvention Center. EPP EUROPE November 2019 23
