AI Technology and Smart Manufacturing Leading Future Trends at the 2024 Taiwan Sheet Metal Exhibition

BY Taiwan Laser Application Development Association (TLADA)

The biennial event organized by the Taiwan Laser Sheet Metal Development Association, the “2024 Taiwan Sheet Metal & Laser Application Exhibition,” was grandly held at the Taichung International Exhibition Center from September 5 to 9. This year, the sheet metal equipment section showcased high-power machines integrated with robotic arms, AI technology, and smart manufacturing, while the processing application area highlighted the craftsmanship and aesthetics of sheet metal processing. The exhibition featured numerous highlights and was rich in content.

Major exhibitors included European brands such as Germany’s TRUMPF and Italy’s BLM; Japanese brand AMADA; Taiwanese brands such as Taiwan 3-Axis Technology, Hanchen Technology, Hehe Machinery, and Tailift; and Chinese brands like Lixin, as well as agents representing Chinese manufacturers, including Quan Zeng Precision, Xinhan Yi, Shenglu, Hymson, and Utech Dazhu.

According to Chen Xinxiang, Chairman of the Taiwan Laser Sheet Metal Development Association, the sheet metal laser application industry is actively transforming. Both equipment and processing sectors are embracing the booming AI technology to expand advanced laser applications in semiconductors, AI servers, and industrial computers, as well as integrating technologies for machine tools, smart manufacturing, aerospace, new energy, PCB, food, and construction engineering. The industry is strengthening data analysis, upgrading green smart factories, and jointly creating carbon-reduction and energy-saving solutions alongside advanced process transformation. The exhibition prominently featured key innovations and applications in fiber laser technology.

Chen believes that this year’s economic outlook will be better than last year. The AI semiconductor boom continues to drive demand for electronic sheet metal, and the trend toward carbon reduction and green energy is boosting orders for solar steel profiles and lithium battery packaging plates. Orders for food and medical sheet metal have been heating up since the second quarter, while aerospace, power distribution boxes, natural gas pipes, oil pipes, and vehicle bodies for state-owned enterprises have seen breakthrough growth. PCB, woodworking machinery, and other industrial sheet metal sectors are gradually recovering, bringing diverse laser sheet metal demand in the second half of the year.

The Taiwan Laser Sheet Metal Development Association has entered its 16th year. Under the leadership of Chairman Chen Xinxiang and the eighth board of directors and supervisors, membership has grown from 140 to 160 companies. Over the past year, the association has held multiple “Laser Sheet Metal Processing Industry Upgrade Seminars,” sharing successful cases of system and machine integration that improved production capacity, output value, and utilization rates. Through industry exchanges, the association continues to enhance the visibility of Taiwan’s sheet metal laser industry both domestically and internationally.