With a few days to go until the 2024 iteration of the Machine Tools Africa event, to be held from May 21 to 24 at the Nasrec showgrounds, in Johannesburg, industry organisation Machine Tools Merchants’ Association (MTMA) chairperson Mike Lee says all exhibitors are “getting ready to put the greatest machine tool exhibition on the African continent together”.
The latest industry technologies are being demonstrated at the event, Lee says, noting that it will “without a doubt be of huge interest” to the local and international markets.
The event will also include live demonstrations, and showcase equipment in machining such as turning and milling, grinding and drilling, as well as all types of sheet metal machinery, such as laser machines, bending and punching machines, presses and other machinery.
The tooling industry is a welcome partner and goes hand in hand with the machines on display, Lee says, adding that there will also be various computer-aided design and/or computer-aided manufacturing software suppliers, which are an integral part of a successful machine shop.
“With Industry 4.0 being active now and with Industry 5.0 round the corner, the whole world is gearing up for more automation, equipment driven and controlled by computers, and handheld devices,” Lee says.
Additionally, the event will have daily talks by international industry leaders, which Lee says makes the event a “must for engineers, company owners, workshop managers and staff to hear and learn about the latest developments in the industry”.
International group WorldSkills will also host daily competitions on focusing on training and development of young South African engineers.
WorldSkills organises global and national championships for vocational skills, and is held every two years in different parts of the world.