Mayank Agarwal (Aim Alloys LLP)

"From Waste to Wealth: Recycling of Scrap metals and their applications to Welding Raw Materials"

Industrial processes worldwide generate vast quantities of alloy scrap and metallic waste — much of which is underutilized beyond bulk recycling. This presentation showcases how businesses can unlock hidden value by upcycling such waste into high-performance metal powders. Drawing on the case of AIM Alloys LLP in India, we illustrate practical methods to transform scrap into powders containing 20–95% recycled content, supporting applications from welding consumables to sintered parts.

The discussion highlights how circular economy strategies can reduce costs, mitigate raw material supply risks, and meet growing customer demand for sustainable products — demonstrating that innovation at a small scale can have a large environmental and economic impact.

Presentation language: English

Jeff Franks (COHERENT INC.)

Unlocking Cutting-Edge Performance: The Competitive Edge of Integrated Fiber Laser and Cutting Head Packages

In the fast-paced world of sheet metal fabrication, the demand for precision, speed, and reliability is higher than ever. As machine tool builders strive to deliver increasingly sophisticated laser cutting systems, a new paradigm is emerging—one that redefines how performance, integration, and cost-effectiveness are achieved.

This presentation explores the transformative impact of integrated fiber laser and cutting head packages designed from the ground up by a single global vendor. We will examine how co-engineering these systems, such as EDGE CUT series by Coherent, unlocks enhanced cutting performance, streamlines machine integration, and significantly reduces engineering time and total cost of ownership. Key benefits include improved beam quality optimization, simplified EtherCAT control, faster time-to-market, and greater end-user reliability through single-point service and validation.

Attendees will gain insights into how this integrated approach eliminates traditional compatibility challenges, reduces downtime, and provides access to the latest advancements in high-power lasers, intelligent optics, and adaptive nozzle technologies. Whether you're developing your next generation of cutting platforms or seeking to boost your competitive edge, this session will demonstrate how integration is the key to unlocking the full potential of fiber laser technology.

Presentation language: English

Clemens Johannes Müller (RWTH Aachen University - Digital Additive Production Chair DAP)

"Resource-efficient wear protection through additive coatings made of metal matrix composites (MMCs)"

Powder-based laser cladding enables the production of novel, wear-resistant MMC coatings that not only extend tool life but also significantly improve material efficiency – offering a viable alternative to conventional PVD-coated PM steels. Discover the potential of a new generation of multifunctional surface coatings!

Presentation language: German

Bernd Siegmund GmbH unveils a global innovation at this year's SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN. Be there live when the new product is presented on stage at the Future Hub in Hall 7.

"Geopolitics and Welding Supply Chains: A Global Perspective"

Geopolitical tensions and fragile supply chains are challenging the global welding industry, with single-source dependencies and rising costs creating vulnerability. This international panel explores these risks, strategies to secure critical raw materials and the potential of circular economy models. Experts from China, India, Europe and the USA share regional perspectives and practical insights to enhance resilience and sustainability in welding supply chains.

Discussion language: English

Participants:
Mayank Agarwar, AIM Alloys LLP
Markus Halt, AHK Slowakei
Will Healy, Universal Robots
Jason Sun, MaxPhotonics GmbH

Yunfei Gao (Shandong Juli Welding)

China and Europe: A Synergistic Partnership in Welding & Manufacturing – Mutual Gains, Shared Growth

This presentation explores the economic partnership between China and Europe in the welding industry, emphasizing mutual benefit and shared growth In addition to discussing successful collaboration and service strategies catered to European markets, it presents the strengths and current status of the Chinese welding industry. Finally, it highlights opportunities to further enhance collaboration and achieve win-win outcomes.

Presentation language: English

Abdesslam Halouani, Fédération des Industries Métallurgiques, Mécaniques et Electromécaniques (FIMME)

"Metallurgical, mechanical and electromechanical industries: development opportunities for Morocco and Africa"

Presentation language: French with English translation

Markus Halt (AHK Slowakei)

Forging Connections: Slovakia’s Metallurgical, Mechanical & Electromechanical Industries – Welding, Cutting and Surface Opportunities

Slovakia ranks among Europe’s most industrialized economies and leads globally in per capita automotive production. With strong foundations in metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and electromechanics, it offers fertile ground for innovation in welding, cutting, and surface treatment. The presentation outlines the market structure, main challenges, and unique strengths such as high FDI density and stable industrial partnerships. It showcases opportunities for joint R&D, cluster building, automation, and sustainable manufacturing, aiming to connect markets and industries while driving the future of joining technology and surface solutions.

Presentation language: English

Fernando Lescovar Neto, Associação Brasileira de Soldagem (ABS)

"Brazil in the world of welding: Synergies, bridges and opportunities"

Brazil stands among the world’s major industrial economies, with strong foundations in steelmaking, metallurgy, and electromechanical industries. Its tradition in energy, oil and gas, mining, and agribusiness combines with a diversified industrial base, creating fertile ground for welding, cutting, automation, and robotics.

A new cycle of growth is underway, driven by investments in ports, offshore oil and gas, pulp and paper, petrochemicals and infrastructure. Renewable energy projects — wind, solar, and biomass — reinforce this momentum, as industries seek solutions that balance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Brazil’s robust domestic market and abundant natural resources support one of the cleanest energy matrices worldwide. Expanding regional industrial hubs enhances innovation, while the country’s strategic location links it to key global supply chains.

As a result, opportunities emerge in automation, digitalization, decarbonization, and applied research. The synergy between universities, technology centers, and industry strengthens Brazil’s role in transforming knowledge into large-scale industrial solutions, building bridges between its local market and the global welding community.

Presentation Language: English