Upcoming Trade Shows Orlando, USA for Metal Working Industries

The metalworking industry in Orlando, like many parts of the United States, is entering a phase of transition. The economy is not what it used to be even a few decades ago. Technology changes at an accelerated pace and workers migrate. What defines Orlando companies is their tenacity in the face of challenging changes and reinvestment in cutting-edge technologies. One major event highlighting the industry's innovations is FABTECH, an annual trade show that showcases the latest in metal fabrication technology. This year's edition features fiber lasers, blanking automation, advanced process simulation tools and press brakes with automatic tool changers. These technologies, along with collaborative robots (cobots) and production control software, are transforming how shops operate, improving efficiencies and eliminating surprises on the shop floor. These advancements are essential for Orlando’s metalworking industry, where precision and automation are key drivers of success. The technology might seem bright, but the industry's overall growth is tempered by broader economic factors. As economic jitters crept into the U.S. economy in early August, with Wall Street fluctuations and a soft jobs report, many manufacturers reported slowdowns. There’s a lot to consider here as some shops have seen increased activity, which sparks cautious optimism for the second part of 2024. Chris Kuehl, an economic analyst for the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), forecasts sharp growth in the latter part of 2024 and into 2025. Inflation and rising interest rates have impacted the metalworking industry, with manufacturers reporting higher steel and aluminum prices, as well as increased logistics costs. Despite these pressures, demand for new orders has remained steady, with capital equipment plans largely on track. A key technology need for Orlando's metalworkers is laser cutting. The latest FMA report reveals that nearly 25% of fabricators are prioritizing laser cutting technologies—up from 20% last year.