Utrecht, The Netherlands— Technishow, the Dutch version of IMTS, which took place March 16-20, featured more than 400 exhibitors showing a variety of processing equipment. This year it was held in conjunction with ESEF, an exhibition of sub-contractors.
Among the laser exhibitors were: Prima Industries showing its 2D Platino laser cutter, Finn Power with its 2D laser cutter, Rofin Sinar showing welding and marking using diode and diode-pumped lasers, TRUMPF with laser markers, Balliu featuring a nozzle for coaxial powder feed cladding, and Omega Laser Systems showing a CO2 system with an articulating arm and scanning head, which was shown last year (October) in ILS.
Among the subcontractors: Reith Laser bv (www.reithlaser.nl), Nedclad (www.nedclad.nl), and Quantal (www.quantalaser.com) promoted their laser processing abilities.
The number of exhibitors at both shows was down from previous years and some had reduced the size of their displays, however there was an air of optimism with the feeling that activity is growing. Still, many exhibitors were concerned that the good times of the 1990s will not return because many companies have moved their manufacturing activities to Eastern Europe and Asia.
—Martien van Dijk