3,000+ brands showcase masterpieces at METALEX 2024 in Bitec

Varaporn Dhamcharee, Managing Director of RX Tradex, ASEAN's leading trade exhibition organizer, shared that despite global economic forecasts projecting slower growth, with Krungsri Research forecasting a growth rate of only 3.1%, below the 10-year pre-COVID-19 average,Thailand’s economy is still projected to grow at an average of 3.4% per year between 2024 and 2026. This growth outlook is driven in part by key industries such as automotive, electronics, medical devices, construction, and construction materials, all of which continue to expand. Notably, machine tools and parts remain among Thailand’s top five imports, reaching 512.5 billion THB in value over the first eight months of this year, reported by the Ministry of Commerce. Thailand’s major import partners for machinery include China, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Imports from the United Kingdom have surged by approximately 90% compared to the same period last year, reflecting the need for metal by many industries as well as their adaptation to the evolving industry needs through advanced machinery and technologies.

METALEX 2024, the No. 1 Machine Tools & Metalworking Exhibition Serving ASEAN, will once again serve as the platform for businesses to discover new technologies and innovations essential for tackling today’s industrial challenges. Now in its 38th edition, this year's event, themed “The Masterpiece,” will feature groundbreaking innovations to empower industrialists from over 3,000 brands from 50 countries and 21 pavilions from 8 countries and regions from China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan (ROC). With an anticipated attendance of over 100,000 visitors, the event is set to drive business negotiations worth 7 billion THB.

Event highlights include the following groundbreaking machinery and technology:

BROTHER SPEEDIO S500Xd2 (YAMAZEN Thailand) – Making its Thailand’s debut at this event, this is a new generation CNC machine that combines high-speed and precision capabilities across various manufacturing needs, helping businesses cut down processing time and increase productivity with “Blue Technology” for energy savings making it suitable for all industries that demand speed and quality in each production stage.

AMADA / EGB-6020ATCe – A high-efficiency electric servo press brake with automatic tool changer, designed with people and sustainability in mind. Making its ASEAN debut, the machine supports operators with cutting-edge functions and uses a new generation servo drive system, reducing CO2 emissions by 20% and oil consumption by 90%. The tool changing system enables a 30% increase in tool storage capacity despite a compact design.

LT GROUP / LT-2000W Laser Welding Machine – Debuting in Thailand, this laser welding solution supports both manual handheld and robotic welding, offering dual functionality. With power options of 1.5kw, 2kw, and 3kw, it can be quickly switched between modes with a simple button control.

NACHI / Burrless Tool Series (NACHI TECHNOLOGY Thailand) – This advanced tool series significantly reduces workpiece burring with instant post-production assessment, enhancing productivity and tool longevity by integrating AquaREVO and SG technologies.

Making its world debut, the KEYENCE / LM-X Series is a digital measurement tool that integrates three types of measurement (dimension camera, height laser, and 3D probe) into one device. It delivers consistent, accurate, and precise results, simultaneously measuring up to 1,000 workpieces at up to 5,000 positions. This significantly reduces operational costs and maximizes efficiency.

FANUC / CRX-10iA/L Paint – Making its debut in Thailand, this explosion-proof paint application robot is user-friendly and comes with pre-programmed painting commands, suitable for powder, liquid, and coating applications.

Debuting in Thailand, SAKURA Cable offers automation solutions for factories. Engineered for robotics and machinery, these internal cables are highly durable, flexible, and designed for continuous motion applications. With UL certification, these cables can be used globally.

In addition to the showcase of cutting-edge technologies and machinery, the event will feature over 60 seminar topics and 130 industry-leading speakers, including:

• EV Tech Forum – Co-organized by the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and RX Tradex, the forum’s topic is "Revolutionizing Innovation for Future Mobility Readiness" and will feature a special keynote speech titled “The Future Trends of Automotive Industry” by Dr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry. The panel of speakers will include leading experts and will be moderated by an influencer named Tom from the YouTube channel iMoD Official, which has over 600,000 followers for the channel’s honest reviews of electric vehicle and technology gadgets.
• AI Forum – Held in partnership between the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) and RX Tradex, the forum’s topic is “Moving towards Smart Factory: Revolutionizing Business with Artificial Intelligence” and will feature leading researchers from NECTEC's AI Research Group, along with representatives from notable companies on digital and AI technology who will share their expertise.
• The 12th Metallurgy Forum – Co-organized by the Aluminium Industry Club of The Federation of Thai Industries and RX Tradex, this session on “Aluminium Thai for Sustainability” aims to promote greater understanding of sustainability trends and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
• METALEX The Nexus – A new addition to METALEX, this academic conference and hands on workshop series will prepare industrial players for the era of smart engineering. Throughout the four-day event, delegates will be able to participate in workshops on coding for modern factories, the Factory Automation Showcase, and the introduction to Koma Taisen competition which is set to be held in Thailand again at METALEX 2025, supported by the Thai Koma Association. Other highlights include 3D printing workshop sponsored by Software Park Thailand and B & Brothers Co., and Japanese “Smart Monozukuri” demonstrations.
• The first Thailand Industrial Conference, organized by RX Tradex in collaboration with the Foundation for Industrial Development and eight institutes within its network, will be held from November 20-22. The conference will be opened by Dr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Industry, who will deliver a keynote speech on "The Role of the Ministry of Industry in Addressing Current Global Challenges." Additionally, the conference will feature a variety of seminars, including Restructuring the Industrial Structure, Sustainably Upgrading Thailand's Manufacturing Industry with Digital Technology, Unveiling the Secrets... Boosting Industrial Productivity with Drone Technology, and the Direction and Opportunities of Thailand's Medical Device Industry among others.

METALEX 2024 will take place in Halls 98-104 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) from 20-23 November 2024, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Interested visitors can pre-register and learn more about event details at www.metalex.co.th. As this event is open to trade visitors only, please dress in business attire. Due to the presence of large machinery and potential sparks from live demonstrations, entry is restricted to individuals aged 15 and above. For further information, please contact +66 2686 7222 or email to contactcenter@rxtradex.com.