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3D printing in machine and plant manufacturing: on its way from a specialised process to a key technology
Faster, more economical, more individual: 3D printing is emerging as a vital technology in many industries. Machine and plant manufacturing in particular benefits from the advantages of additive manufacturing. And even DIY stores are already waiting in the wings.

The future of additive manufacturing: bio-based materials, innovative metal applications and 4D printing
Dr Sascha Peters, one of the most renowned materials and technology experts in Europe, is a scientist, innovation consultant, design engineer and managing director of the future agency Haute Innovation. We spoke to him about new trends in additive manufacturing, innovative materials and highlights of the Innovation Forum he is putting together for the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2022.

3D printing - the revolution in the construction industry
Printing out an entire house? This is no longer a vision of the future. A 3D-printed prototype was already created in Amsterdam in 2014. The first residential building in Germany, built layer by layer using concrete spraying, was completed last autumn in Beckum. Additive manufacturing of buildings and construction elements is still a niche business, but given its many advantages, there is no doubt that the combination of digital modelling and 3D printing will lead to a sustainable paradigm shift in the construction industry.

AI, robotics, 5G: new technologies drive intralogistics
E-commerce, the trend towards customisable products and the demand for ever shorter delivery times require more and more flexibility and efficiency in intralogistics. Businesses have adapted to this, and nowadays nothing moves without intelligent storage, conveyor and transport systems. Cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and 5G are now driving automation and networking even further.

DIY stores and DIY: the Corona winners 2020
The Corona crisis has left many businesses and industries in dire straits - but not so the DIY stores. In 2020, they have held their ground brilliantly and, thanks to the DIY boom, have brought in record sales. Will the upswing continue this year?

Diversity drives success
Many companies in the crafts and technical sectors are desperately seeking qualified skilled workers. It is worthwhile for them to increase their commitment to diversity. Companies that use the potential of women, older people, people with challenges or from other cultures are demonstrably more successful.

"First the basics, then the trends" - Interview with Michael Atug
ERP, electronic payment, multichannel: The digitization of retail and trade has been one of the hottest topics of discussion for some time now, and the hardware industry is no exception. That's why the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2021 will have its own eCommerce area with innovative solutions and a high-profile event program. We talked to the organizer and digital rock star Michael Atug about this new area and the development of eCommerce in general.

The future of the trade fair is hybrid
#INTERNATIONALEEISENWARENMESSE goes hybrid: As a prelude to the 2021 fair, the European Press Conference, too, was held as Koelnmesse's first hybrid press conference. Packed with informative keynotes, an exciting preview of next spring's trade fair and a lively panel discussion between industry experts, it was very well received by all participants.
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10 tips for start-up founders
Anyone who founds a start-up company goes on a journey full of adventures. More often than not, there are a few challenges to overcome before this endeavor turns profitable. We have compiled a list with 10 tips to ensure that everything is on the road to success right from the start.

Professional Association for the tool industry (FWI)
The professional association for the tool industry e.V. (Fachverband für Werkzeugindustrie e.V. – in short: FWI) has been active since 1909. As an industry representative, it represents the interests of its 150 members from various sectors such as the hand tool, machine tool, dowel and construction sectors.

Trade association Heimwerken, Bauen und Garten e.V. (BHB)
The trade association Heimwerken, Bauen und Garten e.V. (home improvement, building and gardening) (BHB) is a trade association representing the interests of DIY, building and gardening companies as well as other companies in the DIY sector in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH).

Be part of the party: Innovation Award
No future without innovation! This is why the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR (1 to 4 March) will continue to present its prestigious awards in 2020. Together with the Zentralverband Hartwarenhandel e.V. (ZHH) it will once again be giving the "EISEN Innovation Award powered by ZHH" to the best products in the fields of tools, fastening & connecting technology/fittings and industrial supplies.

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020 with more space
A particular strength of the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR is the clear structuring of the four product areas Tools and Accessories, Industrial Supplies, Fastening and Connecting Technology as well as Building and Do-it-yourself Supplies. These segment structures are to be further optimised with a new hall layout.

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020 - Event highlights at a glance
An outstanding range of products, promising innovations and the latest trends in the hardware business - this is what visitors can expect at the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR from 1st to 4th March 2020 in Cologne.

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020
The first early booking phase for the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR from March 1 through 4, 2020 is over - and it already looks like the trade show is headed towards a new record: the largest exhibition in the hardware industry is growing significantly.

Marketing package by #INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020: More contacts, more leads, more success
As an exhibitor at the #INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020 you will be able to profit from the business opportunities offered by the largest international trade fair for the hardware industry.

New impulses for the hardware industry: Start-ups at the HARDWARE FAIR 2020
Young companies provide valuable impulses for the industry. The HARDWARE FAIR 2020 offers them a perfect platform to present their ideas and future-oriented solutions. For this reason, the EISENforum in Hall 11.1 will, for the first time ever, present the Start-Up Day which will take place on the 4th of March 2020.

Tool innovations 2020
The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR had to be postponed to next year due to the Corona pandemic. But still, we would not want to keep the latest innovations in the hardware industry from you. Discover five exciting new tools.

5 good reasons to participate
The next INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR will take place from 1 to 4 March 2020 - and for these five good reasons you should not miss THE event of the industry...

5 innovative highlights at #EISENWARENMESSE
Every two years, the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR shows the latest and most important services and products, from tools to fastening and connection technology to building and DIY supplies. Some of these new products were presented to the public for the first time at the #EISENWARENMESSE as part of the EISEN Innovation Award, thus gaining international interest.

Smart Home: Strong opportunities in a demanding market
The refrigerator automatically generates shopping lists. For a cosy get-together, the suitable lighting for the right mood adjusts itself and the living temperature is set to pleasant in any weather. Despite its many practical everyday applications, the smart home is still a niche market. But that is likely to change. Above all, retailers with a high level of consulting expertise can benefit in this demanding market.

Introducing the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) and the Global Home Improvement Network (ghin)
The formerly independent organisations European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) and the Global Home Improvement Network (ghin) have joined forces as a consolidated association. Ever since, they have acted as the unified voice of the DIY trade around the globe.

#EISEN Innovation Award 2020: These are the winners of the hardware industry ‘Oscar’
The winners of the #EISEN Innovation-Award 2020 have been announced. Due to the Corona Pandemic, they were not presented at the trade fair this year as it had to be postponed, but at a digital event show. Many fans joined and celebrated during the live stream on August 6, 2020. Congratulations to the all winners!

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020: Trendsetter for innovative developments
At the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR from 1 to 4 March 2020, hardware manufacturers will once again ignite a firework of innovation. In the run-up to the fair, we have already asked exhibitors about trends and new products and give you a first taste of exciting novelties and future-oriented solutions from the fields of tools, industrial supplies, fastening and joining technology and home improvement.

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020: Fully booked halls, outstanding exhibitors – secure your ticket now!
Great news: The entire exhibition area of the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020 is fully booked. Visitors to the largest exhibition in the hardware sector can look forward to numerous innovations, stimulating lectures and top national and international players.

Strike when the iron is hot: e-commerce rock star Michael Atug
From tool trader in an rural German region to pioneer of online trading in the hardware sector - Michael Atug has turned into one of the most renowned experts in e-commerce. In the 1990s, he started with a stationary tool shop, today he inspires as a speaker and consultant.

Printing out the future
Tools, components and spare parts of all kinds: all this and more is increasingly generated layer by layer by help of a 3D printer. Additive manufacturing offers almost infinite possibilities to design objects from different materials and shows its strengths especially in rapid prototyping.

Intralogistics: the intelligent way to greater efficiency
The systematic recording of real requirements in internal logistics is still a relatively recent phenomenon – but this so-called intralogistics holds impressive potential for process optimization. Industry 4.0 and machine learning play a key role here.

Ready for the Future
Koelnmesse is building for the future: spacious buildings with 10,000 m2 additional exhibition space, fascinating digital technology and many new possibilities for inspiring trade fair experiences.

E-commerce at THE INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR
Nowadays, the topic of e-commerce has become a permanent fixture in the hardware industry's list of necessary infrastructural measures. It’s a priority for a reason: the majority of customers will go online to read up on products, services and features or to compare prices – and might even already make a purchase decision.

The #EISENWARENMESSE and Cologne
...dating back to the post-war period. This was when the "Housewares and Hardware Fair" started, from which the "INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR" emerged in 1971 - as a separate event for the hardware industry. Take a look at the historical photos now!

INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020:
The INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020 will open its doors from March 01 to March 04, 2020. With 2,770 exhibitors from 58 countries, the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR is the largest and most international exhibition of the hardware industry worldwide. The last fair in spring 2018 attracted 47,000 trade visitors from 143 countries. Become a part of the industry forum and secure your early bird discount for the INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR 2020 now. If you register as an exhibitor by May 31, 2019, you will benefit from discounted conditions. You can find all registration details including a price overview on our website.

These 3 trends inspire additive manufacturing
Much has happened in 3D printing in recent years: printers have not only become faster but also more precise, and as a result, even highly complex geometries can be produced with ease. New processes and materials open up unprecedented possibilities. Trends such as sustainability, innovative industrial applications and digitization are driving this future technology to further heights and pave the way for new business models.