General Stamping & Metalworks Invests in Flexible Capacity
Ranked #16 on the 2026 FAB 40, GSM (South Bend, Indiana) has added a new transfer press, tube laser, punch-laser combo, and a 650-ton press brake for heavy forming. Strategy: OEMs are outsourcing metal forming rather than investing in in-house equipment. GSM leverages this with an expanded sales team and an AI-enabled CRM. Key markets: heavy trucks, solar energy, power storage, data centers.
"OEMs are looking to maximize their assembly line throughput, rather than invest capital into metal forming equipment inside their buildings." — John Marshall, GSM President
Salvagnini Xperience 2026: Next-Gen Panel Bending in Austria
From May 4–8, 2026, Salvagnini hosted Xperience 2026 at its Ennsdorf, Austria plant — showcasing panel benders, press brakes, fiber laser systems and flexible FMS lines. Hundreds of international sheet metal manufacturers attended. Focus: small-batch production, demand variability, and skilled labor shortage.
"Xperience 2026 offered a concrete view of how manufacturers can respond with smarter, more stable production models." — Alberto Colpo, Salvagnini
US Tariffs & Global Steel Overcapacity: Pressure on the Stamping Sector
ISMR's June 2026 issue examines the impact of US tariffs on the metals industry and the ongoing problem of global steel overcapacity — mainly from Asia — pushing raw material prices down and challenging Western manufacturers' competitiveness. Also covered: MACH UK trade show review, global shipbuilding markets, and a survey of the latest stamping, tooling and pressing innovations (p.36).
SEYI Opens New Service Center in Bajío Region, Mexico
Taiwan's leading servo press manufacturer SEYI has inaugurated a new facility in the Bajío region (Querétaro & Guanajuato) — one of Mexico's core automotive manufacturing corridors. The center integrates sales, technical service, spare parts and a showroom featuring the latest SDN1 servo press. This strategic expansion strengthens SEYI's Americas service network alongside its existing Nuevo León operations.
Schuler Installs First Fully Automated Pressroom in Saudi Arabia for Ceer
Schuler (ANDRITZ Group) has completed installation of Saudi Arabia's first fully automated pressroom for Ceer Manufacturing Complex — the country's pioneering EV manufacturer. Schuler's advanced press technology forms the backbone of Ceer's vehicle body production. Also announced: DigiSim Unlmtd software — a major leap in die simulation for transfer presses.
Press Brake vs. Punch Press: When Should You Choose Which?
Expert analysis from Glen Shuldes (Wilson Tool International): No one-size-fits-all approach. Selection depends on part geometry, stackability for downstream robotics, material thickness, and tool wear considerations.
- Tall forms (Z direction)
- Robot stackability concerns
- Thick/hard materials
- Variable emboss depths
- Electrical knockouts
- Progressive louvers
- Contoured offsets
- High-volume thin material
Compiled by the PRESTEC team — Vietnam's specialist in press machine maintenance and equipment supply.
