The JEC World 2026 in Paris earlier this year once again confirmed why it is considered the world’s leading trade show for composite materials and composite manufacturing technologies. For Langzauner, an Austria-based press and automation specialist, the event was an excellent opportunity to meet customers, partners, and experts from the international composites industry in person.

A key theme throughout the exhibition was the continued industrialisation of composite production. As demand grows across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy and advanced mobility, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to deliver higher production speeds, improved process stability and consistently high component quality. Automation is playing a central role in meeting these requirements, enabling scalable, repeatable and efficient production environments.

Langzauner’s contribution to this evolution lies in its advanced press technology and automated production systems, designed specifically for high-precision composite manufacturing. By reducing manual intervention and enhancing process control, these solutions support greater productivity, improved traceability and reliable series production – critical factors in quality-driven industries.

A highlight of the company’s presence at the show was a thermoplastic ‘wing movable’ component, provided by FACC AG. Developed in collaboration with Embraer, Toray Advanced Composites and Coriolis Composites, the demonstrator illustrated the growing role of automated fibre placement and induction welding in the efficient production of thermoplastic structures for aerospace applications.

Langzauner extends its thanks to the organisers of JEC World for delivering another successful event that continues to foster innovation, collaboration and progress across the global composites industry.

More information www.langzauner.at/en

SICMI Srl of Italy reports the recent supply of a PCR 40 hydraulic C-frame press, a versatile and robust solution designed specifically for industrial straightening and assembly operations. The company says this model represents its technological excellence in the hydraulic press sector, combining a compact structure with high-level performance.

This electro-hydraulic press is distinguished by a power of 40 tonnes and a depth of 250 mm. Designed to maximise operating efficiency, the machine is equipped with: Double speed – a two-speed hydraulic unit that allows for a quick approach to 26 mm/sec and a precise working speed of 9 mm/sec; an optimised work plan – a milled and removable board from 700 x 500 mm is positioned above the fixed lower table, which is also equipped with two horizontal T-slots for quick and secure fixing of the moulds; and adjustable stroke – thanks to the integrated microswitches, the 500 mm cylinder stroke can be adjusted with high precision, making repetitive operations easier.

In full compliance with current regulations, the machine is equipped with CE certification and an anti-rotation system of the cylinder. The version provided was semi-automatic, which allows the operator to adjust the piston stroke and manage the movements via a practical combination of lever and button.

Thanks to the included equipment, such as a pair of V-prisms, the PCR 40 confirms itself as a tool suitable for manufacturers that require high precision in straightening profiles and metal components.

With over 40 years of experience, SICMI says it continues to support mechanical workshops around the world with reliable and customised ‘Made in Italy’ machinery.

More information www.sicmi.com

A Birmingham, UK-based manufacturer has sealed a £4m export order that will see it play a crucial role in developing the male grooming products of the future.Brandauer, which employs 64 people at its factories in Newtown and Aldridge, will stamp ultra-thin stainless-steel components for use in disposable razors produced by Lord International in Egypt.The deal has initially created two toolmaker positions.

Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, says: “In 2020, we pivoted into producing precision parts for healthcare companies and one of our biggest growth markets was making a critical ‘frame’ that went into razors for a customer in the Middle East.From early successes here, we decided to tap into support from the Department for Business and Trade to spread the word about our capabilities, which directly led to the opportunity in Egypt.”

He adds: “The two contracts combined will generate close to £1m of revenue every year, whether that’s tooling for blade blanks or for the fames we stamp and supply for final assembly into razors.”

Diversification has been a critical part of the Brandauer ‘DNA’ for more than 163 years and during that time the company has evolved from manufacturing pen nibs to consumer electronic products, core automotive products and now to today’s eclectic mix of micron-tolerance components for electrification, construction and healthcare.

The move into the male grooming arena has seen it invest nearly £800,000 into the creation of three dedicated production cells and the development of complex four-module progression tooling for Lord International.

New presses, ancillary equipment and a fully automated turnkey line have all been installed and this means the firm now designs the tooling needed to manufacture the frames and a cell capable of producing up to 500 razor frames every minute.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk