CIMT2025 draws record turnout with high-precision and EV-related technologies

By: Takuya Saito, Staff Editor, SEISANZAI Japan  

SEISANZAI Japan report – Part 1 

CIMT2025 expands to record size with new venue addition 

The newly opened Capital International Convention and Exhibition Center was used for the first time as a venue.

The 19th China International Machine Tool Show (CIMT2025), one of the world’s four major machine tool exhibitions, was held from April 21 to 26 in Beijing. Organized by the China Machine Tool & Tool Builders’ Association (CMTBA), the event took place at both the traditional China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Hall) and, for the first time, the newly completed Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center.  

With this expansion, the total exhibition space grew to approximately 310,000 m², a 121.4% increase compared to the previous edition. The number of exhibitors rose by 54.8% to around 2,450 companies and organizations, and total attendance reached a record 211,993 visitors—making CIMT2025 the largest show in its history. 

The opening ceremony of CIMT2025.

EV-related manufacturing technologies dominate exhibits 

A strong focus of this year’s CIMT was on high-precision machining solutions for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, a key initiative supported by the Chinese government as part of its broader new energy vehicle (NEV) strategy.

NEVs include EVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). In 2023, annual NEV sales in China exceeded 10 million for the first time, reaching 12.86 million units. By March 2024, NEV sales were up 47.1% year-on-year, with 3.08 million units sold. The government aims to raise the NEV share of new vehicle sales to 45% by the end of 2027, supported by subsidies and expanded charging infrastructure. 

Japan and China-based manufacturers highlight EV processing solutions 

Yamazaki Mazak had one of the largest booth areas among non-Chinese exhibitors.

Yamazaki Mazak presented 15 machines, securing one of the largest exhibition spaces among non-Chinese companies. Its lineup emphasized solutions for EV and semiconductor manufacturing. Notably, the FF-1250H L horizontal machining center was shown for its capability in processing large aluminum EV frame components. Executive Director Shinji Yamazaki commented, “CIMT attracts many hands-on manufacturers of EV components. China, having started with a focus on EVs, is now expanding into hybrids—unlike Japan, which initially led with hybrids and is now moving into EVs.” The booth also displayed multiple sample parts for EV applications. 

Nidec Machine Tool unveiled its new hobbing machine “GE25CF” for the first time in the world.

Nidec Machine Tool gave a global debut to its GE25CF hobbing machine, developed to process gear components used in EVs. The machine integrates chamfering with hobbing, contributing to process streamlining. “Removing burrs in advance reduces the load on grinding wheels during subsequent gear finishing,” said a company representative. 

Kyocera, which operates four manufacturing bases and 13 sales offices in China, highlighted cutting tools locally developed specifically for the Chinese market. Among these were the PHC and PFZ chip inserts—designed for roughing and finishing, respectively—targeting applications involving simultaneous machining of dissimilar materials, such as steel-pressed aluminum EV motor cases. A Kyocera (China) Sales & Trading Corporation representative noted, “In Japan, we focus on products with broad market appeal, while in China, we specialize in more niche developments.” 

Chinese cutting tool manufacturer Xiamen Golden Egret Special Alloy showcased its SA100 end mill for aluminum EV components. With a proprietary blade and flute design, the SA100 enhances chip evacuation performance compared to previous models. 

Stay tuned for Part 2, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, high-precision machining, and automation trends at CIMT2025.