Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Exhibition
September 3, 2025
By: Atsushi Mizuno, Staff Editor, SEISANZAI Japan
The specialized trade fair for forming machinery, MF-TOKYO 2025, was held at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto-ku, Tokyo, from July 16 to 19. A record 271 companies and organizations exhibited, drawing 31,207 visitors over the four-day event.
Key challenges facing the industry remain labor shortages and energy efficiency improvements. Exhibitors presented technologies focused on process integration and automation to address these issues, while also introducing solutions designed to meet emerging demands.
Sheet metal processing involves heavy workloads, creating long-standing demand for process integration and automation. With labor shortages becoming increasingly severe and growing demand for thick plate processing driven by advances in laser technology, efficiency requirements have reached new heights.
Yamazaki Mazak proposed automation with the “MAZAK LASER FA SYSTEM”
Yamazaki Mazak unveiled the “MAZAK LASER FA SYSTEM” for the first time—a comprehensive package system combining a material supply unit, tapping cell, and automatic sorting cell. The entire system is managed by the CNC controller of the laser cutting machine. At the booth, the system was demonstrated with the fiber laser cutting machine “OPTIPLEX 3015 HP.” Cut sheet metal was transferred to the tapping cell for machining and then sent to the sorting cell.
Director and Managing officer Shinji Yamazaki explained: “The tapping cell can perform even helical machining. By transferring the workpiece outside the machine, we can maximize the laser cutting process speed.”
Murata Machinery demonstrated the capabilities of the LS3015MC multitasking machine with sample workpieces
Murata Machinery exhibited the fiber laser multitasking machine “LS3015MC” combined with the material supply unit “FS3015TM.” The LS3015MC integrates both a laser head and cutting unit within its processing area, achieving space savings and process integration simultaneously. It can perform multitasking operations on sheet thicknesses up to 16 mm and laser cut sheets up to 25 mm thick.
“While the previous model already supported tapping, the new machine also enables drilling and counterboring. Demand for combining cutting and machining processes is particularly increasing in the semiconductor sector,” explained a company representative. A 12 mm-thick sample workpiece was displayed to demonstrate the machine’s processing capabilities.
Amada showcased a wide range of sheet metal automation technologies, including cutting, bending, and welding
Amada exhibited under the theme “Meeting automation changes the future of manufacturing,” operating four booths in total together with its group companies. Among several new products, the “VENTIS-3015AJe” fiber laser cutting machine with 9 kW output—displayed with a pallet changer—made its first public appearance at a domestic exhibition.
Amada also showcased its factory-wide digital transformation (DX) solution “LIVLOTS,” demonstrating next-generation automation through its autonomous mobile robot “AMTES,” which transported workpieces between blanking, bending, and welding processes. This display captured significant attention from visitors.
TRUMPF (Japanese subsidiary based in Midori-ku, Yokohama, President Michael Samtleben) demonstrated its “TruMatic 5000” punch-laser combination machine. Equipped with a 6 kW laser, it performed high-speed sheet metal cutting while automatically exchanging 11 different dies for punching operations.
The demonstration also featured the automated loading/unloading system “SheetMaster,” which waited near the table during processing and immediately removed completed workpieces. If a suction pad failed to pick up a part, the system detected the error and retried multiple times, providing operational flexibility.
In the press machine sector, exhibitors focused on advanced technologies, including next-generation battery applications.
Aida Engineering’s high-productivity cylindrical battery case forming press “DIS-1600”
Aida Engineering exhibited two new machines dedicated to battery case forming. The “DIS-1600,” designed for cylindrical battery cases, features a 230 mm stroke suitable for high-speed deep drawing operations. It allows installation of transfer dies in two rows, significantly improving productivity. “It’s rare to see a two-row configuration in transfer dies. We propose this technology together with digital solutions that visualize operating conditions,” noted a company representative.
The second new product, the “DPH-80-30,” was developed to meet demand for prismatic battery case forming. By applying lateral pressure and completing the forming process in a single stroke, it reduces both energy consumption and cutting oil usage compared with conventional vertical presses.
HSK exhibited the “ZENFormer nano” parallel pressing tester for next-generation batteries
HODEN SEIMITSU KAKO KENKYUSHO (HSK) exhibited the “ZENFormer nano,” a parallel pressing tester developed from its high-precision press machine “ZENFormer.” Using four independent servo motors and ball screws for parallel slide control, it enables highly accurate compression testing for next-generation batteries.
A company representative explained: “Most testers operate on a single axis and cannot apply uniform pressure to large next-generation batteries. This machine’s parallel control technology solves that issue, and it can also achieve ultra-slow pressing at 1 μm per second.”
At the joint booth of five companies under the “Future Manufacturing Partners” initiative, SANKI SEIKO exhibited the “CFR-0806-100” press for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). With servo motor control, it can mold CFRP sheets with varying thickness to a high level of precision.
President Toshiya Ozeki noted: “Demand for CFRP presses has been rising steadily, and one customer has already installed nine units.”
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