MACH Knowledge Hubs

Knowledge Hubs in conjunction with

THE KNOWLEDGE HUBS INITIATIVE AT MACH 2026 HELPS MANUFACTURERS TO IDENTIFY WHEN TO ADOPT NEW TECHNOLOGY, DESIGNED TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE COSTS.

The initiative showcases technology that is readily available to UK manufacturers, helping them to understand the potential adopting such technology can bring to their operation, as well as when to adopt it and how to implement it to best effect.

The Knowledge Hubs initiative will have dedicated stands across the event, each focusing on a particular type of technology including Automation and Robotics, Sustainable Solutions, Additive Manufacturing, Consumable Tooling, and Data and Artificial Intelligence.

In recognition of the importance being placed on these hubs, each is being managed by one of the specialist centres from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, such as the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The Catapult network is recognised for the cutting-edge research and development work being conducted at its various centres. The network collaborates with thousands of innovative businesses across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, space, health, digital, energy, transport, telecoms, the urban environment and many others.

The five Knowledge Hubs at MACH 2026 will cover the following topics:

WHY YOU SHOULD EXHIBIT IN THE AUTOMATION FOR MANUFACTURING ZONE AT MACH 2026

The use of automation and robotics within manufacturing was one of the cornerstones of Industry 4.0. The technology has now evolved to the point where automation and robotics are an accepted part of many manufacturing processes, helping to increase productivity, improve efficiency and speed up return on investment.

It takes an exhibition with the scope of MACH to provide the ultimate showcase for this innovative technology and is why if your business is active in the field of automation or robotics – or both – that you should be exhibiting at MACH 2026.

WHY YOU SHOULD EXHIBIT IN THE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR MANUFACTURING ZONE AT MACH 2026

Digital manufacturing technologies rely on connected systems and processes across all areas of production. This creates an integrated approach to any manufacturing operation, incorporating everything from design to production, as well as predictive maintenance scheduling.

Data extracted from connected systems can play a crucial role in determining operational efficiency and is vital to today’s industrial processes. Big Data is useful in helping to improve decision making, while generating cost savings, reducing the product’s time to market and create an efficient, connected process capable of anticipating a range of variables.

It takes an exhibition with the scope of MACH to provide the ultimate showcase for the breadth of digital solutions now available to engineering-based manufacturing and is why if your business operates in this field then you should be exhibiting at MACH 2026.

WHY YOU SHOULD EXHIBIT IN THE LASERS FOR MANUFACTURING ZONE AT MACH 2026

Lasers are now an essential tool for many of today’s industrial processes, especially in disruptive technologies such as Additive Manufacturing and any processes involving Industry 4.0 functionality. The precise nature of laser cutting enables components to be produced to highly complex specifications and tolerances, many of which would be impossible to produce using traditional machining methods.

Laser processes are also becoming the method of choice for many new manufacturing technologies such as the production of medical devices and space exploration where components are smaller and often more advanced in nature.

For applications involving laser marking, surface texturing, ablation, drilling, cutting, welding, wire stripping and more, the Lasers for Manufacturing zone is a must. So, if your business operates in this field then you should be exhibiting at MACH 2026.

WHY YOU SHOULD EXHIBIT IN THE LOGISTICS FOR MANUFACTURING ZONE AT MACH 2026

No matter how complex their industrial processes or technically innovative their products, if manufacturers cannot move their goods quickly and efficiently, both around their factories and then on to their customers, then their competitive edge is lost.

This is why effective material handling and logistics solutions play such an important role in the effectiveness of a modern manufacturer and is why MACH 2026 will have a strong focus on the factory and handling solutions relevant to today’s manufacturers.

For material handling and logistics companies, the ability to showcase their products to industry decision makers and influencers is vitally important. So, if your business operates in this field then you should be exhibiting at MACH 2026.

WHY YOU SHOULD EXHIBIT IN THE MEASURING & INSPECTION ZONE AT MACH 2026

Manufacturing efficiency is almost impossible to quantify without the ability to accurately measure and inspect what you are producing. Therefore, any effective production plan must factor in computer process control through effective metrology. To do so is one of the bedrocks of smart manufacturing.

Effective metrology accurately records digital data gathered from a complex array of machining processes and delivers step change productivity benefits that provide users with a massive competitive edge.

A wide range of measurement and inspection tools will be on display in this zone enabling manufacturers to accurately check that the processes under their control are performing as they should.

So, if your business operates in this field then you should be exhibiting at MACH 2026.

WHY YOU SHOULD EXHIBIT IN THE SURFACE FINISHING ZONE AT MACH 2026

Surface finishing encompasses a broad range of industrial processes, each designed to change the surface of a manufactured item for whatever is required to suit a specific process.

The means to achieve this are served by an array of machines and components, many of which are on display in this zone.