What machine shops are talking about now – insights from the Konepaja Engineering Works Trade Fair
The 2026 Konepaja trade fair is now behind us, and we want to thank everyone who visited our stand. During the event we had plenty of discussions about developing machine shop production and met industry professionals from all over Finland.
The expert team serving at the stand (from left to right): Marcel Keus (SAV International Sales and Project Manager), Daniel Mutter (Product Owner, Toolhive), Andreas Mood (Toolhive / Sandvik), Mikko Vepsäläinen (CEO, Camcut), Janne Pesonen (COO, Camcut), Kimmo Keränen (Technical Sales Specialist, Camcut), Sampsa Hirvineva (Sales Engineer, Camcut), Marco Bauer (CEO, up2parts GmbH).
This year, interest at our stand focused especially on inventory management of cutting tools, digital management of tool libraries, and AI-based solutions for quotation calculation and CAM programming. Many machine shops are still facing the same topical challenges: information is scattered, tool availability is not fully transparent, and programming involves manual steps.
Next, let’s revisit the trade fair atmosphere through photos and key themes.
If you were unable to attend the fair and the topics are relevant to your own operations, you can book a separate presentation with us, either on-site or remotely.
Inventory management of cutting tools and automated ordering
One of the most interesting solutions at our stand was the CRIBWISE Walter Toolstation TX750 tool vending machine. Discussions highlighted in particular the need to bring tool dispensing, returns, stock monitoring and ordering into a single system.
The TX750 tool vending machine showcased at our stand will go directly into use at a customer site after the fair to boost production and make day-to-day work easier. Camcut has several years of experience delivering CRIBWISE vending drawer systems, and we have also supplied Finland’s very first CRIBWISE tool vending machine. We deliver solutions to customers all around Finland and support them from commissioning all the way through the later stages of the system lifecycle.
CRIBWISE can be integrated with the cloud-based Toolhive tool data management system as well as with the company’s own ERP system. One example is a recently implemented integration with the Monitor ERP system. Through integrations, tool data, stock levels and consumption become part of broader production control.
A modern tool inventory management solution also helps optimise inventory value, which has become increasingly important with the rising market prices of carbide.
At the fair, monitoring tool availability and consumption was seen as a key factor in smooth production. The topic was also discussed together with Cribwise Managing Director Joakim Johansson.
Joakim Johansson, Janne Pesonen and Andreas Mood discussing the CRIBWISE Walter Toolstation TX750 tool vending machine, which moved into customer use after the fair.
Toolhive and cloud-based management of tool data
Toolhive’s solutions highlighted the importance of tool data management as part of the entire production chain. At our stand, Daniel Mutter and Andreas Mood demonstrated how tool information, assemblies and components can be brought together in one centralised system and used directly in production planning.
When the same tool data is available both in inventory management and in CAM programming, manual data transfer and the risk of errors are reduced. This makes programming easier and ensures that the same tool data is used consistently throughout the process.
Andreas Mood and Daniel Mutter presenting Toolhive integrations with the CRIBWISE Walter Toolstation TX750 tool vending machine and the Mastercam software, where tool data is linked directly into production and CAM programming.
AI-based solutions helping to boost production
Our stand also featured the latest Mastercam 2026.R2 software version and its key updates for CAM programming. The update brings improvements in areas such as simulation, multiaxis machining and programming workflow.
Alongside CAM programming, up2parts introduced an AI-driven approach to production planning and programming automation. Visiting our stand, up2parts GmbH CEO Marco Bauer demonstrated how AI can be used for quotation calculation, work planning and toolpath generation based on the machine shop’s own production data.
up2parts GmbH founder and CEO Marco Bauer presenting AI-based solutions for production planning and CAM programming.
The topic was also featured on the fair’s main stage, where Camcut Group CEO Mikko Vepsäläinen and Marco Bauer discussed the use of AI in the manufacturing machine shop industry.
Industrial magnetic clamping solutions
SAV’s magnetic clamping solutions attracted interest particularly from the perspective of reducing setup times and improving clamping consistency. SAV GmbH magnetic clamping specialist Marcel Keus was on hand at our stand to present the solutions.
Discussions highlighted the suitability of magnetic clamping in situations where fast clamping, good repeatability and a simpler clamping solution are needed without complex mechanical structures.
Cutting tools and their recycling, plus workholding solutions for tools and workpieces
The latest Walter Tools cutting tools were prominently featured at our stand, and discussions focused on tool productivity, tool life management and the importance of total cost. We also showcased tool regrinding and carbide recycling solutions, which can extend tool life and help capture material value more effectively in a changing market environment.
Kemmler Präzisionswerkzeuge presented a broad range of toolholders with various tapers such as SK, BT, Capto and HSK, as well as ER, hydraulic, Weldon and shrink-fit chucks. Visitors were particularly interested in the breadth of the range and the significance of toolholding solutions for process stability.
5th Axis vice solutions and the RockLock zero-point system highlighted the importance of clamping speed and repeatability, especially in multiaxis machining. Standardised zero-points and compatibility with different systems support quick changeovers and smooth production.
In turning applications, M.T. S.r.l. toolholders sparked discussion especially around special tools and machine-specific optimisation. The wide range, together with the option for customer-specific solutions, offers alternatives for more demanding turning applications.
Practical machining demo at the Machinery MT stand
Camcut’s presence at the fair also extended to the Machinery MT stand, where a live machining demo was run on a Wia LM1800TTSY lathe.
The demo combined Walter Tools cutting tools with toolpaths programmed in Mastercam. Among the highlights were simultaneous two-tool pinch turning, dynamic turning and Mastercam form-thread turning using a grooving tool, without separate thread turning software.
The demo illustrated how modern CAM programming, cutting tools and practical machining are linked into one seamless whole in production.
