MECSPE 2025: Innovations and technologies for manufacturing

From 5th to 7th March 2025, BolognaFiere hosted the 23rd edition of MECSPE, confirming itself as one of the reference events for the Italian manufacturing sector. With the participation of more than 2,100 exhibiting companies, distributed over an exhibition area of more than 100,000 square metres and subdivided into 13 theme halls, the exhibition offered a complete picture of the latest innovations and industrial trends.

This year, MECSPE put the spotlight on ecological and digital transition, two key aspects for the future of manufacturing. The Transition 5.0 Plan, which provides incentives for 6.3 billion euros for the adoption of advanced technologies, was one of the central themes of the event. In this context, cutting-edge solutions were presented such as Artificial Intelligence, collaborative robotics, Digital Twin and Additive Manufacturing, strategic tools to optimise production processes and improve companies' competitiveness.

MECSPE 2025 also dedicated ample space to education with initiatives aimed at supporting the professional growth of young people interested in the sector. In particular, the "MECSPE Young & Career" programme offered students, new graduates and undergraduates the opportunity to take part in training sessions organized by exhibitors and to interact with companies specialized in guidance and training. A dedicated interactive area allowed participants to learn more about projects, case studies and workshops, facilitating the meeting between demand and supply in the Italian manufacturing panorama.

At the fair, AlfaTech presented two top treatments in the metal coating sector:

• T.E.A. PLUS® Coating: an environmentally friendly intermetallic alloy composed of tin (67%) and nickel (33%), in a 1:1 ratio. This treatment guarantees a semi-gloss surface, highly resistant to corrosion and free of micro-cracks, making it ideal for applications in the food and beverage sector, in compliance with international drinking water regulations.
• Chemical nickel plating: a process that ensures uniform deposition of nickel on metal surfaces, regardless of their complex geometry. This treatment offers microhardness between 450 and 1,100 HV and high corrosion resistance, with durability of up to 1,000 hours in salt spray. In addition to its functional characteristics, chemical nickel plating adds aesthetic value to components.

Therefore, MECSPE 2025 reaffirmed the fundamental role of technological innovation and education in guaranteeing the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. The synergy between companies and educational institutions is more and more important, in order to support a sustainable development and prepare new generations to the challenges of the future.

Do you want to find out more about the surface treatments presented at MECSPE 2025? Visit the relevant sections:

T.E.A. PLUS® Coating

Chemical nickel plating