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What Is CastForge?

CastForge, as the name suggests, is one of the industry's most comprehensive fairs focusing on metal casting and forging technologies. This international expertise fair stands out by presenting the entire value chain under one roof—from raw casting and forging parts to mechanical processing, final components, and even system-ready assembly units. Opening at the Messe Stuttgart, CastForge is designed to showcase the latest developments, innovative solutions, and sector trends in the global supply chain. Claiming the status of Europe’s leading event, the fair offers a unique meeting point for design engineers, developers, and procurement specialists from critical sectors such as automotive, machine manufacturing, construction equipment, pump‑hydraulic systems, and aerospace.

The event not only serves as a venue for exhibiting products and services but also provides a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the discovery of new market opportunities.

Participants have the opportunity to experience the latest technologies, manufacturing methods, and advances in material science firsthand, while visitors can establish valuable connections to optimize supply chains, forge new business partnerships, and gain a competitive edge. CastForge showcases best practices in the industry and carries the mission of being a platform that shapes next‑generation metal‑working technologies. This pivotal event, which shapes the future of the sector, offers a unique opportunity for both established companies and innovative startups to promote themselves on the international stage.

The fair is simultaneously organized with other major industrial events such as Surface Technology Germany and Automotive Testing Expo, offering visitors access to three different fairs with a single trip. This synergistic approach increases the efficiency of participants and visitors while building bridges between different yet related sectors, providing a broader perspective. CastForge, meticulously organized by Messe Stuttgart, strengthens its impact in the industry by increasing the number of participants and visitors at each edition. Hosting 488 exhibiting companies and 4,286 professional visitors in the 2024 edition, the fair aims to maintain and even surpass this success in 2028. These figures clearly demonstrate CastForge's central position in the industry and its commercial potential.

Featured Themes

CastForge 2028 addresses a series of critical themes shaping the future of the casting and forging sectors, providing participants and visitors with an in‑depth understanding. These themes not only reflect current trends but also define the sector’s innovation roadmap. The main topics the fair will focus on are:

1. Advanced Casting and Forging Technologies: The latest innovations in metallurgy, especially the production and processing of high‑performance alloys, are among the fair’s core subjects. In addition to traditional methods such as precision casting, pressure casting, centrifugal casting, and sand casting, metal injection molding (MIM) and other advanced techniques will be showcased in detail.

In the field of welding, advances that enhance efficiency and quality in methods such as hot welding, cold welding, and isothermal welding will be prominent. These technologies optimize the mechanical properties of components, enabling the production of lighter and more durable parts.

2. Digitalization and Industry 4.0 Solutions: The digital transformation of metal processing processes is at the core of CastForge. Automation, robotic applications, AI‑driven quality control systems, and simulation software on production lines will stand out as solutions that increase efficiency and error tolerance. Analysis of data collected via smart sensors, predictive maintenance, and process optimization—Industry 4.0 applications—have the potential to reduce production costs and enhance competitive strength.

3. Materials Science and New Alloys: Advances in non‑ferrous metals (aluminium, titanium, magnesium, etc.), specialty steels, superalloys, and composite materials will constitute a major portion of the fair. High‑strength, lightweight, and corrosion‑resistant materials are of great importance, especially for the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors. The production and processing techniques for these new materials will shape the future of supply chains in the industry.

4. Surface Treatment and Coating Technologies: Surface treatment techniques that enhance the performance and lifespan of cast and forged parts will also be showcased. Methods such as thermal spraying, PVD/CVD coatings, laser surface treatments, and nitriding increase wear, corrosion, and fatigue resistance of components. These technologies will attract significant interest because they directly affect the quality of the final product.

5. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Environmental awareness and sustainable manufacturing approaches are indispensable parts of today’s industry.

CastForge highlights solutions for energy‑efficient production processes, waste reduction, recycling technologies, and lowering the carbon footprint. Green metallurgy, the use of renewable energy sources, and the selection of environmentally friendly materials will shape the sector’s future development.

6. Quality Control and Test Systems: Ensuring the quality of manufactured parts is vital for the industry. Non‑destructive testing (NDT) techniques (ultrasonic, magnetic particle, eddy current), optical measurement systems, material analysis equipment, and laboratory instruments will have a prominent presence at the fair. These systems are critical for enhancing the reliability and performance of the parts.

These themes will enable CastForge 2028 to evolve beyond a mere trade fair, becoming a knowledge and innovation hub that shapes the future direction of the sector.

Who Will Participate?

CastForge 2028 is a comprehensive platform that brings together a wide range of stakeholders in the metalworking industry. The fair addresses specific professional groups both for exhibiting companies and visitors. The participant and visitor profiles clearly reflect the event’s international and expertise‑focused nature.

Exhibiting Companies

Companies attending the fair typically represent the entire value chain of the casting and forging sectors. These include:

• Foundries and Forging Facilities: Companies producing cast and forged parts from various metals such as iron, steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, and magnesium.
These companies offer a wide range of products, from raw materials to complex components.
• Processing Technology Providers: Companies that manufacture or sell CNC turning, milling, grinding machines, laser processing systems, and other mechanical machining equipment.
• Material Suppliers: Firms that supply metal alloys, specialty steels, mold materials, and other auxiliary materials.
• Surface Treatment and Coating Companies: Companies offering surface hardening, coating, and cleaning technologies that enhance part durability and performance.
• Automation and Robotics Solution Providers: Firms that provide robotic systems, automated handling, and storage solutions to optimize production processes.
• Quality Control and Test Equipment Manufacturers: Providers of non-destructive testing (NDT), measurement devices, spectrometers, and laboratory equipment for quality assurance.
• Software and Digitalization Solutions: Technology companies offering CAD/CAM/CAE software, production planning (ERP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and Industry 4.0 solutions.
• Research and Development Institutions: Universities, research institutes, and consulting firms developing innovative solutions in metallurgy and materials science.

Visitor Profile

CastForge, especially technical and targets commercial decision makers. Visitors come from a wide range of industries and typically hold the following positions:

• Design Engineers and Developers: Engineers seeking materials and manufacturing processes for new products and components.
• Procurement Specialists and Supply Chain Managers: Professionals looking to find new suppliers, optimize existing supply chains, and achieve cost advantages.
• Production Managers and Technical Directors: Leaders searching for new technologies and automation solutions that will increase production efficiency.
• Quality Control and Assurance Specialists: Experts researching the latest equipment and methods to ensure the quality of manufactured parts and improve testing standards.
• Researchers and Academics: Academics and researchers who want to keep up with the latest scientific and technological developments in the industry.
• Chief Executives and Company Owners: Senior managers seeking business development, market trends, and strategic partnerships.

This broad spectrum makes CastForge an inclusive and efficient meeting point for all stakeholders in the metalworking industry. Especially professionals from sectors such as automotive, machine manufacturing, construction machinery, pump‑hydraulics, and aviation benefit greatly from the wide range of products and services offered by the fair.

Opportunities for Turkish Companies

CastForge 2028 offers unique opportunities for companies in the Turkish casting and forging sector to showcase themselves on the international stage, establish new business connections, and strengthen their positions in the global market. Turkey has a long-standing tradition of metalworking and has recently attracted attention with modern production techniques and high‑quality products. This fair provides an ideal platform for Turkish companies to introduce this potential to the world.

1. Opening to the Global Market and Increasing Export Capacity: As Europe’s leading casting and forging fair, CastForge provides Turkish companies with direct access to European and other international markets. The business connections established here can lead to new export agreements and help companies stand out in global competition. Turkish firms can attract the attention of international buyers by showcasing cost‑effective yet high‑quality manufacturing capabilities.

2. Technology Transfer and Innovation Opportunities: The latest technologies exhibited at the fair offer valuable insights for Turkish companies to modernise their production processes and enhance their innovation capabilities. Closely following developments in automation, digitalisation, and advanced materials science enables Turkish firms to increase their competitive strength. By integrating foreign technologies into their own production, they can raise their productivity.

3. International Business Partnerships and Joint Ventures: CastForge provides an excellent environment for establishing potential partnerships with foreign companies, joint production projects, or technology licensing agreements. Such collaborations can increase the capacity of Turkish firms while facilitating their entry into international markets. In particular, the opportunity to directly engage with major players in critical sectors such as automotive and aerospace prepares the ground for strategic partnerships.

4. Competitive Analysis and Monitoring Market Trends: Participation in the fair enables Turkish companies to closely observe what their competitors are doing and which new products and services they are offering. This allows them to review their own strategies, understand market trends, and make future investment decisions more consciously. In addition, they have the opportunity to learn about international quality standards and certification requirements.

5. Brand Awareness and Reputation Building: Being present at a reputable fair such as CastForge enhances Turkish companies' brand awareness and reputation on the international stage. Companies that showcase their quality products and manufacturing capabilities can create an image of a reliable supplier. This is critically important for attracting new customers and expanding business volume in the long term.

6. Expanding Qualified Workforce and Knowledge Network: The fair brings together the best talents and experts in the sector. Turkish companies can attend training sessions that develop their personnel’s knowledge and skills, learn best practices in the industry, and expand their knowledge networks. This also contributes to improving the quality of human resources in the sector.

The active participation of Turkish companies in CastForge 2028 is a major step not only for their own firms but also for strengthening the position of the Turkish metalworking industry on the international stage.

This is an opportunity that reinforces Turkey's strategic importance in the global supply chain and promotes the export of high value-added products.

Visa, Transportation and Accommodation (Stuttgart Airport)

For Turkish citizens planning to attend the CastForge 2028 fair in Stuttgart, Germany, having detailed information on visa, transportation, and accommodation matters is crucial to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Visa Procedures

Germany is part of the Schengen area. Turkish citizens must obtain a Schengen visa to travel to Germany. This visa type is valid for stays of up to 90 days for business trips, tourist visits, or short-term training programs. Fuar participation generally falls under the commercial visa category.

Required Documents (In General):

• Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months (and previous passports).
• Fully completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
• Biometric photograph (taken within the last 6 months, meeting specific standards).
• Travel health insurance (valid throughout the Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000).
• Return flight ticket reservation.
• Hotel reservation or accommodation proof.
• Fair entry ticket or invitation letter (must be obtained from CastForge 2028).
• Professional status documents (assignment letter on company letterhead, social security statement, salary slip, commercial register excerpt, tax registration certificate, etc.).
• Documents demonstrating financial sufficiency (bank statements, title deed, vehicle registration, etc.).

The visa application process includes steps such as scheduling an appointment, preparing documents, and the interview. Applications should be submitted at least 1–2 months before the fair date, as processing times may vary depending on workload. Working with an experienced agency such as Delta Expo can help you minimize potential issues in the visa application process.

Transportation: Stuttgart Airport (STR)

Stuttgart Airport (Flughafen Stuttgart – STR) is the largest airport in the state of Baden-Württemberg and the sixth largest in Germany. It is located about 13 kilometres from the city centre and is directly connected to the Messe Stuttgart Exhibition Center.

From the Airport to the Exhibition Center:

• S-Bahn (commuter train): The airport is linked to Stuttgart city centre and directly to the exhibition centre (Messe Stuttgart) via lines S2 and S3. Access to the exhibition centre is very easy and fast.
S-Bahn station is located directly below the terminal buildings.
• Bus: Various bus routes also provide transportation from the airport to the city center and surrounding areas.
• Taxi: Taxis can take you from the airport terminals to the city centre or directly to the fair venue. The journey typically takes about 20‑30 minutes.
• Car Rental: The airport hosts offices of many international car‑rental companies.

Accommodation

Stuttgart, being one of Germany’s major industrial and commercial hubs, offers a wide range of accommodation options suitable for every budget and preference. During fair periods, hotel occupancy rates may rise, making early booking essential.

Accommodation Options:

• Hotels Near the Fair Centre: Numerous hotels and serviced apartments surround Messe Stuttgart. These properties are within walking distance of the fair venue or reachable by a short public‑transport trip.
• City‑Centre Hotels: In Stuttgart’s city centre, a variety of options range from luxury hotels to boutique establishments across different star categories. Staying in the city centre provides convenient access to evening social activities and restaurants.
• Hotels in Surrounding Areas: In the surrounding towns and cities of Stuttgart, more affordable accommodation options may be available. Toplu taşıma ile fuar merkezine bağlantıları kontrol etmek önemlidir.
• Apartment and Guest Houses: For longer stays or group travel, renting an apartment or using guest houses can also be considered.

Travel agencies such as Delta Expo arrange all logistical details of your fair trip (air tickets, hotel reservations, visa consultancy, transfers) on your behalf, allowing you to focus on the fair experience without travel stress. This aims to help you achieve the highest possible return from the fair.

Past Editions

The CastForge fair has been held biennially since 2018, increasing the number of participants and visitors with each edition and strengthening its impact in the industry. The fair’s past editions clearly demonstrate the growth dynamics of the event and its rising significance in the sector. Although the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the global pandemic, the recovery and growth momentum shown in subsequent editions is noteworthy.

The table below presents the key data for the last three editions of CastForge.

Bu veriler, fuarın uluslararası çekiciliğini ve endüstri için yarattığı değeri göstermektedir.

Year	Date	Number of Participating Companies	Professional Visitor Count
2024	June 4-6	488	4,286
2022	June 21-23	307	2,900
2018	June 5-7	156	3,700

As can be seen from the table, CastForge has recorded a significant increase in the number of participating companies since its inaugural edition in 2018. The number of participants, which was 156 in 2018, rose to 307 in 2022 and to 488 in 2024, reaching almost three times the original figure.

This steady growth is a strong indicator of the fair’s importance and attractiveness within the industry.

While there was a slight decline in the number of professional visitors from 2018 to 2022—likely due to indirect effects of the pandemic or market dynamics—the 2024 edition achieved a significant rebound and growth, reaching 4,286 visitors. This demonstrates how attractive the fair is to its target audience of design engineers, developers, and purchasing specialists. The fair’s concurrent scheduling with events such as Surface Technology Germany and Automotive Testing Expo also contributed significantly to the increase in visitor numbers.

This success trend indicates that CastForge 2028 will likely capture a similar growth momentum and become an indispensable meeting point for leading professionals in the metalworking sector. For Turkish companies, these past achievements serve as a strong indicator of the commercial potential the fair will offer.

CastForge’s extensive range of products and services has consistently met the industry’s full spectrum of needs in previous editions.

Aşağıdaki tablo, fuarda genellikle sergilenen ana ürün gruplarını ve ilgili kullanım alanlarını göstermektedir:

Product Group	Description	Target Sectors
Cast Parts	Iron, steel, aluminum, magnesium castings; precision castings and special alloys.	Automotive, machinery manufacturing, energy, construction.
Forged Parts	Hot, cold and isothermal forged products; steel, titanium and nickel alloy forgings.	Aerospace, automotive, heavy industry, defense.
Machining Technologies	CNC machining centers, laser cutting/welding, grinding, broaching machines.	All manufacturing sectors, tooling.
Surface Treatment Solutions	Coating, heat treatment, sandblasting, polishing, painting systems.	Automotive, aviation, medical, general machinery.
Quality Control Systems	Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT), 3D measurement, spectrometers, metallographic analysis equipment.	All manufacturing industries, research centres.
Digitalisation and Automation	Industry 4.0 solutions, robotics, simulation software, data analytics.	Smart manufacturing facilities, production management.

These tables demonstrate CastForge’s inclusiveness and dynamism within the sector, signalling that the 2028 edition will likely chart a similar success trajectory. For Turkish companies, this data provides a valuable reference point for understanding the fair’s potential and shaping participation decisions.

Delta Expo Germany Fair Tour

Participation in an international fair such as CastForge 2028 offers companies significant opportunities while also demanding substantial organisational effort.

Airfare, accommodation, visa procedures, airport transfers, and local transportation details can be exhausting and time-consuming, especially for companies attending an overseas trade fair for the first time. At Delta Expo Travel Agency, we step in with over 30 years of experience, offering turnkey fair tour services to manage this process on your behalf.

At Delta Expo, our goal is to enable you to focus solely on your fair experience and business connections. Our Germany fair tours are specially designed to facilitate Turkish companies' entry into international markets and ensure the most efficient fair experience. Here are the advantages awaiting you on your CastForge 2028 tour with Delta Expo:

1. Comprehensive Visa Consulting and Tracking: We provide full support throughout the Schengen visa application process required for travel to Germany. From listing the necessary documents and guiding you in form completion to securing appointments and monitoring your file, we are by your side at every stage. You can easily navigate this process with the guidance of our expert team, without having to struggle with the complexity of visa procedures.

2. Flight Ticket and Accommodation Organization: We research the most suitable flight options and make your reservations. We arrange your stay in comfortable and functional hotels near the fair venue in Stuttgart. Thanks to our early‑booking advantages, we provide accommodation without being affected by the high demand and price increases typical of fair periods.

3. Airport and Fairground Transfers: From the moment you land at Stuttgart Airport (STR), our professional team greets you and ensures safe transportation to your hotel. On fair days we provide regular transfers from the hotel to the fairground and back, preventing any transportation issues.

Bu sayede, fuara her gün taze ve dinlenmiş bir şekilde başlayabilirsiniz.

4. Professional Guidance and Support: Our experienced guides who will accompany you throughout the tour will assist you with any issues you may encounter in the exhibition area and the city. You can always receive support for exhibition planning, booth layout, local information, or emergencies. This ensures that you feel safe, especially when visiting a city for the first time.

5. Flexible and Customised Packages: In addition to our standard tour packages, we can also create customised tour programmes tailored to your company’s specific needs. By taking into account requests such as additional meetings, city tours, or different accommodation preferences, we offer you the most suitable solution.

6. Cost and Time Savings: By organising all these services under one umbrella, we save you time and provide more cost‑effective solutions compared with individual expenditures. With bulk purchases and our partnered service providers, you can benefit from advantageous pricing.

At Delta Expo, with over 30 years of industry experience, we have connected thousands of companies with trade fairs worldwide. We would be delighted to be by your side at CastForge 2028 and to help you achieve a successful fair experience. Take advantage of Delta Expo’s professional services to attend this important metal‑processing summit in Germany smoothly and reach your business objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when will CastForge 2028 be held?

CastForge 2028 will be held from 20–22 June 2028 at Messe Stuttgart Fair Centre in Stuttgart, Germany.

This date already holds a significant place in the calendars of industry professionals.

What are the main focus areas of the fair?

The fair’s main focus areas span the entire value chain, from casting and forging raw materials to mechanical processing technologies, finished components, and system-ready assembly units. Digitalization, sustainability, new materials, and quality control systems are also prominent themes.

Who Should Attend CastForge 2028?

Design engineers, developers, procurement specialists, production managers, and technical directors from sectors such as automotive, machine manufacturing, construction equipment, pump‑hydraulics, and aviation should attend. It is an ideal platform for companies seeking new suppliers and those wishing to undertake technology transfer.

What Opportunities Does It Offer Turkish Companies?

It provides Turkish companies with significant opportunities to enter global markets, increase export capacity, establish international partnerships, discover new technologies, conduct competitive analysis, and enhance brand awareness.

Fuara katılım, Türk metal işleme sanayiinin uluslararası arenadaki konumunu güçlendirecektir.

How many square meters is the fair organized on and how many participants are expected?

CastForge has been held in previous editions in an exhibition area of approximately 15,000 square meters. In the 2024 edition, it hosted 488 participating companies and 4,286 professional visitors. Similar or higher numbers of participants and visitors are expected for 2028.

What should I do for visa procedures?

Germany is in the Schengen area, and Turkish citizens must obtain a Schengen visa. Required documents for the visa application include a passport, application form, biometric photo, travel health insurance, flight/hotel reservations, and a fair invitation. Delta Expo can provide you with full support regarding visa consultancy.

How can I get from Stuttgart Airport to the fair venue?

Stuttgart Airport (STR) is very close to the fair venue and is directly connected by S-Bahn (lines S2 and S3). Bus, taxi, or car‑rental options are also available. Airport and venue transfers are organized within Delta Expo tour packages.

Which other events are held simultaneously with the fair?

It is held concurrently with CastForge, Surface Technology Germany, and Automotive Testing Expo.

Bu sayede ziyaretçiler, tek bir seyahatle metal işleme, yüzey teknolojileri ve otomotiv test ekipmanları alanındaki üç önemli fuarı aynı anda deneyimleme fırsatı bulurlar.

Transform your participation in the CastForge 2028 fair from Turkey into a seamless and efficient experience with Delta Expo Travel Agency’s over 30 years of expertise. Act now to have us handle every aspect—hotel, flight, visa, and transfer—so you can focus solely on the business opportunities the fair offers. For detailed information and reservations, contact us at: +90 850 532 68 21. Delta Expo is the trusted and high‑quality service provider, licensed under TurSAB Document No: 3970.

This content was prepared by Delta Expo Fair Specialists. TurSAB Document No: 3970 | 30+ years of fair experience.