Since 1992, the China International Machine Tool & Metalworking Show (CIMES) has evolved into a premier exhibition in the equipment‑manufacturing sector, distinguished by its international scope, cutting‑edge technology, and commitment to sustainability. This year’s event is themed “New Technologies, New Ecosystems, New Development,” with a comprehensive upgrade of both its exhibit offerings and service framework. It places a strong emphasis on the needs of state‑owned enterprises, emerging poli

The Exhibition Value of the China International Machine Tool Show (CIMES)

• China’s largest machine tool industry event in Northern China and a national-level platform for connecting state-owned enterprise resources. Established in 1992, the show is held biennially in Beijing, under the authoritative sponsorship of China National Machinery Industry Corporation, China National Machinery Industry International Cooperation Co., Ltd., and China Machine Tool Corporation. Over more than three decades of development, it has become a pivotal platform driving technological advancement and trade within the global industrial machinery sector. The 17th edition in 2026 will be themed “New Technologies, New Ecosystems, New Development,” with an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters. It is expected to bring together over 1,000 exhibiting companies from 28 countries and regions, attracting more than 100,000 professional visitors—making it a strategic gateway for international suppliers seeking to gain comprehensive insights into the Chinese machine tool market and for domestic enterprises looking to expand into the northern market.
• Comprehensive coverage of the entire industry chain, showcasing metal cutting, metal forming machines, automation, and measurement technologies across five major segments. The exhibit range fully encompasses core areas including metal-cutting machine tools (machining centers, milling machines, lathes, grinders), metal-forming equipment (laser cutting, stamping, bending systems), cutting tools and workholding fixtures, precision measuring instruments, machine tool components, and automated production lines. From high-end CNC equipment to flexible industrial robot cells, from intelligent control systems to additive manufacturing technologies, the show presents the full spectrum of innovations across the machine tool industry chain.
• Bringing together central government procurement and global buyer networks to create a premier hub for high‑end business matchmaking. For the 2026 edition, the organizing committee has partnered with over 20 key state-owned enterprises—including Aviation Industry Corporation of China, China Shipbuilding Group, China North Industries Group, China Electronics Corporation, FAW Group, General Technology Group, and CRRC—to host exclusive “Closed‑Door Procurement Meetings” tailored to central government needs. These events will feature annual procurement lists covering high‑end CNC machine tools, automated production lines, and critical components, offering exhibitors one‑on‑one negotiation opportunities to align precisely with national project requirements and seamlessly integrate into central government supply chains. Meanwhile, leading companies such as BYD, CATL, Beijing Benz, Huawei, Foxconn, along with overseas purchasing delegations from Asian international trade and investment organizations, will also attend, opening up domestic and international market channels for exhibitors.
• Empowering through the “15th Five-Year Plan” and the “04 Special Project,” fostering deep integration among industry, academia, research, and end-users. Concurrent with the show, a forward-looking forum on the “15th Five-Year Plan” for the machine tool industry will convene leaders from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and esteemed experts to provide in-depth analysis of policy support directions. Key topics include growing demand in sectors such as new energy vehicles, aerospace, humanoid robotics, and semiconductor equipment, helping enterprises proactively plan their R&D strategies. As a core showcase for follow-up achievements of the National Key Science and Technology Project (Project 04), the exhibition highlights breakthroughs in bottleneck technologies—including five-axis machining centers, independently controllable CNC systems, and intelligent sensing and control—and establishes dedicated zones for technology transfer and collaboration between research institutions and enterprises. More than 30 specialized events, including the AI + Industrial Machine Tools Innovation Application Forum and the National Conference on Promoting the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization in the Machinery Industry, will take place concurrently, addressing pressing industry challenges and providing high‑level think‑tank platforms for businesses to navigate policy trends and anticipate technological shifts.
• A dedicated Robotics and Automation Zone drives emerging trends in smart manufacturing. The show features a special “Robotics and Automation Technology Zone,” highlighting cutting-edge products such as collaborative robots, AGV/AMR mobile robots, and flexible “robot‑plus‑machine tool” manufacturing units. These solutions address core application scenarios in automotive, electronics, and other industries, effectively meeting the demands of digital transformation in manufacturing. From Hexagon’s ultra‑high‑precision measurement systems to Dazhong Laser’s high‑performance laser processing equipment, and from Sanfeng Precision’s intelligent measurement solutions to the flexible manufacturing units showcased by various exhibitors, the zone comprehensively demonstrates innovative synergies between smart equipment and machine tools.
• Beijing’s strategic location provides a distinct advantage, enabling enterprises to seize early opportunities in the northern market. As the region’s leading biennial machine tool exhibition in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei area, CIMES exerts strong influence over the northern market, helping companies rapidly reach potential customers across North China and Northeast China while filling regional market gaps. With thirty years of deep industry engagement, the show has cultivated a robust ecosystem of collaboration among industry, academia, research, and government. Coverage by 564 media outlets during previous editions has provided exhibitors with multi‑channel brand exposure, making CIMES the preferred window for international suppliers to understand the Chinese market and the ideal venue for domestic enterprises to expand their marketing networks and forge strategic partnerships.