Crimmitschau, March 2026 — H&T ProduktionsTechnologie GmbH (HTPT) is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming EFB Congress 2026, taking place on April 16, 2026 in Würzburg, Germany. Our colleague Dipl.-Ing. Mike P. Gruner will represent HTPT with a technical presentation that sits at the cutting edge of manufacturing intelligence and process optimization for progressive die presses.

The Talk: Data-Driven Process and Condition Assessment in Progressive Die Presses
In his presentation, Mike Gruner — together with co-author Dr.-Ing. Jörg Stahlmann of ConSenses GmbH, Roßdorf — will introduce an innovative approach to process and machine condition evaluation using correlated sensor, setting, and material data.
Core Thesis
Modern progressive die presses operate under highly complex conditions. The interactions between machine behavior, tooling systems, and part quality are often only partially captured through subjective observation. The approach presented addresses this gap through three key pillars:
Correlated Data Capture & Analysis — By systematically recording and correlating sensor data, machine settings, and material properties, relevant interactions between the machine, tooling system, and part quality can be identified across all operating states — interactions that would otherwise go largely undetected.
Feature Analysis & Early Warning — Advanced feature extraction algorithms enable early recognition of interdependencies, drift, and anomalies. This provides actionable recommendations before quality or stability thresholds are breached — shifting the paradigm from reactive to proactive.
Closed-Loop Learning with AI Support — A self-improving system backed by AI applications shortens learning cycles and reduces scrap and tool wear. In the near term, it functions as an intelligent assistant for operators; in the strategic outlook, it paves the way toward semi- to fully autonomous decision-making to ensure long-term robustness and competitiveness.

Why This Matters — Especially for SMEs
The approach delivers tangible, measurable benefits that are particularly relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in precision metal forming:
Faster identification of process interdependencies
Knowledge retention and scaling — experiential knowledge is systematically stored and made available across sites and shifts
Preservation of expertise that is typically lost through staff turnover and generational change
Accelerated learning curves for personnel and AI models, as measures are verified within the same system
Less scrap and rework through early detection of quality deviations
Reduced tool wear and maintenance costs through proactive intervention
Sustainability gains through lower material and energy losses
Higher process stability via early drift and anomaly detection, reducing unplanned downtime
Faster root cause analysis thanks to the correlation of sensor data, machine settings, and batch information
Shorter setup and changeover times based on data-driven recommendations
More stable delivery capability and lower quality costs through consistent series production and fewer complaints
Step-by-step automation — starting with assistance systems, with the option to scale toward semi- or fully autonomous decision-making

The Vision: Machine Intelligence as the Next Evolutionary Step
The presentation concludes with a clear message and a call to action for the industry: the next obvious evolutionary step in machine intelligence must be actively embraced. Human expertise — accumulated over years — must be preserved, digitized, and made scalable. Routine decisions should be delegated to intelligent systems, freeing up skilled personnel for higher-value tasks.
The goal is not to replace human judgment, but to augment and accelerate it — making manufacturing operations more robust, more efficient, and better equipped for the future.

Meet Us at EFB 2026
📅 Date: April 16, 2026
📍 Location: Würzburg, Germany
🎤 Presenter: Dipl.-Ing. Mike P. Gruner, H&T ProduktionsTechnologie GmbH
🤝 Co-Author: Dr.-Ing. Jörg Stahlmann, ConSenses GmbH, Roßdorf

👉 Get in Touch
Are you attending EFB 2026 and want to connect with our team? Or are you curious about how data-driven process intelligence can benefit your production operations?
We’d love to hear from you.
📧 Visit us at ht-pt.com or reach out to our team directly to arrange a meeting or learn more about our work in smart manufacturing and press technology.
Let’s shape the future of precision manufacturing — together.