This year, the central industry meeting on tool and manufacturing technology was once again held in cooperation with VDMA, GFE Schmalkalden and Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences. The focus was on research results and strategies for even greater sustainability in the development and throughout the entire life cycle of tools and machining technologies. Issues such as digitalisation, model-based wear detection, simulation-based milling tool development and real-time process control were highlighted in presentations by renowned speakers and linked to live demonstrations and lively discussions among visitors.