Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Lightweight Asia 2026 is a premier exhibition dedicated to showcasing advanced lightweight materials, processing technologies, and structural optimization solutions for the automotive industry.
The event will take place from July 7-9, 2027, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, featuring a wide range of exhibitors and innovative solutions aimed at reducing vehicle weight and enhancing efficiency.
Lightweight Asia 2026 takes place in Shanghai, China.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Lightweight Asia takes place at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Pudong, Shanghai; travel captures for the upcoming edition cluster around 7-9 July 2027 - confirm the final show days on lightweightasia.com.
- 2Sector Scope: Automotive lightweighting across materials and process - aluminium sheet, extrusion and structural castings, magnesium alloys, high-strength and press-hardened steel, carbon-fibre and glass-fibre composites, plus the joining
- 3Co-location: Staged alongside Aluminium China at SNIEC, so one trip covers semi-finished aluminium supply, extrusion and rolling equipment and downstream lightweight component manufacturing.
- 4Who Should Attend: Body-in-white, chassis, closure and battery-enclosure engineers from OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers; materials and corrosion specialists; joining, forming and CAE engineers; plus buyers from rail, e-mobility and consumer-electronics lightweighting programmes.
- 5Format: Exhibition halls plus a technical programme of OEM and supplier application case studies - check the schedule page for confirmed sessions for this edition.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements in lightweight materials and technologies, network with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions to enhance vehicle efficiency. Dates and Venue: Lightweight Asia 2026 runs from July 7-9, 2027, at Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Buyer Authority: Attendees include professionals from automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Entry: Registration is available online for visitors.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will showcase their latest products and technologies to a targeted audience of automotive professionals, gain visibility in the market, and connect with potential buyers and partners. Organiser: The event is organised by RX, a leader in global exhibitions. Buyer Authority: Attendees include professionals from automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Automotive manufacturers seeking lightweight solutions
Suppliers of lightweight materials and components
Research and development professionals in the automotive sector
Procurement managers from vehicle manufacturing companies
Engineers focused on material innovation
Business development executives in the automotive industry
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of lightweight materials and composites
Suppliers of automotive components and parts
Technology providers for lightweight manufacturing processes
Consultants specializing in automotive lightweighting
Research institutions focused on material science
Startups innovating in lightweight technologies
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Advanced lightweight materials for automotive applications
Innovative manufacturing technologies for lightweight components
Lightweight automotive parts and assemblies
Sustainable materials for vehicle production
High-performance alloys and composites
Lightweight structural solutions for vehicles
Location & Facilities
Venue
Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Shanghai, China
Facilities
Parking
Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Shanghai New International Expo Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
RX
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Shanghai, China
Why it matters
Attending Lightweight Asia 2026 on 2027-07-07 to 2027-07-09 in Shanghai lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CNY
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Primary international gateway for the show. Taxis from the official rank cost roughly CNY 160-200 including toll; the maglev to Longyang Road is the fastest fixed link and Longyang Road is around 3 km from the fairground. Allow extra time on Monday mornings and during thunderstorms
Approx. 30-35 km by road to SNIEC, Pudong
to venue
45-60 min by taxi in normal traffic; about 8 min by maglev to Longyang Road plus a short taxi or Line 7 hop
by car
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Convenient for domestic connections and for travellers arriving from other Chinese cities. Taxi to SNIEC is roughly CNY 130-180 including tolls. Compare total journey time with PVG before booking, since road traffic across the city can be heavy in the afternoon
Approx. 25-30 km by road to SNIEC, Pudong
to venue
40-60 min by taxi depending on inner-ring traffic; about 60-75 min by Metro Line 10 to Line 2 connections
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai
5-star
Near Shanghai New International Expo Center (330 m)Walking distance to the halls, with paid breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, fitness centre, spa and bar. Highest rate band of the venue-district list; book early for show weeks.
Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai
5-star
Pudong, 490 m from Shanghai New International Expo CenterFull-service five-star closest to the fairground, with breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, fitness centre and spa. Premium pricing during SNIEC show dates.
Dorsett Shanghai
4-star
1.4 km from Shanghai New International Expo CenterMid-market rooms about a 15-20 minute walk or short taxi from the halls. Breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, fitness centre, restaurant, room service and laundry listed.
IntercityHotel Shanghai New International Expo Center
Midscale
420 m from Shanghai New International Expo CenterBest value within a five-minute walk of the venue; compact rooms but no daily taxi cost. Good fit for exhibitor staff on multi-day rotations.
Ji Hotel Shanghai Longyang Road Magnetic Levitation
Budget to midscale
500 m from Shanghai New International Expo Center, by Longyang Road stationCheapest practical base near the venue and convenient for the maglev from Pudong airport. Limited English at reception; confirm late check-in if your flight lands after midnight.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
maglev
Estimated costApprox. CNY 40-50 single maglev fare (reduced with same-day air ticket), plus CNY 3-6 metro add-on
Best forPudong Airport (PVG) to Longyang Road, then Line 7 or taxi to SNIEC
The maglev covers the roughly 30 km airport run in about 8 minutes; Longyang Road is around 3 km from SNIEC. Confirm live fares and first/last train times at the station.
metro
Estimated costApprox. CNY 3-6 per single journey depending on start station
Best forShanghai Metro Line 7 to Huamu Road station (SNIEC north halls)
Huamu Road is the closest metro stop to the fairground. Buy a single ticket from the machines or scan the metro QR code in Alipay; lines run roughly 05:30 to 22:30.
metro
Estimated costApprox. CNY 4-7 per single journey
Best forLine 2 from Hongqiao airport or city centre to Longyang Road, change to Line 7 for Huamu Road
Cheapest fixed-cost route from Hongqiao and from People's Square. Allow 60-75 minutes with the change at Longyang Road and avoid the 07:30-09:30 crush.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CNY 160-200 including expressway toll
Best forShanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Shanghai New International Expo Centre
45-60 minutes in normal traffic. Use the official taxi rank inside the terminal and avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides in the arrivals hall.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CNY 130-180 including tolls
Best forShanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to Shanghai New International Expo Centre
40-60 minutes via the inner ring. Cross-city traffic builds after 15:00, so add 20 minutes for late-afternoon arrivals.
ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. CNY 15-30 for a 2-5 km cross-Pudong trip
Best forDiDi or Alipay ride-hailing from Pudong hotels to SNIEC halls
Usually cheaper than a street taxi for short hops and avoids explaining the destination in Mandarin, since the app sends the address. Expect a 5-10 minute wait at peak times.
parking
Estimated costApprox. CNY 10-20 per hour with a daily maximum that varies by car park
Best forSNIEC on-site car parks, entrances off Longyang Road and Huamu Road
Large on-site parking but it fills on the busiest show days; payment is normally cashless. Confirm the current hourly rate and exhibitor permit rules at the gate or on the venue site.
walking
Estimated costNo fare - 5 to 20 minutes on foot
Best forKerry Hotel, Jumeirah Himalayas and IntercityHotel to SNIEC halls
The closest Pudong hotels are a 5-20 minute walk from the halls, which removes daily taxi costs. Use the pedestrian crossings on Huamu Road and allow extra time in July heat.
Weather
July is Shanghai's hottest, most humid month: daytime highs typically 32-35 C, overnight lows around 26-28 C, humidity often above 75 percent, and frequent heavy showers or thunderstorms. The June-to-September period is also typhoon season, which can disrupt flights and outdoor transfers at short notice. Climatological ranges only - check a forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage on 4G and 5G is strong across Pudong and the fairground, but foreign SIMs roam on Chinese networks with limited access to some global apps and services; download any collaboration tools and offline maps before departure. Local SIM or eSIM registration requires a passport at an operator store. Hotel and venue Wi-Fi is generally reliable but slow in the halls at peak times. Power is 220 V at 50 Hz with type A, C and I sockets, so bring a universal adapter for UK, EU and US plugs. Payments are overwhelmingly cashless via Alipay and WeChat Pay - set up an international card before arrival.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language in the halls
Mandarin is the working language on most Chinese supplier stands, with English spoken by export and international sales staff. Bring a bilingual colleague or use a translation app for technical discussions, and ask for data sheets in English rather than relying on spoken explanations of alloy grades.
Business cards and introductions
Present and receive business cards with both hands and take a moment to read the card before putting it away. Cards with a Chinese-language side are appreciated. Opening small talk about the journey or the company is normal before moving to specifications.
Cashless payments
Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate in Shanghai, including taxis, convenience stores and many exhibition catering points. International cards can be linked inside both apps before departure; carrying a few hundred yuan in cash as backup is still sensible for smaller vendors.
Dining and hospitality
Business meals are usually shared dishes on a round table, and the host typically orders and pays. Toasting with baijiu is common at evening banquets but never obligatory; a small sip or a soft drink is acceptable. Vegetarian and halal requirements are best stated in advance rather than at the table.
Tipping and daily etiquette
Tipping is not customary in Shanghai and can cause awkwardness in taxis and restaurants. Queue discipline is looser at metro entrances than in Europe, so allow space rather than pushing. Escalator etiquette, quiet phone calls in meeting rooms and punctuality for appointments are all taken seriously.
July conditions and pace
The heat and humidity shape the working day: exhibitors and buyers tend to move earlier in the morning, and hall traffic thins during the hottest early afternoon. Schedule technical meetings before 11:00 or after 15:00, and carry water since venue catering queues lengthen at lunchtime.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PVG
Book into Shanghai Pudong (PVG) rather than Hongqiao for the shortest transfer to SNIEC, since PVG connects to Longyang Road by maglev and the taxi ride is roughly 45-60 minutes. Round-trip economy captures for the show window ran around CNY 2,839 from Singapore, CNY 3,425 from Tokyo Narita, CNY 5,218 from London Heathrow and CNY 8,313 from New York JFK, all taxes included - roughly USD 395, 475, 725 and 1,155 at recent exchange rates. These are indicative only: fares move quickly in July, so book early, check whether your ticket includes checked baggage and a China transit visa requirement, and confirm the final show dates before locking non-refundable fares.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): 45-60 min by taxi in normal traffic; about 8 min by maglev to Longyang Road plus a short taxi or Line 7 hop; Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): 40-60 min by taxi depending on inner-ring traffic; about 60-75 min by Metro Line 10 to Line 2 connections. Allow road or rail time to Shanghai New International Expo Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Shanghai New International Expo Centre: Near Shanghai New International Expo Center (330 m): Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai; Pudong, 490 m from Shanghai New International Expo Center: Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai; 1.4 km from Shanghai New International Expo Center: Dorsett Shanghai.
Ride-hail: DiDi is the dominant ride-hailing app in Shanghai and has an English interface, with international cards accepted in-app; Alipay and WeChat also host ride-hailing mini-programs. Enter the destination in Chinese characters or pick it from the map, since drivers rarely speak English and may call to confirm the pickup point. Expect 5-10 minute waits around SNIEC during show opening and closing times, and use the designated pickup zones rather than hailing from the main road. Short hops across Pudong typically cost around CNY 15-30.
Public transit: Shanghai Metro Line 7 stops at Huamu Road, the closest station to SNIEC, and Line 2 connects Pudong and Hongqiao airports with the city centre via Longyang Road, where you change to Line 7. Fares are distance-based at roughly CNY 3-7 per single journey and can be paid by QR code in Alipay or at ticket machines. Trains run from around 05:30 to 22:30, with frequent service but severe crowding in the 07:30-09:30 peak. From Pudong airport, the maglev to Longyang Road takes about 8 minutes and connects onward to Line 7 or a short taxi ride to the fairground.
Parking: SNIEC has large on-site car parks with entrances off Longyang Road and Huamu Road, and parking is normally cashless. Approximate rates are CNY 10-20 per hour with a daily cap that varies by car park; confirm the current tariff and any exhibitor permit arrangement at the gate or on the venue website. Spaces fill quickly on the busiest show days, and the walk from the outer car parks to the halls can take 10-15 minutes, so arrive before 09:00 if you are driving.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: July (2027 edition; travel captures cluster around 7-9 July)
Temperature: Approx. 26-35 C - daytime highs typically 32-35 C, overnight lows around 26-28 C, with high humidity
Seasonality: July sits in Shanghai's hot, humid summer and inside the June-to-September typhoon season. Expect short, intense downpours and thunderstorms rather than all-day rain, plus occasional typhoon warnings that can delay flights. Build indoor transfer time into each show day and keep a compact umbrella in your bag.
Packing: Pack light, breathable business clothing: short-sleeve shirts or blouses with a light jacket for aggressively air-conditioned halls and meeting rooms. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella, a spare shirt for afternoon changes, and a universal power adapter for 220 V type A, C and I sockets. A refillable water bottle and a small pack of tissues are useful, since some venue washrooms do not stock paper.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Lightweight Asia 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day 14 before travel: Confirm your badge registration on lightweightasia.com and check which halls Lightweight Asia and its co-located aluminium show occupy for this edition.
Day 13
Book the Pudong hotel now if you want to walk to SNIEC - the Kerry Hotel, Jumeirah Himalayas and IntercityHotel properties within 500 m sell out around large SNIEC shows.
Day 12
Book flights into Shanghai Pudong (PVG) where possible; PVG is closer to SNIEC and connects to Longyang Road by maglev, while Hongqiao (SHA) mainly suits domestic connections.
Day 11
Check visa or visa-free entry eligibility for your passport with the Chinese embassy or visa centre, and request an invitation letter from the organiser if your application needs one.
Day 10
Download the DiDi and Alipay or WeChat apps, add travel payment cards and set up a metro QR pass before departure - cash is rarely used for taxis and metro in Shanghai.
Day 9
Draft your target exhibitor list from the online exhibitor directory, sorted by material family (aluminium, steel, composites, joining, casting) so you walk the halls in a logical order.
Day 8
Prepare your technical brief: alloy and gauge requirements, target mass saving, joining constraints, volumes and quality standards. Suppliers quote faster with a defined load case.
Day 7
Print or save offline copies of your hotel booking, flight itinerary, show registration and the venue address in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
Day 6
Check the SNIEC hall plan and mark the stands you must visit; the complex is large enough that crossing between halls several times a day wastes two hours.
Day 5
Pack light, breathable business clothing, comfortable shoes, a compact umbrella and a spare shirt - July in Shanghai combines 32-35 C heat with sudden downpours.
Day 4
Arrange airport transfer or confirm your maglev and metro route from PVG to Longyang Road, and note the taxi fare band of roughly CNY 160-200 for the direct ride.
Day 3
Confirm meeting times by email or WeChat and share your mobile number, since exhibitor staff often coordinate on WeChat rather than email during build-up.
Day 2
Check in for your flight, confirm the hotel's check-in window and download an offline map of Pudong around SNIEC and Huamu Road station.
Day 1
Arrive in Shanghai, collect your badge if the venue allows early collection, and do a reconnaissance walk to the SNIEC gate you will use on the first show morning.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Lightweight Asia 2026 registration concourse
Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCN¥190.00
- Per diem × 2CN¥150.00
Estimated totalCN¥340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Lightweight Asia 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What exactly is Lightweight Asia and what will I see in the halls?
Lightweight Asia is a Shanghai trade fair focused on lightweight materials and manufacturing technology for vehicles. Expect aluminium and magnesium alloys and semi-finished products, structural castings and extrusions, high-strength and press-hardened steel, composite materials and preforms, joining consumables and systems, forming and simulation software, and finished lightweight components for body, chassis and battery structures.
When and where is the upcoming edition held?
The event is held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Pudong, Shanghai. Travel and hotel captures for the upcoming edition cluster around 7-9 July 2027; the confirmed show days, opening hours and hall numbers are published on lightweightasia.com, so check the organiser page before booking flights.
Is Lightweight Asia co-located with another show?
Yes. It is staged at SNIEC alongside Aluminium China, the group's aluminium industry exhibition, which is why visitors see the full chain from primary and recycled aluminium, extrusion and rolling equipment through to automotive lightweight components and joining technology in one venue. A single trip can cover both visitor profiles - check the organiser site for the current hall arrangement.
Who exhibits, and is it only for automotive?
Exhibitors are material producers, semi-finished product suppliers, casting and extrusion specialists, joining and fastening equipment makers, forming and simulation software vendors and component manufacturers. The content is anchored in automotive, but the same materials and processes serve rail rolling stock, e-mobility, aerospace and consumer electronics, so supplier capabilities transfer across those sectors.
How do I register and is there an admission fee?
Registration is handled online by the organiser through lightweightasia.com. Trade visitors normally pre-register to receive a badge and collect it on site with passport or ID. Admission policy and any fees for the current edition should be confirmed on the organiser site before you travel.
How do I get from Pudong airport (PVG) to SNIEC?
PVG is roughly 30-35 km from the fairground. A taxi takes about 45-60 minutes in normal traffic, budget approximately CNY 160-200 including expressway toll. The maglev runs to Longyang Road in about 8 minutes for roughly CNY 40-50 single (reduced with a same-day air ticket), from where Line 7 or a short taxi reaches SNIEC. Metro Line 2 also connects the airport to the Longyang Road interchange.
Which hotel area should I book for the show?
Stay in Pudong around SNIEC and Longyang Road if you want to walk to the halls: the Kerry Hotel Pudong and Jumeirah Himalayas are within about 500 m, Dorsett Shanghai around 1.4 km, and several IntercityHotel and Ji Hotel properties sit within a few hundred metres. Lujiazui across the river is a 20-30 minute taxi ride and suits visitors who want a central base.
Do I need a visa to attend from abroad?
It depends on your passport. Many nationalities need a Chinese visa arranged in advance, while others qualify for unilateral visa-free entry or the visa-free transit arrangements that apply at Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports. The eligible-country lists and permitted stay lengths change frequently, so verify with the Chinese embassy or visa application centre and the National Immigration Administration before booking.
What is the weather like during the show?
July is Shanghai's hottest and most humid month, with daytime highs typically around 32-35 C, overnight lows near 26-28 C and frequent heavy showers or thunderstorms. It also falls inside the June-to-September typhoon season. Build indoor transfer time into your schedule, carry a compact umbrella and pack light, breathable business dress.
Will there be technical sessions alongside the exhibition?
The event typically runs a technical programme of application case studies and supplier presentations alongside the stands, covering topics such as multi-material joining, battery-enclosure design and structural casting. Session titles, times and rooms for the current edition are published on the schedule page of lightweightasia.com rather than being fixed far in advance.
Can I visit both Lightweight Asia and Aluminium China with one badge?
The two exhibitions share the SNIEC venue and are normally covered by a single visitor registration, subject to the organiser's current badge rules. Plan at least two days if you want real coverage of both, since the combined halls span materials supply, process equipment and downstream component manufacturing.
What should I bring for productive supplier meetings?
Bring your material and process specifications - alloy and gauge targets, load cases, joining constraints, annual volumes and quality standards such as IATF 16949 expectations - plus business cards with a Chinese translation if possible. Exhibitors respond far better to a defined application problem than to a general capability request, and follow-up quotations usually need the technical data first.
Glossary
- Lightweighting
- Engineering a vehicle structure or component to carry the same loads at lower mass, using material substitution (aluminium, magnesium, composites), gauge optimisation, topology optimisation or a combination. Mass saved on a body or battery enclosure translates into range, payload or battery-cost savings, especially in electric vehicles.
- Body-in-white (BIW)
- The joined, unpainted vehicle body shell before closures, glass, trim and powertrain are fitted. BIW design is the central battleground at Lightweight Asia because it determines how much aluminium, press-hardened steel or composite each vehicle carries.
- Press-hardened steel (PHS) / hot stamping
- A forming route in which boron steel blank is austenitised in a furnace and simultaneously formed and quenched in a cooled die. It delivers very high strength at thin gauges, which is why PHS competes with aluminium in safety-critical pillars, sills and reinforcements.
- Aluminium extrusion
- Pushing heated aluminium billet through a shaped die to create long, constant-cross-section profiles. Extrusions form crash-management systems, battery enclosure frames, roof rails and spaceframes; the show's aluminium side covers alloy choice, die design and tolerances.
- Structural / structural-integrity die casting
- High-pressure die casting of large, thin-walled aluminium parts that carry crash and stiffness loads, increasingly used for rear floor and body node consolidation, and for so-called mega-casting of complete rear or front structures.
- Carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)
- Composite of carbon fibres in a polymer matrix, offering very high specific stiffness and strength. Cost, cycle time and recycling remain the barriers, so the show's composites track focuses on fast-cure resins, automated preforming and thermoplastic CFRP.
- Multi-material joining
- Connecting dissimilar materials (aluminium to steel, aluminium to composite) without galvanic corrosion or heat damage. Techniques on display typically include self-pierce riveting (SPR), friction stir welding (FSW), laser and remote welding, clinching, flow-drill screws and structural adhesives.
- Self-pierce riveting (SPR)
- A cold joining process where a semi-tubular rivet is driven through the top sheet and flares into the lower sheet without a pre-drilled hole. It is the workhorse of aluminium-intensive BIW assembly and is paired with adhesive bonding in modern body shops.
- Friction stir welding (FSW)
- A solid-state welding process using a rotating, non-consumable tool to stir plasticised material along a joint. Used for aluminium battery trays, floors and e-axle housings because it avoids melting and preserves alloy properties.
- Battery enclosure / battery pack housing
- The structural tray and lid that protect and locate the cells. It must meet crash, sealing (IP ratings), thermal and fire-resistance requirements, making extruded aluminium, die-cast frames and composite lids a major lightweighting application.
- Tailor welded blank (TWB) and tailor rolled blank (TRB)
- Flat blanks assembled from different steel or aluminium gauges and grades, or rolled to variable thickness, then stamped into one part. They put material only where loads require it, cutting mass in doors, sills and rails.
- Gigacasting / mega-casting
- The trend toward single very large die-cast aluminium parts replacing dozens of stamped and welded components, driven by supplied large-tonnage presses. It changes body-shop joining, repair strategy and the aluminium alloy supply chain discussed at the show.
- Closed-loop aluminium recycling
- Returning production scrap and end-of-life aluminium to melt without downgrading the alloy, so lightweighting gains are not lost to the high energy intensity of primary aluminium. Recycled content and low-carbon (hydro or renewable-powered) aluminium are increasingly specified in automotive contracts.
- Specific stiffness / specific strength
- Stiffness or strength divided by density. These are the comparison metrics buyers use when matching steel, aluminium, magnesium and composite candidates to a given load case, and the language in which exhibitors present material data sheets.
- Forming simulation / CAE
- Numerical modelling of stamping, casting, joining and crash performance before tooling is cut. For lightweight materials with tighter forming windows (aluminium sheet, high-strength steel, composites) simulation is what makes first-time-right parts possible.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Shanghai lightweight materials
- lightweight materials expo
- Lightweight Asia 2026 2027
- Lightweight Asia 2027
- Lightweight Asia 2026 Shanghai 2027
- Lightweight Asia Shanghai 2027
- Shanghai China
- Automotive Shanghai 2027
- Lightweight Materials Shanghai 2027
- Manufacturing Shanghai
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.