How advanced metal forming technologies are revolutionising manufacturing in South East Asia

As we move further into 2025, these changes are not only redefining traditional production paradigms but also unlocking new competitive advantages for manufacturers—especially in emerging industrial hubs like South East Asia.

From digitally enabled forming systems to green steel production, today's metal forming processes are faster, smarter, and more environmentally responsible than ever before. These advancements are equipping manufacturers with the tools they need to thrive in an era of mass customisation, tighter margins, and shifting global supply chains.

The rise of digital sheet metal forming (DSMF)

Among the most game-changing trends is Digital Sheet Metal Forming (DSMF), a software-driven approach that eliminates the need for custom tooling, dies, and lengthy setup times. Instead of relying on physical moulds, DSMF uses high-precision actuators guided by CAD files to shape sheet metal directly. This allows manufacturers to prototype and produce small batches of components more rapidly and cost-effectively than traditional methods.

One of the pioneering solutions in this space is Desktop Metal’s Figur G15 system, which delivers high-accuracy sheet metal forming with minimal mechanical stress on the material. With this machine, manufacturers can go from design to production in hours instead of weeks. Companies such as Evology Manufacturing are adopting the Figur G15 to serve clients in aerospace, defence, automotive, and even bespoke consumer goods—sectors where speed, flexibility, and precision are essential.

For Southeast Asian manufacturers that often work with short production runs or diverse customer requirements, DSMF presents a powerful opportunity to streamline operations and reduce costs without compromising on quality.

Embracing sustainability: Green steel technologies

As global attention intensifies on decarbonisation, the steel industry—a major player in metal forming—is under pressure to adopt cleaner processes. Traditional steelmaking, which relies on coal-based blast furnaces, contributes nearly 7–9% of global CO₂ emissions. To address this, steelmakers are investing in green technologies such as hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and electric arc furnaces (EAFs).

Sweden’s Hybrit project and Spain’s Hydnum Steel are at the forefront, using renewable energy and green hydrogen to cut emissions from steel production. In the United States, innovators like Boston Metal and Electra are developing modular systems that use electrolysis to produce iron without fossil fuels—making it possible to deploy sustainable steelmaking in regions with clean electricity access.

These technologies are highly relevant for South East Asia, where both industrial growth and environmental sustainability are national priorities. By adopting low-emission methods and partnering with global technology providers, regional steel producers can meet export demands, comply with stricter regulations, and support domestic green manufacturing initiatives.

Automation and Industry 4.0 Integration

Digital transformation continues to permeate metal forming operations through the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies—robotics, AI, IoT, and cloud-based analytics. These tools are not just about replacing manual labor; they enable real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance, and smarter resource management.

Machina Labs, a California-based startup, has developed robotic blacksmithing platforms that use AI to replicate and refine metal forming processes at incredible speed. Their solution reduces the time between R&D and production while enhancing design freedom.

For manufacturers in Southeast Asia, many of whom operate in competitive sectors like automotive and electronics, the integration of smart automation systems offers better control over production quality and efficiency—two critical success factors for global competitiveness.

Advancements in laser cutting and 3D metal printing

In parallel with DSMF and automation, improvements in laser cutting and additive manufacturing are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in metal forming. Today’s high-powered fiber lasers offer faster, cleaner cuts across a wider range of materials and thicknesses. Combined with CNC systems and automated loading/unloading, laser cutting has become an essential tool in any modern fabrication facility.

Meanwhile, 3D metal printing—or metal additive manufacturing—is giving engineers the ability to produce geometrically complex, lightweight, and custom-designed parts without the constraints of traditional forming. This technology is especially impactful for rapid prototyping and small-batch production in industries such as medical devices, aerospace, and specialised machinery.

Southeast Asian firms adopting these technologies stand to benefit from lower material waste, faster time-to-market, and a more agile production model—ideal for navigating market volatility and rising input costs.

South East Asia: An emerging force in smart metal forming

Across the ASEAN region, manufacturers are already investing in advanced metal forming capabilities to stay competitive. Indonesia’s PT. Roda Prima Lancar specialises in precision metal components for automotive applications, while SEA SUNTONE Industrial Co., Ltd. provides customised sheet metal fabrication for electronics and industrial systems.

Regional events such as METEC Southeast Asia in Bangkok and Manufacturing Indonesia in Jakarta offer platforms for industry players to explore the latest innovations, form strategic partnerships, and align with global best practices. These trade fairs also help bridge the gap between regional manufacturers and leading technology providers from Europe, China, and the U.S.

Governments are also playing a role by promoting digital infrastructure, vocational training, and investment incentives in smart manufacturing—an encouraging sign for companies looking to modernise.

Preparing for the next chapter

The evolution of metal forming is more than a technical upgrade—it is a strategic imperative. As the global manufacturing ecosystem becomes more connected, customised, and carbon-conscious, Southeast Asian manufacturers must be ready to adapt.

Technologies like DSMF, green steel production, automation, and additive manufacturing are not just trends—they are reshaping how we design, build, and distribute metal components. By embracing these innovations early, Southeast Asia can position itself as a regional hub for advanced, sustainable, and high-value manufacturing in the decade ahead.