MA Alexander Stark

The long-negotiated trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc has entered a decisive phase, with EU member states clearing the way for signature in early 2026. While political debate continues, particularly around sensitive sectors, the agreement is increasingly relevant for industrial value chains.

From hybrid machine tools to AI-driven robotics and automated post-processing, additive manufacturing is entering a new phase of industrial maturity. A look at current technologies shows how AM is becoming a reliable, scalable element of modern production.

Electronics are moving off circuit boards and into the structure of the plastic part itself. Tactotek’s IMSE approach is driving this shift, combining design freedom with robust functionality — and prompting mould makers to rethink how tools, films, and processes are engineered for next-generation applications.

Ten years after its debut, Formnext has evolved from a niche event into the central marketplace for Additive Manufacturing. The 2025 edition shows how AM is no longer just about prototypes but a key driver of industrial transformation, efficiency and competitiveness.

The EU aims to boost circularity in the automotive sector with new rules on vehicle design and recycling. The proposal includes targets for recycled plastic, stricter end-of-life treatment and clearer export rules.

Hot runner manufacturers have introduced a range of innovative products and solutions in 2024, designed to improve injection moulding processes. Their advancements focus on boosting efficiency, reducing waste and increasing production flexibility.

A British start-up has launched the world’s first, infinitely reusable moulding technology — Polymorphic moulding. The company’s technology can shapeshift in under 20 minutes, producing zero tooling waste and making usable parts 14 times faster than 3D printing.

Produced by the Plastics Industry Association, NPE 2024 will be held 6-10 May 2024 in Orlando, Florida. This event is one of the largest and most anticipated in the plastics industry, attracting attendees and exhibitors from around the world.

The Portuguese tool and mould industry, with its roots in glass production, has evolved into a global powerhouse of the plastics industry. At the forefront of innovation, it consistently invests in research and development, adopting cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Explore the landscape of today's market in this deep dive.

Progressive Components has been a pioneer in mould monitoring since 1994, when the company introduced the industry's first cycle counters. Its latest innovations further streamline asset management for OEMs, mould makers and tooling companies by transforming tools and moulds into intelligent factory components.

The 28th Fakuma international trade fair will be opening its doors in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from 17 to 21 October 2023. The trade fair highlight for injection moulding, extrusion technology, thermoforming and 3D printing will focus on several future-oriented topics.

Renishaw, a technology trailblazer, is renowned for its unparalleled precision in measurement and manufacturing. Born from the innovation of the touch-trigger probe for the Concorde's Olympus engines, the company is now a pioneer in fields ranging from 3D printing to robotics.

Moulding Expo is this year’s most important trade fair for the European tool and mould making industry. The event offers an opportunity to come together to explore current trends and challenges. 400 exhibitors have registered, with more than a third coming from abroad.

The surface finish of moulds is crucial, because it has a major impact on the quality of the articles produced and on the lifetime of a tool. ECP is a unique method that ensures smooth surfaces. PMM Moldes from Portugal makes this technology available to other mould makers as well.

According to a recent market research report published by Markets and Markets, the Micro Injection Moulding Machine Market will be worth 609 million Dollars by 2026. The tools and moulds required for these processes have to be machined with specialised cutting tools that ensure accuracy down to the micron.

Selecting a tool steel supplier is a key decision for the tool maker, the tool user and the end customer. It is not only crucial to select the correct steel grade for a specific tool and mould but it is more and more important keep the overall CO2 emissions for steel products and the supply chains of final customers in mind.

With the Virtual Innovation Day on 10 June 2021, Moulding Expo has launched a first targeted measure for the next physical trade fair for tool, pattern and mould making in 2023. At the beginning of the four-hour online event, industry leaders discussed the status quo, challenges and the future of European tool, pattern and mould making. ETMM has summarized the most important aspects of the discussion for you.

Italy — In a press conference on 26 May 2021, Emo Milano and German machine tool association VDW presented a preview of the upcoming trade fair to be held in Milan in October 2021. Barbara Colombo of Ucimu expressed her optimism that the industry is recovering, not least because of reviving international trade. Indeed, market figures point at a strong recovery looming on the horizon.

UK — With the arrival of the Figure 4 Standalone 3D printer from 3D Systems, the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) now has an affordable solution for functional prototyping and low volume production.

The Portuguese tool and mould industry, with its roots in glass production, has evolved into a global powerhouse of the plastics industry. At the forefront of innovation, it consistently invests in research and development, adopting cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Explore the landscape of today's market in this deep dive.

Germany — For some years now, it has been possible to manufacture metal components using fused layer modeling (FLM). Its limitations and quality characteristics compared to metal injection molding have now been explored by researchers at Fraunhofer IPA.

Progressive Components has been a pioneer in mould monitoring since 1994, when the company introduced the industry's first cycle counters. Its latest innovations further streamline asset management for OEMs, mould makers and tooling companies by transforming tools and moulds into intelligent factory components.

Germany — The aspect of digitalisation has gained further momentum in the wake of the Corona pandemic. But what role do people play in an increasingly digitised production environment? in this article Metav puts the spotlight on the changing corporate culture in smart factories.

IMTS 2022 — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which runs 12 to 17 September at Chicago’s McCormick Place, is chock full of exhibitors, conferences, and other attractions focused on advanced manufacturing technology.

Hot runner manufacturers have introduced a range of innovative products and solutions in 2024, designed to improve injection moulding processes. Their advancements focus on boosting efficiency, reducing waste and increasing production flexibility.

Produced by the Plastics Industry Association, NPE 2024 will be held 6-10 May 2024 in Orlando, Florida. This event is one of the largest and most anticipated in the plastics industry, attracting attendees and exhibitors from around the world.

A British start-up has launched the world’s first, infinitely reusable moulding technology — Polymorphic moulding. The company’s technology can shapeshift in under 20 minutes, producing zero tooling waste and making usable parts 14 times faster than 3D printing.

A tool and mould maker in transformation. What is changing at this medium-sized company as a result of the conversion to Industry 4.0 and digitalisation?

Germany — Using selective laser melting, a research project has designed an internal combustion engine that is 21 percent lighter. In addition, a new design achieved better cooling characteristics and a more efficient oil circulation system.

Germany — Manufacturer of 3D printing equipment, Asiga, is partnering in Henkel’s Open Materials Platform to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in various industries with production-grade 3D printed parts that are both accurate and functional.

Italy — In a press conference on 26 May 2021, Emo Milano and German machine tool association VDW presented a preview of the upcoming trade fair to be held in Milan in October 2021. Barbara Colombo of Ucimu expressed her optimism that the industry is recovering, not least because of reviving international trade. Indeed, market figures point at a strong recovery looming on the horizon.

Germany — Medium-sized companies in the tool and die industry are often short of engineers, and competition in the Far East is getting fiercer. For these reasons, a start-up called Clous has developed a platform for outsourcing design tasks. Read how crowdsourcing is set to enter the engineering industry.

Office-friendly metal additive manufacturing systems are on the rise. Next-Generation technology further simplifies metal 3D printing for low volume production with a breakthrough, two-step process.

Ten years after its debut, Formnext has evolved from a niche event into the central marketplace for Additive Manufacturing. The 2025 edition shows how AM is no longer just about prototypes but a key driver of industrial transformation, efficiency and competitiveness.

With the Virtual Innovation Day on 10 June 2021, Moulding Expo has launched a first targeted measure for the next physical trade fair for tool, pattern and mould making in 2023. At the beginning of the four-hour online event, industry leaders discussed the status quo, challenges and the future of European tool, pattern and mould making. ETMM has summarized the most important aspects of the discussion for you.

Electromobility is catching on and is forcing an entire industry to transform. But how do the individual markets develop in terms of demand, production and infrastructure? An analysis of six countries.

In some areas of industrial manufacturing, AM is increasingly emerging from the shadows of conventional processes. But the big breakthrough in series production is still missing. We asked our 3D experts why.

In 2022 K in Düsseldorf will once again be one of the most important information and business platforms for the global plastics and rubber industry. The trade fair has comprised the challenges facing the industry in three distinct leading themes.

The 28th Fakuma international trade fair will be opening its doors in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from 17 to 21 October 2023. The trade fair highlight for injection moulding, extrusion technology, thermoforming and 3D printing will focus on several future-oriented topics.

The EU aims to boost circularity in the automotive sector with new rules on vehicle design and recycling. The proposal includes targets for recycled plastic, stricter end-of-life treatment and clearer export rules.

The Swiss company Exxentis AG will present the advantages of porous aluminum at Hannover Messe 2019.

Ireland — 2k moulding is one of the most innovative processes in use in plastics manufacturing today. Although the concept has been around for many decades, as with all tech processes, there have been a lot of technological advances in the use of 2k moulding in recent times. With a wide set of applications, it has many practical uses.

Moulding Expo is this year’s most important trade fair for the European tool and mould making industry. The event offers an opportunity to come together to explore current trends and challenges. 400 exhibitors have registered, with more than a third coming from abroad.

With the Virtual Innovation Day on 10 June 2021, Moulding Expo has launched a first targeted measure for the next physical trade fair for tool, pattern and mould making in 2023. At the beginning of the four-hour online event, industry leaders discussed the status quo, challenges and the future of European tool, pattern and mould making. ETMM has summarized the most important aspects of the discussion for you.

The partnership of organizations leading the marketing industry with ABM insights and resources, ABM Leadership Alliance, announces key findings from its 2020 ABM research study. Conducted in partnership with Itsma, “Rethinking ABM for the Next Opportunity” is the fourth annual ABM benchmark study from the two organizations.

Tool manufacturer Widia has added an AL Geometry to its ISO Turning portfolio, adding to its broad offering of tooling solutions for small to medium sized machine shops, machining aluminum and non-ferrous materials.

According to a recent market research report published by Markets and Markets, the Micro Injection Moulding Machine Market will be worth 609 million Dollars by 2026. The tools and moulds required for these processes have to be machined with specialised cutting tools that ensure accuracy down to the micron.

Renishaw, a technology trailblazer, is renowned for its unparalleled precision in measurement and manufacturing. Born from the innovation of the touch-trigger probe for the Concorde's Olympus engines, the company is now a pioneer in fields ranging from 3D printing to robotics.

Germany — Novel hybrid process chains expand classic mould making to include the advantages of 3D printing. The Blöcher foundry is the first company from Europe to use a new 3D sand printing system.

Nexa 3D, the maker of ultrafast stereolithography production 3D printers, and Henkel announced an expansion of their partnership with Henkel to immediately deliver three new performance photopolymer materials through Nexa 3D channels globally.

Selecting a tool steel supplier is a key decision for the tool maker, the tool user and the end customer. It is not only crucial to select the correct steel grade for a specific tool and mould but it is more and more important keep the overall CO2 emissions for steel products and the supply chains of final customers in mind.

Switzerland — Many tool and mould makers are also located in Asia, and they are giving the European industry a hard time. A Swiss mould maker shows how to arm oneself against this with its well-selected milling machine park.

Austria — After a challenging year 2020, Meusburger is looking positively to 2021, mainly due to the new office building in Hohenems, the numerous digital solutions that have been newly and further developed for customers, and the product diversity as a full-range supplier in tool and mold making.

Germany — A host of training opportunities in technical and administrative positions will be offered by the British high-tech company Renishaw this year — including in Germany...

USA — Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) specializes in micro-precision 3D printing. The company's Micro Arch system is based on a 3D printing technology called PμSL (Projection Micro Stereolithography).

The surface finish of moulds is crucial, because it has a major impact on the quality of the articles produced and on the lifetime of a tool. ECP is a unique method that ensures smooth surfaces. PMM Moldes from Portugal makes this technology available to other mould makers as well.

Guide systems are one of the most important components of a properly functioning punching tool. In this area, Meusburger offers an extensive and systematic range of rolling and sliding guides for different requirements. In addition to numerous combination options between guide column and guide bushing, the guides are DIN/ISO compatible and optimally matched to Meusburger standard frames

Germany — For the 8th time in a row, Cadenas and partners call on students to submit their design ideas for a chance to win cash prizes.

Austria — The Austrian steel and technology group, Voestalpine, reports further recovery in key business segments during the third quarter of the business year 2020/21. This development followed a considerable decline in demand in almost all customer segments and regions during the first quarter 2020.

Trumpf Venture announces the final closing of the $ 15 million Series A funding round for Carbice Corporation led by Downing Ventures with additional funding provided by Trumpf Venture and Toyota AI Ventures.

Increasing importance is being attached to greater cost-efficiency and occupational safety during production processes. Hasco offers a wide range of solutions for meeting these requirements in the temperature control of injection moulds.

Electronics are moving off circuit boards and into the structure of the plastic part itself. Tactotek’s IMSE approach is driving this shift, combining design freedom with robust functionality — and prompting mould makers to rethink how tools, films, and processes are engineered for next-generation applications.

Italy — In a press conference on 26 May 2021, Emo Milano and German machine tool association VDW presented a preview of the upcoming trade fair to be held in Milan in October 2021. Barbara Colombo of Ucimu expressed her optimism that the industry is recovering, not least because of reviving international trade. Indeed, market figures point at a strong recovery looming on the horizon.

Mapal has launched a new series of drills for machining in the micro range. The drills of the new series Micro-Drill-Steel are available in a diameter range of 1-2.9 mm.

Germany — In a research project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), ATS Elektronik, the Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Machine Tools at Leibniz University in Hanover and Fauser are developing new functions for the Manufacturing Execution System of the future. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

South Korea — Software component provider Module Works announced that Doosan Machine Tools has integrated their cutting simulation technology into their Sketch Turn product. The software replaces Doosan’s previous cutting simulation engine and is part of the group’s strategy to optimize the availability and effectiveness of machining information on the shop floor.

From hybrid machine tools to AI-driven robotics and automated post-processing, additive manufacturing is entering a new phase of industrial maturity. A look at current technologies shows how AM is becoming a reliable, scalable element of modern production.

For anyone who is afraid of the intellectual and financial investments in 3D printing, experienced contract manufacturers are the obvious choice. These companies rely on different experiences and priorities.