The objective of all micro-moulding projects is the timely, cost-effective, repeatable manufacture of often complex and extremely tight tolerance plastic parts and components. The key is to get it right first time, and this can only be achieved by attention to detail at every stage of the product development process — from design to automated packaging.

The Portuguese mould making industry has been growing and has consolidated its market position as No. 8 in the world over the past years. One of the secrets to the success of the industry is its willingness to cooperate, a visit to this year’s Moulds Event revealed.

Germany — The plastics processing sector is one of the most energy-intensive industries. Plastic packaging manufacture particularly stands out in this respect with its high-speed machines and high production quantities. As the demand for high-quality plastic packaging will continue to rise, processors are focusing their efforts on increasing resource and energy efficiency. If we take the injection moulding process as an example, it is clear how numerous parameters need to be fine-tuned to advance these efforts.

Cutting tools are the be-all and end-all of tool and mould making. Since efficiency and quality requirements in this industry are constantly increasing, suppliers respond with tools that are highly specialised to meet the demands of diverse customer applications.

At K 2022, which will take place in Düsseldorf from 19 to 26 October, Oerlikon HRS Flow will focus on an extensive range of hot runners tailored to small shot weights and the new Xp nozzle series for use in thin-wall injection moulding. Both support the trend towards greater sustainability by helping to reduce energy consumption in plastics processing.

Excitement is mounting in the run-up to the K 2022, the world’s leading trade fair for the plastics industry. Under the motto of “There is only a Plan A” the machine manufacturer wants to underline its committed to sustainability, the circular economy and carbon reduction.

Günther Hot Runner Technology will present a new control system at the K trade fair from 19 to 26 October 2022 in Düsseldorf. The Blue Master series offers exceptional control performance, comprehensive connectivity and smart operation.

Mold-Masters’ E-Multi auxiliary equipment provides Easy Plast with the capability to maximize productivity. Critical component to the success of this application is its precise shot weight and repeatability, the customer reports.

A US-based moulding company integrates game-changing processing software and machine learning with a state-of-the-art mould shop. Siemens NX CAD/CAM helps the company to integrate mould design and manufacturing as well as to realise automated mould development.

Germany — Investing in the machine room of the future: At its headquarters in Lossburg, Germany, Arburg has launched a 5G campus network from Deutsche Telekom. This is to enable the manufacturer of injection moulding machines to test innovative applications for its own production.