As tools move across plants, suppliers and systems, structured asset management becomes a competitive factor. Carlos Saboga explains what moulders and OEMs should monitor, where many companies still fall short, and how better tooling data supports performance.

A global garden and power-tool brand has brought the production of two critical thermoset engine components in-house at its US plant to stabilise dimensional accuracy and functional quality. Central to the new injection moulding cell is a fully automated, inline de-flashing solution from Rösler.

Arburg is exiting the additive manufacturing market by the end of 2025 to refocus on its core injection moulding business — while ensuring full service and spare parts support for existing Freeformer users.

India’s tooling industry will be back in focus when Die & Mould India Expo returns to Mumbai in April 2026. The 14th edition is set to build on strong momentum, bringing together global technology providers, machine builders and toolmakers to showcase advanced solutions across the entire die and mould value chain.

With a planned majority stake in LWB Steinl, Shibaura Machine is expanding its footprint in Germany and Europe. The partnership combines Shibaura’s global injection moulding know-how with LWB’s specialization in vertical machines and automation.

A new milestone in autonomous injection moulding has earned Engel the Swiss Plastics Expo Award 2026. At the Lucerne show, the company presented its first self-regulating injection moulding cell, combining an all-electric e-mac machine with inject AI to optimise process stability, reduce scrap and ease operator workload.

At K 2025, Arburg will showcase the “Nextgen Medical Solution” developed in collaboration with Sanofi and partners Hack Formenbau and HB-Therm. The turnkey production cell for injector pen caps demonstrates how early cooperation, digital networking and intelligent assistance systems can reduce costs, energy use and footprint while ensuring high part quality and productivity in medical technology.

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.

When 150 mouldmakers in a 320-strong manufacturing group adopt one cooling concept across the toolroom, it is worth paying attention. Bekto’s complete conversion to Hasco’s Cooling Tornado suggests a new standard may be emerging in mouldmaking.

More global than ever, Plastpol 2026 will bring together around 600 companies from over 30 countries, reinforcing Poland’s role as a growing hub for technology, supply chains and industrial partnerships in the plastics sector.