Commercial hot runner systems have been available for over 40 years, and though the first design was patented in the US as long ago as 1940, the basic technique has not altered too much from the original. By Martin Courtney

Production might run perfectly smooth, but when manufacturers face urgent special orders, in-house ressources often reach their limit quickly. Stephen Dyson, Product Manager at Proto Labs, explains, why and how outsourcing can support quick delivery capabilities.

Based in the Swiss Rüthi, Säntis AG is a leader in the field of co-extruded multilayer films and injection-moulded packaging solutions in the food and non-food sectors. Säntis cleans its injection moulds with a dry ice blasting unit from Asco Carbon Dioxide Ltd. This allows for cleaning production tools gentle and efficient and therefore manufacture moulds more cost-effectively.

Germany – A look at the misinformation that prevents mouldmakers from taking advantage of 5-axis machining strategies to shorten total machining times. By Michael Cope, Senior Applications Engineer from Hurco

To produce moulds for glass, a Romanian company is relying on modern multi-sensor metrology. This laser scanner has cut project approval from two weeks to a day.

In the past, blow-moulding companies have largely avoided prototyping due to the high cost and long lead times of the process. Stratasys explains the steps needed to use its pair of technologies to eliminate these concerns.

UK – Continental Barum, a leading tyre manufacturer based in the Czech Republic, stays ahead of the competition by meeting its promises to deliver. On the shop floor, the company counts on Vericut simulation software to avoid programming errors. By Simon Simmons.

ETMM Publisher Ken Fouhy travelled to Asia to witness the latest introductions and equipment upgrades from South Korea’s Doosan, which is rapidly ramping up production.

Flex-Flow One is a valve gate system for hot runner nozzles that eliminates the need for an extra control unit. A simple driver module is connected to each nozzle, controlling the melt flow in order to produce moulded parts with a high reproducible quality.

Taiwanese entrepreneur Jimmy Chu and Italy’s Jobs have created a force in high-performance milling. Our Publisher Ken Fouhy reports that acquisitions and growth could boost FFG Europe sales to €200 million, and its first machines developed with FFG's Asian brands will debut at EMO.