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.

The 30th edition of Plastpol brought 15,000 visitors and 660 exhibitors from 36 countries to Kielce. The trade fair highlighted investments in automation, energy efficiency and recycling technologies despite a slower European plastics market.

At Plast 2026 in Milan, Rodolfo Comerio will focus on how calendering lines are becoming more automated, efficient and data-driven. The company will present technologies for rubber, PVC and plastics processing, including patented systems for faster changeovers, reduced waste, improved safety and real-time production monitoring.

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 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.

A new generation of li:on youth bikes combines lightweight construction, safety and sustainable production with advanced injection moulding technology. Their recyclable Fibrit frames, made with recycled carbon fibres, are produced in Germany using water injection technology and servo-driven hot runner systems from Oerlikon HRS Flow.

Rubber-like materials are expanding the possibilities of industrial 3D printing. With thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), components can now be produced that combine elasticity, strength, and design freedom in a single process. Using selective laser sintering, Speedpart delivers flexible solutions from prototype to small series.

Threaded metal inserts offer a practical solution to improve the durability and reusability of threaded connections in 3D printed parts. E-Z Lok provides a range of press-in and heat-stake inserts designed specifically for use with thermoplastics, helping to ensure secure fastening and consistent performance in prototyping and production environments.

BASF introduces Ultrason D 1010 G6 U40, a cutting-edge high-flow PESU blend designed to meet the growing demands of energy-efficient electronics. Offering superior flowability, thermal stability and electrical performance, this next-gen thermoplastic enables more compact, durable, and reliable E&E components — ideal for e-mobility, smart tech, and high-voltage applications.

At the Paris Air Show, Hexcel and Arkema unveiled a breakthrough in aerospace manufacturing: a thermoplastic composite component produced via high-speed injection overmoulding. Developed within the Helues project, the innovation promises faster, lighter, and more sustainable aircraft production.