At AMB 2026, Open Mind Technologies will present the latest Hypermill CAD/CAM enhancements and the Hummingbird MES. The focus is on efficient machining, automated deburring, AI-supported CAM programming and integrated tool management for more productive manufacturing.

Precision injection moulding is becoming a key part of Kimball Electronics’ medical growth strategy. With the acquisition of Helvoet Polymer Technologies, the company gains advanced micro-moulding capabilities for microfluidics, diagnostics and drug delivery, while expanding its manufacturing footprint in Europe and India.

Elmet has appointed Dr Markus Nuspl as CEO, bringing in an experienced industry manager with extensive expertise in silicone processing, quality management and corporate development. With a focus on sustainable growth, innovation and long-term partnerships, Nuspl is set to guide the company through its next phase of international development.

A planned joint venture is set to give Shibaura Machine and EPF a stronger sales and service platform for injection moulding machines in Italy and Southern Europe.

Tool manufacturer HAM uses Knoll’s innovative Aerosol Master 4000 ATS minimum quantity lubrication system to achieve high-quality machining results. The ultra-fine air-oil mixture provides cooling for materials ranging from aluminium to titanium while significantly reducing costs.

Large-format automotive components with Class A surfaces can now be produced directly in the injection mould without downstream painting or coating. At the Surface Innovation Days 2026, more than 300 visitors saw how the clearmelt process combines polyurethane flooding, film integration and injection moulding in a continuous series-production process.

A new cloud-based control architecture could reshape how CNC machines communicate, process data and respond to production conditions. Developed at the University of Illinois, the C-DNC framework links machine, client and cloud resources in a more integrated manufacturing environment.

Cost-efficient compound formulations, lightweight components and recyclate-based materials will shape the company’s presentation at Fakuma 2026. The exhibits range from blowing-agent masterbatches and thermally conductive plastics to high-performance compounds for an autonomous agricultural drone.

A new method of 3D printing avoids the leaky seams that come with the layer-by-layer process. Using a nanoscale “mask” that diffracts laser light into a holographic pattern of the desired shape, it fuses its print material solid in one shot. The process takes about 20 seconds, a stark contrast with the hours other laser-based printing methods can take.

Europe’s widening innovation and productivity gap is increasing pressure on the EU to strengthen research funding. Industry associations are calling for a substantially larger FP10 budget to support competitiveness, technology development and cross-border collaboration.