Industrial applications, viable business models and post-processing will shape Formnext 2026, with around 800 exhibitors expected. A new Defence Summit and a revised hall layout are among the changes planned for the additive manufacturing exhibition, taking place from 17 to 20 November.

Shorter tool changes and faster spindle response are helping ABG Rubber & Plastics cut non-cutting time in plastics machining. A compact BT30 machining centre has increased capacity while supporting the Northampton manufacturer’s efforts to reduce energy consumption.

Environmental management and production capacity are advancing together at Clarity Plastics. The injection moulding specialist has secured ISO 14001 certification for its Birmingham and Telford sites while investing in larger mouldings, assembly and testing capabilities.

Hydraulic cylinders, sensors and connections from Meusburger support a range of mould making applications. Standard FKM seals allow operation at temperatures up to 180 °C, while CAD data with installation spaces helps designers integrate the components into mould designs.

Complex prototypes and small batches are driving demand for more flexible machining at Ogle Models and Prototypes. Its first 5-axis machining centre enables production with fewer setups, while an expanded toolchanger supports longer periods of unattended operation.

Micro-moulding demands more than simply making everything smaller. Precise thermal control, short residence times and stable melt delivery are becoming critical as medical and technical components shrink while their functionality increases.

Expanded coating capacity will support cutting tool production at Portuguese manufacturer Palbit, which has installed its fifth Cemecon system. The new CC800 Hipims also marks Cemecon’s 500th installation worldwide, extending a partnership spanning more than two decades.

German machine tool orders rose by 14 percent in the first half of 2026, supported by demand from aviation, defence and other growth sectors. Production continued to decline, however, and industry association VDW cautions that a broad recovery has yet to take hold.

Natural language questions could help operators troubleshoot injection moulding processes and adjust machine settings. At Fakuma 2026, Engel will demonstrate how its virtual assistant EVA uses machine context to recommend actions and passes changes to the control system once the operator confirms.

Specialists from the United Arab Emirates have completed plastics welding training at SKZ in Germany, combining practical work on piping systems with quality assurance, joint testing and research activities.