Switching between fine-detail printing and high material throughput, a variable nozzle enables Herrmann Additive to produce large plastic components directly from pellets. Its VFGF process offers an alternative to tooling-based production, with applications ranging from lightweight automotive fixtures to a 205 kg pipe elbow.

Scaling plastics joining from benchtop development to automated production will be a focus of Emerson’s Branson exhibits at Fakuma 2026. Ultrasonic and laser welding systems, heat staking demonstrations and connectivity gateways will highlight options for process control, component assembly and production data exchange.

Shorten cooling cycles and increase output without adding injection moulding machines: high-conductivity mould alloys offer an alternative to conventional tool steels. Their ability to transfer heat more effectively can also help reduce warpage and scrap, although material selection brings machining considerations.

Lightweight and tethered beverage closures are the focus of Husky’s Hycap 4.0 tooling platform. According to the company, the design supports high-volume injection moulding while reducing wear, simplifying maintenance and accommodating different closure designs.

New machinery and revised production processes are set to expand in-house manufacturing of plates and bars at Hasco’s Lüdenscheid headquarters. The investment aims to shorten transport routes, improve product availability and support cost-effective production for tool and mould makers.

A new sales and service partnership with Triproject Bled will support users of Shibaura Machine LWB’s horizontal injection moulding machines in Slovenia and Croatia. The agreement covers thermoplastic applications, including all-electric and hydraulic machines.

Replace the cutting head and retain the carbide shank: Horn’s DM40 PCD end mill is designed to reduce tooling costs when machining aluminium, plastics and other non-ferrous and non-metallic materials. Users can change heads on-site and resharpen the PCD tips up to twice.

A fully automated production cell combines two-component injection moulding, precise placement of 384 metal pins, assembly and packaging. Developed by RKT for a laboratory reaction vessel, the integrated process reduced cycle time by around 20 percent.

Bringing research, engineering and prototyping under one roof, the Mazak Innovation Hub aims to shorten machine tool development times and support joint projects with external partners. Yamazaki Mazak plans to open the centre in August 2027.

Marking medical components directly inside the injection mould eliminates a separate processing step. At Fakuma 2026, Arburg, Kebo and Matriq will demonstrate how microheaters create individual Data Matrix codes on auto-injector housings, linking each part to its production data for traceability.