Jörg Essinger, head of application technology at Günther Heisskanaltechnik, explains how hot runners can improve the process and cut waste when turning harder materials embedded in plastics into finished products.

Germany – Germany’s precision tooling industry grew by 3% to around €9.9bn in 2016 and is expected to rise another 3% in 2017, the VDMA Precision Tools Association said at its annual press conference in Frankfurt yesterday.

France — 3D-printing company Multistation signed a collaboration agreement in France for the Gravity SLS 3D-printing ecosystem of Wematter.

Switzerland — Plastics processors are facing fierce competition for sufficient quantities of high-quality recycled materials. It’s not just procurement that’s a challenge for manufacturers; processing the recycled material also calls for in-depth expertise. For the application to be successful, plastics processors should observe the following five golden rules.

UK — Digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and low-volume parts Protolabs, has joined forces with RS Components, a global omni-channel product and service solutions provider for industrial customers and suppliers.

Europe - Europe’s tool and mould makers are facing fierce competition caused by increasing cost pressures and globalisation; which, on the other hand, also offers opportunities to tap into new markets and embrace new technologies. Let’s see what 2017 holds for the industry.

The highly specialised occupation of a tool, pattern and mould-maker will find a perfect platform at Moulding Expo which will be staged at Messe Stuttgart from 21 to 24 May 2019. The trade fair will provide an extensive overview of the educational and training programmes in the industry, and will become involved directly in advanced training and education of young people.

For finish turning of HRSA materials, NTK cutting tools has now introduced its new JP0 Bidemics range of inserts.

Turkey - Inside 3D Printing Istanbul 2017 is concentrated on medium and large manufacturing companies, their suppliers, and specialist industrial producers. There will be both local and international experts in attendance, to discuss the latest industrial application of 3D printing, including recent materials developments.

Canada – Last year was a record year for the global supplier of automated injection moulding solutions, Mold Hotrunner Solutions (MHS). Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the company, which specialises in valve gate hot runner systems, reports a growth in revenue by 40%. Furthermore, MHS has recently increased its workforce in North America by 25% to meet strong customer demand in the medical, automotive, packaging and appliance sectors.