European Plastic Product Manufacturer - Latest News

In-Line Surface Quality Inspection System from Zumbach Electronics

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 30, 2010

Zumbach Electronics has announced the release of a new, ultra-modern surface inspection system. The SIMAC 63 is the latest model available in the Zumbach family of surface inspection using state-of-the-art image processing. The design was allegedly developed to achieve the best price/performance ratio for practically all tubes, hoses, cables and other quality products made of plastic, rubber and other materials. The intention is to meet market demand for a compact, industrial-proof and cost-effective system.

Zumbach claim that the system uses a graphical user interface of the latest generation, which gives a bright and focused image, which can see surface faults down to 100 micrometers.

MM Live 2010 Micro Manufacturing Conference Programme Finalised

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 29, 2010

The organiser of MM Live - the Micro & Precision Manufacturing event - is delighted to announce that the 2010 Micro Manufacturing Conference Programme has now been finalised. Following the launch of the Micro Manufacturing seminars in 2008, and the successful transition into a full two-day conference programme in 2009, the 2010 Micro Manufacturing conference has once again attracted the industry's most prominent and influential experts to present.

Taking place 19th - 20th October at the prestigious Ricoh Arena, Coventry, this years' conference has again dedicated itself to the ever growing and changing world of micro and precision manufacturing by focusing on the key industry sectors, which are truly pushing the micro boundaries ever further. Dedicated sessions will take place across the two days on Micro Machining, Laser Micro Manufacturing, Micro Moulding and Micro Inspection.

Day 1 of the conference will kick off with a keynote address from Professor Dragos Axinte, the Director of Rolls-Royce UTC in Manufacturing Technology at the University of Nottingham. Professor Axinte will present a paper title "3D micro-texturing of diamond structures: from fabrication techniques to opportunities in developing innovative micro-products", this paper looks at how diamond structures are currently under-utilised in industrial applications and will discuss his revolutionary findings and examples of innovative applications of diamond 3D micro-features for the development of high value-added micro-products: from tooling, electronics and medical/sensing applications to the jewellery industry. Brent Hahn from Accumold, will present the keynote address on Day 2, with a key focus on "Material Selection with an Eye on Micro Moulding".

An impressive array of speakers will follow who have been especially selected due to their unrivalled knowledge and experience within the different sectors of the micro and precision manufacturing industry. These speakers include: Arthur Turner, Rainford Precision Machines; J. Rhett Mayor, Georgia Institute of Technology; Walter Maurer, Waterjet AG, Natalie Salk, Fraunhofer Institut, Ben Whiteside, Polymer Micro and Nano Technology School of Engineering, Design and Technology, University of Bradford; Reinhard Danzl, Alicona Imaging GmbH; Nadeem Rizvi, Laser Micromachining; and Alexy Karenowska, Oxford University.

The organiser, Rapid News Publications, is fully confident of attracting a record number of industry experts to this years' show who are looking to network with like-minded professionals, develop their knowledge and keep their company one step ahead of the competition. Attendance to the MM Live exhibition and conference is completely free of charge.

For the full conference programme and to pre-register, please visit www.mmliveuk.com.

BASF Declares Force Maejure on Plastomoll DNA, Palatinol N, Hexamoll DINCH and Selected Palamoll Grades

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 30, 2010

Germany based chemical company BASF has been forced to declare a force majeure situation on its iso-Nonanol (INA) plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The company claims that it has occurred because of a shortage of raw materials caused by an unforeseeable technical defect. The INA plant is currently shut down to do the necessary repair work. BASF is expecting to restart production of INA in Ludwigshafen within the next few days.

A force maejure is implemented to remove liabilities and obligations from a business if something occurs which is out of the control of the company.

Messe Dusseldorf's packaging trade fairs popular with British companies

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 29, 2010

British companies in the packaging sector and related processing industries are showing renewed interest in major international markets. This is evident from their presence at events staged by Messe D�seldorf and its Packaging product family.

According to the current registration figures, British exhibitors at Interpack 2011 (12 to 18 May 2011) will occupy even more space than they did at the record 2008 edition, thus ranking among the TOP 6 exhibitor nations. As the world's leading trade fair for the processing and packaging industries, interpack is the flagship of the Packaging product family. But UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA and International PackTech India in the key markets of Russia and India are attracting gratifying numbers of international exhibitors as well.

The UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA is regarded as Russia's leading international packaging trade fair for machine manufacturers. British companies are represented here, too. During the most recent UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA in January 2010, 21,000 visitors came to the Krasnya Presnya exhibition grounds, where INTERPLASTICA 2010, the international trade fair for plastics and rubber, is traditionally staged at the same time. At both trade fairs, the atmosphere was one of renewing confidence in a market with enormous growth potential. The next UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA is scheduled for 25 to 28 January 2011.

The International PackTech India, which will be held in Mumbai from 18 to 20 November 2010, is an efficient marketing instrument for players in the international packaging sector who are interested in the Indian market. The upcoming International PackTech India will be taking place parallel to drink technology India for the first time, thus creating a unique trade platform for the packaging, beverage and liquid food industries. This combination enables both exhibitors and visitors to benefit from the professionalism, expertise and organisational skills of Messe D�seldorf and Messe M�chen as the organisers of interpack and drinktec, the leading international trade fairs in their respective sectors. International exhibitors are already showing great interest in International PackTech India.

HASCO to Bring New Technology to K 2010

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 29, 2010

HASCO, a German-based manufacturer of standard mould units and hot runners is bringing several new innovations to K 2010.

One development which HASCO are keen to display is the pre-hardened, high-quality steel Toolox33, which is now available as an undrilled P-plate, as a finished cavity plate in K20 quality, or as K252 with finish machining allowances in the system drillings. The special stability features of this material make finish machining possible in one setting.

Also on display will be the comprehensive de-moulding range, which includes latch locking units, two-stage ejectors, transmission elements and collapsible cores for de-moulding internal threads and undercuts. Additionally there will be a new product in the range, in the form of the Z1216/… injector set cover, which protects the ejector set against the penetration of dust and foreign particles, thus reducing downtimes during production.

HASCO also has a range of cooling elements, which are designed to dissipate the heat from the cavity at every desired position, thus ensuring optimum cycle times. The range starts with the entire series of hoses and connections, through to spiral cores and diverting elements. The new diverting plug Z9675/... is used to position the ejector bore through the cooling channels, allowing significantly greater flexibility in tool design. The new intermediate size M9x1 for the sealing plugs Z94/… and Z940/…. can allegedly now seal size 8 cooling channels with considerably less effort.

In the field of hot runner technology, HASCO claims that they will highlight various needle valve solutions as well as innovative solutions for difficult gating positions in many tools. Two new control units have also been added to the range. Including the Multi hot runner control unit Z1240, which HASCO claims is the most efficient and convenient unit in the range

HASCO will be in hall 1, stand A23 at K 2010.

Plasma used in Injection Moulding Prevents Adhesion of PUR Foams

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 28, 2010

Germany-based groups Plasmatreat (a specialist in atmospheric plasma technology) and Ceracon (a producer of foam sealing systems) have teamed up to create a unique solution that will make its debut at K 2010.

In existing injection moulding processes, polyurethane foams have been known to stick to the mould, costing the manufacturers time and money in cleaning materials. In many cases the inner side of the mould is sprayed with a release agent before moulding, however this carries the risk that harmful chemicals in the agent might leave a deposit on the finished product. Another alternative is to apply a more durable coating, but this process tends to be a long and costly one, as the mould must first be demounted, then sent to a specialist company for the removal of the old coat and the deposit of the new one, before being sent back and remounted.

At the K show, Plasmatreat and Ceracon will demonstrate the atmospheric plasma technology Openair, allegedly makes the processing of polyurethane by in-mould coating and in-mould regeneration simpler and cleaner. The innovative green coating process is called Plasmaplus and is a new method of selective anti-adhesion coating, which takes place inside the PUR injection mould. The anti-adhesion effect is generated by a plasma polymerization in the mould, without any release agents or other wet chemicals. In addition, the removal and replacement of the old coating is no longer necessary, as the plasma can regenerate the old coating whilst in the mould itself.

New Head of Communications at European Bioplastics

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 28, 2010

European Bioplastics, a Germany-based association representing the interests of the European bioplastics industry has recently appointed Kristy-Barbara Lange as the new Head of Communications, effective from 1 July 2010. Lange will be responsible for press and media relations and will report to the Managing Director, Hasso von Pogrell.

Before joining European Bioplastics, Lange worked for two communication agencies in Germany. From 2007 to 2010 she worked for Hill & Knowlton Communications GmbH - an international network agency. As an Account Manager focusing on public affairs and corporate communications, Lange counted well-known international energy companies as well as major European infrastructure projects among her clients. She gained comprehensive expertise and insight into international communication requirements - especially with respect to sensitive issues in the field of public affairs.

Lange holds a degree in Political Science of Heidelberg University as well as a diploma as Communications Manager from PR-Plus Academy in Heidelberg. In five years of working experience Lange developed a focus on media relations, corporate publishing and event management.

"The European bioplastics market is growing continuously and so is European Bioplastics. The diversity of our members as well as the diversity of their products represent a challenge for the communications team of a smaller association. Targetgroup sensitivity and communications efficiency will be of highest priority," said Lange.

Managing Director Hasso von Pogrell explained: "As the most advanced association of the bioplastics industry worldwide, well defined and focused communications measures take an important place within our scope of work. The communication strategy will be continuously revised according to the needs of our fast growing industry."

Piovan to Cover Wide Spectrum of Processes at K 2010

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 27, 2010

Italy-based auxiliary equipment specialists Piovan has offered a glimpse of what to expect at K 2010. In the field of dehumidification, the focus for the company will be on GENESYS, a system that allegedly represents the next generation of dryers, shown in the specific PET processing configuration.

Modula, another machine that will be on display, is an automatic trolley-mounted system, and is geared towards injection and blow moulding applications and comprises a DP622 dryer teamed with hoppers PTU600, PTU300 and PTUSET100, and 200.

Lybra is the latest line of gravimetric and volumetric dosers, designed to dose masterbatch, additives and recycled material. The range of dosing systems on display also includes weight-loss solutions for use in extrusion processes.

The exhibition area devoted to feeding and handling technologies will house Varyo, a line of vacuum units that regulate loading cycle stages automatically to eliminate mechanical stress on the polymer and reduce electricity consumption.

Additionally, a specific section will be devoted to the processing of bio-resins, such as PLA. Piovan claim to cater to this fast-growing sector by offering equipment designed and produced by Universal Dinamics, an American firm that has been with the group since 2008.

Finally, mould conditioning systems and innovations in refrigeration complete the range of equipment that Piovan will be displaying at K this year. Piovan will be in hall 9, stand C59.

Downward Head Pressure Creates New Possibilities for Producers

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 27, 2010

Ireland-based materials-blending specialist, TSM Control Systems is reportedly offering manufacturers new ways to improve their profit margins. New TSM technology focuses on combining standard processing requirements. Accurate dosing and homogeneous material mixing are brought together with material head pressure, which is a critical component when processing re-grind and flake materials.

The new downforce amplifier developed by TSM offers further downward head pressure to the existing cramming action created by the reverse flight auger, which TSM offers on each machine in its batch blender range. The downforce amplifier ensures that material throughput and, by extension, production speed can be maximized when processing difficult regrind materials.

This technology allows the processing of even the most difficult flake cramming materials into the throat of the extruder, thus eliminating variations in flow as a result of bulk density variations. The company claims that this process guarantees homogenous mixing, regardless of regrind percentages, material density or material geometry.

Oh Boy: Nine New Machines for Boy at K

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 26, 2010

Germany-based injection moulding specialist BOY will have plenty to offer at K 2010, with nine new BOY XS machines on display during the exhibition.

According to the company, these machines can produce small parts with injection volumes between 0.1 cm³ and 8 cm³ in an automatic, precise and efficient way. The BOY XS series of machines are available in horizontal or vertical configurations. The space requirements are 0.8 m² or 0.6 m².

In addition to being compact, the series has been designed to allow the integration of peripheral devices and handling equipment without the requirement of additional floor space, including devices used for drying, conveying and colouring. A new control device on the BOY XS also allows for the placement and removal of parts.

The machine assures the production of parts according to ISO 14644-1 (class 6/1000) cleanroom standards, which ensures sanitary cleanliness of the surrounding air. Micro-parts from biomedical engineering with injection volumes under 0.1 cm³ can be produced with sprueless injection.

Additionally, the machine has the ability to process different types of materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), MIM (metal injection moulding), PEEK and hot melts.

Another focus for BOY during K 2010 will be the BOY E-series of energy efficient machines.

New Reduction Techniques at K 2010

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Germany-based size reduction specialists Herbold Meckesheim GmbH has announced that a new selection of recycling aids will be presented at K 2010.

One of the featured machines will be the latest addition to the HB series of granulators, which allows whole bales of film, bulk injection moulding parts and bales of foamed plastics to be reduced in one step rather than two. This is due to a PLC-controlled ram, which forces the material to the rotor, and eliminates the need for a shredder, effectively removing an entire stage of the process.

In addition to this, the new Herbold wet shredder will be exhibited. The shredder has especially been developed for highly contaminated plastic waste, such as agricultural film. Using water right from the start, the shredder helps to reduce wear and tear of the machinery, and will considerably increase the efficiency of a wash line for agricultural film. Another development in the range of grinders which will feature in the Herbold Meckesheim presentation is the pulveriser PU 650, which has a built-in special feature of a vertically mounted rotor, which considerably reduces the charge of the bearings, making the machine very compact and easy to maintain.

Herbold Meckesheim will also focus on components and complete lines for recycling mixed and contaminated plastic waste, which can often be designed to meet specific customer's needs.

Borealis Provides Unique Solution for Volkswagen

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

July 29, 2010

Austria-based supplier of chemical and plastics solutions Borealis have recently been working with Volkswagen, through parts manufacturer Mahle Filter Systems UK, to improve production cost-efficiency and achieve a high-performance, environmentally-friendly product for the air intake manifolds (AIMs) used on a wide variety of VW car models. The choice of XMOD GB306SAF from Borealis makes VW the first automotive manufacturer to switch from glass reinforced Polyamides to PP for this high tech under-the-bonnet application.

"Plastic air intake manifolds are used in the majority of vehicles produced worldwide today because of the optimised air flow, design freedom and general reductions in weight and cost they offer over their metal counterparts," said Dennis Nicholls, project manager MAHLE UK. "However, rising under-the-hood temperatures, demands for improved function integration capability, noise reduction and ever-lighter components, plus the need to reduce our own and our customers' overall system costs, means we have had to look beyond polyamides to meet these challenges."

Volkswagen's requirements were lower system costs without any significant changes in tool and part design, better acoustic behaviour, and the use of an environmentally-friendly material. Eliminating Mahle's need for equipment investment, same-speed production with existing injection moulding processes, and post-moulding techniques, such as direct screwing, was a key stipulation of the design.

XMOD GB306SAF is a high stiffness 35% glass fibre reinforced PP compound that offers long-term high heat and chemical resistance, vibration resistance combined with high fatigue and a broad operating temperature between -40°C and +120°C. Existing manufacturing equipment and processes for AIMs can be used. In addition, as a lighter-weight, lower density material it enables weight reductions for AIMs of up to 15%.

It also contributes to lowering overall production costs for AIM parts through its lower material price and its lightweight benefits of improved handling and reduced energy usage. Lower processing temperatures and the lack of pre-drying further reduce overall energy consumption, and eliminate manufacturing steps, achieving more cost-effective production.

Optimism reigns in the K year 2010

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The global financial and economic crisis hit companies in the international plastics and rubber industry hard, resulting in an unprecedented slump in output and sales. But optimism reigns in the K year 2010, as order intake levels and turnover have taken a gratifying upturn in recent months. Ulrich Reifenh�ser, Chairman of the Exhibitors' Council of K 2010: "Although it will take quite some time before we reach 2008 levels again, current trends are very encouraging for raw materials producers, machine manufacturers, and processors. Our customers are again working on new projects and are showing big interest in innovations and optimised processes and products. We are now benefiting from having built on our strengths in bad times, improved our competitiveness and developed new products." Against this heartening background, preparations are in full swing for the world's largest trade fair for plastics and rubber. At the K 2010 Preview from 13 to 17 June, some 80 journalists representing plastics and rubber industry publications in more than 30 countries took the opportunity offered by Messe D�sedorf to get the latest update on how the preparations for the trade fair were progressing. The supporting organisations of K reported in D�seldorf about current trends in the plastics and rubber markets. Nine well-known exhibitors gave presentations outlining the new developments they will be showing in D�seldorf in October From 27 October to 3 November some 3,000 exhibitors will be presenting their latest developments for all sectors of the industry. All 19 of the available exhibition halls are occupied. Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe D�seldorf GmbH, and his team are delighted at these good omens: "After the hard times in which many companies of the plastics and rubber industry worldwide have had to fight for survival, we share our customers' delight in the satisfying course that the year 2010 has taken to date. We are confidently hopeful of a continuation of the positive business trend. I am sure that K 2010 will play its part in demonstrating the undiminished innovative power of the sector and help to expand international business relationships still further." The definitive number of companies that will be attending K 2010 is not yet known, as not all of the exhibitors at the joint stands have been named. Already (as at 10 June 2010), 2,973 exhibitors from 55 countries have registered. Some 60 per cent of the exhibitions space will be occupied by companies based outside Germany. Italy is traditionally the most strongly represented nation among the non-German exhibitors, and Italian companies alone have booked a net space of 27,000 square metres to showcase their products. Also strongly represented among the European countries are Austria (8,400 square metres), Switzerland (6,100 square metres), France (4,900 square metres) and the Netherlands (4,000 square metres). More than 100 companies from the USA will be taking part, occupying 4,000 square metres of exhibition space - a slight drop in relation to K 2007. By contrast, the contingents from China (6,800 square metres), India (4,600 square meters) and Turkey (2,700 square metres) have grown appreciably. With 5,300 square metres, Taiwan is as strongly represented as in 2007. Werner M. Dornscheidt: "The broad spectrum of suppliers at K 2010, ranging from large global players to small start-ups, and the internationality of the exhibitors is unparalleled - no other trade fair worldwide achieves a product spectrum of such breadth and depth!" Manufacturers of machinery and equipment are traditionally the largest group of exhibitors at K, and will occupy halls 1 to 4 and 9 to 17, which account for about two thirds of the total exhibition area. Suppliers of raw materials, semi-finished products and technical parts will be exhibiting in halls 5 to 8a. Hall 8b, at the interface between the thematic exhibition zones, will house, among other things, the joint presentation by the Chinese industry. The exhibitors' ranges will be supplemented by future-oriented elements, which will be dealt with in the special review "Visions in Polymers". In daily panel discussions, top academics and experienced users will address questions such as what our daily lives will look like 20 years from now, and how plastics can contribute to solving major problems. On the basis of examples from different areas of life, speakers will explain which development trends can be discerned, and which innovations the industry has in its pipelines. Special emphasis will be placed on the themes of energy efficiency and resource conservation. The "Visions in Polymers" special review is organised by the German plastics industry under the auspices of PlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V. and Messe D�seldorf. K D�seldorf is the world's most important contact forum, not just for the entire plastics and rubber industry, but also for visitors from the major user segments. No other trade fair offers such opportunities for experts in the automotive, packaging, electrical engineering, electronics and communications industries, the construction sector, medical technology and aerospace to learn about the latest plastics and rubber applications and experience the technical innovations of a dynamic sector. To make it even easier to find all of these many new developments, a tool is currently being developed that will show the direct route to all the highlights - the Innovation Compass. It offers a search matrix for innovations that can bring major improvements or even fundamental changes. A circle of experts including top-ranking academics and prominent representatives of the K Exhibitors Council has defined a series of key themes that will have a decisive impact on market trends over the next few years. The Innovation Compass, which will be available on the Web at www.k-online.de about six weeks before the trade fair starts, enables visitors to tailor their visit to K 2010 precisely to their needs. K 2010 will take place in the halls of the D�seldorf exhibition grounds from Wednesday the 27th October to Wednesday the 3rd November 2010, opening daily from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. News and information about K 2010 and the sector can be found on the Internet at www.k-online.de.

From Bottle to Film in One Simple Step

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

German-based component specialist Kreyenborg has reportedly found that recycled polyethylene terephthalate, (r-PET), taken from crushed plastic bottles is effective and efficient for the production of PET flat films. In addition, the company has found that the production of flat films on extrusion lines is highly productive.

Kreyenborg claims that filtration technology ensures the required product quality even at high R-PET raw material usage. The company provides modular discharge units consisting of melt pumps and screen changers. This allows for the high demands of film extrusion on the homogeneous melt quality and pressure constancy in the process.

New Recycling Technology in Operation at K 2010

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Austria-based Starlinger & Co GmbH will exhibit an overview of its recycling division, Starlinger Recycling Technology at K 2010. The group will have a highly visual product portfolio on display, including demonstrations of recycling machinery.

The recoSTAR product range, founded in 2000 is what the company hopes to exhibit at K, with a total of three machines on show. The products are capable collectively of recycling materials such as PE, PP, PA, PS, PET and many others.

The recoSTAR universal 65 VAC, which has an output of up to 200kg per hour will be in operation at booth D21, hall 9 twice a day, processing PP sack fabric. The machine is equipped with a heavy-duty single-shaft cutter above the extruder. This makes it possible to process hard-to-grind materials such as tapes, fibres and start-up lumps. In addition, the feeding system of the line allows ground material or granulates to be processed without an additional dosing unit. In trials, Starlinger has found the machine to be ideal for films, fibres and fabrics.

At booth B47, hall 16, the recoSTAR basic will be on show, which is generally used for processing hygroscopic, wet and/or pre-ground materials, but also production waste. This line can be used for all polyolefins and technical plastics as well as for foamed materials. It is equipped with an agglomerator that pre-dries and compacts the material. This machine will be connected directly to a film extrusion line.

The third machine will be the deCON50 and will be exhibited at booth D21, hall 9. It uses recoSTAR PET iv+ technology, which yields recycled PET that has the same properties as virgin material, for instance intrinsic viscosity and excellent decontamination, for packaging with direct contact food.

As an addition, Starlinger will also be providing an opportunity to see another in-line application during the K show, at a reference customer of Starlinger in Austria. This will be a thermoforming sheet which can be used for packaging with direct food contact, and is produced in-line from 100% PET bottle flakes. This site is less than a two-hour flight away from D�seldorf.

A Successful Start for New Biomeclear Resin

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Leading UK innovator and supplier of bioplastics, Biome Bioplastics, has announced the launch of BiomeClear resin, a translucent, low noise film which is strong, flexible and fully biodegradable. It is suitable for a range of applications such as office products, packaging, food services, cosmetics and much more. This new product has already proved popular in the market. The first sale has been placed to a large plastics conversion company in Northern Europe. BiomeClear provides a combination of high transparency, low noise and is smooth to the touch, qualities that aren't often found in biodegradable films with a high renewable content. Ease of production means the resin can be converted into materials for stationary, food and fresh produce such as bread and bakery packaging. Paul Law, managing director of Biome Bioplastics commented: "We are delighted with the rapid response we have had from customers. Initial sales within the first months have further justified our investment and time we have put in to its development." Biome Bioplastics claims to be a leader and innovator in the bioplastics market and has a history of design innovation. An example of this is the recently developed range of high temperature bioplastics, BiomeHT. According to the company, for the first time it means bioplastics can be used in higher temperature applications due to its superior temperature performance and greater rigidity.

New Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager at KraussMaffei AG

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Germany-based plastics machinery manufacturer has acquired a new corporate communications and marketing manager this month in Imre Szerdahelyi.

In this position, he will be responsible for all internal and external communication and marketing activities of the worldwide KraussMaffei Group, including the duties of press officer. He reports directly to the group's CEO, Dr. Dietmar Straub.

His previous post was as head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at Wacker Neuson SE, Munich.

Vuvuzelas for South Africa and Germany produced on Allrounders

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

They have provided for much controversy since the beginning of the football World Cup in South Africa. Some consider them to be cultural artefacts and an expression of the South African attitude to life; others find them simply abhorrent. The infamous plastic horns, Vuvuzelas, which continue to provide for atmosphere in the South African stadiums despite the deafening noise they produce, are also becoming increasingly popular with fans in Germany. Many of these formerly traditional wind instruments are produced on Allrounders from Arburg.

Sandeplast, which also uses Allrounder injection moulding machines in its production facilities, has been manufacturing the instruments and supplying them to stadiums and fan shops from their South African base since 2001. Neil von Schalwyk's com-pany in Cape Town produces the horns with six em-ployees on nine injection moulding machines and has even been featured in the media as a result of the controversial debate surrounding the colourful trumpets.

Allit AG, a long-standing and loyal Arburg customer from Bad Kreuznach, has had similar experience. This company has also profited from the media hype surrounding the World Cup deafeners. Using a total of 13 injection moulds and several Allrounders, around 4.5 million multi-piece Vuvuzelas have been produced to date in the relevant national colours, such as black, red and gold for Germany. The fan items are produced for Urbas Kehrberg Gmbh. An Allrounder 720 S is used to produce the end piece, an Allrounder 570 C for the middle section, an All-rounder 420 C for the mouthpiece and a further Ar-burg machine produces the silencer. Television reports on the production of the plastic trumpets were shown in the children's news programme "logo" on ZDFtivi as well as on RTL, for example. An Allrounder 720 S is used to produce the end piece, an Allrounder 570 C for the middle section, an Allrounder 420 C for the mouthpiece and a further Arburg machine produces the silencer.

Moretto PET Drying Systems with Zeolite Molecular Sieves Consume Less Energy

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Automatic modular systems offer up to 10,000 - 12,000 kg/h capacity for stable and gentle drying, all without requiring either compressed air or cooling water. Good quality process in drying plastic granulate materials involves management and control of the 10 factors influencing the drying process — type of material, granule size, bulk density, temperature, dew point, residence time, specific air-flow, initial air moisture content, final residual air moisture content and viscosity. Drying effectiveness is also determined by the speed of migration of water molecules from the centre of granules to the outer surface. The lower the dew point, the better the final result. This will also be better as it concerns the final moisture that will be obtained in less time. The ability of air to absorb and remove the moisture depends on how low the air dew point is and the moisture having a low dew point, the temperature at which it condenses on relatively cool surfaces. Moreover, for the treatment of highly hygroscopic polymers, the following factors cover a main role — constant performance, automatic variable airflow and high performance with constant dew point at -65°C. All of these factors have been taken into account by Italian plastics ancillary equipment producer Moretto in the design of a new drying system for plastics, particularly for PET treatment. By means of zeolite molecular sieves, a lower energy consumption compared to the conventional dryers is reached. This kind of drying is also the basis of the new Moretto project dedicated to PET treatment. It is the Flowmax system which combines efficaciously the technology of the new X Max dryers and the Flowmatik device.

Plastics Industry Serves up a Treat Once Again at Wimbledon

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The oldest tennis tournament in the world was once again abundant with tennis fans this summer, many of whom were hoping to enjoy the famous Wimbledon strawberries and cream. However, the Plastics 2020 campaign has asserted that if it were not for the plastics industry, there wouldn't be nearly enough to go round.

Barry Turner of the Plastics 2020 Challenge comments: ‘The vast numbers of strawberries consumed at Wimbledon is partly testament to modern horticulture, where the soft fruit is grown under polytunnels. This means that the strawberries can be cultivated earlier and the temperature and humidity controlled to such a fine degree, that you can guarantee the quality and quantity of strawberries needed for an event like Wimbledon.'

Polythylene polytunnels are capable of filtering out certain wavelengths of UV sunlight that can damage the strawberries, whilst still allowing the beneficial waves through, eliminating the need for harmful, artificial chemicals.

Kreyenborg Group Announcement Polyester Extrusion and Recycling Forum

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

29th September 2010, Newcastle, England

The Kreyenborg Group (Muenster, Germany) are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a unique Polyester Extrusion and Recycling Forum event at the Novotel Hotel, Newcastle Airport on Wednesday 29th September 2010.
The United Kingdom has one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving polyester extrusion and recycling industries in Europe. In recent years there has been a total transformation as the UK PET industry has evolved, from a sector with few facilities and low collection rates, to its current status. Investments have been made in collection systems, post consumer bottle sorting and washing facilities. This coupled with strong consumer demand for packaging containing recycled rPET has led to the development of the packaging, bottles, strapping tape and recycling industries.

KREYENBORG Group have recognized that there is a complete absence of any local conferences dedicated to this important sector of the plastics industry, and have set about rectifying the situation. We will be inviting all the major processors and re-processors that are involved with PET bottle flakes to get together with fellow industry professionals at this unique event.

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE EVENT

The event is the only UK based conference in 2010 dedicated to the Polyester Extrusion and Recycling industries.

Key industry professionals from a Broad Range of Businesses are invited to attend a one day conference with Leading industry figures presenting highly topical KEYNOTE Speeches

High importance is being placed on providing ideal conditions for industry professionals to network and to ‘ask the experts' for advice on a wide range of subjects relevant to extrusion processing and recycling of post consumer PET bottles.

Further details or to register online for the event please visit www.polymermeeting.com

ABOUT KREYENBORG GROUP
KREYENBORG Group www.kreyenborg.com is a privately owned designer and manufacturer of equipment for the Global plastics industry. Headquarted in Muenster, Germany, Kreyenborg are recognized as a leading supplier of solutions for the plastics industry with a very strong position in many aspects of Polyester production and recycling.

KREYENBORG Group offer to the Polyester industry

BKG Crystallcut - underwater pelletizing with inline crystallization as used to pelletize 6000 tonnes per day of Virgin Polyester

Kreyenborg Screen changer technology for melt filtration - including backflush technology to handle high levels of contamination in PET flake extrusion applications

The innovative KREYENBORG Infrared Dryer

Reifenh�ser Extrusion Reinforces Management Board

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Germany-based extrusion machinery experts Reifenh�ser Extrusion has recently appointed an additional co-managing director, Dr. Jochen Hennes, who now holds his title alongside Klaus and Bernd Reifenh�ser. Dr. Hennes will now assume responsibility for the cast film extrusion side of the business. A recognized expert in the development of film extrusion lines and components, his focus will be on the continuation and further expansion of technological developments, and, by extension, the strengthening of the company's market position.

Dr. Hennes can draw on more than fourteen years of experience in the plastics processing industry, mostly in the mechanical engineering sector. After completing his doctorate at IKV (Institute of Plastics Processing) in Aachen, he held various leading positions with Kiefel Extrusion GmbH.

The Board of Directors are optimistic about the coming business year with the new management structure at the head of the company. After overcoming the adversity of the financial crisis, the order income at the end of the last fiscal year in July was nearly at pre-crisis levels. With the new addition, Reifenh�ser hopes to build on this growth.

MM Live 2010 Visitor Registration Now Open

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Registration for MM Live 2010 Conference & Exhibition is now officially open. Visitors wishing to attend can now pre-register online at www.mmliveuk.com.

Taking place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, from 19th to 20th October, the 2010 show is the leading event for micro manufacturers looking to stay ahead of the competition, reduce component size, control cost and improve efficiency in their manufacturing processes.

The exclusive focus on the Micro and Precision Manufacturing industry provides visitors with an invaluable wealth of information on the very latest techniques. On the exhibition floor over 150 exhibitors will be ready to showcase their manufacturing technologies from laser cutting, welding, and micro machining to injection moulding, inspection and measurement, photo etching, handling and assembly.

MM Live 2010 sees the return of the popular Micro Manufacturing conference, which features some of the leading experts in the industry who will take to the stage and discuss the very latest techniques and case studies. The programme has been specially devised to address the key issues of micro manufacturing including a state of the industry overview to in-depth discussions and case studies on real-life commercial applications in micro and precision manufacturing.

Informative seminar sessions will also take place on both days of the show, these seminars will be held in purpose-built theatres within the exhibition halls and will cover topics such as: Inspection & Metrology; 3D Printing and Prototyping and Software in Product Development. This year also sees an essential new track for anyone looking to purchase 3D printing or additive manufacturing machines. Here all major vendors will be invited to present their latest developments in short sharp presentations, which will give the buyer an instant snapshot of what is hot and imminent from each of the major players.

The current exhibitor list can be found at www.mmliveuk.com along with further details about the show and its features.

Entrance and registration to all aspects of MM Live is completely free of charge.

Ticona Says ‘Count On Us' at K 2010

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Germany-based polymer manufacturer Ticona will have plenty to offer at K 2010 this October with many new projects underway, including advancements in the automotive industry, nature preservation and customer innovations.

One particular project, which will be on display at K 2010, is the new UC? concept car from Rinspeed, which is a battery operated two-seater car that can drive up to 120km on a full battery. The intention is for trains to be fitted with recharging facilities and then transport the vehicle further towards its destination before it sets off on the road once more, fully recharged. Ticona has invested a great deal of its resources into the concept and development of the car. In the trunk of the vehicle is a sandwich board made from Celstran LFT from Ticona with a polypropylene honeycomb core, giving the car greater stability and reduced weight. Celstran LFT is also found under the hood in the support structure of the battery, which is an advantage as the weight of the battery itself can be a hindrance to the range of the vehicle. The matrix materials of the part are mostly polypropylene or polyamide, which simultaneously keep the weight down while enhancing the impact strength of the material.

This, along with other installments at the Ticona stand will make for an impressive display, but the company has even more to bring to the show besides new products. In April Ticona's parent company Celanese made a major announcement: the construction of a new 50,000-ton polyacetal plant together with SABIC in the Middle East. This construction is one of many new expansions for Ticona, and will trade with the Middle East easier than ever before.

Additional recent expansions and acquisitions for Ticona have left the company confident that there will be plenty to bring to K 2010. Their motto for the fair will be ‘Count on us', an expression which is intended to reflect the process of their work and their customer service. Ms Ciliberti explains that: ‘We see our role as that of a pathfinder for our customers.' Ticona will see a project through from conception of the idea, to completion, liaising with the customer as much as possible to secure the highest quality result.

Ticona will be at Stand A07 / B07 in Hall 06 at K 2010.

Sole UK Distributor Named for Solvent-Free Cleaning Machine for Pad Printing

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Inks & More is the sole UK distributor for the Nanocleaner NC-350, a solvent-free ink cleaning machine which was awarded the 2007 Gold Award at the EEP (European Environmental Press) awards. With its integrated recycling system, the machine makes it possible to clean pad printing utensils economically and with minimal impact on the environment. A Self-Contained System for Ease of Operation: In the Nanocleaner, the parts to be cleaned are placed in the tank and, when the machine starts, are sprayed with the activated cleanser. The activated nano-particles penetrate the ink layers and form a barrier on the surface of the utensil to be cleaned, which repels the ink. The cleaning cycle takes 10-20 minutes and the ink residues are absorbed from the emulsion and collected in a container as a solid "cake" which can be easily disposed of within normal waste. This whole operation is carried out within a vacuum which makes the self-organisation of the nano-systems possible. Toxic Waste Reduction: In parallel to the cleaning process, the reclaimed printing ink is constantly recovered from the soiled cleaning agent by an integrated recycling system. This is another benefit as the cleaning agent is not wasted and can therefore be used over and over again for an unlimited time. As there are also no solvents which need to be disposed of, this is beneficial for the user, who is not exposed to the potentially hazardous vapours and does not need to spend time cleaning the equipment.

New Flame Resistant and Food Safe Fluorine Plastics Tubes

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A leading tubing technology brand is offering an advanced solution for fluorine tubing. The remarkable new Up-Media-Strong is also available with narrow tolerances (for example for push in fittings) and for very long manufactured lengths. According to the manufacturer, polyvanced in Germany, Up-Media-Strong is the solution for nearly every application. It is resistant, has a long service life and good diffusion density. "The user benefits from longer servicing intervals. Costs are slashed by doing away with down time", polyvanced's sales director Matthias Strehl says. The tube can be used at continuous operational temperatures of -70°C +260°C. It is especially well suited for transporting chemicals and gases for this reason. The tube is also used in automation and automated applications under difficult environmental circumstances.

New Machinery for Construction, Infrastructure and Packaging from battenfeld-cincinatti

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The recently merged extrusion specialists battenfeld-cincinatti, based in Germany has announced a new organizational structure, which resulted in the super-regional restructuring into the three divisions of construction (profiles), infrastructure (pipes) and packaging. CEO J�gen Arnold explains: ‘Our re-alignment has come at exactly the right time. There is now an upward trend in the extrusion market, and the interest in innovative machine concepts is reviving'.

At K 2010, the new construction division, headed by Rainer Kottmeier, will present a new parallel twin-screw extruder series. Thanks to their pooled know-how, the team of engineers has succeeded in developing a new extruder generation optimized mainly for PVC processing, which offers a significant increase in output and many other benefits. In addition the division will offer information on its latest developments in the WPC growth markets, which showed steady growth rates even during the financial crisis.

The infrastructure division, led by Walter H�er, offers answers to the rising demand for energy-savings concepts relating to pipe extrusion. For this aspect of the company, battenfeld-cincinatti has named the concept ‘Green Pipe'. One of the innovations to feature in the concept is a new downstream equipment concept, which will be exhibited at K 2010.

Finally the packaging division, headed by Dr. Henning Stieglitz, will exhibit a complete extruder series for cost-efficient and flexible direct extrusion of PET film. After the first extruder of this series - a 1-120-34 D/V single-screw extruder with a modified planetary section - was already shown at the K three years ago, the machine manufacturer has now responded to the demand of the continuously booming PET film market by offering a complete machine series.

Evonik Establishes Independent Carbon Black Company

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

German chemical company Evonik has recently launched a new independent company specialising in carbon black production. Evonik Carbon Black GmbH is now the second-largest producer of carbon black in the world, with 17 sites in 12 countries on four continents. The products are used mainly as reinforcing fillers in the rubber industry (for tyres and industrial rubber goods) and as pigment blacks in, for example, plastics, specialty coatings, and colorants.

Chairman of the board is Jack Clem and Rainer Wobbe will take over the position of the chief financial officer. The operational headquarters of the company, currently in Frankfurt, will move to Hanau-Wolfgang on October 1st. Despite the changes, there will be no effect on the product list or the relationships with existing customers.

The change may come as one of many, as Evonik is currently examining three strategic options to develop its business further. The possibilities extend from optimization as an independent market unit, through a partnership solution, to sale of the business. One of these three options will be decided upon before the end of the second half of the year.

Printing on the Circumference of Catheters with 12 Colours - Tampoprint® AG

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The pharmaceutical and medical industry makes very high demands on precision, machine and printing quality, know-how in system solutions and longevity of printing machines by using top quality components. With its portfolio TAMPOPRINT® AG offers numerous system solutions in regards to fully automated tampon printing particularly for this target group.

For example, TAMPOPRINT® AG has developed a system for the 12-colour printing on the circumference of catheters for a British enterprise. No other tampon printing machine manufacturer as well as no other printing process could meet the customer's requirements for this application.

The system is based on the use of the tried and tested tampon printing machine „Sealed Ink Cup E", combined with a special multicolour doctoring cup. This doctoring cup makes it possible to print several colours simultaneously in one step.

Customers will find this multicolour solution only at TAMPOPRINT® AG.

Trademarks of TAMPOPRINT® AG: DMD®, ALFALAS®, TAMPOPRINT®, ClipLock®, record®

BPI Maintains Perfect Record on FTSE CSR Index

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British Polythene Industries (BPI) plc has received recognition for the strength of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies for a ninth consecutive year. The business, which ranks as Europe's largest manufacturer of polythene films, bags and sacks, has once again been awarded a Certificate of Inclusion for the prestigious FTSE4Good Index.

BPI has achieved a listing every year since the index was created in 2001. Devised by FTSE Group to help investors make ethical investment choices, the index series assesses the CSR policies of businesses against stringent and globally recognised standards. Successful certification depends on the ability of an organisation to meet strict requirements in five areas: working towards environmental sustainability, climate change, upholding and supporting universal human rights, ensuring good supply chain labour standards and countering bribery.

Speaking of the firm's continued certification, John Langland, CEO BPI, said: "Receiving the FTSE4Good Certificate of Inclusion for a ninth year in a row is an achievement that BPI, its employees and its stakeholders can all be proud of. It demonstrates the strength of our collective commitment to working in a way that's mindful of our responsibilities to the environment and to society as a whole.

"It's also serves as ultimate reassurance to customers and to suppliers of the fact that when they work with is, they can expect to work with an honest, open and principled organisation."

Plastic Fantastic: It's K Time!

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In my experience, when starting a new job it's normal during your first week to carry out basic administrative tasks, like ordering supplies of stationary, undergoing introductions with new colleagues (while trying to remember their names) and looking at the calendar to determine when the key conferences and exhibitions are held. The first exhibition to be mentioned to me was the K show in October 2010 — the biggest plastics show on earth, so I was led to believe. By the third day of my first week, my hotel room for K had been booked for me and I was being asked to decide which flights I wanted to take. All of this was fine, I thought — nothing better than to plan ahead. By the second month of my job as editor of EPPM I had been invited by the K organisers to a K 2010 Press Preview in June which, without knowing too much about, I duly accepted. When I arrived in Dusseldorf for what could be described as the K 2010 "kick-off", I realised what all the fuss was about. On the first night as many as 70 of the world's finest journalists (ahem…) assembled in the conference hotel for a barbeque and a large screen showing of Germany's 4-0 opening match in the World Cup against Australia. Journalists had come from as far afield as Asia (including China and Japan), the Americas (including Brazil, Colombia, Canada and the USA), South Africa and, of course Europe. As you might imagine, the World Cup was a running theme during the conference, as too was plastics. In addition to presentations from key K exhibitors — including Reifenhauser Group, Wacker Chemie, Lyondell Basel, Battenfeld Cincinatti, Haitian International, Lanxess, Hekuma, Kreyenborg and Ticona — we were treated to a day trip to Aachen, where we toured the Plastics Institute of RWTH Aachen University. The highlights of this tour for me included a demonstration of a high-tech composite moulding machine which is designed to be used in tandem with an injection moulding machine, and an adhesive-free laser welding unit which can be used for colourless medical applications.

Markus Schiefer Leaves Sumitomo Demag

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Due to personal reasons Markus Schiefer, 47, has resigned with immediate effect from the management board of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery, Schwaig. Mr Schiefer's tasks will be fulfilled by COO Mr Shaun Dean. Since 2003 Schiefer has been working in a management position at the company and was appointed CFO in August 2008, responsible for Accounting, Controlling, Human Resources, IT, internal Revision and Organisation. The management board now consists of Dr Tetsuya Okamura (CEO) and Shaun Dean.

Wireless System For Pressure And Temperature Sensing

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

UK fluid monitoring, diagnostics and control systems experts, Hydrotechnik has released a wireless pressure and temperature sensing system, the HT-Wcom. The system allows monitoring and alarm functioning of up to 65 pressure transducers located within a 100 m radius. The sensors of the HT-Wcom System connect remotely to one PC with no additional interfaces required. The sensors are self-contained, compact, battery powered IP67 units with a number of pressure ranges available. Standard sensors are 0 to 500 bar but they can also be manufactured from -1 up to 1000 bar. The software that monitors the sensors can be configured to show individual plant or system schematics with graphical sensor location to help identify problem areas. High or low limits can be displayed on the schematic and alarm signals sent to a controller. According to the company, system costs are low due to the adoption of a robust industrial standard Zigbee iEE 802.154 wireless protocol. The sensors and software monitors pressure, ambient temperature and the battery life remaining in the sensor units. Batteries are an industrial standard 3.7 VDC and are easy to replace in situ. Sensor connection is via an integral 1215 Minimess fitting — which is a compact and robust, leak-free design, allowing for safe removal of sensors under full pressure if necessary. Accuracy of the pressure sensor cell is +/- 0.5% of full scale. The sensor's battery is designed to last for approximately 1 year when set with a transmission rate of 30 seconds. Faster or slower transmission rates can be programmed down to 50 ms if required. The units are suitable for gas or liquid applications and ATEX approved units will be made available. All wetted parts are stainless steel. In addition to plastics processing, applications include building control, hydraulic testing and offshore oil and gas.

BASF Introduces Brilliant New Orange Pigment

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Germany-based chemical company BASF has formulated a new orange-coloured pigment for use in engineering plastics in demanding applications. BASF feel that they have found a gap in the market for the new product, which other have been unable to fill.

The particular problem with previous pigments, both organic and inorganic has been that intensely bright colours suffer degradation when exposed to the high temperatures necessary for processing.

The pigment, officially named Sicopal Orange K 2430, is an inorganic mixed oxide which makes it stronger than many organic pigments for the manufacturing of products which require high UV resistance and weathering resistance, or processes which will expose the pigments to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.

Specifically, the pigment is resistant under the processing conditions of all known plastics, and can even often be used as a replacement for products containing cadmium and lead, which is one of the many health and safety advantages of Sicopal Orange K 2430. In addition there are no traces of migration, and as such has been approved in the EU for food packaging and for manufacturing toys.

ColorMatrix Sees the World Through the Eye of the Tiger

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Recent changes within the US colourant and additive manufacturer ColorMatrix have been geared ultimately towards regenerating the brand identity of the company. The result is that the company is now identifiable by a fresh, contemporary logo. Whereas the previous image had featured a multi-coloured tiger, representing the diversity of the product range, the new logo depicts a clean, elegant, front-facing tiger with a single, bright orange gradient, which serves to illustrate the unification of the many plants and offices around the world working under the ColorMatrix brand.

The company, which now has offices and plants across the globe wishes to reinforce its presence as a major supplier of colourants and additives. Chief operating officer Celio Andrino explains: ‘We are a truly global organisation, focused on working with our customers to create innovative, high quality and socially responsible solutions which offer clear differentiation and rapid market access.'

The new tiger logo and brand identity were launched earlier this month alongside a new website, which offers greater access to the various facilities operated by the company around the world.

Solar Powered Plane Reaches New Heights

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Solar Impulse, a Swiss project to manufacture and fly a manned, solar powered plane that can fly long-distance reached a new milestone last week as the first plane, HB-SIA, flew for 26 hours, relying in the dark on energy stored during the day.

Belgian chemical and pharmaceutical group, Solvay, sponsors the aircraft alongside other companies. The investment is not just a financial one for Solvay, however, as Solvay Advanced Polymers, the plastics division of the company, has contributed 6000 parts to the plane, which relies on their ultra high-performance polymers.

Solvay products make contributions to parts ranging from the throttle box and monitor control unit, right down to bolts and screws. Polyamide-imide Torlon, polyetheretherketone Primospire and self-reinforced polyphenylene Primospire are the most used ultra-polymers for these applications. Fomblin perfluoropolyether lubricant is used on the Solar Impulse for its highly adaptable temperature operating range. This, along with the cockpit and motor gondolas, which are constructed of polyurethane foam, allow the craft to maintain stability in extreme temperatures.

TCT Live 2010 Visitor Registration Now Open

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Registration for the TCT Live 2010 Conference & Exhibition is now officially open. Visitors wishing to attend can now pre-register online at www.tctshow.com.

Taking place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, from 19th to 20th October, the 2010 event will once again bring together the leading players in the product development and manufacturing sector, showcasing the very latest technologies to help product development professionals stay ahead of the competition, reduce product development times, control cost and improve efficiency.

The two days are jam-packed with conference and seminar programmes designed to educate the full range of visitors, from the beginners needing an introduction to prototyping technologies to the most advanced users of Additive Manufacturing.

Seminar sessions will focus on Inspection and Metrology and the latest developments and breakthroughs in rapid prototyping technologies. There will also be a return of the highly popular introduction to additive technologies sessions. This year also sees an essential new track for anyone looking to purchase 3D printing or additive manufacturing machines. Here all major vendors will be invited to present their latest developments in short sharp presentations, which will give the buyer an instant snapshot of what is hot and imminent from each of the major players.

The globally recognised Additive Manufacturing Conference returns with two-days of industry focussed papers looking in-depth at the use of the Additive Layer Manufacturing in the Transport, Jewellery, and Medical/Dental arenas. Day 1 will also incorporate an overview of the ALM Landscape and New Breakthroughs in ALM.

On the exhibition floor, over 200 exhibitors will be ready to help visitors streamline their product development and manufacturing processes. Companies from the sectors of Inspection, Scanning & Digitizing, CAD/CAM/CAE Software, and Materials, will showcase their latest offerings. Service providers are also on hand to demonstrate the most effective ways of utilising the technologies available.

If your role and responsibility involves enabling the processes of product development and manufacturing then TCT Live 2010 is the event you need to attend this year.

The current exhibitor list can be found online at www.tctshow.com along with further details about the shows and features.

Entrance to all aspects of TCT Live is completely free of charge.

Hekuma CEO looks to the future

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Q&A — Hekuma CEO Looks to the Future

The financial crisis of the last two years caused a directional change in the strategic direction of Hekuma automation. In the implementation of this change, a new management team was appointed. For K Connect, Hekuma's managing director, Bernhard Rupke, after one year in office gives a status report as well as an outlook to the future of the company.

Q: Mr Rupke, you took up your position as Hekuma's CEO on June 1, 2009, at the worst time of the crisis. How has Hekuma developed since then?

A: Like all companies in the capital goods industry, Hekuma was affected by the marked economic slump in the years 2008 and 2009. Sales volume loss of around 40 percent was considered to be manageable. Accordingly, the capacity and cost budget had to be adjusted. In particular, I would like to include in this context the support of our parent company, the Elexis Group, to which Hekuma belongs to since January 2000. They gave us the necessary support and stability during this difficult phase. Hekuma GmbH has excellent core competencies in high performance automation. These were strategically defined to the business areas medical, automotive and consumer goods. Corresponding technology and product development were further advanced for each business.

Q: Can you already give a first indication, in which direction has the Hekuma range developed?

A: The main objective was to implement the existing core competencies in the field of robotics, gripper technology, and automation technology in the injected moulding automation, with short cycles and high cavitation, in industry-specific and market-driven products. The emergence of Hekuma GmbH is now focusing on the above-mentioned sectors, with an approximate global alignment. The overall strategy of Hekuma applies to innovatively promote the high performance niches in these industries.

Q: How do you see the market developments in medical technology for Hekuma GmbH?

A: The market for medical technology is ever growing. It is a very interesting and important market. In this area we have standardised and modularised more automation solutions, in particular for the production of petri dishes, pipette tips, wells, and cuvettes. High availability in the production of these challenging products is the demand of our customers. In addition, we complement our range with individual, customised automation solutions. In both cases we want to be a partner to our customers in the necessary qualifications and validations in the medical field.

Q: How important is the automotive sector to the automotive market crisis?

A: Despite the crisis in 2009, Hekuma has implemented a multitude of equipment for the automotive industry in the past 12 months. In particular, the insertion of electrical, electronic, and mechanical components in the injection mould, constitutes high demands on the precision of the robot and gripper technology. Even the after the injection process required complex assembly and inspection process of the components characterises another core competence of Hekuma GmbH. The same applies, based on active customer relationships, to provide new innovations and technologies. Automotive will continue to be an important main pillar of Hekuma GmbH.

Q: Is in-mould labeling (IML) of continued interest for Hekuma GmbH?

A: IML in injection moulding applications has become a widely used standard technology. Especially for us, high cavitation applications and short cycles are interesting. The core competencies of Hekuma GmbH are particularly advantageous. Relatively new is the "in-mould labeling" in thermoforming. Hekuma has in recent years done a lot of development work. Basic tests, up to 4-cavity applications have been tested positive. We are currently working on a system with up to 14 cavities for serial production on the basis of a specific customer order. Since the combination of thermo-forming products, like yoghurt cups with in-mould labels, a number of application advantages, such as the provided ability for direct integration of barcodes or RFID transponders, we expect the development in the mid-term to be similar to standard technology, such as the injection IML.

Q: One final question, how will Hekuma advance into the future?

A: The customer requirements in the named sectors will steadily increase in the future and in increase in difficulty. This means for us that the partnership with customers is to be built up to become closer and more supportive. Especially in the planning phase of our clients, it is important to ensure maximum support to generate the most appropriate and most efficient solution. In the implementation phase, the previously mentioned core competencies of Hekuma are to be translated into customer benefits. The success of our customers, in terms of high availability with zero-defect production in manufacturing everyday life, is the measurable claim. But this not only applies to further expanding the partnership with our customers, but also with other project participants, such as injection moulding manufacturers, and the leading mould manufacturers, in order to demonstrate efficient project work in the sense of our shared customers.

BPF Horners' Award For Plastics 2010: Deadline 30th July 2010

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Entries for the 2010 competition for the prestigious BPF Horners` Award for Plastics Design and Innovation must be received at the British Plastics Federation's offices by the deadline of 30th July 2010.

This is an annual opportunity for manufacturing companies and designers to join the distinguished ranks of winners which have recently included Omlet for the 'Beehaus' and Durakerb for a lightweight kerbing system.

The BPF Horners' Award is thought to be the oldest plastics Award in the world being instituted in 1945.

Many iconic products have won the Award in its history including 'The Topper Dinghy' produced by Rolinx, the subject of a product development case study described by The Manchester Polymer Group. See http://bit.ly/TopperBooklet

The BPF Horners' Award is keen to encourage excellence in UK expertise and entries must have demonstrated that the product, machine or process entered has significant UK content in design, materials or manufacture. As a further encouragement to UK entrepreneurship entries must have a proven record of recent commercial success or, in the eyes of the judges, have significant commercial potential.

Winning the BPF Horners' Award is an eagerly sought after accolade. Winners are presented with the Award by the Lord Mayor of London at The Mansion House during the annual banquet of the Worshipful Company of Horners, one of the City of London's most progressive Livery Companies. This year's banquet will take place on October 7th.

Significant commercial benefits accrue to the winner as the Award attracts considerable media attention and the winner can exploit his success in his own sales and marketing literature and web presence.

The runner up receives a Certificate of Special Commendation awarded by the British Plastics Federation and this is presented at the Federation's Annual Dinner, to be held on October 14th, by the BPF President.

The BPF Horners' Award is jointly organised by the Worshipful Company of Horners, a City Livery Company, and the British Plastics Federation.

For further information contact Chris Brown at the British Plastics Federation on 0207 457 5007 or email cbrown@bpf.co.uk.

Application forms are downloadable from www.hornersaward.co.uk

Third Party Proves Benefits of Calcium Carbonate

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

USA-based additives producer Heritage Plastics has had the environmental benefits of its HM10 series of calcium carbonate performance additive for PE film extrusion proven by UK-based third party expert Boustead Consulting & Associates. Heritage Plastics commissioned the independent body Boustead Consulting & Associates to conduct a life cycle analysis (LCA) assessment. "While the Plastics Industry is under scrutiny to prove sustainability, no segment is more heavily examined than the film market," said Holly Hansen, vice president of technical services for Heritage Plastics. "Replacing a portion of the plastics with a natural mineral like calcium carbonate can make a more environmentally friendly bag by reducing carbon emissions as well as reducing the amount of energy required to make the bag," she added. According to Bernard R Yaros, vice president of Boustead Consulting & Associates: "Heritage Plastics innovative technology with its performance additive-calcium carbonate ([M10 series] demonstrates their ability to significantly reduce anthropogenic green house gases and regional air pollutants (NOx, SOx, and particulates) including significant energy benefits." The report also concluded that in addition to the emissions and energy benefits derived from deploying Heritage Plastics innovative technology, customers also enjoy significantly lower material costs. It also stated that Heritage Plastics HM10 technology meets the innovative requirements sought by the EPA [US Environmental Protection Agency] and the DOE [Department of Energy]. "This complex third party LCA audit substantiates not only our claims, but also our commitment to helping our customers make environmentally friendly films for bags also, at less cost," said Hansen.

Ceramicx Infrared Heaters Set to Show in Three Dimensions

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ireland-based international heating systems specialist and manufacturer Ceramicx — which supplies infrared heating to various sectors, including plastics packaging, healthcare, food, construction and domestic heating industries — has just completed new online technology that is set to offer its customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online 3D viewing of all its infrared heating elements, heat platens and ovens. The project has deployed the Rhino 3D software programmes and is a successful world-first in bringing infrared technology and "heat work" design straight to the viewer and specifier. Founder and managing director Frank Wilson said: "One of the keynotes for our visual times is the phrase "seeing is believing". This is as true for specifiers and engineers as it is for people watching the news or going to the movies. Accordingly," added Wilson, "we have invested in solutions that immediately show the complete picture of all our products — in three dimensions — on the Ceramicx website.

Colines Partners with Sabic to Showcase Innovative LLDPE and PP Combi Extrusion Line

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

During its last open house from April 19 to 30 in Azzate, Italy, SABIC demonstrated its linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) stretch film portfolio and polypropylene (PP) cast film portfolio at Colines' latest Handrollex-Combi extrusion line. The line can produce stretch film rolls for manual and automatic use, stretch film jumbo rolls, CPP rolls and CPP embossed rolls (both with a diameter of 600 mm) on the same machine. The two separate winding stations enable converters to change from one polymer to the other — minimising material waste and energy usage and therefore maximising bottom line profits. The line is able to process films with low thicknesses (8 to 12 µm) and finely tuned cling behaviour. "The attention to quality, product consistency and focus on innovation make SABIC and Colines a natural match," said marketing and communication manager of Colines, Francesco Peccetti. SABIC and Colines will also be cooperating closely at the upcoming K-2010 fair in D�seldorf, Germany.

Recycling: Hitting the Target

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The need to recycle ever greater amounts of plastic waste remains a key priority for Europe's policy- and law-makers. Over recent months, nearly all of the member nations of the European Union have seen new legislation, new guidelines and new targets introduced either by their own governments or centrally by Brussels. One country where recycling targets are very much the topic of discussion at the moment is the UK. Just recently, the British Government's Advisory Committee on Packaging (ACP) has outlined goals which aim to increase levels of plastic packaging recycling from 23.7% in 2008 to 57.1% by 2020. This increase, which will place Britain into the upper quartile of the EU15, has been greeted with mixed reactions by the country's plastic recycling community.

In this first feature of our new Green Room section, we investigate whether all of these goals are really achievable or, worse still, are some policy officials missing the point?

Simple goals, difficult challenges

"There's no question that recycling in the UK has come a long way," explains Sian Miles, environmental and materials director at bpi recycled products — a UK-based business and Europe's largest recycler of waste polythene, reprocessing some 70,000 tonnes each year. "But despite these achievements, the country still has a long way to go before it's in a position to meet the 2020 targets. The issue lays not so much with plastic product manufacturers. It's post consumer waste that needs addressing."

Sian's views are shared by other key players in the industry. Land Polymers is one of the UK's fastest growing waste management companies and a business with a history stretching back more than 20 years. Perhaps even more notably, it specialises in plastic scrap and prides itself on taking material from almost any source. "In terms of post-industrial plastic waste, the UK pretty much has things sewn up" says Tim Land, Company Director from Land Polymers. "If nothing else, recycling now makes good commercial sense for British manufacturers and packaging converters. It reduces their disposal costs, boosts their environmental credentials and improves public perception of a brand. "Municipal or post consumer waste however is a very different story - and perhaps understandably so" Tim continues. "As yet consumers do not fully understand the differences between grades of plastic and so a considerable level of education is needed. It's also not realistic for the consumer to have dozens of bins outside their house in order to separate the different grades before they're collected for recycling. Similarly, collectors would struggle to operate such a diverse and complicated collection scheme."

It seems that in the UK at least, success in meeting ever challenging recycling targets comes down to simplifying waste streams and to improving separation processes. Never a country to shy away from problems, Britain has embraced this challenge with vigour and both bpi.recycled products and Land Polymers are now seeing considerable investment into these areas of the industry.

Clear and visible trends

"There's a definite shift at the moment towards investing into new washing and separation technology" explains Tim Land. "Keen to mirror the success of nations like Germany and Switzerland, which are traditionally very good at separating waste, the UK is seeing growing use of equipment such as optical sorters which rely on infra-red to distinguish different grades of plastic." Sian Miles from bpi recycled products agrees: "There's a major focus at the moment on improving the UK's waste plastic sorting and cleaning capabilities. For our own part, bpi recycled products continues to make upgrades to its plant all the time to help it deal with different types of contaminant. "The Holy Grail most of us are working towards," she continues, "is a situation where recycled polythene can be used for direct food packaging or where it can be recycled back into whatever it was to begin with. It would be closing the loop in the strictest sense of the words." Such a Utopian world however may still remain time away. It's no secret that most plastic recycling currently takes place outside of Europe, particularly in the Far East. The reasons behind this come down to economics. It's low cost. And certainly a more cost effective alternative to investing into onshore technology where the end-products are, by and large, low value. This raises interesting questions over current legislation and targets on plastic recycling. Yes, they're far reaching. But at the same time, are they also short-sighted?

Aiming for quantity and quality

"It's all well and good setting plastic recycling targets" says Tim Land, "but those targets shouldn't just be about how much plastic recycling we do. They should also be about where that recycling takes place. Our reliance on overseas plastic recycling capabilities has served us well to date but that could all too easily come unstuck. "China for instance is a rapidly developing economy with rapidly evolving consumption habits and a rapidly growing waste stream. If it became sufficient in plastic scrap where would our currently exported waste material then? We've already seen the effects a slump in export demand can bring, such as in 2008 when prices bottomed and the market crashed." Sian Miles at bpi recycled products agrees, but for different and equally warranted reasons. "Not all forms of plastic recycling are created equal" explains Sian. "Yes, plastic waste exported to China for recycling is better than plastic waste going to landfill but arguably it doesn't go far enough. The green advantages of recycling plastic waste for instance can easily be offset by the high product miles of a product made from waste created in Europe, reprocessed in the Far East and then imported back to Europe again." It's for this reason that bpi recycled products has built up a UK-wide network of recycling facilities which reprocess UK only waste ranging from old wheelie bins to horticultural films. This diverse material is used to create products which not only divert waste from landfill but that also enjoy the added environmental benefit of a smaller carbon footprint. As a prime example, bpi recycled products' Green Sack range of refuse sacks have a carbon footprint up to 35% smaller than most 100% recycled refuse sacks currently available in the UK. "Good waste management for the plastic product manufacturer and the end-user needs to be about more than just meeting quantity targets and keeping waste out of landfill" concludes Sian Miles. "It also needs to consider carbon impact. Otherwise we're just solving one environmental issue only to replace it with another. "At present, Europe and particularly countries like Italy and Austria lead the way in terms of plastic recycling technology but the Far East continues to surpass our capabilities in terms of volume. What we really need are targets, guidelines and legislation that recognise that fact and that balance the two."