EPPM 17.7

Nov/Dec 2015

LANXESS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH I BU HIGH PERFORMANCE MATERIALS | 50569 COLOGNE | GERMANY | LXS-HPM-069EN

Volume 17 | Issue 07

PERFORMANCE ENERGIZED BY

LANXESS SUPPORTS SUCCESS WITH STRENGTH AND DURABILITY Cover Story | Page 8

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Volume 17 Issue 7

IN THIS ISSUE Pg 6 INDUSTRY NEWS PlasticsEurope has released data supporting its campaign to stop all plastics from ending up in landfill, which may sound ambitious but the plan is already working.

Pg 8 COVER STORY: LANXESS SUPPORTS SUCCESS WITH STRENGTH AND DURABILITY LANXESS’s new Durethan and Pocan materials solutions are bringing strength and durability to sophisticated applications, including LEDs and under-the-hood components, we explore their potential.

Pg 10 AUTOMOTIVE With ‘emissions gate’ spewing new revelations about VW every week, it’s certainly an interesting time for the automotive supply chain. We touch on the activities of ARPRO, ELIX Polymers and SABIC and share some home truths from Covestro’s CEO.

Pg 16 RECYCLING There has been plenty of activity in the machinery hemisphere of plastics processing for recycling applications, with news from Starlinger and Erema.

Pg 20 MACHINERY & MATERIALS ROUNDUPS A roundup of the biggest materials and machinery news from the past month, as well as a deeper look at how TeXtreme is transforming ice hockey.

Tel. +44 (0) 1244 680222 Fax. +44 (0) 1244 671074 Web: www.eppm.com C.E.O/publisher mark blezard C.O.O duncan wood

editorial editor rose brooke rose.brooke@rapidnews.com

production

Pg 22 EVENTS

art & production robert wood

advertising

Our Events section looks back on our time in Friedrichshafen with our review of Fakuma 2015 and looks forwards to Düsseldorf and to K 2016. The 12-month countdown has already begun.

advertising managers Lisa Montgomery lisa@rapidnews.com Graham Voss graham@rapidnews.com tel: +44 (0) 1244 680222

Pg 24 FORMNEXT POWERED BY TCT Formnext Powered by TCT is the exciting new additive manufacturing and toolmaking show to hit Frankfurt and EPPM has compiled a four-page preview of what’s in store.

Pg 30 EUREKA SERIES Marine litter is the new dirty word in plastics, but Circular Ocean is a multiorganisational project on a mission to tackle the blight on the oceans, beaches and very remote stretches of coastline.

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European Plastic Product Manufacturer is published by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd. Each issue is distributed in print and digital format to 17,845 buyers and specifiers in the European plastic processing industry. © November 2015.

While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained within European Plastic Product Manufacturer is accurate, the publisher accepts no liability for information published in error, or for views expressed.

All rights for European Plastic Product Manufacturer are reserved, and reproduction in part or whole without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Pg 18 CAPS & CLOSURES One of the unsung heroes of plastics. Caps and closures make everyday life that bit easier, from your bottle of OJ at breakfast to the top of your bubble bath at night. We look at the latest developments.

head office Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QE.

Want to explore the latest plastics industry news from the Middle East? Flip this magazine over for your free copy of Middle Eastern Plastics.

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Packaged for performance Shortest cycle times, maximum output and highest process stability. Packed in a clean, solid and economical system. That is how the injection moulding solutions of ENGEL packaging secure your productivity. Through the entire range: from 1 gramme caps and closures to over 100 kilogramme industrial containers. Reliable.

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Packaged for performance. Through the entire range. From caps and closures to the industrial container. With ENGEL packaging.

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be the first.

From The Editor

Beam us up, Scotty Welcome to our final printed magazine of the year. I hope you have been engaged, informed and inspired by the stories we have beamed to you from the European plastics processing universe in 2015.

We may not have been travelling to distant galaxies or at warp speed, but EPPM’s diary was still brimming with exciting travels this year, clocking air miles and logging adventures. We started in January with ArabPlast in Dubai, before jetting off to NPE 2015 in Orlando, then zipping to PLAST 2015 in Milan, then we stopped by events hosted by Perstorp, ENGEL and EUROMAP before our week’s residency at Fakuma. I love travelling the world writing for EPPM but it is your enthusiasm and innovations that have made every trip worth it, allowing us to share even more interviews and insights in the magazine and online.

Now back to this issue, which returns to Fakuma in our dedicated review of the show, while we share what our friends at SABIC and ELIX Polymers had to say about plastics in automotive when we saw them in Friedrichshafen. In addition to our spotlight on automotive, we also have some insights from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag on caps and closures and exciting recycling machinery news from Starlinger and Erema.

We are very proud to once again feature LANXESS as our cover star. And the specialty chemicals company has some strong products to shout about, Durethan and Pocan, which are proving their mettle in some extreme applications explored in detail in our double page feature.

We are also excited to be on-site at Formnext Powered by TCT - the newest additive manufacturing and mould-making event to hit Frankfurt this autumn. You can find out a little more about this fledgling show in our dedicated preview.

But if after all of that, you still want more plastics news, then flip this magazine over and explore the exciting world of plastics in the Middle East (and beyond) in our annual print edition of Middle Eastern Plastics, published back-to-back with EPPM. Before I leave you to enjoy this bumper edition of EPPM, I’d like to sincerely thank all of our advertising partners, the companies who share their time and news with us, and our readers - new and old - for helping to grow our busy publication in 2015. We’ve got even more in store for next year and I’m excited to have you along for the ride.

To all of you, I wish you and yours a peaceful and prosperous new year.

See you in 2016.

Rose Brooke, Editor

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INDUSTRY

Fresh PlasticsEurope data supports zero plastic in landfill campaign PlasticsEurope, the leading European trade association for the plastics industry, has released its latest European plastics postconsumer waste management findings, supporting its campaign to stop plastic waste ending up in landfill.

The organisation revealed its newest data for the year 2014 at the Circular Economy: Opportunities and Threats for Poland and Europe event in Warsaw, Poland on October 22nd 2015. The waste management figures show a positive trend in Europe, with plastics recycling and energy recovery reaching 69.2 per cent in 2014, compared to 62 per cent in 2012. Of that 69.2 per cent, 29.7 per cent was recycled through plastics waste recovery, with energy recovery accounting for the repurposing of 39.5 per cent. Between 2006 and 2014, PlasticsEurope reported, plastics

waste recycling increased by 64 per cent, while energy recovery was up by 46 per cent.

At the Warsaw event, PlasticsEurope also presented its latest recommendations on the upcoming European Commission’s proposals on the circular economy due to be released at the end of 2015.

In 2012, the European plastics industry launched its initiative Zero Plastics to Landfill - a scheme with the ambitious aim to reduce the amount of postconsumer plastics waste going into

landfill to zero. Seven EU member states, in addition to Norway and Switzerland, have already introduced landfill bans, but many member states still rely on landfill as the cheapest way to manage waste. The experience of these nine countries shows that by phasing out landfill together with the improved implementation and enforcement of waste legislation is vital for achieving a more resourceefficient Europe. In order to reach this goal, PlasticsEurope believes recycling should be the “preferred option” and when recycling is not the most ecoefficient choice, decision-makers

should opt for energy recovery as the next alternative.

PlasticsEurope’s ‘Plastics: the Facts’ annual report is due out at the end of 2015 and includes an analysis of the data related to the production, demand and waste management of plastics materials. It provides the latest business information on production demand, recovery and trade and employment and turnover in plastics.

It also lends insights into the market’s contribution to European economic growth and prosperity throughout the full life cycle of its materials. www.plasticseurope.org

Evonik makes ‘strategic’ Airborne Oil & Gas investment Specialty chemicals group Evonik has made a strategic investment in Airborne Oil & Gas (AOG), a company that possesses a unique technology for the production of thermoplastic composite pipes for a range of offshore oil and gas applications.

Through its venture capital arm, Evonik has invested in AOG and now holds a minority interest in the Dutch company. The investment was made jointly with HPE Growth Capital (HPE) and Shell Technology Ventures. The parties have agreed not to disclose the volume of the transaction.

The current offshore oil and gas infrastructure consists of either rigid steel pipes or so-called flexibles. The latter comprise of multiple layers of steel and polymers.

Bernhard Mohr, Head of Venture Capital at Evonik, said: “Airborne Oil & Gas is an excellent strategic match for Evonik. Their unique pipe technology and Evonik’s high performance polymer portfolio enable us to develop new solutions for the industry.”

AOG’s thermoplastic composite pipes dispense with steel entirely and are therefore not susceptible to corrosion. They are lightweight and have extremely high mechanical stability but are also flexible, making them suitable for a wide range of offshore applications.

“In Evonik we’ve gained a strategic investor with an extensive knowledge of plastics for oil and gas applications,” added Eric van der Meer, CEO of AOG. “We hope this will give us additional impetus to develop our business further.”

For Evonik, the oil and gas industry is an attractive growth market and an important innovation field. Furthermore, the company is a market leader in polyamide 12, marketed as VESTAMID, which is well-proven in pipes for oil and gas production and transport.

As part of its venture capital activities, Evonik plans to invest a total of €100 million (£72 million) in promising start-ups with innovative technologies and in leading specialised venture capital funds. The regional focus is on Europe, the US, and Asia. Evonik currently has holdings in seven start-ups and three funds. www.evonik.com

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Proto Labs targets German quality with Alphaform purchase One of the world’s leading manufacturers of custom parts and prototyping has extended its reach into Europe with a canny acquisition.

Proto Labs has announced the completion of its purchase of select assets and operations of German manufacturer and service bureau Alphaform in Feldkirchen and Eschenlohe, in addition to divisions in the UK and Finland. The purchase does not include MediMet Precision Casting and Implants Technology GmbH, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Alphaform.

Following the recent launch of its additive manufacturing service in the UK, this acquisition further expands Proto Labs’ manufacturing capabilities across Europe. In particular, it brings the company a major presence in the thriving German manufacturing market.

Proto Labs’ additive manufacturing operations have been enhanced by Alphaform’s selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering and stereolithography capabilities.

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The purchase adds selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering and additional stereolithography capabilities to Proto Labs’ existing European offering, completing a full service offering in Germany that spans from prototyping to low volume production.

Vicki Holt, President and CEO at Proto Labs, stated: “Germany is renowned as a centre for quality manufacturing, and the high demand for quick turn prototypes and production parts makes it a key area for our continued growth. Our expansion in the region will greatly benefit from the level of expertise and local knowledge that Alphaform’s highly skilled employees bring with them.”

“Alphaform had a reputation as a quality company making quality parts,” added John Tumelty, MD of Proto Labs. “The addition of such a well-regarded manufacturing facility in Germany, along with the combined expertise of a talented local workforce, will help us to expand our additive manufacturing brand proposition.

Proto Labs will quickly become a one-stop shop for addressing a wide spectrum of product development and production requirements in Germany and the wider continent.”

Alphaform will be integrated into Proto Labs’ operations and will continue manufacturing from its locations in Feldkirchen and Eschenlohe.

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COVER STORY

LANXESS produces the high-tech plastics Durethan and Pocan at its Krefeld site, Germany. They are used in the automotive and electronics industry.

LANXESS supports success with strength and durability Supporting automotive and lighting, LANXESS’s newest Durethan and Pocan materials solutions are bringing strength and durability to sophisticated applications, including LEDs and under-the-hood components.

Words | Tim Arping, Head of Marketing, LANXESS Deutschland GmbH

Performance applications require performance materials, which is exactly what LANXESS brought to the table at this year's FAKUMA. The Cologne-headquartered specialty chemicals company chose the international plastics event, which took place in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from October 13th-17th 2015, as the perfect platform to present its new materials for exterior body panel applications, under-the-hood components and LED lighting technology.

The pinnacle of this plastics technology was highlighted at Fakuma 2015 with a display that included a glass-sphere-filled PBT Pocan B 5220 XF for online-paintable, dimensionally stable fuel flaps and the non-reinforced PC+PET blend Pocan C 1206 for thin-walled front grilles with class A high-gloss finish, both of which served to demonstrate the capabilities of the materials, even in harsh environments.

Light, paintable and strong

Conductivity for lighting

LANXESS has built up a broad portfolio of polyamides and polyesters for car and truck exterior body panel parts under the Durethan (PA 6, PA 66) and Pocan (PBT) brands. This includes highmodulus grades for very stiff components, online-paintable PBT grades, low-warpage materials for high-precision applications (seamless look) and customised materials for parts that are at risk of high impact, such as front grilles.

In addition to automotive and transportation applications, the new stars of the LANXESS portfolio were presented in the context of LED lighting technology - a major growth area. According to a report from McKinsey & Company in Munich published in LEDs Magazine, worldwide LED lighting growth is set to grow from €7 billion (£5 billion) in 2010 to €40 billion by next year - a CAGR of more than one-third (34 per cent).

The LED lighting market will amount to nearly €65 billion by 2020, representing some 60 per cent of the global lighting market.

Sarah Sangermann, Project Manager for Exterior Body Panels, High Performance Materials (HMP), explained: "Our products offer greater design flexibility than thermosetting systems such as sheet moulding compounds, are lighter than

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metals and result in components with an outstanding surface and excellent paintability that do not require reworking."

LANXESS is anticipating this rise in demand and with it, a rise in competition - by introducing its reinforced polyamide 6 compounds from the Durethan brand for LED lighting. These

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compounds conduct heat efficiently while at the same time being electrically insulating.

Their thermal conductivity lies between 0.8 and 3 W/mK making them suitable for applications such as cooling elements that dissipate the heat generated by LEDs, thus preventing any decline in brightness or lifespan. Highly reinforced, white, light-reflecting and halogen-free flame-retardant material grades are also in development, for example.

Our products offer greater design flexibility than thermosetting systems such as sheet moulding compounds, are lighter than metals, and result in components with an outstanding surface and excellent paintability that do not require reworking.

"Our calculation expertise enables us to construct LED components in a perfect plastic design in terms of heat dissipation," said Thomas Malek, New Business Development Manager LED at HPM.

Tensile stress at break still high after hot-air storage The long-term stability and low tendency to become brittle under high thermal stresses can be seen for both polyamides in hot-air aging tests, for example.

Even after 2,000 hours of storage at 200 °C, the reduction in tensile stress at break is not measurable for the polyamide 6 grade and is only 15 per cent for the polyamide 66 grade.

Under these conditions, strain at break is still above two per cent (polyamide 6) and 1.8 per cent (polyamide 66). By way of comparison, the tensile stress at break of comparable polyamide 6 grades with copper-free heat stabilisation that is typical of the market drops to around 50 per cent under the same conditions.

In the case of corresponding polyamide 66 grades, a decline in tensile stress at break to 50 per cent of the initial value is observed after just 1,000 hours.

Durethan under the hood To maintain its competitive edge in the expanding electricals and electronics, and automotive marketplaces, LANXESS has developed a further high-tech heat stabilising system for its Durethan polyamides.

XTS3 (Xtreme Temperature Stabilisation) follows on from the XTS1 system already launched by LANXESS and raises the continuous service temperatures that polyamides 6 and 66 can withstand by around 60 °C to approximately 200 °C. Yet its heat stabilisation properties are based not on an inorganic but on an organic additive system that is metal- and halide-free.

Thomas Linder, expert in Durethan product and applications development at HPM, explained: "The material grades of Durethan incorporating this stabiliser system are ideal for manufacturing plastic parts that are subjected to high thermal loads and come into direct contact with metal components.

"The metal- and salt-free stabilisation ensures there is no contact corrosion."

Alternative to specialty thermoplastics The first materials with the new stabilisation technology are two polyamide 6 and 66 grades reinforced with 30 per cent short glass fibres that will be marketed in the future under the names Durethan BKV 30 XTS3 and AKV 30 XTS3.

Easy flowing, stable process The two new polyamides are easy to process in a single robust production process. The processing range is comparatively wide, with hardly any susceptibility to moisture, and is similar to that of established standard Durethan grades. The high flowability of the two polyamides deserves special notice.

Linder noted: "It opens up greater processing flexibility for injection moulders. For example, production can be carried out at lower temperatures and thus cycle times and energy costs can be cut. Alternatively, with the same injection pressures, moulders can achieve longer flow paths compared to similar standard polyamides, which enables the use of simpler moulds, for instance."

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The mechanical properties of the two polyamides remain largely unaffected by heat stabilisation. They are at the high level that is characteristic of H3.0 grades of Durethan with 'classic' organic temperature stabilisation.

The Durethan and Pocan brands are already making their mark as strong solutions in plastics processing and with these durable, highly-effective performance materials, LANXESS is underlining its credentials as a strong partner for the plastics industry that can supply its customers both with the innovation and support they need throughout the entire development chain of a component - from concept phase and computational design, to mould construction, testing and start-of-series production.

Potential applications in the engine compartment include oil filter housings, oil pans, housings of transmission control systems and sensors that come into contact with oil, while those in the electrical/electronics sectors include plug connectors, plug strips and housing parts.

"As well as their longterm thermal stability, both compounds offer an excellent priceperformance ratio and high processing stability.

In many applications, they could be an alternative to costly heat-stabilised specialty thermoplastics such as polyphenylene sulfide, semi-aromatic polyamides and polyamide 46," explained Linder.

www.lanxess.com

Hybrid technology based on Tepex continuous fibre-reinforced composites overmoulded with Durethan polyamides has tremendous potential in lightweight automotive design as an alternative to metal parts.

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AUTOMOTIVE

VW emissions scandal ‘wakeup call automotive needs’ CEO of Covestro Patrick Thomas described the VW emissions scandal as a ‘wakeup call’, stating that the automotive industry must work to meet consumer expectations.

Patrick Thomas, CEO of Covestro, was less guarded in his comments than some of his counterparts, describing the story as a “wakeup call” for automotive.

“You can’t green-wash,” he told journalists on October 15th 2015. “[Automotive] has to adapt to consumer expectations of efficient emissions ...

You can’t get away with cheating consumers.”

On the machinery side of the plastics market, Dr Peter Neumann, CEO of ENGEL, told the media the perceived impact would be “limited” as far as the industry giant’s business is concerned.

Revelations that VW has been dissembling in its emissions figures due to misleading data produced by software installed in diesel engines between 2009 and 2015 has rocked automotive.

The full impact of ‘emissions-gate’, may be yet to be revealed as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stepped in, calling on VW to bring about full transparency, while it could take VW over a year to get through the backlog of affected vehicles.

The ‘emissions-gate scandal’ has unearthed the fact that more nitrogen oxide has been pumped out of VW, Skoda, Audi and Seat engines than previously thought and with some 11 million cars affected, the ripples of this event will be felt throughout the supply chain.

Nevertheless, the global automotive giant is standing firm, holding a strategy meeting in the wake of the scandal breaking. In a press release disclosing some of the details of this meeting, CEO Dr Herbert Diess stated: “Time and again, the Volkswagen team has proved it stands united and is fully focused on shaping the future, particularly when times are tough.

We have now laid the further foundations for that.”

Therefore, it came as no surprise when the CEOs of plastics machinery manufacturers and materials suppliers were grilled in the question and answer sessions of their Fakuma 2015 press conferences as to how the matter impacts their business.

www.covestro.com

ELIX Polymers develops ‘benchmark’ ABS At Fakuma, ELIX Polymers released a new generation of ABS materials for automotive offering OEMS high-heat grades combining low emissions with high flowability, offering well-balanced materials properties, low odour, high heat resistance, excellent paintability and good processability. EPPM sat down with Business Development Manager for Automotive Pedro Abad at Fakuma to find out about these versatile materials and to learn a little more about the Tarragona-based business.

Abad explained the new grades were developed to meet demand for both automotive interior and exterior materials. ABS is perfect for exterior applications because of its durability, but it has to be paintable for UV protection, while the biggest issue facing ABS developers for automotive interiors is one of odour, so the new grades have to carry no scent of plastic.

“These new grades have much lower emissions and can deal with high heat as well as having better processing performance as they can be processed at a lower temperature which saves cycle time because a lower temperature means less time to heat the screw in the hot chamber and less cooling time,” Abad explained.

Developing ABS that can meet all of these complicated requirements for a notoriously demanding application is no easy feat, and yet Abad believes there is still room to tweak the product even if it is currently “a benchmark”.

“You know you never stop aiming to ELIX Polymers’ cooperation with BMW has led to a new glove box material. improve. I would say the material is “At the moment we are state of the art in ABS but we state of the art at the moment but we can make little differences,” he said. One area are making step by step small improvements,” Abad there could be wiggle room for further perfecting is commented. “We are continuously working with our density, where the improvements may be miniscule customers who are demanding lightweight materials but there is not much more we can do from an ABS but “still count”, according to Abad. point of view to really improve in weight saving.

ELIX Polymers’ high performance ABS has With ABS now you can only improve from an impressed even at the premium end of the emissions perspective and that will continue to be a automotive market, with BMW Group selecting challenge in the future.” the ELIX 4105 LNS308 ABS/PC blend for glove box compartments for the BMW 1 Series, 3 “We are the benchmark - we’re on top at the Series and 5 Gran Turismo. The material was moment,” he continued. “With some products we specifically developed to meet BMW’s specific are the benchmark and with others we are very technical requirements, which included making close. So we are always looking at what others are it compatible with secondary processes including doing, learning and listening to our customers. flocking, foaming and welding as a means of We have good communication with OEMs, engineers, moulders and other customers.” reducing cycle times. www.elix-polymers.com

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ARPRO boosts packaging and transport efficiency In the automotive sector efficiency gains can be found in other places besides component weight and fuel consumption. JSP’s ARPRO is a lightweight alternative for packaging delicate car parts for transportation, delivering significant cost savings.

Words | Paul Compton, JSP President and CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa

The automotive supply chain is becoming increasingly environmentally-conscious and costfocused. As a result, the need for robust, lightweight and reusable transport packaging is ever more important. Indeed, sustainable packaging is a key component of delivering against the industry’s financial and environmental objectives.

Lightweight engineering material ARPRO is increasing efficiency across the European supply chain by delivering cost savings of up to 60 per cent.

Supporting the transport of products such as windscreens, sunroofs and satelite navigation systems, ARPRO has delivered significant savings for many automotive industry Tier 1 suppliers.

As a sustainable solution, replacing traditional metal or cardboard packaging, ARPRO is also making a considerable contribution to automotive manufacturers’ emissions and wastage targets.

With benefits including the prevention of moisture build-up, resistance to temperature changes and the ability to absorb vibrations, ARPRO’s sustainable and lightweight reusable packaging enables manufacturers to more easily ship fragile glass and electronic modules internationally.

For example, the high performance engineering material allowed Webasto to reduce transit breakage from six per cent to zero on long-distance shipping of panoramic sunroofs for Mercedes-Benz.

Additionally, dust contamination was completely eliminated and packaging weight reduced by 80 per cent. In another example, Alpine Electronics was able to secure safe delivery of original navigation systems for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Looking to improve environmental performance and reduce unecessary wastage, automotive packaging specialist Omnipack, selected ARPRO to replace the carboard dunnage it had been using previously. Not only was the ARPRO solution seven times more cost effective, but each new tray replaced approximately 250 sets of non-reusable carboard packaging over its lifetime.

supply chain. Where throwaway packaging is an obvious waste of resource, engineering materials like ARPRO are able to take advantage of existing reverse logistics and provide assembly line efficiencies. In addition, ARPRO is robust enough to last for the entire vehicle production run before being recycled.

ARPRO is also engineered for the manufacture of quality, safety components within car design. For example, ARPRO is a key engineering material for bumpers, headrests, seat backs, air conditioning units, door panels and boot liners for brands including BMW, Peugeot and Citroën. It can be used in conjunction with complementary materials and its properties make it suitable for integration with other components.

For specialist applications, the ARPRO 5135 ESDP (electrostatic discharge protection) dunnage has been designed to minimise build-up and discharge of static electricity.

With 35 years of worldwide production, relationships with every major OEM and inclusion as a lightweight component in more than 23 million cars every year, ARPRO is helping to solve design challenges for the automotive industry on a global scale.

The provision of reliable inter-factory protection which also supports cost management initiatives is crucial to the ongoing success of the automotive

www.arpro.com

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AUTOMOTIVE

BULLET1N Thermoplastic bumper enters Hall of Fame The first use of glass-mat thermoplastic (GMT) composite on the bumper of the 1984 Chevrolet Corvette sports car from GM has been named the 2015 Hall of Fame winner by the Automotive Division of the SPE. Members of the original team were honoured on November 11th 2015 at the group’s 45th-annual Automotive Innovation Awards Competition. To be considered for a Hall of Fame award, an automotive plastic or composite component must have been in continuous service in some form for at least 15 years and preferably have been broadly adopted within automotive.

Solvay acquires EPIC lightweighting intelligence Solvay has added to its growing pool of metal replacement expertise by acquiring EPIC Polymers’ long-fibre thermoplastics (LFT) technology, complementing its offering of high-performance lightweighting materials. EPIC Polymers developed an innovative reinforcing technology for high-performance thermoplastic polymers. “Having this technology is an important step in the expansion of Solvay Specialty Polymers’ broad offering of materials that are simultaneously light and ultra-performing,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, President of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit. Solvay Specialty Polymers’ products replace metal in an array of demanding under-the-hood components such as hot air ducts, engine control units and conduits, while LFT is typically used to make interior/exterior semi-structural parts. www.solvay.com

www.speautomotive.com

So.F.teR. to transform lightweighting with Litepol

Covestro launches Makrofol HF for slick auto interiors Covestro launched its Makrofol HF polycarbonate films with varying levels of matte at Fakuma. The scratch-resistant, glare-free formable hardcoat films were developed for the decorative design of component surfaces in automotive interiors. “Matte films can easily be printed, formed or back-injected in a film insert moulding process, just like their high-gloss counterparts,” said Roland Künzel, Head of the Technical Center for Film Processing in Dormagen. In addition to using Makrofol HF in automotive interior design, for instance for side fascia, Covestro also sees opportunities in consumer electronics, IT equipment and in combination with printed polymer electronics.

Litepol, the new polyolefin compound reinforced with hollow glass microspheres developed with 3M’s innovative filler technology, was presented at Fakuma by SO.F.TER. Litepol has the same mechanical characteristics as polypropylene filled with 20 per cent talc but weighs approximately 30 per cent less and can be used in many interior components of cars such as the dashboard carrier, glove box interior, consoles and air ducts. “Now, with the revolutionary Litepol, So.F.teR. can offer car manufacturers one of the most innovative and competitive tools on the market for reducing emissions,” said Riccardo Meucci, Global Commercial Director. With Litepol in its portfolio, SO.F.TER. has earned its place as a dynamic global manufacturers in the automotive industry. www.softergroup.com

www.covestro.com

Crastin chosen for Continental sensor housing

Styrenic TPEs that are ‘superior to TVPs’ Teknor Apex claims its styrenic TPE moulding grades for automotive interiors are superior to TPVs in terms of flow and cost/performance balance. In its mission to offer multiple compounds choices for the same application, Teknor Apex has expanded options for automotive injection moulders of automotive interior parts by developing styrene block copolymer TPEs with alternative costperformance profiles to those of TPVs. Recommended by Teknor Apex for such automotive interior applications as bin mats, cup holder liners and soft-touch grips for knobs and buttons, the styrenic TPEs are already in commercial use in applications for Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

The short cycle times and easier mould filling benefits brought by DuPont’s Crastin Super Fast resin is the reason why Continental selected the material for a series of thermal covers for protecting a delicate sensor module controlling the engine thermal management system. Crastin SF PBT can be used as a direct drop-in replacement for standard PBT on existing injectionmoulding machinery. It also enables moulders to switch to reduced machine size thanks to its efficiency at lower filling pressures, offering as much as 30 per cent more resin flow compared to standard PBT. Crastin SF is available in a non-reinforced grade and also two 15 per cent and 30 per cent glass-reinforced grades in natural and black. Black grades are laser markable, which can reduce counterfeiting risk.

www.teknorapex.com

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www.dupont.com

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Italian engineering boosts automotive efficiency A

n international automotive technology manufacturer has optimised the energy consumption of its drying technology following an equipment upgrade by plastics industry ancillary solutions design, installation and support provider TH Plastics.

AUTOMOTIVE

Lee Thomas, TH Plastics Managing Director

TH Plastics replaced Denso Corporation’s dessicant dryers at its UK plant in Telford with two Moretto units: a XD26A dryer with 1,200 litre OTX drying hopper and a XD27A dryer with 1,800 litre OTX hopper. Both were supplied with access platforms and central loading systems capable of conveying polymers from 200 m away.

Since TH Plastics completed the project in March 2015, Denso has experienced savings of between 35 per cent and 40 per cent in the energy consumption of its drying technology. The saving is the result of the rapid drying facilitated by Moretto technology.

Denso invested in the drying equipment upgrade following its acquisition of Shimzu Industry UK, which completed its relocation from Welshpool, Wales, to Telford in September 2014. TH Plastics supported Denso during the relocation project, transferring the company’s materials handling system.

Steve Crowther, UK Technical Engineering Manager at Denso, said: “Denso is always looking for ways to improve the efficiency of its operation and is pleased that the new drying equipment is already generating energy savings.”

Lee Thomas, TH Plastics Managing Director, added: “This upgrade project is the latest stage in our long-term partnership with Denso, and it is very gratifying to be able to support the company in its on-going quest to optimise performance.

“The manufacturing industry, and the automotive sector in particular, is currently undergoing rapid growth, with many customers requiring new plastics ancillary solutions to facilitate larger outputs, as well as to replace old systems; this is a busy and exciting time for us.”

While working in partnership with preferred manufacturers, TH Plastics maintains a vendor agnostic status, developing bespoke ancillary solutions for customers that are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems, facilitating maximum efficiency and minimising costs and waste while enhancing product quality. www.thplastics.co.uk WWW.EPPM.COM

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AUTOMOTIVE

Instant results from the long game SABIC has solutions automotive OEMs can apply to their products today, but instant results can only be achieved through years of building trust through collaboration. EPPM explored this process with the SABIC team at Fakuma 2015.

Words | Rose Brooke

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olutions customers can adopt now was the theme of SABIC's exciting automotive presentation at Fakuma 2015. It was there EPPM spoke with Commercial Director for Automotive in Europe Dr Konrad Hellmann and Senior Communications Business Partner Michaela Stamm from the comfort of an elegant Uncle Jim armchair designed by Kartell and built using SABIC materials.

As far as automotive trends are concerned, OEMs are still looking for affordable solutions that are lightweight and can help reduce CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, boundaries are being pushed where competition is at its most stiff.

"Automotive is a highly competitive environment, so what our customers are seeking is lighter and thinner parts that can perform," Hellmann explained. "And Fakuma is a fair where you do not necessarily show breakthrough innovation that's still 20 years out, you talk about day-to-day solutions for customers, the engineers of our customers and the purchasing managers of our customers. You show them what they can do today so when they go home tomorrow, they can face a challenge with a real solution."

One of SABIC's customers is Škoda Auto and for over five years the chemicals specialist has been producing bumpers for the Octavia, Superb and Fabia with its sophisticated SABIC PP Customized Solutions technology, helping to reduce production costs.

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The Customized Solutions technology is based on the gravimetric addition of basic ingredients directly onto the screw of the moulding machine. The basic ingredients consist of a reactor grade PP-copolymer and a compound masterbatch containing talc and other additives necessary for the end product. Costs are capped thanks to the small amount of compound that's necessary to add to the reactor grade. The amount of talc, which can easily be adjusted using SABIC's technology, determines the shrinkage and linear expansion coefficient of the end product.

Together with Škoda Auto and Magna Exteriors, SABIC developed the front bumper fascia for the Fabia with the highimpact, high-thickness SABIC PP 8750, which benefits the automaker further by facilitating lower cycle times and a lower reject rate.

But development does not end there, as the Škoda Fabia bumper is an on-going project for Hellmann and his team.

"We've been able to reduce the wall thickness from predecessor models of 3 mm down to 2.5 mm. That's quite a leap, and brings weight savings of around 12 per cent versus previous models, bringing Škoda less material usage. So it's a cost-efficient solution on top of it increasing productivity, which is what our customers are always looking for, especially at Fakuma."

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Early start An achievement such as bringing the wall thickness of a crucial automotive component down by a sixth is not something a development team can do in isolation. Hellmann expressed the importance of working alongside Ĺ koda and beginning a partnership at "a very early stage in the design process" as pivotal in making the most significant developments.

"You can achieve that only if you have a very close cooperation with the customer. They need to take you on very early to make [innovations like] these happen - both the OEM and the Tier 1 who makes the part has to bring you on board early."

Taking on a new concept early is not something an automotive OEM is going to do on a whim, as the industry is notoriously conservative.

"Of course they are very risk averse because they know they need to build these cars every day and cannot stop their lines. They have suppliers and their suppliers have to have continuous supply, continuous quality and make no compromises on security and safety. A lot of trust is needed when establishing yourself with a customer."

You show them what they can do today so when they go home tomorrow, they can face a challenge with a real solution.

"There's a triangle," he added, "there's a whole ecosystem we need to cover to understand what the challenges are."

Running with the bulls But of course, Hellmann noted, SABIC would have made very little in terms of inroads into automotive were it not for its strength as a company and its clear vision - and SABIC has ambitions to become the global preferred leader in chemicals.

"That's our 'Strategy 2025' and our customers - especially our automotive customers - are playing a very important role in that strategy because it's a globally growing market and we want to grow with that market."

In order to run with the bulls, SABIC must continue to innovate and to Hellmann, this happens by developing a concept for the OEM or Tier 1 customer and pitching how SABIC would approach it.

"An example of working like this is with a full plastic tailgate, which is a concept that has been developed by us, or the backlight fully made of plastic including glazing and the structural part. Most innovation does not happen in isolation, it happens because OEMs and Tier 1s give us their requirements and we try to understand their needs and develop a product very specifically for the OEM or Tier 1," explained Hellmann.

Collaboration, he continued, has to be on-going. "Either you are part of the value chain and choose to be a part of the value chain or you are not. That's the key to success. It's that close cooperation and exchange that brings success to both parties. It's listening and being engaged."

Pushing the envelope The fruits of SABIC's collaboration with Skoda and Magna Exteriors has pushed the boundaries yet again with its ultra-thin bumper wall thickness, but presumably there is only so thin this component can go before it becomes ineffective?

Hellmann agreed that in automotive there is a limit to how far lightweighting technology can go, but that limit might be down to cost rather than pushing the materials to the very edge of what is possible, while these technologies might be implemented in other applications where there is more financing, such as aerospace.

"In automotive there is an end to lightweighting in terms of how much you can afford. Sometimes there's a lightweight solution that exists, but it is so expensive you cannot implement it economically in a car. With an aeroplane, the budget is much bigger so any concept that brings lightweighting further can be explored."

"Aerospace is always one step ahead of automotive when it comes to lightweighting," Stamm added. "We have materials you do not need to paint and that brings a lot to a plane."

Ultimately, SABIC can do as much as chemically possible with a customer brief or to develop a material further to address market trends, but without customer collaboration, SABIC's material development efforts are redundant.

"It's our brand promise, 'Chemistry that matters'," Stamm stated. "It's the double meaning that is so important. Not only the chemistry we work with but the chemistry between people.

If the chemistry is not right, the collaboration is not going to be good."

Hellmann concluded: "As with everything in today's industry ... if we all work together then we always get the best results.

The more you have trust and understand a particular market and ecosystem, the more these partners are open-minded for developing the best results with you. We've proven it many times." www.sabic.com

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RECYCLING

Petcore Europe on a mission to find recycling solutions The annual Petcore Europe Conference, AKA the PET Network Day, will be taking place in the Vleva Conference Centre, Brussels on November 24th 2015, bringing together more than 100 experts and leaders from the whole PET value chain in Europe and beyond as well as representatives from the European institutions.

The second session on circular economy will primarily focus on the eagerlyawaited European Circular Economy Package as well as the Europe-wide PET collection and recycling rates in 2014, based on a survey commissioned by Petcore Europe.

This year, the conference will focus on the four key aspects: sustainability, circular economy, innovation and globalisation.

The innovation session will outline examples of new PET packaging and future trends like the use of PET in aerosols. Furthermore, a novel technology for the recycling of heavy, coloured post-consumer PET packaging will be presented and discussed.

“For everyone involved in the PET value chain it is essential to stay up to date on the latest developments regarding European legislation, trends, innovation and what is happening outside of Europe,” remarked Patrick Peuch, Petcore Europe Executive Director. “That is why our event is very important for all factors in the PET value chain.”

The last session on Globalisation will feature a presentation on the PET situation in India, Russia and the US. After a presentation by Waste-Free Oceans on the problem of marine litter, the session will be concluded by a panel debate about the effective communication on PET to the public.

The first session of the conference will be dedicated to sustainability and will give an outline of different EU projects like the EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) on packed bottled water or the EU Polymark project focusing on the first results of a novel identification technology for differentiating high value plastics in waste streams.

If you would like to register for the event or receive the detailed programme, please contact Eva Schneider, Petcore Europe Communications Officer, via eva. schneider@petcore-europe.org or visit the website www.petcore-europe.org.

Luxus delivers keynote at Nordic recycling event

‘Giant leap forward’ in regrind recycling

Luxus will be spearheading recycling innovation at the opening of the Competence Centre for Recycling (CCR) Conference at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenberg, Sweden, on November 17th-18th.

EREMA presented the world with a ‘giant leap forward’ in the recycling of plastic regrind at Fakuma 2015. The RegrindPro is the latest, most efficient technology for the recycling of regrind material.

There, Luxus Technical Director Dr Christel Croft will deliver a keynote presentation entitled ‘Lightweight recycled polypropylene for tomorrow’s automotive interiors’.

To enable recyclates to be used 1:1 as a substitute for virgin material, sufficient raw recycling material has to be able to be processed economically to make recycled pellets with customised property profiles. Thick-walled regrind has enormous potential in this respect as the input material for recycling. Reprocessing the recycled pellets from regrind without any problems and ensuring the manufacture of functional end products requires a specific recycling process – one that conventional systems on the market have so far not been able to accomplish with due thoroughness.

Dr Croft will share the aims of the Luxus’ ‘Recyclite’ commercialisation project that is supporting the development of Hycolene – the next generation in advanced polymers with up to 60 per cent recycled content for the rigorous class ‘A’ auto interior trim market.

www.petcore.org

The new INTAREMA RegrindPro plant system is geared exactly to all types of thick-walled regrind material and, thanks to the extremely gentle process and highly efficient filtration, can make application-optimised recycled pellets from regrind. www.erema.at

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to share our progress to date on this important research project with a completely new audience – the eco-conscious Nordic automotive sector,” said Dr Croft. www.luxus.co.uk

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Dr Christel Croft

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Anz CloseUps 51x320 GB.qxp_Layout 1 29.10.1

Re-launched recoSTAR brings new intelligence to recycling Starlinger’s recoSTAR re-launch brings even better technology, intelligence and design to recycling machinery, in addition to an even smaller carbon footprint.

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tarlinger has re-launched its successful recoSTAR line with the latest technology and design, bringing users even greater process variety, simplicity and ease of operation, as well as reduced energy consumption.

The new ACTIVE shredder enables the recoSTAR universal recycling line to process input material in almost any form without pregrinding. Edge trim can be fed to the line directly from the production line, other plastic waste directly from the reel feeder or the conveyor belt. The load-controlled dosing screw provides stable supply to the extruder even when the bulk density of the input material varies.

Individual motors for the grinder and the extruder ensure accurate material dosing and controlled output. The high-performance rotor, which can be cooled or heated as required, processes hard and stiff materials as well as flexible ones and prepares them optimally for the downstream process.

Simple knife change and easily accessible service openings make the ACTIVE shredder highly operator-friendly and ensure maximum uptime.

The self-reversing rotor removes material build-up automatically during production, while the speedcontrolled dosing screw ensures the stability of the production process. The recycling line performs the start-up and shutdown operations entirely automatically, thereby allowing the operators – especially in inline applications – to devote their full attention to the actual production

Mouldmaking starts with HASCO.

process. The option of cold-feeding the extruder makes preheating times unnecessary. Upcycling and compounding are possible by introducing additives via the dosing unit; the quality of the recycled material produced is monitored by a feedback loop.

The rECO energy concept by Starlinger recycling technology stands for an innovative machine design that significantly increases the energy efficiency of the lines. Up to 10 per cent energy savings can be achieved with the rECO package, which profits not only the plant operator through lower costs, but also the environment through an improved carbon footprint. Energy savings are achieved using the new extruder drive concept as well as by using motors classified IE3 and infrared heaters on the extruder barrel. The use of the radiant heat of the extruder for material processing helps to recover additional energy. recoSTAR universal recycling lines are designed for processing a wide range of plastic waste – from films and injection moulding parts to fibres, filaments and fleece made of PE, PP, PS, PA, PES, PET, PPS, PLA and many more. Various degassing and filter systems for purifying and filtering the melt are available depending on the input material; for pelletising, a water ring, an underwater or a strand pelletiser can be used. www.starlinger.com

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CAPS & CLOSURES

Packaging trends uncapped With efficiency, weight and cost pressures weighing on caps and closures producers, injection moulding machine manufacturers have to ensure their equipment is up to the task. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag tells us how their hardware is exceeding expectations.

Words | Kevin Heap, Packaging Expert, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag

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lobal demand for caps and closures is continuing to rise, with screw caps for canisters and bottles and plastic caps for cups, containers and pouches driving this growth.

Demands on injection moulding machines in the packaging industry continue to increase.

In recent years, cycle times have got shorter, performance has increased and higher cavity numbers are demanded. At Sumitomo (SHI) Demag we are seeing increasing demand for applications with cycle times of between 2-3 seconds. There is also bigger demand for machines with higher clamping force.

Manufacturers in this sector are often contracted to produce millions of caps and closures, so to be cost effective, investment in high performance plant equipment is fundamental. When it comes to packaging applications, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s Systec SP and the El- Exis SP machinery ranges are selected. The name gives it away – SP stands for ‘Speed Performance’.

With packaging formats constantly changing, it makes economic sense to build a complete moulding system that anticipates future applications

Energy efficiency

Fit for the future

All-electric systems are fast becoming the system of choice for moulders, as they consume up to 75 per cent less energy than conventional equipment and the speed in which moulders are seeing a return on investment (ROI) has dropped from eight years to three. Guala Closures UK is one of our many caps and closures customers that opted for all-electric IntElect machines. Since installation their Kirkintilloch plant has increased the output of its customised bottle cap closures by 12 per cent, delivered a 40 per cent reduction in scrap waste and boosted its overall equipment efficiency (OEE) rating by five per cent.

Injection moulding has surpassed compression moulding, predominantly due to the widespread adoption of multi-cavity moulds. The process entails thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer granules being fed into a heated barrel where they are melted and mixed under pressure by a rotating screw until there is a homogeneous melt which is injected into a mould cavity where the shape is configurated to the cavity and is replicated exactly. The mould is then cooled and opened, ejecting the finished cap/closure.

Plastic is by far the preferred material nowadays for these dailyuse components. Aside from the cost advantages, the lower weight and versatility of plastic applications can further enhance product quality and security, and offer manufacturers better graphic capabilities. Polypropylene continues to lead but there are expectations that the material may be replaced with HDPE which has economic advantages. The use of bioplastics is also poised to play a greater role in packaging going forward.

Given that the average European discards 159 kg of packaging material each year, sustainability is an ongoing concern. The challenge for manufacturers of caps and closures is they are balancing a wide range of variables, including cost and functional requirements, as well as responding to demographic and lifestyle changes and environmental impact. However, with material still being the largest cost element of a closure, thin walling and weight reduction has been a focus area for innovation at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag.

From a machinery manufacturer point of view, thinner wall sections bring changes in processing requirements. Among them, higher pressures and speeds, faster cooling times and modifications to part-ejection and gating arrangements. These process changes have in turn prompted new considerations in mould, machinery and part design.

With packaging formats constantly changing, it makes economic sense to build a complete moulding system that anticipates future applications. Many of today’s manufacturers are looking towards full turnkey solutions, with robotic capabilities integrated. Speed, yield, repeatability, reliability, multi-tasking and long-term cost saving are all reasons why end users might opt for a robotic solution. Our customers, particularly in the caps and closures market, increasingly ask for complete IM packages, which once set up require little modifications or engineering intervention. uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu

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CAPS & CLOSURES

Child-proof closures for ophthalmic packaging Amcor Rigid Plastics has responded to new federal legislation requiring certain drug packaging be made child-proof by presenting its latest caps and closures innovation at Pack Expo in Las Vegas in September.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission now requires child-proof packaging for any over-the-counter or prescription product containing the equivalent of 0.08 mg or more of the imidazoline class of drugs in a single package.

SecurePlus is a 15-mm-diameter PP closure which uses a push-and-turn system.

It is used for squeezable LDPE eye drop containers and replaces today’s single-piece PP closures which are non-child-resistant.

The development of the closure required a significant amount of design work so the closure could be produced economically while also meeting the protocol demands.

Greg Rosati, Marketing Director for the Diversified Products Division of Amcor Rigid Plastics, said: “It was a challenge ... Our design team underwent a few iterations to pass the protocols and also maximise productivity.” www.amcor.com

PolyOne gives aluminium caps TPE twist

ho says brands have to choose between plastics and metal for their packaging?

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extended shelf life. Applications include cap liners for roll-on (RO) and roll-on pilfer proof (ROPP) aluminium closures.

PolyOne’s new low-migration aluminium cap liner technology based on its GLS Versaflex PKG 4190 TPE was premiered at PackExpo 2015. The advanced solution allows for lower processing temperatures while delivering high seal integrity for

As an extension of GLS compressionmoulded cap liner technology, this non-PVC Versaflex PKG is formulated for aluminium caps used for sealing glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or aluminium containers. The

materials deliver excellent seal integrity, while its lower processing temperature helps save energy and expand manufacturing flexibility.

The new Versaflex PKG material comes as a granular material that is compliant with EU 10/2011 and FDA 177.1210 food contact regulations. It is available globally in white or translucent grades. www.polyone.com

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MACHINERY ROUNDUP

Clamp down Zero-defect production has been brought a step closer for plastics processors thanks to ENGEL’s new iQ clamp control, which automatically determines and adapts the optimum clamping force for each individual application based on mould breathing. The focus in developing iQ clamp control was on the injection moulding machine’s clamping unit. By continuously adapting the clamping force, the software keeps the mould breathing constant even under fluctuating process conditions. The new software is being offered for ENGEL IMMs with electrical clamping units up to forces of 2200 kN. www.engelglobal.com

Cut above Reduction Engineering has introduced better pelletising systems to the European market, including the SLYder special cutting rotor for processing abrasive materials. The characteristic feature of this innovative system is a specific way of joining highly wearresistant cutting strips with the rotor body. The cutting rotor is an assembly of multiple segments which are 100 mm wide and 200 mm in diameter holding 32 tungsten carbide cutting strips and each modular segment holds 32 cutting strips with a length of 100 mm. www.reductionengineering.com

Multi enhancements Milacron’s hot runner brand Mold-Masters has announced numerous enhancements and an updated software package for the E-Multi, the company’s leading auxiliary injection unit. The mould-mounted E-Multi EM1 model has received a new carriage that provides enhanced utility and a compact fit of the unit into the moulding area and a relocated spring pack to provide increased tiebar clearance and increased mechanical nozzle protrusion adjustment. Milacron has also released the latest version of the E-Multi software (V1.34) and is now shipping on all new E-Multi systems. The software release includes automatic carriage calibration and safety ramp control for high-speed injection. www.moldmasters.com

Grand strand Coperion Pelletizing Technology GmbH, has developed a new automatic strand conveyance system (ASC) for compounding systems for pelletising at very high throughput rates. Designed to work in conjunction with Coperion’s two large strand pelletisers, the SP 500 HD and the SP 700 HD, this new conveyance system is likewise available in two sizes: the ASC 500 for throughput rates of up to 3.5 tons/hour and the ASC 700 for up to 5 tons/hour. The conveyance system automatically guides the extruded strands via a cooling water chute and downstream conveyor belt into the feed mechanism of the pelletiser. The ASC may be used for a broad spectrum of materials and is equipped with a vertical adjustment. www.coperion.com

Stack exchange Yoghurt pot producers can start feeling the benefits of Reifenhäuser’s Cast Sheet Coating polishing stack technology. The machinery leader’s engineers have developed their most successful MIREX-MT polishing stack further and brought to market a new model type named MIREX-MT-HS. The vertical roll arrangement and smaller roll diameters in a range between 310 and 510 mm make it an optimal solution mainly for the production of polystyrene, polypropylene and barrier films with output capacities from 400 kg/h to about 1,200 kg/h. www.reifenhauser.com

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MATERIALS ROUNDUP

Exceedingly good

Work hard, PLA hard

ExxonMobil has extended its mPE resins portfolio with the new Exceed 0019XC for extrusion coating and lamination applications. Exceed 0019XC offers a wide sealing range and broad hot tack window. Through careful resin design, optimum sealing performance is achieved without compromising overall processability and extrusion, while the grade also delivers a lower coefficient of friction (COF) than competitive grades. “This new grade allows converters to customise a solution: a blend or coextrusion layer to meet the required packaging attributes, while remaining easy to process on high-speed coextrusion and lamination lines,” said ExxonMobil’s Brad Kramer.

Corbion Purac launched its new PLA bioplastic product portfolio at Fakuma 2015, offering plastics processors tailor-made resins for extrusion, thermoforming injection moulding and fibre spinning.

Corbion Purac’s PLA homopolymer resins are available in a range of melt viscosities and deliver improved heat resistance over standard PLA. These grades can be used as neat resin or as part of a compound in order to further optimise overall material properties. PDLA, when combined with PLA homopolymers, will yield a compound that combines good heat resistance with excellent mechanical properties. www.corbion.com

www.exxonmobilchemical.com

Film star

Outstanding

Avery Dennison has launched two new bio-based PE label films: the first self-adhesive PE filmic labels with a face stock that includes over 80 per cent renewable content. The films offer brand owners the chance to meet their renewable resources in packaging while continuing to benefit from the functionality and performance of a regular polyethylene label. “With our expanding product range of sustainable label materials we can support converters who want to fulfill brand owners’ needs for packaging from renewable resources, while also helping them to provide a differentiating product and drive sales in a fast-growing segment,” said Xander van der Vlies, Sustainability Director.

Clever stand-up packaging is helping Twinings tea stand out from its rivals on British shop shelves - and in the UK, there is understandably stiff competition in the world of tea. Mondi has helped the leader in hot infusions achieve this prominence with its innovative flexible pouch. The material consists of PET/PE EVOH with an integrated zipper – a convenient mechanism to open and close the pouch - and an EVOH barrier with high foil opacity for a transparent window.

The pouches offer Twinings customers an entirely new experience when selecting from the shelf which has so far been dominated by cardboard box packaging.

www.averydennison.com

www.mondigroup.com

Sticky situation TeXtreme carbon fibre technology has been used to make the new NEXUS 1N ice hockey stick from Bauer Hockey, offering players a lighter stick that is still as durable and strong as it needs to be for a fierce game on the rink.

Bauer Hockey uses the TeXtreme Technology in all of the three product families, NEXUS, VAPOR and SUPREME, to reduce weight, improve the mechanical performance and for the superior surface smoothness, which reduces the need for finishing.

“TeXtreme helps us maximise playability and integrate innovative designs and features we develop,” said Tyson Teplitsky, Global Brand Manager for Bauer Hockey.

The 1N is the most advanced NEXUS stick and is designed with eLASTech Technology, which reinforces the TeXtreme carbon fibres with micro nanotubes.

Bauer Hockey is the market leading brand within ice hockey and more than 400 NHL players use BAUER sticks reinforced by TeXtreme.

TeXtreme has brought its superior characteristics to other sports besides ice hockey, helping bring the female winner of the Kona Ironman World Championship in Hawaii Daniela Ryf over the finishing line recently in her custom-made IA FRD-reinforced cycle from Felt Bicycles. On the men’s side of the competition, silver medallist Andreas Raelert also benefited from TeXtreme technology in his C:68 TT bike from Cube Bikes. www.textreme.com

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EVENTS

“Plastics processing is Fakuma” EPPM returned from Fakuma with full notebooks, bags full of press kits and business cards, and sore feet. But in spite of it being a jam-packed, barely-a-moment-to-spare week, the general feeling post-show is a positive one, chiming with organiser PE Schall’s post-show report.

Words | Rose Brooke

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akuma 2015 was bustling, busy and brimming with exciting conversations and it seems EPPM’s experience reflects the general feeling of the entire show.

“Plastics processing is Fakuma” said one of the quotes right at the top of organiser PE Schall’s post-show report on the event, which returned to Messe Friedrichshafen on Bodensee from October 13th-17th.

beyond. With the German, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian markets singled out as growers, while the US, South America and Eastern Europe are playing a crucial role in keeping up momentum as the industry in South-East Asia slows.

As well as hosting a thriving exhibition floorspace, Fakuma 2015 was a vibrant educational platform, with 37 expert presentations taking place throughout the week in the east foyer of Messe Friedrichshafen, with 920 visitors attending these talks.

Exactly 1,780 exhibitors from 38 countries took their place on the 915,000 sq ft show floor, attracting 45,721 visitors from 120 countries. These impressive numbers, organisers said, make Fakuma “the global industry event in the non-K years”.

But now the last stands have been packed away it is time for Fakuma to “take a timeout and clear the path for the 2016 edition of K in Düsseldorf – on exceptionally good terms”, according to organisers.

This year’s outing was “more international than ever”, driving optimism amid the stabilising plastics market in Europe and

We shall meet again, Fakuma, in 2017 at Messe Friedrichshafen from October 17th-21st. Until then, tschüß.

Fakuma is ‘the global industry event in the non-K years’.

Top quotes from Fakuma 2015 On Industry 4.0 “Industry 40 extends above and beyond injection moulding and can be ideally incorporated in the field of production efficiency. The fact that we are already here as a trendsetter emphasises our focus on industry 4.0 powered by Arburg.”

Michael Hehl, Managing Director, Arburg

“What can be possible tomorrow?

At K 2016, I promise you will be able to see some highly interesting solutions. Worldwide we can access our customers’ machines we can eliminate any defect with Plastics 4.0.”

Dr Hans Ulrich Golz, President of Injection Moulding Machinery KraussMaffei

On business strategy and philosophy “Global trends such as climate protection and mobility, population growth and increasing urbanisation support growth projections above gross domestic product.”

Patrick Thomas, CEO, Covestro

“I believe a company can only be led successfully if you know the needs, expectations and desires of the customers.”

Dr Frank Stieler, CEO, KraussMaffei

“We just want to answer the need of the customers and we always have a solution for the customer.”

Jean-Michel Renaudeau, CEO, Sepro

“We are a new generation, taking the next step into digitalisation.”

On energy efficiency “The trends haven’t changed over the last year - lightweighting and reducing CO2 emissions are still a big topic.”

Dr Konrad Hellmann, Commercial Director Automotive Europe, Sabic

“We are trying to launch a product on the market that further reduces energy consumption. [It’s becoming] more important to sensibly use energy resources.”

Paulo Gasparotto, Business Development Manager, Moretto

“Low carbon footprint products are important to consumers ...We have to respond to consumers.”

Patrick Thomas, CEO, Covestro

Dr Peter Neumann, CEO, ENGEL

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On innovation “Europe is an absolute innovation driver.”

Dr Christoph Steger, CSO, ENGEL

“Most innovation is not happening in isolation, it is because OEMs and Tiers 1s are giving us their requirements and we try to understand their needs.”

Dr Konrad Hellmann, Commercial Director Automotive Europe, Sabic

Mastering the challenges of the future at K 2016

EVENTS

A special show looking to the solutions plastics alone can provide, shaping our futures, will form an interesting part of K 2016 in Düsseldorf.

Ever since the first processed plastics found their way into our homes as day-to-day items such as telephones, light switches and radio housings, their diversity and presence has continued to increase along with the innovation, safety, comfort and design innovation they bring.

Plastics play a key role in optimising products for sanitation, safety, energy efficiency, design freedom, ergonomics and ease of handling and K 2016 will acknowledge the benefits peculiar to plastics in its special Plastics Shape The Future show, which will highlight the developments that could be the next innovation of tomorrow - the next light switch, the next syringe, the next toothbrush.

With reference to examples, the show will demonstrate to what extent plastics are making their mark on modern living spaces in terms of functionality, aesthetics and sustainability. Attention will also be paid to economic and environmental matters, while even problematical issues like marine litter will be addressed.

K 2016 will bring together some 3,000 exhibitors from all four corners of the globe throughout 19 halls of Düsseldorf’s fairgrounds - all of which are already fully booked.

K 2016 is open daily from 10.00 to 18.30 from Wednesday, October 19th, until Wednesday, October 26th October 2016.

The Extrusioneers

Rethinking Performance Imagine you could double your blown film line’s output with any operator.

Times in which high-efficiency cooling systems in blown film lines could be operated only by experienced staff have gone. With EVOLUTION Ultra Cool and the innovative operating concept you will immediately enter the world of high output beyond a die factor of 2. The cooling system is based on a conventional, height adjustable dual lip cooling ring and special inner cooling device for increased cooling capacity. Enjoy maximum performance and minimum complexity.

Find more information about us online on www.reifenhauser-bf.com You have questions? info@reifenhauser-bf.com

Visit us at:

Plasteurasia Istanbul Turkey December 3 - 6, 2015 Stand Teknointel

Saudi PPPP Riyadh, KSA January 18 - 21, 2016 Stand ACIS – Hall 4 number 514

www.k-online.com WWW.EPPM.COM

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FORMNEXT

‘Opening a window’ for manufacturing Formnext Powered by TCT is set to take Hall 3 of Messe Frankfurt by storm this November and as well as 3D printing and tool-making, visitors can expect much from the new kid on the block.

Words | Rose Brooke

F

ormnext Powered by TCT is the new kid on the block, the ‘new show’, the plucky additive manufacturing and tooling event to take over Messe Frankfurt in November.

Members of the additive manufacturing and plastics press joined Johann Thoma, President of the Mesago Messe Frankfurt Group, together with Vice-President Sascha Wenzler, COO of TCT parent group Rapid News Communications Duncan Wood and other members of the Mesago team at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK, where Formnext Powered by TCT held a press conference to coincide with the British 3D printing exhibition and conference TCT Show + Personalize.

The complete range

Technology dialogue

“Why is technology so fascinating for us?” began Thoma. “I think we can assume it is part of human nature. And why are exhibitions good for technology at a time of 24/7 online communication? The answer is exhibitions are supporting what are the pillars of our success ... they inspire.”

The event programme will touch on the global trends of energy efficiency, lightweighting, substitution materials, customisation and global rollouts and is hoping to target OEMs and the whole gamut of manufacturing innovators and decisionmakers, from automation to software, jewellery to aerospace.

From November 17th-20th 2015, Formnext Powered

by TCT will debut in Europe’s financial capital and present “the complete range of additive technologies alongside the latest development in the product idea to production process chain”, encompassing tooling, 3D printing and real-life applications.

“Additive manufacturing opens a window for all manufacturing,” Wenzler stated, “... [and] we want to create the correct platform for enthusiastic technology dialogue.”

Mesago understands the importance of partnership, and TCT - a brand that already runs and partners with events in Asia, the UK and US - was the natural choice.

“We have to cooperate with partners who know more than we do,” Thoma stated. “70-80 per cent of the time we invest in a new project goes into shaping the event. Before we can create a network platform, we must create a network and it is a privilege to create a leading platform with Rapid News Communications.”

Wenzler added to Thoma’s enthusiasm and confirmed Formnext Powered by TCT will indeed be an annual event, taking place in November at a time that does not clash with the US Thanksgiving holiday.

24

“The focus is quite different,” added Wood. “This is about showcasing the next generation technology across the whole of manufacturing. There’s no one else that does that.”

Formnext Powered by TCT - which will also feature an expert conference programme - features exhibitors from across the process chain. Additive manufacturing will dominate, but exhibitors from the tool- and die-making, prototyping, automation, software, metrology and training sectors will also be exhibiting on the 38,000 m sq floorspace of Hall 3.

The show and conference programme form a structured timetable for the week. Day One features an introduction to additive Technologies, while Days Two and Three bring inspirational keynotes, innovative applications and breakthrough technologies to the fore. Finally, Day Four brings wider reading and learning to attendees who wish to grow on their solid knowledge foundations. This structure brings additive manufacturing to visitors of all levels of understanding, from the early adopter to the boxfresh investor.

www.mesago.de/en/formnext/home. htm

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Formnext Powered by TCT: The Conference

T

he sounds, sights and sensations of the buzzing show floor at Formnext Powered by TCT will be complemented by a wealth of engaging presentations brought together by TCT to form an exciting conference programme that delivers education for every level of visitor, from the early adopter to the wide-eyed newcomer.

There will be presentations across all four days of the event highlighting the latest concepts and technologies, including those due to be launched into the marketplace, in addition to lectures on how additive manufacturing can complement the traditional manufacturing supply chain.

An international agenda of expert speakers, including executive-level decisionmakers, aim to provide the audience with a valuable experience.

Speakers billed for Formnext Powered by TCT* Dr Hans Langer, CEO, EOS GmbH, Germany

Willem Balfoort, Attorney-at-law, De Clercq, Netherlands

Michael Breme, Head of Tool-making, Audi, Germany

Jonathan Franke, CEO, enesty GmbH, Germany

David Reis, CEO, Stratasys, Israel

Marie Jurisch, Research Fellow, Fraunhofer IFAM, Germany

Martin Friedrich, PhD Candidate, BMW Group, Germany

Radovan Hudak, Biomedical Engineer, CEIT Biomedical, Slovakia

Alexander Ladewig, Process Specialist, MTU Aero Engines AG, Germany

Ralf Becker, Head of Advanced Technology, SCHUNK GmbH, Germany

Graham Tromans, President, GP Tromans Associates, UK

Shane Collins, Director AM Programs, CalRAM Inc, US

Todd Grimm, President, TA Grimm Associates, US

Heinz Gaub, Managing Director Technology, ARBURG GmbH, Germany

Dr Kristian Arntz, Head of Department, Fraunhofer IPT, Germany

Scott Schiller, Worldwide Director 3D Printing, HP, Spain.

Geoff McFarland, Group Engineering Director, Renishaw, UK

*at time of printing

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Thermocouple connectors and cables

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IP67 Sensor assemblies with terminal heads

Industrial andScientific sensors Thermocouples for plastics machinery

View our videos

Buy on-line

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Pt100/Pt1000 elements Temperature transmitters Digital Thermometers

Thermocouple welders Hand held instrumentation Thermal calibration

Temperature Sensor Manufacture Thermocouple Cables Thermocouple Connector Manufacture E-Commerce Facility

info@labfacility.com • www.labfacility.com Bognor Regis tel: +44 (0)1243 871280

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Certificate No. 4746

25

FORMNEXT

Formnext focuses: Materials and tools There is even more to Formnext Powered by TCT than the exhibition floor and conference programme, as the event focuses in on materials and automotive toolmaking.

From basic material to component

Audi toolmaking

Formnext Powered by TCT goes back to the basics so many developers take for granted, selecting the right material for the job. In a special sideline show ‘From basic material to component’, the use of materials for both conventional production and additive manufacturing processes will be given this special platform for the duration of the event.

Formnext Powered by TCT will play host to the very special Audi Toolmaking event, offering a unique insight into the product development side of automotive engineering.

A varied exhibition - with examples ranging from glasses lenses and toothbrushes, to brake discs and aircraft parts - will highlight the solutions these materials can provide across the application landscape.

Professor Wolfgang Kollenberg from WZR ceramic solutions and Head of the Technical Committee for Additive Manufacturing at the German Society for Materials (DGM) has developed and organised ‘From basic material to component’ in partnership with Formnext.

“When new products are manufactured, the requirements for the component must be crucial in the choice of basic material,” Professor Kollenberg said.

“Unfortunately, there are currently not enough raw materials available in this area, which the public is not really aware of,” he added. Indeed, for the concept of unlimited possibilities for additive manufacturing to become a reality, there is much work to be done even with basic materials to reach the point injection moulding is at with mass production. As such, at the mini-event, a toothbrush will be used as an example of how injection moulding can incorporate several materials to create a high-end product.

Audi will showcase its expertise in this high-level event, taking visitors on a journey through the history of toolmaking at Audi to current production techniques, including the latest trends in product development and Industry 4.0. It will also demonstrate how generative technology is becoming part of toolmaking at Audi and what opportunities this technology has to offer and what could become the toolmaking of the future.

Audi Toolmaking employs approximately 2,100 staff at five sites in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, as well as in Spain, Hungary, and China.

Tools for small-scale and large-scale production are designed, developed, manufactured and tested at these sites. They include sheet metal tools (steel and aluminium), form-making tools (for example, die-cast parts), as well as forms for fibre composite parts in exterior and structural applications.

Michael Breme, Head of Audi Toolmaking, stated: “Without the centre of excellence for machinery and toolmaking, it would be impossible to implement Audi’s characteristic design language and the high quality requirements of the premium brand of Audi in outer shell production.”

Audi has to clearly and transparently document the process stability of its production, for example, in connection technology.

And this requirement also applies to new technologies used in production processes in the future.

Michael noted: “Industry 4.0 with intelligently networked manufacturing systems play a role in this context, as does 3D printing.”

26

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FORMNEXT

Fraunhofer IPT

Arburg

After a number of years of collaborative work with tool- and die-makers Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT will present its findings, including a never-before seen tool, at Formnext Powered by TCT.

Arburg is presenting two Freeformers at Formnext Powered by TCT to demonstrate the industrial additive manufacturing of fully functional plastic parts based on 3D CAD data and qualified standard granulates.

“There is a definite demand for the production of fully functional parts from qualified standard granulates without requiring a mould, whether as one-off parts or in small-volume batches.

“Our Freeformer and the Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) technique offers plastic processing companies and service providers an additive manufacturing system,” stated Heinz Gaub, Managing Director Technology & Engineering at Arburg.

With the Freeformer, Arburg has extended its industrial production offerings for plastics processing while customers have long been able to rely on the company’s injection moulding expertise and therefore on the efficient mass production of plastic parts, the same now applies to the cost-effective additive manufacturing of fully functional one-off parts and varied small-volume batches.

The VentOpt project utilised laser technology to create air extractor channels in an injection moulding tool. Preliminary results relating to the deployment of the tool under real production conditions are now available and make a note of resulting increased part quality in conjunction with reduced cycle time. The tool will be given its debut at the Frankfurt event.

FKT Formenbau und Kunststofftechnik GmbH in Triptis, Komos GmbH in Bürgel and Simcon GmbH in Würselen all participated in the Vent Opt Project, which is one of many projects undertaken in recent years by Fraunhofer IPT in partnership with GF Machining Solutions with the aim of optimising the diesinking process within the framework of the “Electrical Discharge Machining” industrial working group. www.fraunhofer.de

Stand E18

The Freeformer opens up a broad range of applications by enabling mass-produced products to be individualised in downstream processes. www.arburg.com

Stand E30

Stratasys

Rauch Rauch CNC Manufaktur GmbH & Co KG is presenting its 3D printing services with PEEK-filament at Formnext Powered by TCT. The German company has been providing additive manufacturing services with PEEK materials using EOS’ EOSINT P800 Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology for two years and is the first service provider in the world to offer 3D printing services with PEEK filament. The organic, thermoplastic polymer possesses unique properties that make it a great fit for industries such as aerospace, medical engineering or offshore applications.

In order to expand its PEEK 3D printing services, Rauch recently installed a new fused filament fabrication (FFF) system designed for working with high-performance PEEK and will present a selection of parts made using the material at Formnext.

Managing Director, Bernd Rauch, said: “The FFF-technology is an ideal addition for the already available expertise in PEEK through industrial SLS-technology. Our customers can now select the best technology and material for their component.” www.rauch-cnc-manufaktur.de

Stand G70

Formnext Powered

by TCT will host Stratasys’ largest ever booth, integrating its 3D printing solutions and materials, business services and subsidiaries MakerBot and Solidscape to form the ultimate one-stop-shop for additive manufacturing.

Stratasys’ extensive line-up includes the latest 3D printing systems and materials, streamlined workflows through partnerships and collaboration with key CAD software vendors, and strategic consultancy and professional services. These 3D printing solutions equip designers, engineers and manufacturers with easy-access to the required tools, solutions and know-how to create accurate 3D printed prototypes, tooling, production parts and processes.

“We believe that we are now better placed than ever to deliver customers additive manufacturing solutions throughout the value chain – regardless of their size,” said Andy Middleton, President, Stratasys, EMEA. An added highlight for Formnext visitors will be the special opportunity to listen to Stratasys CEO David Reis’s keynote presentation at 10.00am on Thursday 19th November. Reis will offer his expert view on how 3D printing plays a role in the wider prototyping and manufacturing world, and where the growth opportunities lie in the future. www.stratasys.com

WWW.EPPM.COM

Stand G40

27

EPPM Classifieds 45 Years in New & Used Machinery to the Plastics Industry Worldwide.

USI Cumberland 500-600 Drop Bin Granulator.

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sales@rawmec.com 01992 www.rawmec.com 471796

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Download our full stock lists online

Rapid 80-45 KU Granulator. Throat: 800×450, Drive: 37kw, 6 new rotor blades, 2 new dead blades, Sound proof, Open/HD Rotor, 12mm screen

Remcaw DGS1500 Single Shaft Shredder Throat: 1570×1400mm, Rotor Dia: 475mm, Rotor Width: 1420mm, Rotor pcs: 102, Stator: 3, Power (kw): 75

150 x 80mm Drive: 1.5Kw Motor • UPM 12-16B Granulator - 12.5Kw Drive, Throat 300 x 400 mm • CMB ML220 Granulator - 4.6Kw Drive Throat 220 x 200mm • Polymer Systems 9-12 UPM Granulator - 7.5Kw Drive Throat 230 x 300mm • CMB MS20 Granulator - 4Kw Drive, Throat 200 x 210 mm • Cumberland 4-84 Granulator - 30Kw Drive Throat 410 x 380mm • UPM 10-10 Granulator - Throat size 100 x 100mm 8.5kw Drive • Tria 45-35 Granulator - Throat Size: 470 x 350mm 15Kw Drive • Remcaw RWT 4080 Shredder - 15 hours of work Motor Power: 37 kW • The Muncher Shredder - Twin shaft 11 kw • Gross Gaz 62 Single Shaft Shredder - Feed opening (mm): 600 x 800 • Carpet, Clothing, Cardboard, Foam, Paper Shredder Bailer - Carpet, Cardboard, Fibre Boards and more.

• Remcaw 35-65 Beast Shredder - 55kw motor, Throat 350x650mm

Recently Sold • Weima ZMK 30 S Shredder - Throat 1000x1400mm Drive: 2 x 18.5Kw • Remcaw RWT 4080 Shredder - Throat: 1410 x 800mm, Drive 37 kW • Bano Mac 630 Shredder - Throat: 600x750mm 15Kw Drive • Tria 45-35 Granulator - 11 kw motor • SG-3660 Sound-Proof Central Granulator - 950 Motor Power (Kw) (60Hz): 30 Rotor speed (rpm) • TRIA 50-30/XT Granulator - Throat: 300x550mm, 15kw Drive • Wittmann MC 34-60 Granulator - Throat size 350x600mm 16kw Drive • Weima NZ4S 310-600 Granulator - Throat: 310x600mm Drive: 22Kw • Blackfriars 40-40 Granulators - Throat: 400x400mm 22Kw Drive • Cumberland 40-30 Granulator - 11kW Drive Throat 400 x 300mm • Rapid GK700 Granulator - 18.5hp motor • Rapid GK1000 75Kw Granulator - Throat: 1000 x 600 mm Motor 75Kw

Rawmec EEC Ltd, Rawmec Industrial Estate, Plumpton Rd, Hoddesdon, Herts. EN11 0EE See our machines in action More info, machines & photos visit: www.rawmec.com or email: info@rawmec.com on our YouTube account EPPM_210x143_11-15.indd 1

Over 40 Years of Service

2950mm wide Welex Davis Standard sheet extrusion line with 150mm DS extruder, 33D, Flex lip die, 2950mm x 500mm 3 roll stack, pump group, haul off, guillotine.

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www.granulators.org 21/01/2015 16:43

29

EUREKA SERIES

Ocean drive Circular Ocean is a multi-organisational project that aims to develop green economies and reduce plastic rubbish on Northern Europe’s remotest coasts by developing new purposes for marine litter and old fishing nets.

Words | Rose Brooke

The ERI will be holding workshops to bring together key stakeholders to assist in the development of green economies for the recycling of fishing nets and reusing materials rather than letting the plastics languish as waste. ARTEK will work on the technology development side of the project, which includes material evaluation and testing, as well as developing ways of using fishing net waste for the We are keen to play our part to construction sector and for develop ideas to convert waste into rockfall netting.

A new multi-player project with a mission to find a purpose for millions of tonnes of plastic marine litter has been established in Europe, in particular the discarded fishing nets that blight remote coastal areas.

Circular Ocean is a European Union-backed initiative headed by five European organisations; the Environmental Research Institute (ERI), Scotland; Macroom E, Republic of Ireland; The Centre for Sustainable Design, England; The Arctic Technology Centre (ARTEK), Greenland; and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway.

products to decrease marine pollution, increase innovation and create jobs.

Together, these entities form a strong team that will develop, share and test new opportunities and solutions for tackling marine litter in northern Europe and the Arctic regions benefiting remote coastal regions by establishing green economies using waste resources, employing the knowhow of environmentally-responsible businesses and driving eco-innovation.

Project Leader Dr Neil James of the ERI, which is part of the North Highland College in Thurso, said: “Virtually all plastic ever produced is still with us today, with more entering the seas each year to the detriment of fish, birds, turtles and marine mammals.

If we utilise this so-called waste material for a new purpose we reduce the amount of new plastic created, reduce marine pollution, and encourage new green enterprises. Our aim in Circular Ocean is to facilitate this in the northern Europe and Arctic region.”

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Partner The Centre for Sustainable Design, which is part of the University of Creative Arts in Surrey, will be bringing its eco-innovation toolkit to Circular Ocean to support partners by providing remote research, consultancy and mentoring for those interested in learning more.

Professor Martin Charter, Director, said: “We’re really pleased to be a part of this project and are keen to play our part to develop ideas to convert waste into products to decrease marine pollution, increase innovation and create jobs.

“Part of our role in this project is to continue inspiring others to think of new creative ways to reuse materials and supporting individuals and organisations on eco-innovation. We look forward to working with fishing communities in Northern Europe and the arctic region to help co-create and commercialise new eco-innovative products.”

WWW.EPPM.COM

International exhibition and conference on additive technologies and tool making

Frankfurt, Germany, 17 – 20 November 2015 formnext.com

Learn the Latest on Additive Manufacturing – formnext Conference: Forum for Modern Product Development In parallel to the formnext exhibition, leading experts will share their knowledge at the formnext conference, directly in the exhibition hall, in the middle of the action.

You too can benefit from first-hand knowledge on how to use additive manufacturing methods, from product development to production, and from prototyping to tool making.

Discover what you can do today and what will be possible tomorrow. Don’t miss out!

Conference Topics Tue, Nov. 17, 2015, 1.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Opening and Introduction to Additive Technologies KEYNOTE: Graham Tromans, owner of G.P. Tromans Associates

Wed, Nov. 18, 2015, 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Applications and Additive Technologies

ynotes Top-class ke nal speakers 30 internatio owledge and Excellent kn experience d n a h trs fi t curren

Manufacturers and users will report on the latest and future applications.

The legal framework will also be discussed.

KEYNOTES: Dr. Hans Langer, Managing Director, EOS GmbH and Michael Breme, Head of Toolmaking at AUDI AG

Thu, Nov. 19, 2015, 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

Additive Technology and New Technological Approaches The use of additive manufacturing technologies in biomedicine and in production.

3D printing in fields of application, from development to production, as well as new technological approaches.

KEYNOTE: David Reis, Managing Director of Stratasys

Fri, Nov. 20, 2015, 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.

»Further Reading« Paves the Way for Users to Become Experts The latest developments in software, machines and other equipment, as well as 3D printing materials.

Leading representatives and experts from the following companies and organizations will speak: Arburg, Audi, BMW, EOS, DGM, FH Aachen, Fraunhofer, HP, MTU, Renishaw, Schunk, Stratasys, and more.

The conference will be held in English and German with simultaneous interpreting.

To find out more and to register, visit formnext.com/conference

Follow us @ formnext_expo # formnext15 WWW.EPPM.COM

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