German machinery and technology
preview
Germany takes the lead in exports to China The plastics and rubber industries in China have maintained highspeed growth in the past decade. Reflecting this growth is the upcoming Chinaplas 2012 event, which is set to achieve a new high record of 100,000 visitors and 200,000 sq m floor space, a 33% increase over the last edition. Aside from the chemicals and machinery supply industries, German technology will be showcased at this event to be held 18-21 April in Shanghai.
24
PRA
APRIL 2012
German machinery tops exports Innovation, optimal energy efficiency, internationalisation and technological leadership continue to be the primary selling points for Germany’s plastics and rubber machinery, says the trade association VDMA. A recent report says that the country’s machine industry is growing, thanks to strong demand from emerging countries such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. More than half of the forecast growth is expected to come from the Chinese market, where exports alone reached EUR766.4 million in 2011, a 30.5% increase from EUR587.2 million in 2010. This export value sets a new record, topping the previous peak of EUR593 million reached in 2004. Aside from strong preference to Germany-made machines, producers in China also import machines from Japan (27.5%), Taiwan (11.8%), South Korea (5.8%), Italy (5.1%) and the US (5%). With the high flow of German machinery to China, it is only apt that the country takes up one of the largest country pavilions with 132 exhibitors occupying 3,178 sq m. Drinking water TPE TPE maker Kraiburg will showcase its new materials such as the drinking water (DW) series as well as its adhesion compounds, for the first time in Asia. Highly regarded for its optimal adhesion properties on PA, ABS, and ABS/PC and elastic recovery, the TPEs allow for improved injection moulding at high or low temperatures thus reducing production cost. With a special formulation and smooth, dirt and lime scale-repellent surfaces, the DW compounds are suited for use in sanitary and drinking water applications. Kraiburg Kraiburg says its Thermoplast W TPE allows for a says that it is widely higher coefficient of friction for improved grip used in Europe, where drinking water standards are stringent. “Green” options for packaging production Film extrusion may not seem to be the perfect process for energy conservation but on closer inspection a lot can be improved if the technology is put to work properly, says machine maker Windmöller & Hölscher. It says its Varex blown film line operates on low energy of 0.3 to 0.35 kW/kg, making it 30% more energy-efficient than its closest competitor.