Plastics & Rubber Review, Jan-Feb 2016

Vol.4 No.1 | January-February 2016 | New Delhi | India

Chinaplas

“Greenovation”

for a Smart

Future!

Ultra-high resolution, flexibility, total decoration quality COLORA CAP,

“no limits to imagination”

Innovative locking technology for the automotive industry

Plastics shape

the future

SPECIAL

SHOW

at K 2016 Chinaplas 2016: Arburg to exhibit complete plastic parts production range

Smart

Manufacturing

Process Analyzers

WITTMANN BATTENFELD at Chinaplas 2016 in Shanghai

Plastics Industry 4.0 The rapid and consequent utilization of the potential of digitalization for the industry - Internet of things, services and people - will be of utmost importance for the

Vol.4 No.1 | January-February 2016 | New Delhi, India

competitive ability and the survival of corporations in the

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: INDIA: RS.2000 | OVERSEAS: US$150

decades to come. All sectors of the organization will be affected – ranging from research and development, through production to logistics, and administration.

I n T h e P a g e s

Actually, it is expected that entire business models have to face fundamental changes. An examination of this Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Hopmann

complex subject is mandatory, hence, for every company.

Industry 4.0 or Cyber Physical Systems are artificial terms

meaning basically the same: physical and virtual systems are linked to each other to obtain more efficient and sustainable processes in corporate production and all related sectors.

Using the injection moulding process as an example, the importance of the subject for the plastics industry may be shown: it is the target to optimize process parameters already during the simulation phase and to transfer results to the injection-moulding machine..

4

Smart Manufacturing Process Analyzers

6

“Greenovation” for a Smart Future

8

AMUT - Partner of the Italian Technology Awards Project

10 Multi-layer Cast Film Equipment 13 Sacmi MVS range to get a “worldwide” audience

This means gaining real-time data from the machinery, tools, processes and services and

14 Polymer technologies featured at CHINAPLAS

make them usable for simulation, monitoring and quality processes. In practise: forward

16 Innovative locking technology for the

displacement of the start-up phase of the production process and the tool operation into

automotive industry

the computer to facilitate variational calculus for a stable and robust manufacturing process

18 Two BOYs at the Mexican Plastimagen 2016

right from the beginning. By doing so expensive tool modification e.g. can be reduced or

22 Interplastica: High level of interest despite

even completely avoided. Required know-how and information from other sites or from external partners can be provided in real time by using internet-based services.

Implementation status in the plastic industry The advancement in realization of process digitalization is varying in throughout the plastic industry.

Suppliers of injection moulding machinery are frontrunners together with technological institutes as is the case with big companies with in-house plastics processing. Some raw material suppliers and especially small plastic processing companies are still struggling to define their optimal approach in dealing with chances and risks of digitalization. Open questions e.g. about interfaces and data security are obstructing the fast realization of the huge potential given.

difficult times 27 Classicx Multi-layer Coextrusion Blown Film Machine Customized Solution / High Efficiency 28 innovative peripheral punching technology 31 Ultra-high resolution, flexibility, total decoration quality COLORA CAP, “no limits to imagination” 34 Chinaplas 2016: Arburg to exhibit complete plastic parts production range 36 WITTMANN BATTENFELD at the Chinaplas 2016 in Shanghai 42 Frank Herzog voted “Best CEO in the Additive Manufacturing Industry 2015” 48 Eliminating shortages of skilled staff 52 Plastics shape the future SPECIAL SHOW at K 2016 54 Automation to Significantly Reduce Waste & Boost Productivity

Editorial: Reny, Sarvjit, Vishwapreet & Amrita (India), Anna (Sweden), Mike (UK), Liza (Singapore), Upi (Indonesia), Ying & Adrian (China), Arvi (Australia). Public Relations Director: Winnie. Advisor: Rajiv Sanghavi. Production: Rakesh. Design, Art & Web Development: Diamond Infomedia. Publisher: Milinia Inc. Founded by: Late Mr N.S. Kanwar. B-2-B Group Publications: PRINTING REVIEW, Medical Device ASIA, autoASIA, Hotels & Culinary ASIA. Contacts: To advertise: advertise@plasticsandrubberreview.com, to submit a press release: editorial@plasticsandrubberreview.com, to subscribe: subscribe@plasticsandrubberreview.com, for general enquiries: info@plasticsandrubberreview.com. Head Office: D-182, PR House, Anand Vihar, 110092 New Delhi, India. Tel: +91 11 22141542 | Fax: +91 11 22160635.

Published, printed, & owned by S. Singh on behalf of Milinia Inc. at , D-182, PR House, Anand Vihar, 110092, New Delhi, India and printed by him at Technical Press, D-182/C, Anand Vihar, 110092, New Delhi, India.

Views expressed in this magazine are of the contributors, authors and companies and not necessarily of the publisher and/or editors’ and they do not take any responsibility for the errors and/or accuracy of the information published in this publication. No part or design of this magazine can be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher, who reserves the right to use the information published in this magazine in any manner whatsoever.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 3

Advanced Polymer Monitoring Technologies, Inc. founded to commercialize

Smart Manufacturing Process Analyzers based on Technology licensed from Tulane University for Polymer Reaction Monitoring and Characterization (PolyRMC).

John Christie, Executive Director, Tulane Office of Technology Transfer, said “Tulane University is proud to have APMT, Inc. as a start-up company, a licensee and a research collaborator. The team at APMT has demonstrated their ability to develop novel technology and deliver meaningful results to industry. We look forward to APMT’s impact on the polymer industry, reducing energy consumption and product waste. The polymer industry will be a more sustainable and cost-efficient industry thanks to APMT.” The underlying technology for the company’s automatic continuous online monitoring of polymer reactions (ACOMP) product line, was developed in Prof. Reed’s lab over the past 16 years. The commercialization of this technology allows manufacturers to monitor fundamental polymer properties continuously during the reaction enabling much more efficient control over the quality of the product and the use of production, feedstock and energy inputs.

APMT’s other product line, Argen, is a 16 channel light scattering tool that enables researchers and manufacturers to rapidly and continuously monitor the stability of their products under varying stressor conditions.

Argen applications include characterization of biopharmaceutical stability, polymer degradation, and stability of other formulations such as paints, electronic materials and nano-particle suspensions. The technology enabling the Argen product line was also developed by Prof. Reed’s team at Tulane.

John Christie added, “Dr. Reed is by every measure a highly productive and valued faculty member. The technology at the core of APMT represents Dr. Reed’s vision and focused efforts over the course of a remarkable career. It is tremendously satisfying to see it reach the market.”

APMT maintains a close relationship with Tulane, including collaborative research projects advancing capabilities and applications of both ACOMP and Argen, and training of over 18 interns in engineering physics, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, business and law.

APMT’s management team is comprised of Alex W. Reed, CEO, Michael F. Drenski, CTO, Prof. Wayne F. Reed, CSO, and Dr. W.R. “Bill” Bottoms, Chairman.

About APMT

A

dvanced Polymer Monitoring Technologies, Inc., or APMT, a spin-out company based on Tulane University technology, has released two products for polymer and biotechnology applications.

APMT entered into an exclusive license agreement with Tulane for a number of patents and patent applications invented by Prof. Wayne F. Reed, Director, Tulane Center 4 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Advanced Polymer Monitoring Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures and distributes products and services for the real time monitoring and control of polymer reactions across all synthetic and natural polymer sectors from R&D through high volume industrial production. For more information, please visit www.apmtinc.com or contact Alex W. Reed, CEO, 1078 S. Gayoso St., New Orleans, LA 70125, Office: (504) 777-2804, Fax: (504) 777-2818, Email: Alex. reed@apmtinc.com

Thailand’s Only International Trade Exhibition and Conference for Plastics and Petrochemical Manufacturing Machinery and Technology – 25th Edition

7-10 BITEC

10.00 - 18.00 hrs.

JULY

BANGKOK

TOTAL PLASTICS MANUFACTURING SOLUTION Exhibit space is open for reservation. +66 2686 7299 interplas@reedtradex.co.th www.interplasthailand.com www.facebook.com/interplasthailandpage

Officially Supported by:

Organized by:

“Greenovation” for a Smart Future:

CHINAPLAS to hold three concurrent events to embrace innovation, automation and sustainability

Adsale has teamed up with VDMA -- German Engineering Federation -- currently the largest industry association in Europe, to organize Industry 4.0 Conference at CHINAPLAS 2016.

CHINAPLAS will be celebrating its 30th edition in the coming exhibition. The organizer, Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd., has planned to put up a myriad of exciting activities to the show to share the joy of this commemorative event with the show participants.

CHINAPLAS 2016 will be held on 25-28 April, 2016 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (Pudong), PR China. The show is expected to welcome 3,200 exhibitors and 140,000 professional buyers, on over 240,000 square meters of exhibition area.

6 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Greenovation for a Smart Future - is the theme for CHINAPLAS 2016 and three concurrent events will be held to further elaborate around the theme, namely the 2nd Medical Plastics Conference, Industry 4.0 Conference, “Design x Innovation”.

Medical Plastics Conference The global medical products industry has never been more dependent on plastics and rubber suppliers to help them meet today’s healthcare needs. Over 90 different kinds of medical products have used polymers as their major components, including: drug-delivery systems; sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment; surgical tools; prostheses and lifemaintaining implantable devices; pharmaceutical packaging; various disposables such as tubes, infusion bags, catheters, syringes, etc. Medical plastics are lucrative markets yet also the challenging one. Challenges

Building on the success of “Design X Innovation” at CHINAPLAS 2015, this event will come around in Shanghai in 2016.

are on all fronts such as constantly changing policies, raising the bar for material requirements and quickening of new product developments.

The Medical Plastics Conference will be in larger scale with each session receiving 200 audiences.

Being held on 26-27 April, 2016 in conjunction with CHINAPLAS 2016, the conference will invite leading firms and heavy-weighted speakers In response to the rapid development of this area, CHINAPLAS in this field to share their know2016 will organize “The 2nd Medical Plastics Conference” how and technologies on helping on 25-26 April, 2016 in attempts to give visitors insights on companies to realize Industry 4.0 new technology breakthroughs and latest development on and ultimately improve productivity, medical plastics and their applications on medical devices, production efficiency, product medical disposables and packaging. Provisional topics include: quality and level of automation in automation technology for production upgrade, production the factory. Some of the topics technology for cleanrooms; medical grade t applications for are: Use of Industry 4.0 Concepts disposables; pharmaceutical packaging solutions; innovative in one company – smart factory applications of 3D-printing; sterile barrier systems for medical

by Haier Inc.; Industry 4.0 from packaging. The conference will be in bigger scale as compared to the perspective of an injection the last edition. molding machines manufacturer by KraussMaffei; Individualized mass Industry 4.0 Conference production by Arburg; Inject 4.0 The concept of Germany-led Industry 4.0 has been taken the – solutions for a smart factory by world by storm since its introduction in 2014. It had laid down ENGEL, and many more ...... a roadmap of the fourth industrial revolution for realizing “Smart Factory” that the world has been pursuing of. As China’s economy “Design X Innovation” Building on the success of “Design matures, the Chinese government has launched “Made-in-China 2025” to promote industrial automation in its own right in a bid to X Innovation” at CHINAPLAS 2015, this event will come around in help Chinese enterprises to stay competitive in the world.

Shanghai in 2016.

Adsale’s General Manager, Ms. Ada Leung says, “At present, China The event’s Exclusive Partner has been undergoing the economic transition, from the stage of – BASF – the world’s leading low-cost labor-intensive production to the research-intensive, chemical company, will join hands high-end manufacturing one. Coupled with the threats of labor with CHINAPLAS to give new shortages, rising labor costs, and the intense competition in the perspectives to visitors on how surrounding regions, Chinese companies are urged to transform design and plastics technology and upgrade. can together drive innovation, that in turn helps to make customer In this light, Adsale has teamed up with VDMA -- German Engineering Federation -- currently the largest industry association more successful and leads to a more sustainable future. The event in Europe, to organize Industry 4.0 Conference. She believes showcases samples of the latest that this conference not only will give the audience a better designs on outlook, structure and understanding about Industry 4.0 in the context of plastics function designs inspired by high and rubber industries, but also its implementation and future performance materials for different developments, providing practical solutions for manufacturing industries. sectors to follow.

“Design X Innovation” will engage and inspire audience in an array of offers including display gallery, open forum led by revered international experts, as well as interactive activities.

Speaking about the reasons for choosing these three concurrent events for CHINAPLAS 2016, Ms. Ada Leung explains, “All these topics have been meticulously picked to reflect the macro trends of the current manufacturing sectors, where innovation, automation and sustainability are essential elements to bring the industry to the next level. It is also the extension of last year’s theme and topics to deepen audience understanding for these hot topics.”

“The format is good”, “Ideas are innovative “, “I can see something innovative,” “It’s inspiring” were the visitor comments for the concurrent events in 2015. We welcome you to experience the same at CHINAPLAS 2016!

There are two types of entry tickets – a one-day pass (RMB 30) and four-day pass (RMB 50). Visitors who successfully pre-register on or before 12 February, 2016, at www.

ChinaplasOnline.com/prereg will enjoy free admission and receive a visitor badge in advance.

For details, please visit the official show website at www.

ChinaplasOnline.com

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 7

Amut Partner Of The Italian Technology Awards Project

“We are very glad to open the door to international worthy students and sharing our company reality to them. We’re always content to help to reduce the gap between university study-experience and practical manufacturing trial” – says Mr Roberto Donatelli, Area Sales Manager of AMUT GROUP, during the visit of the winners students of the Italian Technology Awards.

This is a promotional project organized by ICE-Agency in cooperation with FEDERMACCHINE, the Italian University Carlo Cattaneo of Castellanza LIUC and ASSOCOMAPLAST consisting in rewarding with an educational training those students who are working on innovative papers specifically regarding plastic materials processing technologies. AMUT was included in the project as example of Italian excellence in the machines manufacturing.

“The distinguished students from the Russian University of Kazan and the Mexican UPAEP Puebla University, are really well-prepared on the subject and particularly interested in R&D activities, mechanical aspects, living the real part of the production process”– continues Mr. Donatelli.

The programme includes the visit at several companies involved in the plastics field together with some classroom lessons focused on the latest engineering developments.

8 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

AMUT has been working in the manufacturing of plants for plastics processing since 1958, year of foundation, gaining a leading position in the international market.

The company started developing its own recycling technology in the early eighties and the new thermoforming division, created in the late nineties, is evidence of the constant research and development AMUT technology has always been based on.

The know-how is playing an important role among the key factors of the continuous success of the company on domestic and international scale, such a high level know-how to defy the highly esteemed competition: AMUT is present worldwide.

Starting in 1958 with the production of different kinds of extruders, AMUT has continued its technological improvement up to manufacturing complete lines and to become a Group.

AMUT

AMUT COMI AMUT ECOTECH AMUT WORTEX AMUT NORTH AMERICA AMUT DOLCI BIELLONI

1958 – Extrusion Division 1985 – Recycling Division 2000 – Thermoforming Division 2010 – Waste handling Division 2012 – Joint Venture with Wortex (Brasil) 2013 - Canada premises 2015 - Packaging Film & Converting Division

PACKAGING • INGREDIENTS • MACHINERY • PRIVATE LABELS • RAW MATERIALS • CONTRACT MANUFACTURING

MARCH 2016

17TH-20THCOSMOPACK 18TH-21STCOSMOPROF BOLOGNA (ITALY) FAIR

DISTRICT

WWW.COSMOPROF.COM/COSMOPACK

Organiser - BolognaFiere Cosmoprof S.p.a. - Milan - Italy ph. +39.02.796.420 - fax +39.02.795.036 - info@cosmoprof.it - company of

in cooperation with

Jinming Multi-layer Cast Film Equipment Stands in the Front of the Industry Jinming is determined to build a leading brand of global film extrusion equipment. It has increased technical and funding assets to cast film machine in recent years. Its cast film equipment products and technologies have rapidly advanced to the front of the industry. film.

* Cooling system • Height and longitudinal positioning of cast unit by maneuvering • High-precision temperature control over the cooling roller surface (±1 oC) •t Edges fixed using an electrode and air • Air speed of air knife is up to 30m/min. Air filtering precision may be set as needed. Cooling air

J

improves optical performance of

inming has successively launched cast film machines

Jinming cast film equipment:

with different specifications. The first cast film

* CPP cast film machine

machine was established in 2003. Jinming released

film.

* CPE cast film machine

* Roller temperature control system

the first aluminum laminated film CPP cast film machine in

* Multi-layer co-extrusion high

• Each temperature unit uses

2012, and since then Jinming entered into the high-

barrier cast film machine

end market of cast film equipment in China. Starting

* Multi-layer co-extrusion mulch

independent heating and cooling

with the objective of manufacturing functional cast

cast film machine

film machine with wider film width and higher output, Jinming developed the China’s widest (5,500 mm) cast

Main components & features:

film equipment in 2013. In 2014, Jinming successfully

* 11-layer extrusion screw

launched an 11-layer high barrier cast film machine and

• Continuous weightless

became a Chinese enterprise that is able to produce this

measurement feeding and central

kind of equipment in the Asia Pacific.

feeding. Convenient interlamination ratio control, stable melt pressure,

• Maximum control temperature of setting roller is up to 70 oC • All water cooling systems are recirculating systems without water resource consumption Jinming Machinery(Guangdong) Co., Ltd | sales@jmjj.com Jinming, established

During this period, the company also launched a series

uniform mixing of functional

in 1987, is recognized as the global

of production lines, such as barrier mulch film casting

additives, and consistent product

leader in supplying plastic film extrusion

film machine and online cast stretch machine. Jinming’s

quality.

machines. Jinming provides customized

leading position in the cast equipment field is gradually

• Low-temperature extrusion

solutions of Blown Film Machines,

established, through three years’ unremitting efforts and

system developed by Jinming,

constant innovation and development of technology.

which reduces material extrusion

Cast Film Machines and Stretch Film

Their products gain trust and support from customers

temperature and shearing,

not only in China, but the machines are also exported

facilitates the reduction of unit

to the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia and other

energy consumption, and achieves

countries and regions.

excellent physical performance of

10 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Machines. By the end of 2014, we have supported customers from over 40 countries with thousands of proven machine lines and services.

The Vision of Asia

Your Premier Destination for Business Opportunities

3

4

5

6 March 2016

Pragati Maidan, New Delhi Hall No : 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, & 14

CONCURRENT TECHNICAL CONFERENCE 4 5 MARCH 2016

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS FROM GERMANY, ITALY, JAPAN, KOREA, SINGAPORE & THAILAND EXCLUSIVE PAVILIONS : CHINA & TAIWAN

Associate E M C

The WITTMANN Group with its own subsidiary in Poland

Since the beginning of this year, the WITTMANN Group has been represented in Poland by a subsidiary of its own The positive development of the Polish market for injection molding machines and peripherals over recent years has prompted the WITTMANN Group to establish a subsidiary of its own on this market. WITTMANN BATTENFELD Polska based in Grodzisk Mazowiecki has been responsible for sales and servicing of the group’s entire product portfolio in Poland since the beginning of this year. the WITTMANN Group consists of two main divisions, WITTMANN BATTENFELD and WITTMANN, which operate 9 production facilities in 6 countries, including 30 direct subsidiary offices located in all major plastics markets around the world.

WITTMANN BATTENFELD focuses on independent market growth in the manufacturing of state-of-the art injection molding machines and process technology, providing a modern and comprehensive range of machinery in a modular design that meets the actual and future requirements of the plastic injection molding market.

Bogdan Zabrzewski, Managing Director of the subsidiary (2nd from the right) and his team

The WITTMANN Group has been successful on the Polish market for many years. In the past, the product range of WITTMANN Kunststoffgeräte GmbH – robots and peripheral appliances – and the injection molding machines from WITTMANN BATTENFELD were marketed in Poland by two separate agencies which were independent of each other.

Last year, WITTMANN decided to pool the group’s entire sales and service activities in Poland in a subsidiary of its own. The previous agency for injection molding machines, BATTENFELD Polska, led by Bogdan Zabrzewski, was taken over by the WITTMANN Group and has assumed responsibility for the group’s entire product portfolio on the Polish market since January of this year.

The newly established company, WITTMANN BATTENFELD Polska, employs a total of 18 associates. With this subsidiary, the WITTMANN Group now has a powerful organization to serve the growing Polish market even better and more efficiently than before.

12 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Michael Wittmann, Managing Director of WITTMANN Kunststoffgeräte GmbH, comments: “It is our strategy to have our own subsidiaries in our most important markets. With the foundation of WITTMANN BATTENFELD Polska, we are confident of being able to achieve further growth in sales on this market.”

The WITTMANN Group

The WITTMANN Group is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of injection molding machines, robots and peripheral equipment for the plastics industry.

Headquartered in Vienna/Austria,

WITTMANN’s product range includes robots and automation systems, material handling systems, dryers, gravimetric and volumetric blenders, granulators, mold temperature controllers and chillers. With this comprehensive range of peripheral equipment, WITTMANN can provide plastics processors with solutions that cover all production requirements, ranging from autonomous work cells to integrated plant-wide systems.

The syndication of the WITTMANN Group has led to connectivity between all product lines, providing the advantage plastics processors have been looking for in terms of a seamless integration of injection molding machines, automation and auxiliary equipment – all occurring at a progressive rate.

Sacmi MVS range to get a “worldwide” audience

China, Germany, Panama: three key events from March to May to present industry specialists with our extensive range of decorated metal container inspection machines. These span from high speed complete pack and pack part inspection solutions to the latest developments, such as the ElioSCan for “total quality control” of container and decoration and the Eclipsim for in-line checking of lithographed sheets.

thus complementing standard pack control with a system for total can/ jar decoration control, including the ability to “recognize” the specific decoration applied on the current batch to eliminate the risk of incorrect or mixed-up decorations.

Three events that, together, offer a “worldwide” presentation opportunity for the new range of metal packaging inspection solutions. Solutions that make Sacmi a key partner to the global metal graphics industry which serves the food and beverage sectors. The first, ChinaCan 2016 (the sixth edition), is an international conference dedicated to operators in the canned drinks sector and the main global metal packaging suppliers, and will be held in Shanghai from 16th to 18th March.

This two-day event is entirely devoted to how the industry is evolving. It will feature over 20 technical reports, presented by the world’s biggest technology suppliers. Sacmi itself will present the new MVS (metal vision system) range, which has now been broadened with new vision systems specially designed for in-line inspection of both decorated metal containers (e.g. classic beer and soft drink cans) and their main component parts (e.g. the metal can ends typically used to package foods such as tuna fish, legumes etc. plus lugged caps such as twist-off and Euro-twist, typically used with products such as preserves, pickles etc.).

The range is huge (MVS-E for can ends, MVS-T and MVS-C for the inspection of lugged caps and cans), and now includes the all-new ElioSCan, capable of inspecting up to 2,800 beverage cans per minute,

The various solutions are characterised by a high-res camera system (a world-beating resolution of 5 megapixels), at the heart of which lies the new Chrometriq illumination device.

The distinguishing feature of this innovative illuminator is that it can highlight all potential defects (spots, small scratches, other imperfections) because of the excellent contrast it provides.

The new ElioSCan, instead, is characterized by a new patented illuminator that eliminates the reflections from the can, thus boosting inspection sensitivity on each individual product zone.

Images captured by the 4 colour cameras (5 megapixels each) are then processed by the CVS360 software developed entirely

by SACMI R&D; this software precisely recreates a 2D image of the 3D container (correcting any deformation or perspective errors caused by the 3 dimensions).

Consequently, the ElioSCan practically eliminates any risk of false rejects.

The latest innovative product to be presented is the Eclipsim, specifically designed to inspect lithographed metal sheets on the line.

Characterized by an ultra-high resolution camera and outstanding computing power, the Eclipsim

system lets lithographers monitor the production process, accurately highlighting any decoration defects to allow real-time process corrections.

Following ChinaCan, the Sacmi MVS range will be showcased at Euro CanTech, due to be held from 4th to 6th April in Berlin, in the heart of the European food & beverage district. Afterwards, from 18th to 20th May, we’ll be moving on to Panama for LatamCan, the international conference that constitutes the benchmark for Latin American can makers. At all these events there will be a general presentation of everything the Sacmi Group has to offer the beverage and packaging industry, alongside a more focused presentation of decorated metal packaging vision systems; the latter stand out on account of, among other things, the fact they can easily be installed on existing production lines and guarantee the fastest inspection rates the market has to offer.

The variety of the range ensures manufacturers can count on perfect results and manage/monitor the line (also remotely) from any device connected to the company network. Interoperability and userfriendliness are also guaranteed by the CVS3000 software, fully developed by Sacmi and featured throughout the entire container, cap, PET preform and labelled bottle quality control solutions range designed by the Sacmi Automation & Inspection Systems Division.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 13

Polymer technologies featured at CHINAPLAS to transform modern healthcare Polymer technology has never

– is being used to form a high-tech

played a more vital role in the

hip socket, mostly replacing metal.

medical products sector than it such technology on display than

Additive manufacturing adds a new dimension

at CHINAPLAS, which provides a

The process known as additive

showcase of advanced materials

manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing,

and processing technologies,

also is revolutionizing the medical

including those used in today’s

sector. Using a variety of materials

cutting-edge medical products.

– including a growing number of

is doing today. And nowhere is

plastic resins – doctors now can

Safe and biocompatibility are the key consideration in medical plastics . TPU is a safer alternative of PVC as it poses minimal risk in human body and no interaction with platelets while maintains the similar mechanical property and biocompatibility as that of PVC.

The global medical products industry has never been

Biocompatibility as a Driving Force

do things never before possible.

Materials that are implanted into

Using 3D printing, they now can

the body or that are used in

replicate damaged sections of

applications where they come

the human skull, or other body

into direct contact with human

parts such as hip and knee,

tissue are subjected to rigorous

dental crowns, and manufacture

testing to ensure they do not cause

biocompatible and perfectly

any adverse reactions. Polymers

customized pieces that can be

such as liquid silicone rubber,

used to reconstruct the damaged

thermoplastic elastomers and

area. 3D printed anatomical models

various biopolymers are proving

have been helping surgeons

themselves to be up to the task.

practicing and achieving better

more dependent on plastics and rubber suppliers to help them meet today’s healthcare needs. The medical

surgical results.

Firms such as Germany’s Gerresheimer Group are turning to

3D printed drugs are becoming

cyclic olefin polymers (COPs) to

popular to produce personalized

replace glass in a number of its vials

medication for more targeted

and syringes. This is due in part to

therapy. Additive manufacturing

the rise in popularity of bio-based

market in medical application is

tools; prostheses and life-maintaining implantable

pharmaceuticals. COP, which is

expanding rapidly. Currently $83.7

devices; pharmaceutical packaging; various disposables

more chemically inert than glass, is

million worth of material is being

a desirable primary package that

consumed annually in medical

offers excellent barrier properties

sector alone; while the selling of

and is less likely to break.

printing machine will be doubled

Meanwhile, in hip-

from $24-million in 2014 to

replacement procedures,

$56-million by 2020.

applications incorporating polymers are diverse and numerous, including: drug-delivery systems; sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment; surgical

such as tubes, infusion bags, catheters, syringes, etc.; and, increasingly, interactive healthcare monitoring devices used by professional caregivers and individual patients alike. Estimated by the U.S. trade association Advamed, the medical device industry is currently at $120 billion globally.

14 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK (polyetheretherketone) – a

These technologies just scratch

high-strength, wear-resistant,

the surface when it comes to the

biocompatible polymer composite

variety and breadth of materials

Milacron, Mold-Masters, Nordson, Solvay, Yizumi, Yudo, etc.

There are two types of entry tickets – a one-day pass (RMB 30) and four-day pass (RMB 50). Visitors who successfully pre-register on or before 12 February, 2016, at www.

ChinaplasOnline.com/prereg will enjoy free admission and receive a visitor badge in advance.

For details, please visit the official show website at www.

ChinaplasOnline.com

About CHINAPLAS 2016

CHINAPLAS 2016 is organized Medical products have shorter production cycle like never before, CHINAPLAS 2016 will showcase a myriad of automation solutions to improve the efficiency of the production lines.

by Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. and co-organized by China National Light Industry Council -

and equipment that are reshaping today’s dynamic

and ideas with one another. The

China Plastics Processing Industry

medical sector. The good news is that you see these

conference is free for admission.

Association, China Plastics Machinery Industry Association,

technologies, and many more at CHINAPLAS 2016.

The show is expected to welcome

Messe Düesseldorf China Ltd.,

CHINAPLAS 2016 will be held on 25-28 April, 2016

over 140,000 visitors from 150

the Plastic Trade Association

at Shanghai New International Expo Center (Pudong),

countries/ regions. In the past, we

of Shanghai and Beijing Yazhan

PR China. The show will gather over 3200 exhibitors,

have attracted many renowned

Exhibition Services Ltd. The event

many of which will be providing solutions related to

companies from around the

is also supported by various

medical industry, including highly automated systems

world such as Baxter, Dräger,

plastics and rubber associations

for precision tube extrusion, injection molding, micro-

Edan, Improve Medical, Kindly,

in China and abroad.

molding; automated vacuum-forming blister packaging

Medical Devices Management

machine, precision filling & sealing systems, hot-runner

Academy, Microport, Mindray,

First introduced in 1983,

systems, clean-room solutions, robotics and automation

Philips Respironics, Renolit, Sanner,

CHINAPLAS is China’s only

systems, along with biopolymers, general-use and high-

Siemens, SonoScape, Tuoren,

plastics and rubber trade show

performance composites, medical grade masterbatch

China Plastics Processing Industry

approved by UFI (The Global

and antimicrobial additives, etc.

Association, Guangdong Medical

Association of the Exhibition

Devices Management Academy,

Industry). CHINAPLAS has

Additionally, the 2nd Medical Plastics Conference will

Guangdong Pharmaceutical

been exclusively sponsored by

be held concurrently with the show on 25-26 April,

Industry Association to join us.

the Europe’s Association for

where international experts will talk about the hottest

Many leading firms have already

Plastics and Rubber Machinery

topics in the industry covering 3D printing, advanced

reserved their booths such as

Manufacturers (EUROMAP)

medical grade polymers, pharmaceutical packaging, and

A.Schulman, Arburg, BASF, Chen

in China for the 27th time.

latest technology breakthroughs, etc. The conference

Hsong, Covestro, Davis-Standard,

CHINAPLAS is currently Asia’s

provides a focused yet professional networking

Dow Corning, Du Pont, Engel,

No. 1 and the world’s No. 2

platform for material suppliers, processing suppliers,

ExxonMobil, Haitian, Hasco, Husky,

plastics and rubber trade fair.

and medical products suppliers to exchange insights

Kraiburg TPE, KraussMaffei, Mehow, Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 15

USER REPORT

Innovative locking technology for the automotive industry using state-of-the-art injection molding machinery from WITTMANN BATTENFELD The REUTTER Group based in Leutenbach, Germany is one of the leading producers of radiator, fuel tank and oil pipe locking systems and AdBlue® filling systems made of plastics for the automotive industry. To manufacture its products, REUTTER relies entirely on injection molding machines from WITTMANN BATTENFELD.

Tank locks for a truck

A

t the turn of the millennium, the company’s

Today’s REUTTER GmbH started out as Reutter Metallwarenfabrik in Waiblingen, Germany, which was founded in 1912. In 1960, the company began to move towards the automotive industry. In 1980, production was started in Austria, where the first injection molding machines from BATTENFELD were installed at the St. Johann / Pongau facility only 7 years later. The acquisition of this technology marked the beginning of efficient mass production.

16 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

sales activities expanded

to North America. In 2008, REUTTER SK was established in Myjava, Slovakia, where it has been operating a completely new production plant since 2013.

This was followed by additional production plants in Mexico and India. A joint venture in China and a possible extension of the Slovakian facility are planned for 2016.

The REUTTER group currently realizes more than 48 million Euros in sales with about 600 employees and shows annual growth rates between 5 and 6%.

With its innovative locking systems, it supplies both the passenger car and truck industries. In the area of cooling water tank caps equipped with a valve function for pressure compensation, REUTTER is the global market leader. Its locking systems go to automobile manufacturers around the world.

AdBlue system with lock and tubing Radiator locking cap

A special strength of REUTTER is the development and production of complete system solutions in the area of AdBlue® filling systems and tank locking caps for passenger for REUTTER and present no problems with the machines from WITTMANN BATTENFELD. “Making innovative products which meet the high quality cars, pickups, trucks and vans as well as agricultural and standards of the automobile industry also requires innovative and reliable building construction machinery. To meet the stringent machine technology”, explains Alexander Schuckmann. requirements from customers in all of these areas and to ensure safety, REUTTER operates its own technical lab. Here, Besides the quality of the machines, customer support is another vital filling tests with all commonly available fuel nozzles are carried out via an in-house refueling system. Safe filling of aspect for Alexander Schuckmann and his plant manager Juraj Mala. In the tank is ensured by an integrated magnet inside the filler addition to technical advice and customer service, this includes the neck. Special locking cylinders prevent the highly corrosive on-site training programs for machine operators offered by WITTMANN medium from leaking out. The company works with special BATTENFELD. Alexander Schuckmann expresses this as follows: “Quality simulation systems to achieve optimization already at the standards include the quality of cooperation. WITTMANN BATTENFELD has maintained its high standards over many years of cooperation with our development stage. company not only in terms of know-how and the quality of its machinery, The REUTTER group not only meets exacting demands from but also in terms of after-sales service, and will be our first choice of machinery partner for a possible extension of our production plant in its customers, but also sees itself primarily as a product Slovakia.” development partner for its customers and strengthens its market position by setting benchmarks with its own product development projects.

In Slovakia, REUTTER currently employs 300 people. This makes REUTTER SK based in Myjava the largest production facility of the REUTTER group. 36 of the just under 70 BATTENFELD injection molding machines installed at REUTTER are located in Myjava. The machines are hydraulic models of the BATTENFELD CDC series and successor models of the proven HM series with clamping forces ranging from 45 to 180 tons. The machine delivered most recently, an HM 180/1000, is equipped with a W818 robot from WITTMANN and a ServoPower drive system, and thus corresponds to the state of the art with regard to handling and efficient energy management.

At REUTTER, the machines from WITTMANN BATTENFELD are appreciated in particular for their reliability, easy maintenance and simple operation via the UNILOG B6 control system. Short set-up times also play a major part

from the left: Juraj Majersky, Sales Slowakia WITTMANN BATTENFELD, Bernd Aigner, Regional Sales Manager Austria WITTMANN BATTENFELD, Juraj Mala, Plant Manager REUTTER SK, Alexander Schuckmann, Managing Director REUTTER GmbH, Siegfried Köhler, Sales Director WITTMANN BATTENFELD

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 17

Two BOYs at the Mexican Plastimagen 2016

Two BOY injection moulding machines will be presented at the Plastimagen plastics trade fair (hall B / booth 2320) in Mexico City from March 8 – 11. Even before the event, both machines – the compact BOY 80 E (800 kN clamping force) as well as the proven BOY 22 A (220 kN clamping force) – were ordered by Mexican injection moulders.

“The plastics industry in Mexico has been in a constant upward trend a fairly long time“ Wolfgang Schmidt, BOY Export Manager put it in a nutshell. “The Mexican market asks more and more for better equipped machines that need to be extremely reliable, durable and flexible to use. Our modern E-Series injection moulding machines with servo-motor pump drive and intuitive Procan ALPHA control provide the best possibilities. The BOY 80 E will be used by a Mexican company for the production of most multifarious plastic parts after the Plastimagen.

The flexibility of injection moulding machines, including their ability to quickly change to different applications (e.g. through the swivel out function of the plasticizing 18 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

unit on the BOY 80 E). The usability of the latest processing materials are also the focus of many Mexican operators.

The BOY 22 A is based on the experience of more than 25,000 delivered machines of this series.

Six sizes of injection units with seven different screw diameters and much more offer a wide range of equipment versions.

Wolfgang Schmidt and the new Mexican BOY distributor V & C Robótica y Automatización S. de R.L. de C.V. expect a multitude of new contacts and discussions during the four days of the exhibition. Since July 2015, this company took over the sales and service of BOY injection moulding machines in Mexico.

Company profile Dr. Boy GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading worldwide manufacturers of injection moulding machines with clamping forces up to 1,000 kN. The very compact, durable machines work precise, energy-saving and therefore highly economical. BOY continually sets new standards in our industry with innovative concepts and solutions.

Since the company was founded in 1968, over 40,000 injection moulding machines have been delivered worldwide. The privately owned company continues to put special emphasis on engineered performance and high-class “made in Germany” workmanship.

For further information visit http://www. dr-boy.de/.

Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)

2015 Thermoforming Parts Competition Winners PEOPLES’ CHOICE AWARD (A Tie) Allied Plastics, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin Mobile Light Tower Enclosure

Plastitel, Chazy, New York POD’S, used for the Stryker IsoLibrium bed

Overview: This two-piece enclosure houses the engine and fuel tank for a mobile light tower.

Overview: This Vacuum formed component is being used for the most recent technology offered for patient care in the Medical industry. The POD`s role is critical to the success of the 2015 Stryker IsoLibrium Bed (as the main support surface).

Features and Benefits: The material is a high flexural modulus thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) with varying color combinations. A starting thickness of .275” is used for the front enclosure and .325” used for the rear.

Features and Benefits: The primary part of this component is manufactured using Vacuum Thermoforming; The POD`S are divide into 4 sections individually controlled to maintain the correct pressure needed for the patient. The POD`S help the mobility of the patients ensuring regular movement while they are in the bed helping some vital organs function. The POD`S also help reduce bed sores and improve circulation.

Parts are produced from water-cooled, cast aluminum production molds.

The molds were cast-oversized, then 100% CNC machined to the customer supplied CAD data.

Part orientation on the tool was very critical, as depth of draw versus multiple potential undercut features needed to be addressed. The parts had to be designed with structure, as the plastic enclosures replaced a metal housing. A metal frame was incorporated into the design to help reinforce the new TPO housing. The new tough, durable shell eliminates the need for painting and is corrosion proof.

The TPO housing offers a weight savings when compared to the metal housing that is replaced.

Two major challenges are ensuring a minimum thickness on every individual POD and accurately measuring them. Every Vacuumed part is subjected to vigorous inspection.

Material is a Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) 0.080 custom color Blue with a matte finish. The part size 58``x 28``x 6`` with a total of 69 individual POD`s.

The component is assembled and tested on site prior to shipping to OEM. Custom packaging was design inhouse specifically for the component to ensure its integrity during shipping. The reusable thermoformed cases are disassemble and shipped back to be reused eliminating packaging waste.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 19

Laser Melting with Metals (LaserCUSING)

Finalist of the Deutscher Zukunftspreis (German Future Prize) 2015 With his nomination for the Federal President’s Award for Innovation and Technology, Frank Herzog from Concept Laser is now “among the best”.

Together with his two project partners, Frank Herzog, founder and CEO of the specialist for 3D metal printing, has been nominated as a candidate for the German Future Prize 2015. His inclusion in the “circle of the best” is another milestone in the anniversary year of Concept Laser GmbH. The German Future Prize is the Federal President’s Award for Innovation and Technology.

It is awarded to developers from industry and science who have rendered outstanding services with projects and initiatives to Germany as an innovation location. With his nomination, Frank Herzog is now “among the best”. Frank Herzog: “After the awards in 2014 (e.g. Bavaria’s Best 50) and the Final of the German Industry’s Innovation Award, this nomination is a great honor to me.

Not least, it is also appreciation of the enormous potential of the LaserCUSING process developed by me.”

T

he project with the title “3D Printing in Civil Aircraft Manufacturing - a Production Revolution is Taking Off” convinced the jury of the German Future Prize 2015 with regard to its degree of innovation and economic implementation. And the project team, consisting of Peter Sander, Head of Emerging Technologies & Concepts at Airbus, Hamburg, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Claus Emmelmann, CEO of Laser Zentrum Nord GmbH, Hamburg and Frank Herzog, founder and CEO of Concept Laser GmbH, Lichtenfels was therefore nominated for the German Future Prize 2015.

The project is mainly about the first additively manufactured titanium component, referred to as a “bracket”, on board the Airbus A350 XWB. It is a “bionic” holding and connecting element, which is regarded as an important contribution to the lightweight construction of aircraft. This cross-industry development is revolutionizing the way structural aircraft components are made and “lightweight construction” is implemented in civil aircraft. This component was previously a milled part made of aluminum (Al) and is now a printed part made of titanium (Ti) with a weight reduction of approx. 30%.

Success by means of pioneering spirit German Future Prize - Federal President’s Award for Innovation and Technology” (image source: © Deutscher Zukunftspreis)

20 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Frank Herzog is regarded as a pioneer in the field of powder bed-based laser melting. The existing plastic sintering technology led to development of the LaserCUSING method in 1998. During his studies Frank Herzog

over a wide variety of industrial fields and applications over the years. Over 400 systems installed worldwide speak for themselves.

Frank Herzog, CEO of Concept Laser: “After the awards in 2014, such as Bavaria’s Best 50, and the Final of the Innovation Award of the German Industry 2014, this nomination is a great honor to the team and me. Not least, it is also appreciation of the enormous potential of the LaserCUSING process.”

thought that what worked with plastics should also work with metals. Part stress and the failure of metal powder to fuse completely were initially the greatest challenges in the process development. However, these problems were overcome by the hard work put into the development of stochastic exposure and the application of a solid-state laser.

This pioneering work resulted in the founding of the company Concept Laser in the year 2000, which presented its M3 linear prototype machine to the public at the Euromold in Frankfurt in 2001 and, in this way, celebrated its world premiere in the field of industrial 3D metal printing. Concept Laser, which is situated in Lichtenfels in Upper Franconia, were able to supply the first systems worldwide only a year later. Once an exotic outsider, this additive manufacturing strategy has taken

And 15 years of Concept Laser also means 15 years of successful process development with numerous innovations and patents.

For example, the company now has its own research and development department with over 50 employees. Furthermore, Concept Laser GmbH is involved in numerous research and development partnerships with universities, technological and scientific institutes and industrial companies. And the company is also the owner of more than 50 granted patents. Concept Laser GmbH has currently approximately 100 pending patent applications and a majority of them will be granted in the near future.

The number of inventions applied for patents by the company has been steadily growing. Concept Laser’s 15th anniversary in 2015 is a brilliant performance – and it has the figures to prove it. The growth of + 75 % in 2014 is being consolidated by Concept Laser at a high standard. For example, a total of 110 laser melting systems were delivered in the year 2014.

This figure is to rise to 150 systems in 2015. This means growth in sales of + 35% is expected compared to the previous already very successful year.

The LaserCUSING process

The LaserCUSING process (illustration of the process)

The term LaserCUSING, composed of the C from CONCEPT Laser and the English word FUSING (to fully melt), describes the technology.

The fusing process uses 3D CAD data to generate components layer by layer. This process allows the production of complex

component geometries without tools in order to implement geometries as components that are difficult or even impossible to achieve with conventional manufacturing methods.

The LaserCUSING process is used to create mechanically and thermally stable metallic components with high precision.

Depending on the application, it can be used with stainless and tool steels, aluminum and titanium alloys, nickel-based superalloys, cobalt-chromium alloys or precious metals such as gold or silver alloys.

With LaserCUSING, finely pulverized metal is fused using a high-energy fiber laser. The material is solidified after cooling.

The component contour is created by directing the laser beam by means of a mirror deflection unit (scanner). The component is constructed layer by layer (with each layer measuring 15-150 μm) by lowering the bottom surface of the build space and then applying and fusing more powder. Concept Laser systems stand out due to their stochastic control of the slice segments (also referred to as “islands”), which are processed successively. The patented process significantly reduces tension during the manufacture of very large components.

General aspects of an additive manufacturing strategy Numerous options for lightweight construction and an increase in the performance of components are opened up by an additive manufacturing strategy. Key words include: functional integration, lightweight construction potential, bionics and topology, conservation of resources, waste reduction, geometrical freedom, single

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 21

High level of interest despite difficult times interplastica and UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA 2016 in Moscow recorded considerably more visitors than in the previous year

Western technology for the production of packaging and related processes, as well as for the manufacturing of plastic and rubber goods is still highly valued by Russian companies. However, the political framework conditions, the fall of the oil price, and a continually weak rouble, having an inflation rate of approx. 15.8 percent last year, as well as hesitant lending as a result thereof are making it difficult to make investments, especially for small businesses.

O

n the other hand, there is still considerable investment needed in Russia and neighbouring countries. Above all, the demand has been placed on the domestic consumer goods industry, the food industry, and the packaging industry to optimise production processes and product quality in order to be able to substitute imports. Therefore staying informed concerning innovative technologies,

22 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

maintaining business relationships with suppliers, or establishing new ones represented the main focus of visitors to the interplastica and the UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA 2016.

From 26 to 29 January, 20,900 specialist visitors from Russia and its neighbouring countries came to the Moscow Expocentre in Krasnaya Presnya - around 1,900 more than in 2015. The atmosphere within the halls was remarkably great. The exhibitors reported there being extremely interested business people, who were also, in part, ready to make orders. A total of 828 companies from 38 countries presented their range of offers at both trade fairs.

“Russia is still a potentially significant market currently experiencing difficult times. At the moment, for

small and middle-sized Russian companies in particular, it is not easy – the problem of financing planned investments is a quite big. However, the market has in no way come to a halt. There is still a high level of interest in highquality and innovative machinery, systems, and materials. Companies want to invest and are also making effort to realise planned projects.

In such a situation, trade fairs play an important role! With their participation, the exhibitors have provided that they do not only have short-term success in mind, but are making endeavours to sustainably maintain relationships.

This was clearly rewarded,” commented Matthias Werner Dornscheidt, Chairman and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf. The trade fair company organises both specialist

trade fairs, the interplastica and UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA together with its subsidiary, Messe Düsseldorf Moscow OOO, the latter in cooperation with the Italian organiser CPA. The visitors unanimously expressed positive feedback regarding the versatile range of companies and products, the numerous product debuts, and the presence of many market leaders. Special suppliers and newcomers were also able to be delighted with the lively activity at their trade fair stands.

For German machine manufacturers, Russia is still an interesting sales market, even if figures are currently in decline. During the period from January to November 2015, German export shipments of machinery for processing plastics and rubber to Russia amounted to 118.8 million euros, which is a decrease of 16.7 percent in relation to the same period during the previous year.

Despite this decrease in orders, Germany remains the most important supplier in this segment. In 2014 (figures for 2015 are not yet available), the German market share was at 23.9 percent. Italy followed with 12.6, being right ahead of China, whose market share was at 11.6 percent. The world export of plastics and rubber machines to Russia showed an increase of 4.1 percent in 2014 in comparison to the previous year, corresponding to a total value of 666.0 million euros.

Bernd Nötel from the VDMA Association for Plastics and Rubber Machinery (“Fachverband Kunststoff- und Gummimaschinen”) is pleased that the German-Russian business relations, which have traditionally been full of trust, are continuing even in difficult times.

“Machinery made in Germany has a good reputation here, and the service provided by the German companies is highly appreciated.

German suppliers have taken advantage of their on-site presence to maintain close contact with their customers and present their innovations. The financing of planned and also necessary investments currently represents the greatest problem. However, there is definitely optimism for the future - especially because it seems that efforts are being taken by the Russian government in order to drive forward the expansion of domestic production. Developing the value-added chain has long been neglected – the current low oil and gas prices have now

provided for some movement on this field.” Nötel summarised that many German companies came to the interplastica with subdued expectations, but these were clearly surpassed due to the increased number and the high quality of customer leads. On the first evening of the trade fair, this VDMA specialist association, together with the VDMA Association for Food Processing Machinery and Packaging Machinery (Fachverband Nahrungsmittel- und Verpackungsmaschinen), extended an invitation for a social exchange to take place between German suppliers and Russian customers and was very pleased with the positive feedback.

As is customary, Italy was strongly represented during the interplastica. In halls 1 and 3, numerous individual exhibitors and the large community stand offered an extensive overview. And, although Italian manufacturers were

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 23

not able to sell as many machines and tools to Russia as in 2013, companies are relying on good customer contacts that have endured for many years as well as the quality of their products. That was confirmed by Mario Maggiani, CEO of the Italian machinery manufacturer’s association, Assocomaplast: “Exports of plastics and rubber machinery as well as moulds dropped by 12 percent in 2014 in relation to the previous year, i.e. from 119.5 to 105.3 million euros. And if we take a look at 2015, we have to even assume a decline of 20 to 30 percent in light of the existing figures to date for the first three quarters. Thereby, Russia has fallen into eighth place in our export statistics after being one of the five most important sales markets for Italian manufacturers of plastics and rubber machinery for many years.”

However, Maggiani further commented, although no quick improvement had been expected in the face of the difficult economic environment, in particular, the weak rouble, the fall of the oil price, and the sanctions, the great visitor turnout at the interplastica as well as the specific discussions were clearly far beyond the expectations of the Italian exhibitors.

The range of offers of interplastica exhibitors was complemented by an expert supporting programme.

At the “Raw Materials Meeting Point” on the Polymer Plaza located in trade fair hall 1, lectures and rounds of discussions took place where raw materials, the recycling of plastics, and additive production were 24 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

the topics of focus. In addition, exhibitors presented innovative products and processes during the course of open seminars.

SCIENCE, has entered the market.

The days of the trade fair were very effective. For us, the year is starting off with good impressions.

The next interplastica in Moscow will take place from 24 to 27 January 2017, again running in parallel with UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA. More information is available online at www.interplastica.de and at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, Mr Thomas Franken, tel. 0211/45607739, e-mail: FrankenT@messeduesseldorf.de,, and Ms Claudia Wolfgram, Tel. +49 (0) 211-45607712, E-mail: WolfgramC@messeduesseldorf.de

Klaus-Peter Welsch, Head of Sales and IT at Geiss AG

Exhibitor’s comments about interplastica 2016:

For the first time, we had a material supplier present at our stand, which had a certain show and demonstration effect. Customer demand and the expertise of the visitors were exceptionally high.

The customers approached us with specific requests at the stand, and business transactions were concluded directly at the trade fair.

Albena Vasiljeva, Head of Communication, Government and Public Relations, COVESTRO We are representing a new name among the exhibitors at the interplastica 2016. COVESTRO, previously BAYER MATERIAL

Our expectations for the interplastica 2016 were extremely low. However, we were positively surprised: It was the best first day of the trade fair since we started participating in the interplastica.

On the second day of the trade fair, our stand was at its full visitor capacity level; it only somewhat calmed down on the third day of the trade fair.

Our visitors came from all over Russia, ranging from St. Petersburg all the way to Uzbekistan.

Andrey Seleznev, Commercial Director at HAITIAN RUSSIA We did not expect such visitor numbers. For our company, interplastica 2016 was a much greater success than the trade fair held in the previous year.

The market somewhat dropped, however, customers are prepared for a year that will offer an exciting range of perspectives. They are already approaching us with solidly planned projects. Up until the time of our trade fair participation, the outlook on business development in 2016 was not especially optimistic. However, after the four active and successful days of the trade fair, we have become confident with regard to our future.

Thanks to the trade fair, we have acquired new potential customers. That helps us in making positive forecasts for next year.

Artur Shamkalov, Sales Director at Heitz GmbH & Co.KG Being present on the Russian market is extremely important to Heitz. The expertise of interplastica visitors is very high. Our customers do not only come from the Moscow region, but from Finland, Belarus, and the Baltic states. Business negotiations from the interplastica 2014 are just about to be concluded now in 2016.

Anastasija Selekhanova, Senior Specialist at the Nonprofit Partnership INNOKAM association

Summarising the results of the trade fair, we can say that all days of the trade fair were running at full blast. We are convinced that 40 percent of all meetings and negotiations were successful and will end up in contracts being signed. For us, that is a very good result – for the first time, we are presenting a new generation of a plant for manufacturing largescale thermoplastic formed parts. Nowadays, the industry suffers from raw material supply shortages; prices going up and down, and people are looking for new suppliers. However, on the one hand, every crisis signifies difficulties for a company, but on the other, it represents opportunities to find new customers and set a new course.

Raj Kumar Lohia, Chairman & Managing Director, Lohia Corp.

I have been travelling to Russia since the late eighties when the system was that of Soviet Union.

Also in 1990’s when it was a

transition system and was not robust and there was apparent chaos.

I visited interplastica 2016 at Moscow after a gap of 10 years and I was very pleasantly surprised.

Despite the crisis in commodities and the devaluation of the rouble I found the attitude of the people much more positive and business like. They showed confidence in their leadership and have confidence that the country was moving forward.

We had many more customers from Russia and the CIS countries at our stall in interplastica 2016 than we had anticipated. Our team was always busy attending to prospective buyers and we will definitely participate in the next show. Russia has a large area and interplastica gives a good opportunity to meet customers from different time zones at one place. Our company is particularly well placed to do very good

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 25

business in Russia.

growing for Russian companies.

Olga Zholobnjuk, Head of the Press Centre, OOO TD Plastik

Stephen Fahr, Key Account Manager at A. Schulman

We are presenting our company for the first time at interplastica and were positively surprised with the rush of people at our stand. Now the time for Russian raw material manufacturers has come. Material processors are looking for reliable partners with whom lucrative cooperation would be possible irrespective of market fluctuations. The import market for plastics is shrinking, while the number of Russian manufacturers is growing.

Last year alone, our company grew by 10 percent. It brought us 27 percent of Russia’s entire plastics market.

Essentially, we took a niche which had previously been reserved for foreign companies. We are currently in the process of launching a new material onto the market that is orientated toward electronics and household technology. That will be a worthy import substitute!

Taking part in this trade fair will give our company the required image as well as a reputation with regard to the polymer business community. During the course of the four days of the trade fair, productive business meetings can be held and it is possible to meet new customers.

Marketing, logistics, and equipment brought together at the trade fair platform to form a balance. For us, this is the possibility to simultaneously clarify all matters at hand and help interested customers with their search for new business and new opportunities!

Sign of the times: From Iran, there is new competition 26 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

We are experiencing cautious optimism. From customer requests, it was noticeable that quality played a leading role. Business relationships with Russia are very good and, on the second day of the trade fair, which was quite busy, there was a steady flow of customer visits from the morning on. There was business potential.

Development emerges here and can be continued at the K 2016 in Düsseldorf.

The clientele comes from the Uljanowsk region as well as St. Petersburg, among other places.

Nikolaj Proporov, Managing Director of OOO SOLAN-D Our company endeavors to be a single-source supplier for a variety of business equipment solutions.

Despite the instable economic situation, we are noticing an active level of business growth and an increase in capacity.

Last year, we strengthened our engineering sector; this year, the assembly department will follow suit. We have also expanded our warehouse, started our own metal processing production, and developed new equipment. We would like to highlight the trade fair’s great organisation as well as the high level of specialist visitors to the interplastica 2016!

The next interplastica in Moscow will take place from 24 to 27 January 2017, again running in parallel with UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA. More information is available online at www.interplastica. de and at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, Mr Thomas Franken, tel.

0211/4560-7739, e-mail: FrankenT@messe-duesseldorf.de,, and Ms Claudia Wolfgram, Tel. +49 (0) 211-4560-7712, E-mail: WolfgramC@messe-duesseldorf.de

Classicx Multi-layer Coextrusion Blown Film Machine

Customized Solution / High Efficiency Jinming Machinery (Guangdong) Co., Ltd., the first and largest manufacturer of blown film machines in China, has been leading technical innovation of the China market and the most advanced film making techniques.

In some areas, its equipment quality and technology has reached the top level worldwide. Jinming Classicx blown film machine is a customized and high-capacity middle and high-end model which has been launched through the optimization of existing machine models. This model can meet the customer’s high production requirements in terms of film uniformity control, film transparency, film stiffness and toughness, film yield, etc. Based on standard configuration, Classicx models can be customized according to the actual production requirements and process conditions of customers. For Jinming Classicx models, the currently-available nonbarrier blown film machines are applicable to both 3-layer and 5-layer films, whose width can vary from 1200mm to 3000mm.

Application of intelligent control technology to improve the production & management technology and minimize the manpower Classicx models are equipped with certain intelligent control where the centralized computer control is available for the whole machine, and in addition, the latest Jinming on-line film thickness measurement & control software and remote real-time production monitoring & management software can be installed according to the requirements of customers. The management personnel can know the dynamic production conditions in real time by means of computers and mobile phones.

The bubble cage and collapsing frame are electrical control. Classicx models are also equipped with full-automatic double-station winders. The control and monitoring of various systems is integrated by means of bussing technology, with automatic alarm and automatic diagnosis functions, thereby minimizing related human costs.

Lastest coextrusion and cooling technology increase the production capacity by more than 40% Jinming Classicx blown film machine is a high-efficiency and high-capacity model, whose extrusion system, cooling system and electric control system, etc. adopt the latest technology, so that its production capacity is over 40% higher than its domestic counterparts. The screws of the extrusion system are jointly developed

by Jinming with world-famous resin suppliers, and specially designed for the Classicx models. The screws are of separable design, in order to achieve the solidliquid separation and low temperature extrusion during the plasticizing process, which can increase the extrusion efficiency by about 30%.

Standard configuration of Jinming cooling system is equipped with the precision

automatic dual-outlet air ring, which is featured with side air intake, large air chamber, low wind resistance in distribution plate and low pressure loss, therefore the cooling efficiency can be increased by 30%. If customers select the optional next-generation high-efficiency cooling air ring, it can rise and fall along the axis of die head vertically; due to a multi-stage air-out, the contact area between film bubble and air is big, while the cooling time is long, which can increase the cooling efficiency by 40%-50%.

Advanced machining center and European components ensure the stability of equipment operation Jinming owns the industry’s most advanced machining equipment, such as ultralarge DMG five-axis machining center, Niles CNC precision gear grinding machine, Cincinnati precision machining center and ultra-large NCS.A high-precision gantry machining center, which can ensure the machining accuracy and reliability of the equipment parts and components. Jinming has carried out in-depth cooperation with the world-famous component suppliers, and all the drive components and control systems are imported from Europe, so the components’ overall operation performance and working life is more reliable.

Extensive technical formula database and simulation system exercise to ensure higher film quality After 28 years development, Classicx models have been improved by integrating technology systems like machining, electric and processing, and by using information mediums to run simulation exercise of the machines, meeting the requirements of better film quality for customers. Through couple years, Jinming has gradually established both comprehensive technical formula database and material flowing deformation database, and has been committed to providing customers with the best formula solutions and optimized film quality formulas, while improving our own equipment’s processing techniques. On the basis of Jinming’s film process experiences for several decades and collection of system data from a number of world-famous resin suppliers, Jinming can offer customers the best formula combination.

Modular design of equipment to achieve flexible customization according to the requirements of customers In addition to standardized models, Jinming Classicx models are provided with more flexible customized service; for the feeding system, extrusion system, cooling system, electrical system, winding and some auxiliary devices, the configuration can be added, reduced or replaced according to the actual production requirements of customers.

Extensive adaptability of film processing to meet the production requirement of high quality film The Classicx models aim at high-quality and high-yield film production. The equipment is mainly used in production of high-quality film such as high-quality laminated film (e.g. stand-up pouch packaging with higher tolerance control, higher capacity and better film structural properties), shrink film (higher film performance, high capacity and downgauge film with the same performance), heavy-duty bag film, stretching film, etc. Jinming Machinery(Guangdong) Co., Ltd | sales@jmjj.com Jinming Machinery, as the global leader in supplying plastic film extrusion machines, provides customized solutions of Blown Film Machines, Cast Film Machines and Stretch Film Machines. By the end of 2015, we have supported customers from over 40 countries with thousands of proven machine lines and services.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 27

Kiefel presents the punch press KES 85, with an

innovative peripheral punching technology and a KMD 78F thermoforming machine first time at Chinaplas 2016. The system enables notch-free processing of formed parts For punching and stacking of trays, lids and formed products with special requirements, the KIEFEL KMD 78F SPEEDFORMER combined with the eccentric punch press KES 85 is now the perfect solution.

The newly developed system ensures cost effectiveness when it comes to large-scale production and impresses with its vast range of applications.

Kiefel is a world leader when it comes to the design and manufacture of machines used to process plastic film materials. The company offers core expertise in the fields of forming and joining technology. As a supplier to reputable manufacturers in various sectors, KIEFEL GmbH services customers in the automotive, medical technology, refrigerator and packaging industries.

The company employs around 480 people at the headquarters in Freilassing. Kiefel is globally present thanks to own sales and service branches in the USA, France, the Netherlands, Russia, China, Brazil, Indonesia and India, as well as sales partners in more than 60 countries. Kiefel also owns the Czech automotive specialist SWA and the Dutch specialist of thermoforming tools Bosch Sprang.

Kiefel GmbH is part of the Brückner group, based in Siegsdorf, which is a global leader company in supplying machines and plant systems for the packaging and plastics industry with around 2,000 employees. Other group members: Brückner Maschinenbau is a global market leader in film stretching technology, Brückner Servtec provides a wide range of services for film stretching lines, PackSys Global supplies special machines for the packaging industry.

KIEFEL KMD 78F SPEEDFORMER combined with the eccentric punch press KES 85

A robust machine design and an eccentric crank drive are technically indispensable to reach the highest performance level. The production speed of 120 cycles per minute is outstanding. The vertical punching system minimizes the effect of transverse forces. All cycle movements are servomotor-driven.

This concept combines low tool costs with the best stacking solutions. Combined hole punching and periphery punching is possible. The whole tool block can be changed easily and quickly with a crane.

Convenient operation is achieved by the Siemens Simotion control system, which is especially adapted to the user’s needs, and a touch screen with teaching function for new products.

The KES 85 is best suited for the production of parts of PS, PP, PE, PVC, PET and PLA and can be combined with every Inline Thermoforming Unit.

Visit Kiefel at Chinaplas 2016 at Booth E1 L01.

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Fact Box Technical Data KMD 78F • Maximum forming area 760 x 540 mm • Maximum tool dimensions 780 x 560 mm • Maximum tool weight per table 400 kg • Maximum height of formed part 150 mm • Dry cycle speed 60 cycles/min

Technical Data KES 85 • Maximum punching area 850 x 400 mm • Maximum tool dimensions 1230 x 495 mm • Maximum tool weight (block) 1100 kg • Maximum height of formed part 125 mm • Maximum film width 925 mm • Dry cycle speed 130 cycles/min

New Automatic Drum-Refill System For Liquid Colors Boosts Productivity And Reduces Output Of ‘Off-Spec’ Product RGInfinity™Auto-Refill System from Riverdale Global Refills Drums On-Line, Eliminating Downtime for Switching Drums as Well as Lapses in Color Metering in during these procedures, particularly when there are multiple drums metering color to multiple processing machines.”

Riverdale Global has developed a material handling system that automatically refills one or more liquid color drums during the molding or extrusion process, eliminating downtime for switching drums and reducing the occurrence of transitional or off-specification product with little or no color.

Riverdale Global supplies liquid color in patented pump-equipped drums that remain sealed while color is metered to processing machines. The RGInfinity™ auto-refill system eliminates need to replace these drums when empty by refilling them from a large central container, or “tote.” One central container can serve one machine or, if desired, be configured to refill multiple machines running the same color. Sealed connections throughout the system, from tote to delivery tubes to drums to metering tubes, keep liquid color completely sealed off from the workplace. Each drum is mounted on a Riverdale Gravimetric Stand (RGS), which monitors the weight of color in the drum and signals a pump valve on the tote when the drum is nearly empty and again when it is full. This prevents uncolored product.

When the central container needs to be replaced with a full one, the sealed connectors make possible a quick changeover. Riverdale Global can provide containers in various shapes and sizes. A typical example is a 200-gallon rotomolded plastic vessel within a steel supporting framework, but it is possible to use a standard-size drum for refilling the on-line drum, replacing the empty “refill” drum with a full one while color metering continues uninterrupted.

“Besides preventing downtime, the RGInfinity™ auto-refill system eliminates the time and labor required for operators to monitor color levels, transport and prepare replacement drums, and wait until on-line drums are finally ready for replacement,” said Kevin Cabana, vice president of process technologies. “Also prevented is the human error that creeps

By preventing off-spec production, the RGInfinity™ auto-refill system saves time and labor as well as reducing scrap. “The higher the production volume, the greater the benefits,” said Mr. Cabana.

“Without the RGInfinity™ auto-refill system, operators of extrusion and molding lines often choose to generate off-color product during drum replacement rather than stopping production. The resulting scrap material must be culled out, removed from the work area, and disposed of.”

The RGInfinity™ auto-refill system is an extension of Riverdale Global’s Sealed Color™ technology, which eliminates the complications of handling liquid color, such as spillage, leakage, cleanup, pump maintenance, unused color,

environmental concerns, and disposal costs. Central to the technology is the proprietary “Pump in a Drum” design, which enables the drum to remain sealed during delivery from Riverdale Global, metering into the process, and replenishment through return of the drum to Riverdale Global.

In the Riverdale Gravimetric Stand, used as part of automating the RGInfinity™ auto-refill system, a liquid color drum is mounted on a self-calibrating loss-in-weight scale that continually reports the weight of the contents to the RGS controller as a means of ensuring that the target let-down ratio is maintained. Flow is modulated through an air-regulated actuator that is connected to the pump inside the sealed drum. The gravimetric control holds colordelivery tolerance to within 0.1%, preventing over-coloring and making it possible to reduce costs while maintaining target color levels.

RIVERDALE GLOBAL is a leading international supplier of sealed liquid colorants and additives to the plastics industry whose products are used in consumer and commercial markets.

The company’s world headquarters is in Aston, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., with international offices based in the United Kingdom, Dubai, Singapore, and China.

The Riverdale legacy dates back to the early 1900s as a supplier of dyes and industrial chemicals with a focus today on process automation, sustainability and local service.

Email: contactus@riverdaleglobal.com.

Visit www.riverdaleglobal.com.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 29

Early Bird Registration For Spe Antec® 2016, World’s Largest Plastics Technical Conference, Ends March 1 Early bird registration for the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) ANTEC® 2016 runs through March 1, SPE announced today. After that date, registration fees increase.

Prospective attendees can register online at www.antec.ws.

ANTEC 2016 will take place May 2325 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. The annual ANTEC is the world’s largest plastics technical conference, consisting entirely of original, peer-reviewed presentations on a variety of topics relevant to today’s global plastics industry. Besides more than 600+ technical talks in 40 different plastics technical areas, ANTEC 2016 will include “New Technology” forums, plenary & keynote speeches, tutorials for a range of processes and materials, and panel discussions.

Other activities include SPE’s global parts competition “Plastics for Life” and “The Plastics Race, a scavenger hunt with a plastics twist. There will

NORDSON PROMOTES KEN FORDEN TO POSITION OF GENERAL MANAGER FOR EXTRUSION AND COATING DIES Nordson Corporation has promoted Ken Forden to be general manager of the extrusion and coating die business within the company’s polymer processing product line.

Mr. Forden will have worldwide responsibility for the EDI™, Verbruggen™, and Premier™ product brands. Andrei Stapinoiu, previously the global director of this business, has been promoted to the position of managing director, Europe/Middle East/Africa, for the Nordson EFD division.

“Ken’s experience leading a global business and his knowledge of the polymers industry will bring a new thrust to Nordson’s global expansion of its die business,” said John J. Keane, senior vice president. “Our goal is to make the most innovative extrusion and coating die technologies locally accessible and supported for processors and converters throughout the world.”

Prior to taking on this new role, Ken Forden served as vice president and general manager of Nordson EFD, a leading supplier of precision fluid dispensing systems. He entered the polymer industry in 1987 as a business development manager with Borg Warner Chemicals. Following the acquisition of Borg Warner Chemicals by General Electric in 1988, he spent 19 years in management positions with GE Plastics. Subsequently he worked for six years with Johns-Manville before joining Nordson EFD in 2012.

also activities for students and young industry professionals.

Information on programs and registration fees is available at www. antec.ws. Prospective attendees can also contact SPE by email at customerrelations@4spe.org, telephone at 1-203-740-5403, and fax at 1-203-775-8490.

THE SOCIETY OF PLASTICS ENGINEERS (SPE) is the premier source of peer-reviewed technical information for plastics professionals. Founded in 1942, SPE takes action every day to help companies in the plastics industry succeed by spreading knowledge, strengthening skills, and promoting plastics. Employing these vital strategies, SPE has helped the plastics industry thrive for over 70 years. SPE has become the recognized medium of communication among scientists, engineers, and technical personnel engaged in the development, conversion, and application of plastics. For more information, please visit www.4spe. org.

30 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Mr. Forden holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University and a BSc degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Nordson Corporation engineers, manufactures and markets differentiated products and systems used for the precision dispensing of adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials, polymers, plastics and other materials, fluid management, test and inspection, UV curing and plasma surface treatment, all supported by application expertise and direct global sales and service. Nordson serves a wide variety of consumer non-durable, durable and technology end markets including packaging, nonwovens, electronics, medical, appliances, energy, transportation, construction, and general product assembly and finishing. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, the company has operations and support offices in more than 30 countries. Visit Nordson on the web at http://www.nordson.com, @Nordson_Corp, or www.facebook.com/nordson.

Nordson Polymer Processing Systems provides customers with engineered components to melt, homogenize, filter, meter, and give shape to plastic and fluid coating materials. Nordson Corporation leverages the collective plastics industry experience from a series of strategic acquisitions to offer a uniquely broad portfolio of industry-leading technologies. Nordson delivers a full range of precision melt stream products — from screws and barrels for extrusion and injection molding — to filtration systems, pumps, and valves — to the extrusion dies and pelletizing systems to meet the constantly evolving needs of the polymer industry.

Ultra-high resolution, flexibility, total decoration quality COLORA CAP, “no limits to imagination” The world-leading producer of machines and complete plants for plastic closures, Sacmi presents the innovative on-cap digital printing solution

A

pioneer with over 20 years’ market experience of providing true product and process innovation, Sacmi presents COLORA CAP, a pioneering digital cap printing solution developed by subsidiary company Intesa.

A specialised digital decoration machine designer and already the leading designer of ceramic tile digital decoration solutions, this Sacmi Group company has brought the industry (the previous technological benchmark for which was pad printing) all the advantages of digital printing, thus intercepting a major market opportunity and implementing a technological revolution.

COLORA CAP is a new on-cap digital printing system - which allows high definition cap decoration directly on the line without having to stock caps and lets users change the decoration in real time – with numerous advantages. It gives huge competitive gains in terms of flexibility as it’s possible to set a potentially limitless number of different decorations without affecting output rates and with changeover times virtually cut to zero.

Ultra-high decoration definition and an unlimited colour range result in the freedom to choose which image to print - without the operator having to carry out any work on the machine - independently of cap size.

Moreover, dedicated software allows customers to set the selected image directly without requesting assistance from a specialised Sacmi technician.

To complete the picture, total finished product quality is 100% guaranteed thanks to integration with the CVS vision system, which directly checks on the line and at ultra-high speed – that the decoration corresponds to the settings.

Supplied by Sacmi with comprehensive international certification, the new COLORA CAP provides producers with a considerable competitive advantage from the dual viewpoints of extreme output flexibility – and the possibility, therefore, of making cap decorations for promotional campaigns, events, prizes etc. – and stock management, as HD images can be printed on caps in just a few minutes, even on small lots. All with that Sacmi brand guarantee of reliability and a worldwide after-sales assistance network covering all key markets.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 31

WITTMANN BATTENFELD supplies large injection molding machine series to Hayco for consumer markets On November 4, 2015, the WITTMANN Group signed a framework agreement with Hayco. The agreement covers the manufacture of SmartPower and MacroPower series to Hayco in the coming 5 – 10 years.

WITTMANN BATTENFELD’s MacroPower series large injection machine

H

ayco with headquarters in Hong Kong is a world leading manufacturer of modern household products and appliances. The company has a diverse portfolio of products which it supplies to leading consumer brands. Hayco has been manufacturing in China for over 30 years. Its three plants in Shenzhen are over 1.5 million square feet.

In August, 2015, Hayco announced that it would invest over USD 50 million for a brand-new injection molding and assembly plant in Dominican Republic to expand its global footprint and improve deliveries to the USA and Europe in the future. The need for world class technology in this new facility and reinvestment in its existing operations in China led them to partner with WITTMANN BATTENFELD and the integrated injection molding solutions they provide.

The WITTMANN Group will supply these new highperformance machine series to Hayco for its new

32 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

plant in Dominican Republic and the expansion of existing three plants in Shenzhen. Both parties signed the contract for equipment purchase, including over 100 units of WITTMANN BATTENFELD’s SmartPower servo-hydraulic injection machine, MacroPower series large injection machine as well as peripheral auxiliary equipment and the central feeding system.

SmartPower combines the advantages of hydraulic machines with those of all-electric machines: energy efficiency, precision, user-friendliness, compact design, high speed, cleanness. The new MacroPower spans 400 to 1600

tons, with servo-driven hydraulic pump a highly recommended option. WITTMANN BATTENFELD provides comprehensive solutions to Hayco by bringing in proven technology in precision, one-stop procurement and energy efficiency solutions. Moreover, WITTMANN BATTENFELD ‘s globalized network services of highly skilled technical support are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All these showed what it has been doing to make good on its pledge to reinvigorate the venerable WITTMANN BATTENFELD name and its reputation for innovation and proved to be a trusted partner to Hayco.

WITTMANN’s peripheral auxiliary equipment WITTMANN BATTENFELD’s SmartPower servohydraulic injection machine series

The integrated solution of injection molding and peripheral equipment

In the place of signing the contract, Mr. Christopher Hay in the left who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hayco Group and Dr. Werner Wittmann in the right who is President of WITTMANN BATTENFELD Group.

About Hayco Group Hayco is the partner of choice for leading FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) companies and retailers, recognized for delivering innovative products, manufacturing and technical solutions.

Hayco’s in-house capabilities include product design and development, mold making, extrusion & injection blow molding, injection molding, in-mold labelling, assembly and quality assurance that create a one-stop solution to meet scalability requirements of customers. Our 3 sites in China ship to 40 countries worldwide every year and in 2017 it will start up additional production in the Dominican Republic. Hayco has long term partnerships with companies such as CamelBak, Church & Dwight, Clorox, Kärcher, OXO, Philips, Procter & Gamble, Target, Walmart & 3M. The company supplies over 150 million consumer products a year.

About the WITTMANN Group

of state-of-the art injection molding machines and process technology, providing a modern and comprehensive range of machinery in a modular design that meets the actual and future requirements of the plastic injection molding market.

WITTMANN’s product range includes robots and automation systems, material handling systems, dryers, gravimetric and volumetric blenders, granulators, mold temperature controllers and chillers. With this comprehensive range of peripheral equipment, WITTMANN can provide plastics processors with solutions that cover all production requirements, ranging from autonomous work cells to integrated plant-wide systems.

The syndication of the WITTMANN Group has led to connectivity between all product lines, providing the advantage plastics processors have been looking for in terms of a seamless integration of injection molding machines, automation and auxiliary equipment – all occurring at a progressive rate.

In China, the WITTMANN Group is present with its own production plant in Kunshan, and a sales and service subsidiary in Shanghai, WITTMANN BATTENFELD (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., as well as offices in Shenzen, Tianjin, Chengdu and Changchun.

The WITTMANN Group is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of injection molding machines, robots and peripheral equipment for the plastics industry. Headquartered in Vienna/Austria, the WITTMANN Group consists of two main divisions, WITTMANN BATTENFELD and WITTMANN, which operate 9 production facilities in 6 countries, including 30 direct subsidiary offices located in all major plastics markets around the world.

Contact: WITTMANN BATTENFELD GmbH & Co. KG, Werner-Battenfeld-Strasse 1, D-58540 Meinerzhagen, Tel.: +49 2354 72 – 0, Fax:+49 2354 72 – 485 info@wittmann-group.com, www.wittmann-group.com

WITTMANN BATTENFELD focuses on the independent market growth in the manufacturing

Hayco Manufacturing Ltd., 3002 Citicorp Centre, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Tel.: +852 2168 9200, info@hayco.com, www.hayco.com Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 33

Chinaplas 2016: Arburg to exhibit complete plastic parts production range • • •

Injection moulding: Electric Allrounder produces pill splitters in high volumes Additive manufacturing: Freeformer for prototyping a medical technology article IML application: High-speed “Packaging” version of the hybrid Allrounder

Arburg offers “Packaging” versions of its Allrounder injection moulding machines for the production of IML boxes and other thin-walled applications in the packaging industry.

Arburg will be presenting the complete range of plastic parts production - from one-off parts through to high-volume production - at the Chinaplas 2016, to be held from 25 to 28 April 2016 in Shanghai. At Stand E1G01 in Hall E1, a Freeformer will demonstrate the efficient additive manufacture of design samples and prototypes based on the example of a “pill splitter”. The same product will be manufactured in high volumes on an electric injection moulding machine. A highspeed IML thin-walled application will also be on show: a “Packaging” version of a hybrid Allrounder will produce four IML containers in a cycle time of around 3.2 seconds.

34 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

“

As one of the world’s key showcases for the plastics industry, the Chinaplas is extremely important to us.

Arburg is growing in the Chinese market because ever more injection moulding companies are demanding top-quality machines, which is why they are placing their trust in our high-end technology and the extensive expertise of our staff,” says Zhao Tong, Managing Director of the Arburg organisations in China. “Working in cooperation with Chinese partners, one of the applications we are showing this year is a high-performance hybrid machine that produces IML tubs for the packaging sector.

We are also demonstrating the production of pill splitters – both in a high-volume application with

an electric Allrounder and in an additive manufacturing solution for small batches using the Freeformer.

Arburg is the only company able to achieve this.”

Packaging industry: “Packaging” Allrounder Arburg will present a “Packaging” version of a hybrid Allrounder specially designed for thin-walled applications in the packaging industry at the Chinaplas 2016.

This high-speed, high-performance injection moulding machine from the Hidrive series offers high productivity while at the same time reducing energy requirements.

A 2+2-cavity stack mould will be used in the IML application.

Compared to a conventional 4-cavity mould, the stack mould

From additive manufacturing with the Freeformer to injection moulding with Allrounders: Arburg will present its entire product range for the efficient production of plastic parts at the Chinaplas 2016.

technology allows smaller-sized machines to be used: the hybrid Allrounder 570 H with a clamping force of 1,800 kN produces four 200 ml IML butter boxes in a cycle time of around 3.2 seconds.

Automation is handled by a twoaxis robotic system. This inserts two so-called butterfly labels on the fixed and moving mould platen and removes the finished parts from the centre block.

Electric Allrounders for efficient highvolume production An electric Allrounder will be used to produce pill splitters for medical use made from PC on an 8-cavity mould in Shanghai. The cycle time is around 25 seconds and the part weigh is 18 grams. Thanks to its great precision and speed, as well as its low emissions, the electric injection moulding machine is ideally suited to the production of medical technology articles. A

Multilift Select robotic system from Arburg is used for demoulding.

Freeformer for prototypes and functional components At the Chinaplas 2016, a Freeformer will also produce pill splitters for medical technology use from PC – not in large volumes, like the Allrounder, but in small unit volumes without a mould. Once the supporting structures have been removed in a water bath, the two-piece articulated part can be used as a design prototype or for functional tests, for example. This means that expensive aluminium moulds can be dispensed with and new products can reach series maturity much faster.

Using the Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) process, the Freeformer additively manufactures functional parts on the basis of 3D CAD data. It processes inexpensive,

qualified plastic granulates and is equipped with two stationary discharge units as standard. This enables the Freeformer to process an additional component in order, for example, to manufacture a part in different colours, with special tactile qualities or as a hard/soft combination. Alternatively, it can be used to build structures from a water-soluble support material, enabling complex part geometries to be realised.

This pioneering system us also suitable for use in combination with injection moulding and Industry 4.0 technologies for the customerspecific individualisation of highvolume parts. This is a topic that will also be discussed by Gerhard Böhm, Managing Director Sales at Arburg, in a presentation to the Industry 4.0 Conference to be held on 27 April 2016 as part of the Chinaplas trade fair.

About Arburg German machine manufacturer Arburg is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of injection moulding machines with clamping forces between 125 and 5,000 kN. This is complemented by robotic systems, customer- and industry-specific turnkey solutions and further peripheral equipment. An innovative additive manufacturing system was added to the plastic processing range in 2013.

The company places the topic of production efficiency at the centre of all its activities, taking into account the entire value-added chain. The objective is to enable the Arburg customers to manufacture their plastic products, whether one-off parts or high-volume batches, in optimal quality and at minimum unit costs – e.g. for the automotive and packaging industries, communication and entertainment electronics, medical technology or the white goods sector.

Further information about Arburg can be found at www.arburg.com

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 35

WITTMANN BATTENFELD at the Chinaplas 2016 in Shanghai WITTMANN BATTENFELD with high-tech injection molding machines and peripherals at the Chinaplas in Shanghai At the Chinaplas, the largest plastics trade fair in the Asian region held from 25 to 28 April in Shanghai, WITTMANN BATTENFELD will present to trade visitors state-of-the-art injection molding technology for the plastics industry at booth No. E3K21.

The Asian market contributes substantially to the success of the WITTMANN Group and, due to its potential, is an important market of the future for the company. In China, the WITTMANN Group is present not only with its own sales organization, but also with a production plant in Kunshan, where robots, temperature controllers, material loaders and granulators are manufactured, primarily for the Asian market.

At this year’s Chinaplas in Shanghai, WITTMANN BATTENFELD will demonstrate its competence in the area of injection molding machines with two models from its PowerSeries.

On a MicroPower 15/10, which has been specially designed for the injection molding of small and micro parts, WITTMANN BATTENFELD will show an opto-electronic application. A barrel holder made of POM will be produced with a mold supplied by Wittner, Austria. This component is a focusing device used mainly in cameras to hold the lenses in place or to focus them. The internal thread of the barrel holder is produced with the help of a threaded core operated directly via the ejector of the injection molding machine. This means that the threaded core is unscrewed directly inside the mold, before it is removed by a WITTMANN W8VS2 robot specially designed for this machine model, then presented to a camera integrated in the production line and the machine’s control system for quality inspection, and finally deposited in a collecting box separated according to cavities. The production process is realized under cleanroom conditions achieved by means of a Laminar FlowBox inside the machine.

Fig. 1: MicroPower 15/10 with Laminar FlowBox

The MicroPower stands out by its innovative two-step injection unit, consisting of a screw and a plunger, with a shot volume ranging from 0.05 to 4 cm³, which enables the injection of thermally homogeneous melt, with the result of premium-quality parts from absolutely stable production with short cycle times.

The second model on display will be a servo-hydraulic machine from WITTMANN BATTENFELD’s SmartPower series. By the example of a SmartPower 120/525, the company will show, among other things, the integration of robots and peripheral equipment into the control systems of injection molding machines, known as WITTMANN 4.0. The machines as well as the connected robots and peripherals are linked up with each other via a uniform Windows user interface, which enables the individual appliances to interact with each other. In this way, the entire production process, including material loading and blending, temperature control, automation and injection molding can be optimally coordinated and traced. The machine is also equipped with the HiQ-Cushion function (to control the melt cushion). This function is able to counteract trends in the residual melt cushion, such as changes caused by fluctuations in viscosity. These functions will be demonstrated by the production of a sealing cover made of PP, with a mold supplied by HTW, Austria. A W823 36 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Fig. 2: SmartPower 120

robot from WITTMANN will remove the parts and deposit them on a conveyor belt.

WITTMANN automation and peripheral equipment In addition to the robots and peripheral appliances integrated in the injection molding machines, WITTMANN BATTENFELD will present a wide range of robots and peripherals at the Chinaplas as stand-alone solutions, among them the absolutely new W838T robot model. The products on display will come from the production plant in Kunshan.

In the area of automation, robots for small injection molding machines will be presented, i.e. the models W808, W818S and the model W818TS with a telescopic axis. With injection molding machines of this size, it is vital for robots to remove the parts within a short time, for example in the production of thin-walled plastic parts. The vertical axes of the robot models W818 and W818T, which are part of the range, come with ribbed aluminum profiles and are driven by servo motors via driving belts to minimize the moving mass.

For injection molding machines in the medium clamping force range, the W828 robot model will be showcased, featuring a massive horizontal stroke profile located directly inside the main carriage with a maximum range of 1,300 mm, and an additional servodriven, pivoting C axis.

Thanks to its servo drive, this pivoting C axis gives the robot the additional, precisely adjustable degree of freedom which is required for complex demolding movements and accurate positioning in insert applications or extra automation.

Furthermore, a new model, the W838T robot, will be introduced.

This model with 15 kg load capacity is currently the strongest type of robot produced by WITTMANN Robot (Kunshan) Co. Ltd. and constitutes a perfect addition to the product portfolio already being made in Kunshan.

Its design and technical structure follow the new pro series. For example, the telescopic stroke of the vertical axis is supported by two linear guides and consequently offers improved rigidity. The W838T model is equipped as standard with a pneumatic pivoting C axis, which comes with a torque twice as high as that of the next smaller robot model W828. The W838T can be fitted with a pivoting B servo axis with up to 150 Nm capacity as an option.

Like all other WITTMANN robots, the W838T comes exclusively with the innovative R8.3 robot control system, which offers features to improve and optimize processes such as QuickNew for extremely easy, animation-assisted creation of new operation sequences, EcoMode for automatic selection of optimal movement speeds and thus increasing the energy efficiency, and SmartRemoval for further shortening of parts removal time.

The most outstanding model among the dryers is the DRYMAX Aton segmented wheel dryer.

This dryer consists of numerous separate chambers loosely filled with desiccant balls. In conjunction with the innovative 3-save process, this not only ensures efficient use of energy, but also a continuous drying process with a constant dew point. Moreover, the use of conventional desiccants instead of honeycomb wheels permits lowcost exchange of the desiccant without having to replace an expensive, complete wheel.

WITTMANN segmented wheel dryers are available with capacities of 30 m続/h, 70 m続/h and 120 m続/h

for medium throughputs of up to about 60 kg/h, depending on the plastic granulate to be dried.

In the area of temperature controllers, the entry-level models TEMPRO basic C90, 120 and 140 will be on display, as well as a single-circuit and a dual-circuit model from the high-performance TEMPRO plus D series.

Furthermore, WITTMANN will present its range of granulators at the Chinaplas, among others the MAS grinders MAS1 and MAS2, and the screenless beside-the-press granulator models Minor 2 and Junior 2 Compact.

In the materials handling sector, WITTMANN will demonstrate its competence with the S3 standalone loader and the central material separator from the FEEDMAX B series. Both these material handling appliances stand out by their process reliability as well as easy operation and servicing.

In the area of metering technology, WITTMANN will present a GRAVIMAX primus G14 blender with a throughput of up to 80 kg/h and a DOSIMAX volumetric blender. The GRAVIMAX is equipped with wear-resistant, high-precision stainless steel valves. Metering accuracy is ensured by RTLS technology (real time weighing). Two weighing cells are active throughout the entire metering cycle, which measure with an accuracy down to single grams and thus ensure consistent parts quality for every shot.

The range of peripherals will be rounded off by a WITTMANN flow controller.

Fig. 3: W818 robot from WITTMANN

Fig. 5: Minor 2 screenless granulator

Fig. 4: DRYMAX Aton F120-300-M

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 37

ProPak Vietnam 2016, the “Asian Tiger” of beverage & packaging Sacmi - which has an outstanding range of unique, integrated technology and plant engineering solutions, covering everything from container, preform and cap production to filling, labelling and quality control – will be flying to Ho Chi Minh City to present, more specifically, the latest developments completed in 2015. These span from the new IPS 400 for moulds with up to 128 cavities (a part of the long-standing injection preform moulding project) to recent applications developed on the tried and tested CCM range that, by making the most of all the advantages of compression technology, allow manufacturers to make highperformance, higher-quality caps with very low cycle times and very low consumption.

Already a technological partner to major dairy companies in the country, Sacmi is heading to Vietnam with a complete range of technological and plant engineering solutions - now better and broader than ever – to ensure an effective response to demand on what is one of the world’s most dynamic markets Located in one of the most dynamic markets in SouthEast Asia, Vietnam’s fast-growing beverage & packaging industry is characterised by growing demand for advanced plant and technology solutions. ProPak Vietnam (1-3 March 2016), now in its 12th edition, is 38 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

a key Vietnamese event for the food, pharmaceutical packaging and beverage industries. And, needless to say, Sacmi will be there to exhibit its integrated range of solutions for the beverage world.

A long-standing partner to the biggest local dairy firms, Sacmi will be at the fair with a 15 m2 stand in the Ucima (Union of Italian Automatic machine Manufacturers) area. The goal: to display its range now-reinforced and widened – in order to strengthen its presence incountry and, from here, throughout Asia. The starting point: an evermore important international fair that expects to attract over 7,000 professional operators from 31 countries.

Sacmi Vietnam, which specialises in after-sales services for the closures & beverage sector, plays a pivotal role on this strategic market. What really makes the difference is Sacmi’s capacity to accompany the customer right from the design stage thanks to the parent company’s (Sacmi Imola) Beverage R&D facility, certified by top international players in the industry: this facility tests the solutions developed to respond in a specific, customised way to the needs of both customer and market. Another contribution to the entire area’s growth prospects has come from Vietnam’s adherence to the TPP (trans-pacific partnership), the coming into force of which opens up new scenarios for the food&beverage industry in a country rich in natural resources.

PET preforms: Sacmi flies to Tehran to illustrate technological trends and developments The 33rd edition of IranPET, the international symposium aimed at local and international operators in the industry, will soon be showcasing developments in IPS technology, since 2015 available in versions with up to 128 cavities and equipped with important new design features.

One of only a handful of global players capable of leading the way in various technologies and industries, Sacmi is looking forward to presenting alongside the popular CCM cap manufacturing series that uses compression technology - the latest developments on the IPS series. The latter offer, in addition to the proven advantages of the previous series (IPS 220), major design innovations such as preform unloading without the use of conveyors.

The latest developments in preform manufacturing injection technology will be the subject of a presentation

by Sacmi at IranPET, the international symposium (the 33rd edition of which will be held this coming 11 - 12 April in Tehran) aimed at local and international operators in the PET manufacturing sector.

T

he focus of an ambitious medium-term investment plan, Sacmi’s technology for this industry hinges on the IPS (preform injection moulding) system, the preform production platform featuring injection technology: since 2015 this has also been available in 96 and 128-cavity (IPS 400) versions, providing manufacturers with higher PET

quality, more efficient process automation and greater energy savings.

This Sacmi talk - to be given by Moraldo Masi, Business & Sales Manager of the Group’s Beverage Division – is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Monday, 11th April. This 33rd edition of the symposium takes place against the dynamic backdrop of both the country’s recent opening up to international investment and, in the PET sector, growing demand for solutions that combine high cap and container quality with cutting-edge innovations that let manufacturers make thinner, higher-performing packs and plastic caps in order to minimise environmental impact and operating costs.

This talk by Sacmi (one of the international symposium’s sponsors) will have a strong focus on the technical specifications and advantages of the new platform, which has a pressing force of 400 tons and provides highly competitive cycle times (for example, the soundness of the technical solutions on the machine is clearly demonstrated by a lock-to-lock time of just 2.1 seconds). The concept of flexibility has undergone further development on the IPS400 too, although here the solutions aim for compatibility with the bulk of the moulds on the market rather than on size changeover speeds, which nevertheless remain on a par with the best the market has to offer.

Completing the picture is the excellent energy efficiency which, thanks also to the KERS energy recovery system on the postcooler linear motor, means a consumption of just 0.2 kW/kg at maximum output rates (1220 kg/h).

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 39

Celanese to Grow Engineered Materials Portfolio with a Nylon Platform Leveraging Celanese’s nylon technology for differentiated customer applications

and pre-color compounding;

Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a global technology and specialty materials company, today announced it will expand its world-class engineered materials product portfolio with the addition of Nylon 6 and Nylon 6/6 using differentiated technology developed by Celanese. Some grades of nylon will be available immediately and some will be available beginning in the third quarter of 2016.

• Melt-impregnation technologies for structural applications to expand the company’s Celstran® LFT and Composites product offerings; and • Blend technologies that combine different types of nylons with Celanese materials including Thermx® PCT, Vectra® and Zenite® LCP, Fortron® PPS, CoolPoly® thermally conductive polymers, and Fortron® Flex PPS for improved performance.

Celanese is committed to bringing value-added, differentiated technologies to its customers and expand the use of plastics in a variety of markets. Targeted applications of a new Celanese nylon offering would include both large and small consumer appliances such as washers, dryers and power tools; automotive parts and components including interior, exterior and under-hood applications; and E&E applications including mobile devices, data storage devices and home electronics. A nylon offering from Celanese will also support a manufacturer’s need to develop aesthetic Class A surface appearance parts and components that meet colorability, lasermarking and structural functions.

“With the addition of these high performance products to one of the world’s broadest, most technically proven engineered materials portfolios, Celanese will leverage its technical capabilities to create differentiated solutions for our customers and be positioned to deliver greater value to molders, tier suppliers and OEMs in key industries including automotive, consumer goods and electrical/electronics,” said Scott Sutton, president of Materials Solutions for Celanese.

Celanese intends to develop nylon offerings to expand applications and support customers in a wide variety of industries using the following technologies: • Celanese’s appearance technologies that leverage MetaLX® metal-effect capabilities, lasermarkable abilities, 40 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

About Celanese

Celanese Corporation is a global technology leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. With sales almost equally divided between North America, Europe and Asia, the company uses the full breadth of its global chemistry, technology and business expertise to create value for customers and the corporation. Celanese partners with customers to solve their most critical needs while making a positive impact on its communities and the world. Based in Dallas, Texas, Celanese employs approximately 7,500 employees worldwide and had 2014 net sales of $6.8 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com or our blog at www.celaneseblog.com

New Rigid Pvc For Outdoor Profiles Is Optimized For Impact Strength, Surface Finish, And Flow Properties For Apex® RE-9218 Outdoor Extrusion-Grade PVC, Teknor Apex Provides Custom Colors, Process Development Support, and Outdoor Testing

A

new rigid PVC compound for outdoor applications provides the excellent weather- and UV-resistance of industry-established grades along with superior performance in processing and fabrication and improved surface appearance, it was announced today

by Teknor Apex Company.

Apex® RE-9218 compound is an optimized and competitively priced alternative to existing rigid PVC products that are designed to resist the UV light, heat, and moisture encountered in outdoor applications, according to Michael J. Renzi, Vinyl Division business development manager.

“The enhancements provided by Apex RE-9218 include improved flow properties for intricate profile structures, greater Izod impact resistance for post-extrusion cutting and fabrication, and a smoother, more appealing surface finish,” said Mr. Renzi. “In addition, Teknor Apex supports this new product with a wide range of customized services, including advanced real-time weatherability testing at several Teknor Apex on-site laboratories.”

As a custom compounder, Teknor Apex can supply Apex RE-9218

compound in specialty colors. In a fully equipped laboratory, the company can assist with development validation by replicating the customer’s process and die design.

Recommended applications for the new compound include window and door lineals, profiles for recreational vehicles, umbilicals for marine oil and gas wells, and other demanding applications.

About Teknor Apex.

Teknor Apex Company, a privately held firm founded in 1924, is one of the world’s leading custom compounders of plastics. Teknor Apex produces flexible and rigid vinyl, thermoplastic elastomers, nylons, color masterbatches, specialty chemicals, bioplastics and hoses. The company is headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, U.S.A. and operates thirteen facilities worldwide in the United States, the Netherlands, China and Singapore.

To learn more visit: www.teknorapex.com.

The Vinyl Division of Teknor Apex Company is a leading manufacturer of custom compounds, including ApexÒ flexible and rigid vinyl, FlexalloyÒ vinyl elastomers, FireguardÒ low-flame, low-smoke compounds, and HalguardÒ low-smoke, halogen free, flame retardant compounds and elastomers. The Division is a global supplier to the appliance, automotive, construction, medical device, wire and cable, and other industries.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 41

Powder Bed-Based Laser Melting with Metals (LaserCUSING)

Frank Herzog voted “Best CEO in the Additive Manufacturing Industry 2015” Founder of Concept Laser wins 2015 award for entrepreneur of the year in additive manufacturing

“European CEO” recognizes Concept Laser’s extraordinary growth The publication “European CEO” in London has been presenting the CEO of the Year Award for more than 8 years. The network of journalists and industry insiders at “European CEO” observes influential trends, initiatives and developments across European industry as well as the executives and CEOs who shape it. The publication reports quarterly on the current activities of business leaders. A total of 4,000 executives in 28 European countries read the journal, according to the publication. The website receives 2.2 million visitors per month and the newsletter reaches 35,000 executives. All award winners will be presented once again in the latest issue of the publication, which will appear during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, (21 - 23 January 2016).

The nomination process for 2015 CEO of the Year Award for Best CEO in the Additive Manufacturing Industry 2015

Yet another award for Frank Herzog, founder and CEO of Concept Laser: After being nominated for the 2015 German Future Prize, Frank Herzog has now been voted Best CEO in the Additive Manufacturing Industry 2015 by the London-based publication “European CEO”. The award recognizes the outstanding entrepreneurship that has made Concept Laser so successful in the past 15 years since the company was founded in 2000. The judging panel also honored Herzog’s achievements in the field of laser melting with metals that have contributed to additive manufacturing as a groundbreaking technology.

42 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

The CEO of the Year Award recognizes outstanding business leaders. Each year, “European CEO” asks a panel of internal judges to identify entrepreneurs who they think will shape the future.

The publication then ranks these leaders by the number of votes they receive from panel members.

In 2015, three finalists were nominated for top CEO in additive manufacturing. As is so often the case, the jury engaged in heated debates about the merits of the nominees for each industry award.

“European CEO” selects Frank Herzog for outstanding entrepreneurship The judging panel recognized Concept Laser’s consistently solid growth as an expression of Frank Herzog’s farsighted leadership.

After increasing sales by 75% in 2014, Concept Laser continued its success with a further 35% increase in revenues during the first quarter of 2015. Whereas the company sold 45 systems during the same period last year, Concept Laser has already received 68 orders this year, a dramatic increase of nearly 50%. The company is planning to increase the number of machines sold even further to 150 units by the end of the year.

Second quarter sales also grew by a further 35% compared to the same period last year. Once again, the revenue growth was solely due to sales of large-scale systems in the 1000W laser class, and demand from the aerospace industry in the USA. Staff numbers also increased by a further 30% compared to 2014 in the first half of 2015. The company currently employs 150 people and is continuing to grow. In the past two years, the company has also made many investments in order to meet the structural challenges of this remarkable growth and set the stage for a successful future. In 2014, Concept Laser opened a new development center to expand its research and development activities for systems, processes and materials.

freedom inherent to this process will give rise to a continuous stream of new product ideas. “Whenever the digital 3D product is better and more cost-effective, we begin a new chapter. I’m confident that 3D printing has an excellent future,” said Frank Herzog.

Background information: 15 years of Concept Laser

Frank Herzog, CEO of Concept Laser: “As a company, we’re happy that additive manufacturing is bringing about a paradigm shift in design and production environments. Future components will be more efficient, of higher quality, available faster and more cost-effective.”

The center is now home to approximately 50 employees in research and development.

This was followed by a massive expansion of manufacturing and assembly capacities, culminating in a new and streamlined distribution center that opened in 2015.

“European CEO” recognizes additive laser melting as outstanding technology The award recognizes not only Frank Herzog’s entrepreneurship, but also his dedication and innovative contributions to additive manufacturing as a groundbreaking new technology. “This award is an important acknowledgment of Concept Laser’s innovations.

As a company, we’re happy that additive manufacturing is bringing about a paradigm shift in design and production environments.

Future components will be more efficient, of better quality, available faster and more cost-effective.”

This paradigm shift in design means that lightweight designs, new integrated functions, improved topologies or bionic structural elements will become a crucial part of the way engineers approach design. Ultimately, the geometric

Concept Laser GmbH introduced the world’s first industrial laser melting system in 2001, one year after the company was founded by Frank Herzog as a start-up. Today, the pioneer with its LaserCUSING process holds 50 patents and there are 100 patents pending.

3D components are made from metal with superior features in a digital process chain; they would be impossible to manufacture using classic machining methods. With more than 400 installed systems, Concept Laser is one of the leading drivers of powder bed-based laser melting with metals, which is also a green technology. For example, the aerospace and automotive industries, medical and dental technology and other sectors are now focusing on 3D metal printing as a production strategy for the future and as an expression of Industry 4.0, the 4th industrial revolution.

pulverized metal is fused using a high-energy fiber laser. After cooling, the material solidifies.

Component contour is achieved by directing the laser beam with a mirror deflection unit (scanner).

Construction takes place layer by layer (with each layer measuring 15-150 microns) by lowering the bottom surface of the construction space, then applying and fusing more powder.

Concept Laser systems stand out due to their stochastic control of the slice segments (also referred to as “islands”), which are processed successively. The patented process significantly reduces tension during the manufacture of very large components.

Concept Laser Overview Concept Laser GmbH is an independent company based in Lichtenfels, Germany. Since its founding in 2000, it has been a leading innovator in the field of laser melting with the patented LaserCUSING® technology across many industries.

systems and custom concepts for metal laser melting. With Concept Laser, full-service as an option means that customers can either purchase their own metal laser melting systems or rely directly on service and development services.

Laser machining systems from Concept Laser process powder materials made from stainless steel, hot work tool steels, cobaltchromium alloy, nickel-base alloy as well as reactive powder materials such as aluminum and titanium alloys. Precious metals such as gold or silver alloys for jewelry making are also an option.

LaserCUSING® offers new perspectives in terms of cost and speed for efficient product development in industries such as: • Jewelry • Medical and dental technology • Aeronautics and space industry • Tool and mold construction • Automotive and racing • Mechanical engineering

The term LaserCUSING®, a combination of the C from CONCEPT Laser and the word FUSING (to fully melt) describes the technology: the fusing process generates components layer by layer using 3D CAD data.

The method allows the production of complex component geometries without tools to create parts that are difficult or even impossible to achieve through conventional manufacturing.

The systems reduce development time and costs substantially while offering much greater flexibility in product development.

Procedures

With the LaserCUSING® process, conformal cooling can be used to create tool inserts as well as direct components for the jewelry, medical, dental, automotive and aerospace industries. This applies to prototypes and series parts.

With LaserCUSING®, finely

The company offers both standard

The art of LaserCUSING® by Concept Laser Ideas for laser melting with metals in the following areas of application: automotive and motorsport, aerospace, medical and dental technology, die and mold making as well as the wider engineering business.

About LaserCUSING® Keyword: LaserCUSING® The LaserCUSING® process is used to create mechanically and thermally stable metallic components with high precision.

Depending on the application, it can be used with stainless and tool steels, aluminum and titanium alloys, nickel-based superalloys, cobaltchromium alloys or precious metals such as gold or silver alloys.

The high quality standards, level of experience and successful track record of Concept Laser guarantee reliable and cost-effective solutions with proven performance in daily production, with a particular focus on unit cost reductions.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 43

K 2016 – Innovation takes centre stage Interview with Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH Q: Mr. Dornscheidt, the registration period for participation in K 2016 closed a few weeks ago. How would you rate the response from the global plastics and rubber industry?

A: Extremely positive! The demand for exhibition space has risen once again and all of the 19 halls at the Düsseldorf exhibition centre are completely booked up. More than 3,000 exhibitors from all five continents will be taking part and presenting their innovations. The spectrum of participating companies ranges from globally operating industrial groups to start-ups and covers all segments of the world market for polymers. K 2016 will be presenting a panorama of unmatched breadth and depth.

internationalism, both on the exhibitor and on the visitor side.

This guarantees that trade visitors will find world-class products and services in every area covered. And it gives the exhibitors the opportunity to meet industry experts from over 100 countries and establish contacts with potential customers that they might not have been able to reach in other ways.

So innovation will take centre stage at K 2016.

Will there be additional offerings providing insights

into new developments and perspectives alongside what the exhibitors will be showcasing?

Enterprises from the industry and research institutes will be taking advantage of K 2016 to spotlight developments and future prospects in the plastics and rubber industry.

This will be done not only at the exhibitors’ stands but also in the extensive supporting programme which offers the trade visitors another range of interesting topics.

To mention just two:

Will all of the companies who have registered actually be able to take part?

We will keep our promise: all companies that registered by 31st May and whose exhibits meet the K 2016 nomenclature will be allocated a stand. In some cases, it might be necessary to compromise on the stand size, but I am confident that we will find a good solution for everyone.

What is so special about K in Düsseldorf?

Other industry events have large numbers of exhibitors too.

K is the premiering platform for the plastics and rubber industry. No other trade fair sparks off so many new ideas. Right now, companies throughout the industry are already working hard to make sure they present themselves in the best light when the date comes around in October 2016. And “in the best light” stands for “with interesting innovations”. Because innovative products are the most important asset in a competitive environment. Only those who can offer new technologies that bring real benefits to their customers will be able to hold their own against strong competition.

Another unique feature of K is its high degree of

44 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Printing Review | July-August 2015 | 31

The Gazi Group, Bangladesh Chooses Rajoo Bausano Extrusion To Be A Part Of Its Growth Strategy Screw L/D, Screw Thermocontrol Unit, Multi-stage Thrust Bearing System, High Volume Die Head, Special Design and Extended Length Calibrator take equipment performance to another level. With comparatively reduced consumption of raw materials, the output of the thin-walled pipe possessed excellent mechanical properties complying with all quality tests.

The result was confidence…The Gazi Group reiterated this confidence in Rajoo Bausano by placing a repeat order of a staggering 6 machines in one go! Rajoo Bausano is now a strategic partner in the growth of the Gazi Group.

‘I would urge all pipe manufacturers to look outside for newer solutions in pipe extrusion.

The newer technologies empower us to improve our top line as well as the bottom line, something so important in this crowded pipe market’, emphasises Md. Anwar Hossain, Executive Director at Gazi Pipes. ‘I am happy that we chose Rajoo Bausano’, he adds.

The unique design and engineering also ensure minimal operating costs. The post sales services continue to be an area of strength for Rajoo Bausano and is a differentiator in its offerings. ‘Taking the mandate of affordable excellence forward, I am glad that solutions from Rajoo continue to add immense value across industry segments. Access to the latest technologies from Bausano’s rich and innovative experience of 7 decades in the PVC segment and a strong installation base of 6500+ PVC extruders worldwide, provides unparalleled benefits to pipe manufacturers’, states Sandip Bhuva, General Manager, Rajoo Bausano Extrusion Pvt Ltd.

In a short period of 6 months of using the RajooBausano line, the Gazi Group clearly realised the benefits that the line delivered; it not only lived up to its committed performance, but also was miles ahead of their existing lines in comparison.

A veteran in uPVC pipe manufacturing and a user of 12 pipe extrusion lines, the Gazi Group has more than a reason to change. In a short period of 6 months of using the Rajoo-Bausano line, the Gazi Group clearly realised the benefits that the line delivered; it not only lived up to its committed performance, but also was miles ahead of their existing lines in comparison.

One account of power alone, the savings were a staggering 40%.

Salient features such as, unique Multi-drive Transmission System, longer

About Rajoo Bausano Rajoo Bausano Extrusion Pvt. Ltd. , a Joint Venture of Rajoo Engineers with Bausano & Figli SpA, Italy to manufacture and market pipe and profile extrusion lines including for Wood Plastic Composites in India, with a special emphasis on African, Gulf and SAARC markets commenced operations in 2012.

Rajoo Bausano Extrusion Pvt. Ltd., the JV company is a combination of Rajoo’s world class infrastructure and Bausano’s sublime pioneering technology. Through this unique JV, customers have world class technological products at affordable price levels.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 45

AMUT SOLAR LINES PRODUCING EVA FOILS EVA, Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate, is the type of material produced with AMUT’s extrusion foil line and it is especially reserved for the production of solar-photovoltaic panels. EVA foil protects the photovoltaic cell, encapsulating and wrapping the silicon cells, and enables a perfect sealing and a high adherence with the outer glass sheet and with the back-sheet (lower layer).

The calender has 3 rolls with special surface treatment to handle EVA material and to avoid the stickiness of the foil on the rolls. The calender, equipped with independent drives, has a further special stabilization unit system. The cooling phase must be progressive to reduce the tension at minimum level.

A sophisticated thermoregulation system

is

essential,

for

both

extrusion and cooling processes.

The innovative winding system can wind-up, directly in-line, the foil in reels or permit to laminate in-line a separating film sheet (mask film) or a silicone paper foil to protect EVA foil completely. There is also the possibility to emboss on one sheet side allowing the adherence with the glass sheet during the solar cells The EVA foil delivered with AMUT

All units of the line are purposely

lines assures:

designed

- the maximum light transmission;

and to not compromise the foil

- the absence of deformations or

dimensional stability.

for

this

application

shrinkages; - a great capacity to achieve a good

The

cross-linking level (necessary to end

extrusion/die units can process

the panel lamination very

both liquid and solid additives thus

quickly);

assuring an optimal melting of the

- the satisfaction of TĂœV or CEI EN

Polymers in order to give the foil the

50086 certificates requirements.

necessary resistance to UV rays and

gravimetric

dosing

and

avoid the yellowing effect (it causes The foil produced has a width from

a lack of efficiency in the energy

1050 mm up to 2100 mm, with a

production). There is not cross-

thickness range from 0,3 to 0,8 mm.

linking during extrusion process.

46 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

manufacturing.

Two hoses for specialists: AIRDUC® PUR 352 SE RAILWAY and AIRDUC® PUR 352 SE RAILWAY PLUS

NORRES Schlauchtechnik: new flame retardant hoses for the automotive industry

NORRES Schlauchtechnik has just introduced two new hose products: flame-retardant hoses for the automotive industry – the AIRDUC® PUR 352 SE RAILWAY and the AIRDUC® PUR 352 SE RAILWAY PLUS, and these immediately supplement the NORRES range of polyurethane hose products of the manufacturer from Schalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Both these certified suction- and conveying- hose types can installed particularly for use in rail vehicles and heavy goods vehicles and in public transport systems, such as for example in busses or ships.

installed for purposes of: ventilation, heating, roof drainage, brake sand conveyance as well as for sanitary equipment. The hose products are designed to resist temperature ranges of: – 40°C to +90°C, are flexible, internally smooth and microbe- and hydrolysis -resistant. These new flame-retardant hoses for the automotive industry, are convincing for their resistance to oils, fuels, chemicals as well as their ‘UV’- and ozone –stability. The Special Premium Polyurethane Pre-PUR® with a flame-retardant additive renders the hoses highly abrasion-proof and they therefore have a particularly long service life. The two types of flame-resistant industrial hoses meet the requirements of German Industrial DIN- and European Standard: DIN EN 45545-2 R23 HL1. As a result also of a thermal-insulation coating, the AIRDUC® 352 SE RAILWAY PLUS can also be employed for installations meeting the requirements of the German Industrial DIN- and European Standards: DIN EN 45545-2; R1 HL1, HL2, HL3; R22 HL1, HL2 and R23 HL2.

Tested and certified: Special fire prevention regulations are in force for rail vehicles

Heavy-duty flame-resistant hoses for the automotive industry

such as train sets or tramcar sets, as well as for public transport

The AIRDUC® PUR 352 SE RAILWAY and the AIRDUC® PUR

systems. These new industrial hose products from NORRES are

352 SE RAILWAY PLUS hose products are the heavy-duty

particularly intended to meet these regulations completely. The

flame-resistant hoses from NORRES for the automotive industry.

installation of the tested and certified AIRDUC® 352 SE RAILWAY

These polyurethane type hoses can be installed in a variety

and AIRDUC® 352 SE RAILWAY PLUS products is absolutely

of transportation vehicles, such as for example, rail vehicles,

possible as these comply with latest guidelines and meet the

busses or ships. The transportation vehicle hoses from NORRES

German Industrial DIN- and European Standards: DIN 5510 and

also meet a variety of German Industrial DIN standards for

DIN EN 45545-2. The new polyurethane hose products of the

the automotive industry and are suitable for a great variety of

AIRDUC® range provide for a great variety of use and can be

purposes.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 47

Eliminating shortages of skilled staff Bachelor degree in mechanical engineering without A-levels via distance learning Although companies are in desperate need of suitably qualified skilled staff, they often overlook the fact that potential candidates are already available – often in their own ranks.

All they lack is appropriate training. As our example demonstrates, this training can be provided while employees continue in their jobs. of proven employees and are adept at motivating them to take the plunge: by making sure that the overall conditions make it feasible to combine career, studying and family.

The summer holidays are beginning soon all over Europe and young people are leaving their schools to start an apprenticeship or a university course in the autumn.

There are not enough of them apparently, however, because otherwise companies in Germany and elsewhere would not be in desperate need of suitably qualified skilled staff. It is, on the other hand, often overlooked that potential candidates for skilled jobs are already available – among companies’ own personnel. All they lack are the appropriate qualifications. They can be acquired while continuing to work, however – via distance learning courses, with or without A-levels.

Is it possible to combine student life with a family and job?

It is not easy to have both a family and a job and to study as well. What are needed to make this possible are a great deal of personal motivation and employers who provide incentives and succeed in encouraging employees to tackle the challenge of distance learning, who have an eye for the professional potential

When he applied to Studiengemeinschaft Darmstadt (SGD) to do the distance learning course “Geprüfter Industriemeister IHK, Fachrichtung Metall mit AEVO” in 2005, Simon Köhler’s aim was to obtain further training and to take the next step in his career. It was not to be his only distance learning course. Although he sometimes found the learning process tough – giving up was never an option for him. The 36-year-old from Esslingen, who describes himself as inquisitive and keen to learn, explains: “I complete whatever I start”. He found distance learning to be the best way for him to study. “I was technically minded even as a child and I already knew while still in school that I wanted to work in a technical field. The training courses I have completed alongside my job have therefore been a logical step in my career”, Köhler says. Three years after finishing his master craftsman course at SGD, he started a distance learning bachelor degree course in mechanical engineering (B.Eng) at Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule.

Shift work + distance learning =

48 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Bring jobs and training under one roof? Distance learning can be the solution. (Image: istockphoto)

promotion On leaving school after taking his GCSEs, Simon Köhler started an apprenticeship to become a construction mechanic in 1995.

When the temporary contracts with his first employer ended, he switched fields: he was offered a job as a machinist and accepted it. “Even then, I was already keen to acquire new skills and improve myself”, Köhler says. In October 2005, he then decided to complete training to become a master craftsman in metalworking – while continuing to work at the same time. He completed a distance learning course in this area at SGD. In June 2008, Simon Köhler finished the course within the standard time. His explanation: “By opting for the master craftsman qualification, I deliberately chose a course that is recognised

and in demand in the business community”. The crucial reason why Köhler selected a distance learning course while continuing to work at his job was the freedom he had to plan his learning times and to learn wherever he was: “At this time, I was working in shifts.

I would not have been able to attend normal lessons at evening school.” The training paid off, as Köhler remembers: “Six months before the course ended, I was already promoted to a position as application technician.”

From master craftsman to mechanical engineer Once you have developed a taste for something, you want more and more: Simon Köhler’s thirst for learning had not been quenched yet. In January 2011, the newly promoted application technician

Distance learning offers the possibility to take into account family aspects. (Image: istockphoto)

decided to join the academic world too and start a standard distance learning course – which was possible even though he did not have A-levels. He chose the bachelor of mechanical engineering degree course at Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule. Köhler completed his university course successfully three years later. In order to reach his goal of becoming an engineer, Köhler generally did his learning during the evening after work, at weekends or during the time he had available when he was away on business trips.

Strong practical relevance has always had high priority for Simon Köhler. He focussed on specific mechanical engineering issues not only during his course but also in his bachelor thesis. Simon Köhler explains: “In my graduation thesis, I investigated the conditions under which the smoothing cycle time on a 5-axis machining centre can be reduced with the help of circular segment milling tools. I decided to study this topic, because it involves a new technology in tool manufacturing and is directly connected to the work I do in my job”. As was the case with his master craftsman course, he was again promoted on graduation.

He now works as an application technician for 5-axis and milling/

turning machining centres at Gebrüder Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH, one of the leading German manufacturers of machine tools that is based in Nürtingen.

Professional training is a sign of motivation and perseverance Blickt Simon Köhler auf seine bisherige Bildungskarriere per The conclusions Simon Köhler draws from the distance learning courses he has completed to date are as follows: “What have given me motivation again and again have been particularly difficult exams that I passed and other students with whom I have been able to swap ideas. It has also proved to be good at regular intervals to stop looking at the course papers and to focus on something else instead.” Simon Köhler is proof of the fact that professional training is worthwhile: “Today I am in a position to say that I have been able to benefit not just personally but also and above all professionally from the training courses.” Because: commitment to training is evidence to employers of motivation, dedication and perseverance. Characteristics that go down well and lead to promotion opportunities, more demanding assignments and greater responsibility. Simon Köhler has not reached the end of his

Commitment to training is evidence to employers of motivation, dedication and perseverance.

Characteristics that go down well and lead to promotion opportunities, more demanding assignments and greater responsibility. (Image: istockphoto)

training “career” by a long way yet. At the moment, he is considering whether or not to continue with a master degree course.

What can be said by way of conclusion is: Simon Köhler completed his training and his university course successfully – most certainly with the help of strong personal motivation. However, he has only managed to climb the career ladder by changing his employer. The question is whether this is the only alternative: employers invest huge amounts in the basic and advanced training of their staff; every qualified employee proves to be an investment with a large return for the company – if both parties cooperate bilaterally and with determination on improving the qualifications and careers of employees within the company.

Find your distance learning course too Practically all universities offer distance learning courses, including such subjects as plastics engineering. Distance learning courses enable those who are unable to attend conventional on-campus courses at a university for various reasons to complete an initial or further university course. For many people who have jobs, it is the opportunity for them to improve their professional skills and obtain a university degree while continuing to work.

The programmes are carried out mainly via written and audiovisual media – trained mentors are available to answer questions and to help the students. This means that distance learning students are largely independent of time and place constraints, even if on-campus events are included in some programmes at regular intervals.

Success through vocational and continuous training – blueprint for success. (Image: istockphoto)

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 49

Andreas Holzer responsible for service and retrofit portfolio

BUBL BAG – THE ULTIMATE IN PROTECTIVE PACKAGING FOR THE 21st CENTURY

T

he Bubl Bag is a unique innovation in protective packaging.

The plastic bag has an inflatable inner core which envelopes the goods to be protected and holds them securely and safely in place. The user simply inflates the bag using the tube supplied and a one-way valve traps the air. To deflate the bag the user simply inserts the tube again to break the seal.

BUBL Bags are designed to replace cardboard boxes, padded envelopes and bubble wrap by providing better protection at a lower cost. The bags are also easy to store as they take up very little space and can be reused a number of times.

Ross Woodburn, director of BUBL Bags, said: “If you need to send anything that is fragile or easily damaged through the post BUBL Bags offer the ultimate solution in protective packaging. The unique inflatable core means that the goods are held firmly in place during transit. It also means that a number of small items can be placed in the small bag and they will not touch each other.”

He added: “The bags will accommodate any shape of object from a shoe to a piece of jewellery as the inflatable core forms around the item. The number of sectors which could use the BUBL Bag are almost limitless from ecommerce and manufacturing to mobile phones and antiques.

BUBL Bags are available to order on-line and come in a variety of sizes from 20cm x 20cm up to 500cm x 600cm. For prices and ordering please visit www.bublbag.co.uk or email enquiries@ bublbag.co.uk

50 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag appoints new Head of After-Sales Service

S

umitomo (SHI) Demag appointed Andreas Holzer (49) as new Head of AfterSales Service at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery, effective 1 October 2015. Andreas Holzer has thirty years of experience in machine engineering, and has worked as Head of AfterSales Services for three plastics machinery manufacturers for a total of seventeen years. Before his latest appointment he worked for an Austrian competitor, where he was responsible for customer service.

Gerd Liebig, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH, emphasises his company’s commitment to aftersales service with a focus on fast troubleshooting for customers based on product-related expertise. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will continue to digitalise its after-sales workflows, so as to attend to customer problems fast and efficiently. Andreas Holzer, an experienced and highly skilled professional, will advance this focus on the digitalisation and globalisation of the company’s after-sales services.

“We will focus on fast and comprehensive troubleshooting, but also on enhancing our product portfolio for service and retrofit products,“ Andreas Holzer explained. The Management Board of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag thanks Holzer’s predecessor, Reinhold Ganzer, for many years of impressive commitment to the company. Mr Ganzer will take on new challenges at the company.

Justin kilgore promoted to become graham engineering corporation vice president of engineering David Schroeder, president and CEO of Graham Engineering Corporation, has promoted Justin Kilgore to be vice president of engineering. The engineering team Kilgore leads comprises the combined talent of Graham Engineering and the two companies it has acquired over the past three years: American Kuhne and Welex.

“It’s my pleasure to recognize Justin’s talent and tenure with this promotion. His knowledge of plastic extrusion, engineering processes, and industrial control systems combined with his leadership skills make this a natural progression,” said Schroeder.

Kilgore joined Graham Engineering Corporation in 2001 as a senior electrical engineer and was promoted to electrical engineering manager and engineering manager. Previously he had served as a software engineer for ENGEL Machinery and electronic technician for Red Lion Controls.

He holds a B Sc. in Engineering from Messiah College.

Chiao Fu Material Technology Co., Ltd.

In 1983, to provide integrated products and services to our customers in the plastic industry, we expanded our product lines to include plastic.

In the earlier days, Chiao Fu imported and distributed engineering plastic products. In 1993, we commenced production of engineering plastic compounding materials, importing extruders, injection machines, ACS color matching computer system, CNC machine center, EDM, and other testing equipment from Germany, the US and Japan to ensure satisfaction of customer demands.

Chiao Fu Material is a plastic compounding manufacturer, specializing in resin modification, color-matching, extrusion, injection moulding, mould design and manufacturing. Our plastic compounds are modified mainly from the resins such as PA6, PA66, PP, and PLA. These composite materials are widely used in automobiles, communication equipment, computer equipment, sports equipment, electronic equipment, office furniture… etc. Aside from providing a variety of high-quality standardized plastic compounds which can be applied to various industries, Chiao Fu also offers the services of developing customized engineering plastic materials in order to meet customer’s exclusive demands.

Currently, Chiao Fu Material is headquartered in Taiwan and has four manufacturing plants located in Taichung, Taiwan & Dongguan, China & Kunshan, China & Chonburi, Thailand. v GRAHAM ENGINEERING APPOINTS STEVE MAXSON GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – MEDICAL Robert Deitrick, vice president of global sales for Graham Engineering Corporation, has appointed Steve Maxson to be the company’s global director of business development – medical.

“Steve brings more than 15 years of experience in medical extrusion technology, product development, and sales,” said Deitrick. “For our medical customers and prospects, he is a recognized innovator with unsurpassed technical knowledge and experience in multiple aspects of medical extrusion for catheters and medical devices.”

Maxson joins the group from Raumedic Inc., where he was technical sales manager focusing on polymer technologies for minimally invasive medical devices. He was previously an account executive for Vante, and vice president of medical extrusion systems at American Kuhne, now a brand of Graham Engineering Corporation.

He holds a BSc. degree in mechanical engineering technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

BOY presented XS in Indonesia

A

t the Plastic & Rubber Indonesia fair (November 18 – 21, 2015 in Jakarta), BOY exhibited a BOY XS (0,77 m² footprint) its most compact injection moulding machine. In the booth of the BOY distributor PT BILPLAST GRAPINDO, circular bookmarks were produced during the four exhibition days.

“Even the compact dimensions of the machine and the easy usability due to the Procan ALPHA 2 control are perfect for the Indonesian plastics industry“ says Wolfgang Schmidt. The BOY Export Manager, who was on site during the exhibition in Jakarta, adds: “BOY has a high awareness level in Indonesia. The operators especially appreciate the reliability and longevity of BOY injection moulding machines. We note increasingly in this market the higher quality requirements in the products and therefore also in the part production. With our compact machines, we are optimally prepared.“ With 100 kN clamping force and stroke volumes up to 8.0 cm³, the BOY XS is predestined for the use in micro and single-cavity moulding. The injection moulding machine, which is designed for industrial continuous operation, stands for a special production philosophy: To use flexible and efficient single-cavity moulds instead of large-sized, complex and sensitive moulds. The special mould concept of the XS-Series corresponds also to this philosophy: The mould base frames remain fixed in the machine and the cassette inserts can be exchanged within a short time.

Machine components, which are designed especially for this purpose, in connection with proven series technology allow the production of moulded parts with the smallest shot weights.

Company profile Dr. Boy GmbH & Co. KG is one of the leading worldwide manufacturers of injection moulding machines with clamping forces up to 1,000 kN. The very compact, durable machines work precise, energy-saving and therefore highly economical. BOY continually sets new standards in our industry with innovative concepts and solutions.

Since the company was founded in 1968, over 40,000 injection moulding machines have been delivered worldwide. The privately owned company continues to put special emphasis on engineered performance and high-class “made in Germany” workmanship.

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 51

Plastics shape the future Special show at K 2016 –

Ever since plastics were first processed into telephones, light switches and radio housings a century ago, their diversity and presence in everyday life have increased enormously. Synonymous with innovation, safety, comfort and virtually unlimited scope in applications and design, polymeric materials have meanwhile conquered all spheres of life. Without plastics and rubber, it will not be possible to master the huge challenges of the future. They are a byword for resource-conserving technologies, progressive mobility, the protection of food and drinking water, innovative medical technology, energy efficiency and sustainability.

D

uring K 2016 in Düsseldorf from 19 to 26 October, the special show “Plastics shape the future” will highlight the developments that are already taking shape and the visions that may become reality tomorrow. With reference to examples, the show demonstrates to what extent plastics are making their mark on modern living spaces – functionally, aesthetically and sustainably. Attention is also devoted to economic and environmental matters, and even problematical issues like marine litter, for example, will be addressed.

Multimedia presentations and innovative stand design will enliven the

52 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

programme of the special show in Hall 6, consisting of information and entertainment blocks, activities, keynote talks and rounds of discussions. Ideas from school pupils and students on how to shape the future will not only be the focus of the traditional Youth Day on the Sunday of K 2016 (23 October), but will provide fresh stimulus every day of the fair.

“Plastics shape the future” promises telling insights and perspectives on the future for exhibitors and trade visitors to K 2016 as well as for the media and the general public.

In 2016, the special show, a project of the German plastics industry under the leadership

of PlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V. and Messe Düsseldorf, is supplementing K’s exhibition array for the 9th time. The world’s foremost gathering of the plastics and rubber sector will again be covering everything the industry has to offer. Some 3,000 exhibitors from all continents will be taking part, and all 19 halls of Düsseldorf’s fairgrounds are already fully booked. Some 200,000 trade visitors from all over the world are expected at K 2016.

K 2016 is open daily from 10 am to 6.30 pm from Wednesday, 19 October, until Wednesday, 26 October 2016.

All details can be found at www.k-online.com and on the social networks Xing: https://www.xing.com/net/pri4bd1eex/k2013 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K.Tradefair?fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_tradefair

Plastics & Rubber Review | January-February 2016 | 53

Comexi & AVT Collaborate on Next Generation Press Control

Automation to Significantly Reduce Waste & Boost Productivity Clondalkin Flexoplast in the Netherlands realizes 150-meter waste reduction and a 2 minute time savings in each makeready. resolution. The result is the highest-possible resolution at previously unattainable production speeds for best-in-class inspection with no quality compromise or lost data. Supported by a dedicated LED illumination technology, the solution’s camera provides an unprecedented combination of high-resolution and high-volume quality control.

According to Comexi Flexo Technical Director Jordi Puig, “The Cingular Real has become an essential part in Comexi flexographic presses for those converters striving to achieve maximum efficiency. By now, the upgraded CingularReal2 further improves its original version, enabling customers to reduce time and material waste while maintaining the register adjustment according to 100% impression.”

Comexi Group, a leading company specializing in machinery solutions for the flexible packaging converting industry, has continued its collaboration with AVT (Advanced Vision Technology), the world leader in print inspection, print process control, and quality assurance, to introduce the next generation of Cingular Real. The solution aims to ensure the bestpossible automatic print pressure and register during makeready.

The upgraded CingularReal2 offers packaging manufacturers valuable enhancements to an already successful product in the form of significant waste reduction. It achieves this by optimizing the make-ready process and enhancing communication between the AVT Argus E Turbo system and the Comexi press.

CingularReal2 was recently installed at Clondalkin’s Flexoplast facility in The Netherlands. Compared to the original version, the head of the Technical Department, Klaas Struiksma, experienced a 150-meter reduction in makeready waste and a time savings of two minutes each time the press made ready. For a typical day’s production of 10 to 15 makereadies this can equate to about half an hour in saved time and a significant amount of saved material.

Cingular Real analyzes the printed image pressure without the use of marks and automatically drives each printing deck to ideal pressure during the makeready process. The solution also compares a PDF file of the printed job and drives the press to perfect registration during makeready.

CingularReal2 is the result of Comexi’s and AVT’s lengthy experience improving the efficiency of converters within the flexible packaging industry. Both Cingular Real and the new upgraded version can operate on AVT’s Argus E Turbo solutions, which enables customers to enjoy speeds up to three times faster with significantly enhanced system 54 | January-February 2016 | Plastics & Rubber Review

“Along with our partners at Comexi, AVT is committed to the continuous development of innovative solutions that save our customers time, materials and, ultimately, money,” said Amir Sheinman VP Marketing of AVT. “The CingularReal2 installation at Clondalkin Flexoplast exemplifies the sort of impact our print process control and inspection solutions can provide”.

About Clondalkin Group Clondalkin Group is an international producer of high value added packaging products and services, with over 35 production locations in eight countries throughout Europe and North America and annual sales in excess of €700 million.

About Comexi Comexi Group is a family company with worldwide presence and more than 450 employees. It has been committed to machinery manufacturing for the flexible packaging industry since 1954. Through sustainable innovation, we are committed to the research and the technological design aimed at creating products that are efficient, reliable, energy intelligent and environmentally sustainable. Comexi Group is made up of six trademarks, each one specialized in different converting processes.

Comexi Flexo (flexo printing); Comexi Offset (offset printing); Comexi Acom (gravure printing); Comexi Nexus (lamination); Comexi Proslit (slitting and rewinding) and Comexi Enviroxi (logistics and environmental management solutions) About AVT AVT is the global leader in print process control, quality assurance, and press control for the packaging, labels, and commercial print industries. Backed by state-of-the-art technology and field-proven solutions, more than 7,000 AVT systems are installed at customer sites worldwide.

AVT is headquartered in Hod-Hasharon, Israel with sales, marketing, and support offices in the United States, Europe and China. For more information, visit www. avt-inc.com.

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