Ontwikkelings- en productieprestaties in kunststof

Injection molding machines, thermoforming technology, extrusion systems, tool systems, materials and components, the Fakuma – International Trade Fair for Plastics Processing remains true to itself and resists the fashion trend, not to say hardly comprehensible hype, in the field of additive manufacturing possibilities. Strictly speaking, there is nothing to resist, because the additive manufacturing options have been an essential part of the Fakuma exhibition portfolio for many years! If one removes the new buzzword 3D printing and replaces it with the well-known terms rapid prototyping in the form of stereolithography or laser sintering of plastic and metal powders, as well as similar technologies or processes, then one finds oneself right back in the actual world of industrial production of prototypes, sample parts, and small series. The dubious attempt at a petty definition clarification has nothing to do with it; a sober-realistic view of the industrial user benefit for plastics processing and, of course, for metalworking, does.

3D printing has long been a reality in plastics processing

Other trade fair organizers apparently see it differently and vehemently focus on a fashion topic that, on the one hand, is not one at all, and, on the other hand, lacks any relevance to process chains. The question must be allowed: why does one or another trade fair location put the topic “3D printing” at the very top of their banner, without even being remotely familiar with the subject or able to offer genuine synergies to professional visitors? The private trade fair company P.E. Schall GmbH & Co. KG, for example, continues to focus with Fakuma – International Trade Fair for Plastics Processing – on presenting the complete process chain “plastics processing”. And this, as is well known, begins with product development, continues through tool and mold making, culminates in industrial manufacturing including quality assurance, and ends, for example, with product packaging or further processing via assembly. This is – including process and material flow peripherals – the world of plastics processing.

State of (plastic) technology in 23 sequences and beyond

When, on October 14 (until October 18), 2014, the doors to Fakuma open for the 23rd time, the plastics processing industry will find everything in hardware and software that it needs for efficient, resource-saving, and highly economical quality production of plastic products. Over the past 22 editions, Fakuma has continually questioned itself, optimized its orientation, reinvented itself at times, always keeping market needs, market opportunities, and the strict nomenclature in focus, and this will not change in the future. The global offerings for plastics processing, including special exhibitions and forums, guided tours, or the planned presentation of the VDMA sustainability initiative “Blue Competence” of the plastics and rubber machinery sector – Fakuma has much more to offer than just a trendy “hype topic”.