Auxiliary equipment takes in a broad range of functions, from materials preparation to post-mold finishing.

Hot buttons at the show will be multi-component molding, in-mold labeling/decorating (IML/IMD), in-mold assembly, medical molding, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), micro-molding, and high-speed packaging.

A new hand-held static detector, Model 983v2 Static Locator, was introduced at the recent K 2007 show in Germany by Meech International in the U.K. (U.S. office in Norton, Ohio). It uses automatic ultrasonic sensing of its distance from the surface being checked—such as film on a winder.

A new handheld static detector, Model 983v2 Static Locator, launched by Meech International in the U.K. (U.S. office in Norton, Ohio) at the recent K 2007 show in Germany, automatically senses its distance from the web surface being measured.

Already a familiar sight on European store shelves, the eye-catching appeal of "IML" is gaining traction among North American injection molders. The latest tooling and automation designs can handle the higher volumes needed here.

April's Converting Machinery/Materials show in Chicago displayed many new patented technologies--including several first-time achievements--in flexographic printing, coating, winding, and web inspection. The new technologies are more flexible, less polluting, and above all, faster.