Headlines from Fakuma 2018
Integrating a special low-pressure process into machine controls; novel shop-floor quality-inspection technology; MES systems from machine and controls vendors; and sophisticated in-mold decorating.

KraussMaffei Rolls Out ‘Digital Service Solutions’
New e-service portal and AnalytiX cloud-based production monitoring are now available for all KraussMaffei Group products.

Double IMD + IML Injection Molding To Be Demonstrated at Fakuma
Patented Kurz system, demonstrated by KraussMaffei, allows two independent single-image foils to decorate two mold cavities.

NPE Wrap-Up: News in Primary Machinery, Part 1
Rounding up details from the Big Show not previously reported in all our other coverage, here’s more news in injection and blow molding, extrusion and compounding. Next month, we’ll conclude with recycling/scrap reclaim, robots, tooling, auxiliary equipment, materials and additives.

Injection Molding: Small Electric Press Debuts In LSR Micromolding
KraussMaffei adds 25-ton model to all-electric PX series of injection molding machines. First demonstrated in LSR micromolding. KM also introduces solid silicone feeder for bubble-free parts.

Rapid Heat & Cool Molding Evolves to Meet Industry Challenges
Technical capabilities of the process have advanced to erase former cycle-time penalties, and ongoing developments address creation of a materials database and new applications in hybrid composite injection overmolding.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: LSR in the Spotlight
LSR remains a popular topic, visible at numerous molding demos at the show.

Thermoplastic Composites at NPE2018: Machinery and Equipment
Machinery and equipment at NPE2018 developed specifically for the fabrication of thermoplastic composites.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: Do It in the Mold
In-mold labeling and decorating are applied to packaging and automotive parts at numerous booths throughout the show.

The Octex Group Introduces “Launchpad” For Faster Product Launches
A tightly integrated group with custom molding, toolmaking, and metrology operations works together to compress the tool-qualification and product-launch cycle.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: Healthy Interest in Medical
Medical molding is a big presence at NPE.

Plastics Hall of Fame: 10 Inspiring Stories
Last evening, at the Linda W. Chapin Theatre, the Plastics Academy inducted 10 new members into the Plastics Hall of Fame. Meet these outstanding individuals with remarkable stories. Each one teaches a lesson of hard work and creative thinking.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: The ‘4.0’ Revolution
Injection and blow molding and robot suppliers are making Industry 4.0 the most prevalent theme of the show.

Karlheinz Bourdon: At the Core of Machinery Technology
Dr. Karlheinz Bourdon entered into the Plastics Hall of Fame on Sunday. He has a prominent career in the plastics machinery industry, where he has contributed with cutting-edge developments in injection molding.

Servo-Driven Valve-Gate System Increases Flexibility of Flow Control
HRSflow features Flexflow and Flexflow One at NPE2018. The company also has its technology featured in several exhibitor booths.

Technology Combines Processes for Strong, Lightweight Components
Krauss Maffei's FiberForm technology in an injection molding macine enables the production of fiber-reinforced plastic components.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: Multicomponent Injection and Blow Molding Demos
Multicolor and multimaterial molding includes composites, LSR, and even barrier preforms and bottles at this show.