10 facts concerning plastics processing: Plastics make it possible to manufacture individualised products and objects in large as well as in small quantities. Plastics make it possible to produce products in shapes which embody both complex designs and functions. Plastics replace many other materials and promote lightweight engineering and the efficient use of resources. Plastics reduce weight and lead to improved material and energy efficiency through the use of thin-wall engineering designs. Plastics are highly recyclable and are indeed reused to a very great extent.
Plastics can be efficiently processed by means of diverse production processes (e.g. injection moulding, extrusion, thermoforming, 3D printing, spraying, sintering and laser melting), in a manner which is highly appropriate for the material. Plastics and rubber are extremely well suited for the production of hybrid components with combined product features. Plastics enjoy excellent technical and social acceptance as requirements-oriented, adaptable problem solvers. Plastics offer high levels of potential innovation with regard to design and function, as well as production technology. Plastics are the driving force for industrial use of additive and generative manufacturing processes.
These 10 facts describe the range of products and services covered by the Fakuma international trade fair for plastics processing with regard to all types of plastics. But this doesn’t exemplify Fakuma’s entire spectrum of offerings: the “plastics processing showcase”, which places second in global rankings for its sector, presents the entire process sequence beginning with R&D, right on up to mass production of plastic parts, assemblies and complete devices made of plastic with integrated functions to expert visitors from all over the world. This is made possible by the 1753 exhibitors, i.e. manufacturers and distributors, who are currently registered to participate at the 23rd Fakuma. With comprehensive offerings from 34 nations, Fakuma’s internationalism is once again on the rise – especially in light of the fact that expert visitors from more than 100 countries are expected. And thus Fakuma, which has been held right from the start on Lake Constance where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet, has established itself globally as the most important meeting place for plastics processing.
This outstanding acceptance, which is still increasing, can also be traced back to the fact that Fakuma’s nomenclature is comparatively strict. The event focuses clearly on plastics processing and its necessary accompanying functions. Carefully and strictly adapted in recent years to changing requirements and alternative technologies and processes, Fakuma’s nomenclature includes all product groups with relevance for the current moment and the near future. The best example of this is 3D printing technology which has been exhibited at Fakuma for years in its archetypical form, as well as in improved variants again and again, so that it requires no special mention here or at Fakuma because it’s a basic constituent of the event. And aside from this, the hype seems literally to be fading away and “serious” involvement with the complex issue is once again gaining the upper hand which, in the end, will promote industrial use and the economic success of 3D printing, which doubtless harbours great opportunities. Fakuma presents the state-of-the-art – not just for 3D printing!