European mould-making is known for its cross-industry quality and value. Mould Expo provided a press preview of its event which will run from 30 May to 2 June 2017, Stuttgart.
Stuttgart
A positive and progressive tone was evident at the Moulding Expo preview event.
Organiser Messe Stuttgart highlighted the industry’s desire to innovate and embrace new trends and challenges in plastics processing. From 'traditional' mould-making to CAD/CAM system development, it was evident that the industry is strapped in and ready for Industry 4.0.
World-class quality
Ulrich Kromer von Baerle, Messe Stuttgart CEO remarked upon the 'tremendous' growth of the event over the last three years, becoming an international showcase for the moulding industry boasting exhibitors from 30 countries.
"We have decided to continue to focus on high quality tool construction, pattern and mould-making," he stated. "We are also proud to announce the ISTMA (International Special Tooling an Machining Association) lounge at the show, welcoming the members of this world-class organisation to Stuttgart.
"We are looking forward to a very strong and successful Moulding Expo in 2017."
CEFAMOL (the Portuguese Association for the Mould Industry) provided a presentation, revealing that Spain has overtaken Germany as Portugal's largest export market for mould-making technology.
Manuel Oliveira, CEFAMOL general secretary, explained that mould-making in Portugal is being kept at the top of its game through continued investment in research and development and rapid prototyping, along with its participation with ISTMA's work and various European projects.
"We are involved in the tooling roadmaps of the future," he said, adding that the industry now has "more specialised people, more knowledge, better human resources" and it continues to invest in technology and manufacturing efficiency embracing "the international experience".
The vital ingredient
The manufacturing trends of the smart factory were topical. TASA’s (The Toolmaking Association of South Africa) Bob Williamson remarked that no matter how innovative and efficient the production line, "there is no such thing as smart manufacturing without tooling".
"In excess of 60% of the cost-effectiveness of any product produced is directly linked to the selection of tools used in the manufacturing process," he told the delegation. "Tooling is not something you can buy off a shelf it's a highly subjective commodity directly linked to the cost of the article you’re going to produce.
"Is tooling a vital part of manufacturing? Or is it the ingredient that makes manufacturing do-able? It is the vital ingredient which any country needs to sustain an effective manufacturing economy."