Once again in October, the international trade fair for plastics processing will open its doors. From a technical standpoint, plastics processors will find everything they need for economical operations from the 17th through the 21st of October in Friedrichshafen. 90% of the exhibitors from the last event have already made firm bookings, and many are requesting more floor space.
Materials and energy are eating up the profits.
Ostensibly, the figures released by the General Association of the German Plastics Processing Industry (GKV) sound good with a 2.9% increase in turnover for German plastics processors to a total of €44,800 million. However, after adjustment for the 2.7% increase demonstrated by the industry’s price index, this amounts to only 0.2%. This is above all the result of the rising costs of raw materials and energy. The consumption of materials and energy must be further reduced for this reason. And FAKUMA can help in this area, because there’s no better place to find out which machines and processes make it possible. The trade fair, which will take place for the 18th time, has evolved into Europe’s most important event for the plastics processing industry in the non-K years. More than 40,000 experts visited roughly 1500 exhibitors last year – record breaking results.

It’s the product that counts.
Energy consumption can be reduced, for example, through the use of all-electric injection moulding machines. And the higher investment costs become less formidable in times of rising energy costs. If one considers a complete production cycle, electrical solutions are often the best choice as regards economy. And this is exactly where FAKUMA excels, offering opportunities for extensive comparison, unparalleled clarity and an easy-going atmosphere.

Measuring and control technologies help save money.
Energy and material saving techniques are also presented at FAKUMA for the production of extruded pipe, profiles and sheet materials, for example in the form of precision measuring and control technology. These make it possible to closely approach the lower tolerance limits so that wall thickness can be minimised without sacrificing quality, and material consumption is accordingly reduced.

Investment in Expanded Production Processes
It’s interesting to note that, according to the GKV, German plastics processors are planning to allocate 90% of their investment budgets to facilities in Germany this year, and that only 10% will go to foreign countries. Roughly half of these investments will be used to expand and rationalise production processes, and about one third will be spent on replacing older equipment. Attendance at FAKUMA is an absolute must in order to assure that these investment funds are not thrown out the window, because the event provides visitors with comprehensive information regarding the current state-of-the-art, as well as future developments and trends in the plastics industry.

Comprehensive Exhibition Program
Essentially, all aspects of extruding and injection moulding will be presented at FAKUMA, including machines, raw materials and peripherals. The exhibitor forum will take place in the lightweight pavilion at the east entrance. Numerous participants from recent years have already announced that they will participate again this year.

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