EVENT REVIEW | TAIPEIPLAS 2024
Above: The opening ceremony at TaipeiPLAS 2024, co-locat- ed with ShoeTech 2024
seminars, workshops, conferences, product launches, and award shows. One notable session was dubbed ‘Visionary and Sustainable Develop- ment Summit for the Plastic and Rubber Industry,’ and included contributions by experts from BASF, Arburg, Wittmann, and other companies, who came together to discuss industry advancements. Throughout the show, established industry heavy- weights such as these rubbed shoulders with new and emerging companies, mainly based in Taiwan but also in other parts of Asia, all with international aspirations and keen to showcase the products and services they offer. A TAITRA representative said: “TaipeiPLAS serves as an industry hub, highlighting the dynam- ics of the Asian plastics and rubber industry. At TaipeiPLAS, visitors can explore the full ecosystem of the industry, including materials, processing machines, recycling solutions, and application across various sectors.”
Expanded event As part of the expansion, this year the organisers introduced a new Composite Materials Zone. Composite materials are increasingly in demand due to their lightweight properties, insulation performance, corrosion resistance, plasticity, and recyclability, and according to MarketsandMarkets, the global market is expected to grow from $74bn in 2020 to $113bn by 2025. In addition, TaipeiPLAS 2024 featured zones dedicated to Bio, Recycled Plastics & Green Products, and Adhesives & Glues. The main pavilion housed a range of processing machinery from the likes of JSW, Everplast, and Fong Kee, along with a smaller selection of recycling machinery and auxiliary equipment and robotics, while the upper level was dedicated to more niche aspects of the industry such as packaging and printing, moulds, and additive manufacturing. From comments made at the opening ceremony
42 COMPOUNDING WORLD | November 2024
by dignitaries representing various organisations, two key themes were prevalent: the global transi- tion towards Net Zero, and the rise to prominence of artificial intelligence (AI). One good example of the latter among the exhibitors was provided by Taiwanese company Moldex3D which produces injection moulding simulation software. Its latest innovation is Moldiverse, a cloud ecosystem offering a centralised source for polymer material data, smart moulding solutions, and even educa- tion via its online courses and tutorials. Among the companies integrating the software are Fanuc, Engel, and Sumitomo. Forwell develops quick mould change systems which automate the mould changing process and provide increased speed, efficiency, and productivity, not only reducing mould change time but also promoting small batch production runs and stream- lining production. The company displayed its new, upgraded die clamps which are fitted with sensors and feature non-leak valves which help maintain hydraulic pressure even if the hoses are leaking. Chuan Lih Fah (CLF), which has been supplying injection moulding machines since 1966, is another company embracing the benefits of AI and has incorporated several digital solutions into the way it works. It said: “Precision is paramount in injection moulding, especially when producing complex or high-tolerance parts. Digital technologies enable real-time monitoring and control systems, which adjust parameters on the fly to maintain optimal conditions.” The company is further increasing efficiency by
offering customers tailored installation plans and says its 600TPIIR two-platen machine – which was on display alongside a 180 all-electric and a 250TWII toggle type machine – is consistently one of its most popular machines as it saves at least 20% of floor space and is fully customisable. Another injection moulding machinery manufac-
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IMAGE: TAITRA
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