Q-Series platform, a low- to mid-tonnage range featuring double-toggle design and servo-hydraulic operation for fast production using less energy. A Q-170 machine with G3 Mosaic control and DME mold technology using bio-resin will be featured in a mobile phone holder application.

All-electric Fanuc Roboshot in two applications. The Robo 55, using liquid silicone rubber material and automation, will be in a cell featuring a micro plunger to control a tiny shot for an umbrella part. The Robo 275 will demonstrate a 48-cavity medical vial application using Milacron’s stainless steel water system and new M3 thermocouple technology from Mold-Masters.

Custom textures and backlighting for automotive and appliance applications using an M-500 machine cell featuring a Mold-Masters hot runner and Kurz in-mold decoration technology.

Plastribution's Festival of Polymer Innovation represents a significant leap forward in industry collaboration and innovation. By creating an environment that is both informative and inclusive, FOPI sets a new standard for how industry advancements are shared and celebrated. Just as ‘Glastonbury’ has become an iconic event in the music world, FOPI aims to become a landmark event in the polymer industry.

Taking inspiration from the likes of Glastonbury Festival, FOPI aims to boldly side-step the more conventional style of corporate events in favour of something novel. “It’s amazing to see that industry gatherings have made such a strong resurgence in the post-pandemic years, particularly as I remember murmurings at the time that virtual events and conferences would become the new norm. Happily, I think it’s clear to see we’re all still human and there’s a desire for real-world social interaction!” said Little.

It’s official, festival season is now here and, despite our very British ability to remain chirpy through what felt like the drabbest of winters, it’s difficult to deny that there’s much more positivity in the air with a little sunshine.

A 21.5-inch touch screen control panel with swing arm to improve viewing of the mold area. The panel’s “plus” section enables configurable screen viewing; 8+8 configurable I/Os is standard.

Geoff Giordano is a tech journalist with more than 30 years’ experience in all facets of publishing. He has reported extensively on the gamut of plastics manufacturing technologies and issues, including 3D printing materials and methods; injection, blow, micro and rotomolding; additives, colorants and nanomodifiers; blown and cast films; packaging; thermoforming; tooling; ancillary equipment; and the circular economy. Contact him at [email protected].

In true festival fashion, the centre-piece of FOPI will be the event’s ‘Mainstage’ - a platform for industry influencers from manufacturing and material development to take the spotlight and share their company's latest technologies and innovations.

L-Series low-pressure injection molding machinery, capable of running up to 100% regrind flake material. The machine will not be on site but featured in an animation loop.

Phil summarised in his own words: “We can’t wait to welcome guests through the door at the Heart of England events centre on 4 September 2024. Although we can’t guarantee the sunshine, I have no doubt that our team can put together a fantastic celebration of UK polymers.”

“The venue has plenty of parking and it’s only 10 minutes or so from Birmingham airport, alongside its associated train station and hotels. Accessibility is great too, so we hope to be able to attract a diverse cross-section of the industry.”

“The space is large, which affords us a lot of freedom to open the event to a large number of guests. With this in mind, we also encourage our show partners that exhibit to use this space creatively,” he added.

A two-cavity mold-pail application with up to 50% recycled core and in-mold labeling automation performed by the M-1070 using Mold-Masters co-injection technology.

The M-Series features as standard the largest clamp stroke in the mid-tonnage hybrid range, the company said. Fanuc motors and drives power the platform, which is based on two-platen technology and can be integrated with multiple co-injection technologies to support customer sustainability requirements.

Similarly, Ewan Hyde, business development manager at Avalon Plastics, added: "We are really looking forward to seeing something different in the industry. It’s important to us to meet new people and share ideas."

Milacron’s M-Series injection molding machine (IMM) platform will make its North American debut at NPE2024, featuring in two applications at the Ohio-based company’s booth from May 6 to 10 in Orlando, FL.

SG75 extrusion system with a new control, new die heads, and advanced single/twin screws and barrels. The package includes all downstream equipment — vacuum tank, pullers, saws, and more. A cobot at the end of the line will perform demonstrations.

The mainstage will feature talks and demonstrations on the latest pioneering solutions in material handling, process cooling, and intelligent machinery systems. A range of Plastribution supply partners will also be on hand to share their latest innovations including edible materials, climate-positive solutions and highly technically demanding compounds for the most extreme of needs. Presenters will be given 20-minute, fully compered slots, allowing for short and punchy solutions-focused presentations with no time for B-sides. In addition, the festival will feature entertainment throughout the day, including bands and musical talent from familiar faces across UK plastics.

M-Powered IIoT remote digital solution that uses built-in analytics of real-time machine data to identify causes of downtime, production inefficiencies, and quality issues.

With this in mind, we sat down with Phil Little, Plastribution Group’s newly appointed technical & business development manager, alongside other industry peers to discuss the vision for the Festival of Polymer Innovation (FOPI) - a festival-themed event that will bring people from the plastics sector together like no other.

“Our ambition with FOPI is to deliver something different that combines educational, networking and social aspects in equal measure. We are hosting an event with a broader appeal to showcase everything exciting that’s going on in polymers, regardless of what sector you operate in or your role.” British festivals have always united people, regardless of generation or background. With FOPI, Plastribution aims to replicate some of that spirit, creating a welcoming atmosphere for people at all levels of business, fostering an environment where all feel inspired to ask questions, learn and share interesting thoughts and ideas.

Plastribution took little time in onboarding industry allies, signing up the likes of the Ministry of Justice, Ducor Petrochemicals, Notpla, UBQ, Engel and Summit Systems to their ever-evolving line-up of exciting acts, all of whom will be present as part of a mini-exhibition. Wayne Ball, sales director at ENGEL UK, said: "This event allows us to be involved in something really exciting, the chance to showcase our latest technology to people in a truly different way."

Phil and the team explored many venue options for FOPI, ultimately leading to what they believe to be something special at the Heart of England Conference Centre.