NPE 2018 Wrap-Up
Collaboration was at the heart of this year’s NPE 2018 show in Orlando, with an emphasis on companies working together, learning from one another and supporting the plastics industry.
Collaboration in Action
With this in mind, Westminster Tool teamed up with plastics processing equipment manufacturers Maruka USA and Toyo Machinery & Metal Co. to demonstrate a single-cavity injection mold producing a safety cap for a drug delivery device. The 55 Ton Toyo machine was paired with a Westminster Tool mold designed to mimic a production tool for developing the medical device. The mold featured a hot runner system, valve-gate, and stripper plate with bypass shutoffs.
Mold Makers Coming Together
Beyond the booth, Westminster Tool was proud to present to NPE for the first time the Plastics Technology Alliance, a collaborative joint venture between mold making manufacturers Westminster Tool, Mold Craft and Extreme Tool & Engineering. Specializing in innovative design, automation development, tight tolerances and best-in-class processes and procedures, this partnership ultimately provides a one-stop solution for engineering, mold making and production. Click here to hear more on the partnership in a live podcast recorded at NPE.
Technology
Across the show floor, the impressive showcase of both new and emerging technology was heightened by an environment of curiosity and collaboration – two major components that drive the plastics industry forward. This was evident not only in the technology featured in the halls but in the nightly networking events. It was impressive to witness the power of collaboration through sharing of best practices, new technologies, and ways to align resources. Some of our favorite technologies seen were:
- Utilizing advanced robotics within the plastics industry for injection molding, packaging and more.
- Utilizing both metal and plastic 3D printing within the manufacturing industry to improve lead times, minimize costs and provide solutions not previously available.
Next Up
See us next month at either Amerimold 2018 or MD&M East. Visit us at either show to learn more about the Plastics Technology Alliance, our partnership with Maruka/Toyo, or other ways we provide value to our customers through collaboration.
Amerimold 2018 (June 13-14)
Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi MI
Booth 252
For free registration – use this link.
MD&M East (June 12-14)
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York NY
Booth 431
