Author: Karen Osborne

MedTech moulding trends to watch

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Regional Medical Director of the Global Sumitomo (SHI) Demag team Andrew Sargisson shares his industry insight…

MedTech is a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing sector. Unsurprisingly, industry analysts are always keen to pinpoint the newest transformational medical and life science technologies that are expected to shape future treatment pathways.

Regional Medical Director of the Global Sumitomo (SHI) Demag team Andrew Sargisson shares his industry insight and global predictions for the medical market, touching upon how these latest trends are influencing investments in medical injection moulding facilities worldwide.

Thermoplastic and LSR moulding continues to be used extensively to manufacture a huge variety of everyday medical applications. The range is broad and can include implantable components, test tubes, petri dishes, PCR tubes, pipette tips and other labware, as well as medical monitoring devices, drug delivery components and surgical equipment.

In 2023, the global medical injection moulding market size was estimated at USD 22.54 billion[i]. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030. Much of this growth is being driven by advances in self diagnostics, the home healthcare sector, improved healthcare infrastructures in emerging economies, and an aging population, which WHO predicts will double by 2050.

The medical market, particularly diagnostics, was strongly influenced by the Coronavirus pandemic. As anticipated, there has been a natural levelling-off for pandemic-related consumables.

More recently, there is a stronger leaning in the medical market towards larger strategic and more complex projects, such as drug delivery devices and pen style injectors. This is predominantly due to the global growth in diabetes care, where demand for advanced glucose monitoring and insulin delivery devices is propelling innovation. Testament to demand, credible industry reports forecast that the diabetes device market will surpass USD 68.2 billion by 2032, almost triple its 2022 value.

With regard to machinery, there is a strong move towards “copy & paste” systems and processes in both Europe and North America. The global medical team at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, led by business development director Anatol Sattel, are also noting more requests for remote system access to historical machine data. This is predominantly to assist with troubleshooting and monitoring validated process settings.

To support these efforts, the company’s R&D team continues to develop an IoT dashboard to facilitate data analysis and visualisation, transfer and storage of know-how, as well as maintenance planning and prediction. Within this assistance system, additional autonomous and interconnected functions are being conceived to provide valuable insight into the machine performance and different production variables.  

The development of process optimisation systems, integrating material and knowledge with simulation tools is probably the most exciting development on the horizon, claims Sargisson. Such systems will enable processors to observe advanced settings and capture deeper processing insights.

The company’s ultimate vision is an intelligent machine that can independently make predictions about part quality, machine wear and failures and deliver optimisations online. Enabling greater process consistency and allowing for real-time machine maintenance to be adjusted accordingly.

To support these advances and in order to meet the explicit quality management and validation ISO 13485 standards for medical devices,  Sumitomo (SHI) Demag introduced new machine user parameters, digital quality control and KPI analytics into its IntElect S medical production package. One of these advanced Med-Spec demo cells is now located in Limerick, Ireland. This will enable customers to perform validations, run tool trials and use the facility to provide valuable process optimisation training to technicians.

Also observed during the pandemic, larger scale adoption of home healthcare and smart diagnostic devices, continues to accelerate at pace.

With significant access to start-up finding, telehealth is the boom-market to watch. It is current exhibiting a CAGR of 19.7% between now and 2030[ii]. Online video and audio consultations with physicians and medical consultants are increasingly being used to deliver quality healthcare while simultaneously reducing heavy work and cost burdens. The telehealth segment is split between services and products. Items such as wearable patient monitoring and telecommunication devices accounts for around one third of the market.

For medical moulders already producing vital monitoring devices, including oxygen, weight, glucose and ECG devices, as well as infusion pumps and cannulas etc. and already meeting the exacting healthcare standards, the transition to homecare device production should be relatively seamless.  

High profile acquisitions of diagnostics companies, IPO listings, strategic partnerships, and the rise of virtual care platforms provide further assurance that the diagnostics market is on the cusp of another huge growth curve. This all indicates that there are clearly exciting opportunities ahead for moulders operating in the high tech medical device and diagnostics product development and production space.    

In 2024, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag will host its inaugural productivity roadshow. With four stopovers planned for July in the UK and Ireland, including Limerick, customers will be invited to explore all the latest trends, productivity and profit-enhancing technologies. Including medical. Watch this space!

[i] Grand View Research, 2023 report, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-injection-molding-market

[ii] Telehealth Market to 2030, Fortune Business Insights https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/telehealth-market-101065

FANUC UK’S hottest automation trends for 2024

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Could 2024 be the year that UK manufacturers finally embrace robotics? After trailing behind our international counterparts for years, the UK is now starting to catch up when it comes to the installation of industrial robotics. Across all sectors – from traditional automation users such as automotive and electronics to new adopters including food & beverage and logistics – manufacturing firms are breaking down longstanding barriers to automation, leading the International Federation of Robotics to predict ‘strong growth’ in the number of UK robot installations.

No longer seen as expensive, complicated or inflexible, today’s automated solutions are affordable, agile, easy to operate, and smaller than ever. And with the advent of smart features such as integrated vision systems and real-time energy reduction functionality, they are helping manufacturers to streamline their operations, increase their productivity and plug the labour gap better than ever before.

Here, seven experts from leading robotics manufacturer FANUC UK share their views on the hottest automation trends to look out for in 2024.

Energy-efficient solutions

“One of the major trends in automation is definitely energy efficiency. Aside from its primary function, a key requirement for any automation solution will be its ability to stabilise energy consumption and reduce it as low as possible. Being able to evidence this through live data monitoring and enhanced reporting will also be vital for any manufacturer serious about reaching net zero.”

Joe Mumby, Technical Sales Manager (ROBOSHOT)

Application-specific software

“I believe we’ll start to see an increase in bespoke application-specific software throughout 2024. This will not only make it easier for customers and system integrators when it comes to programming, but will also improve traceability compared to operations that are conducted manually.”

PMMDA ‘New Look’ Website

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We’ve had a refresh! We’ve been a bit quiet lately as we’ve been busy updating our website to give it a fresh ‘new look’ enabling us to publish even more of whats happening in our industry!

If you have news or events you’d like us to add to our website just email us on pmmda@pmmda.org.uk

In the coming weeks we will be updating and adding data to our website, giving our members more access to industry information, buyers guides and technical info… watch this space!

Interplas returns for biggest show in 21 years! Celebrating 75 years of connecting the UK plastics industry

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Celebrating 75 years of connecting the UK plastics industry Interplas returns for biggest show for 21 years!

The UK’s No.1 plastics event, Interplas is set to take place at the end of the month, on 26-28th
September at the NEC, Birmingham.

This year’s event, a celebration of 75 years of Interplas and its forerunners, will see over 530 exhibitors
present on the show floor, alongside a host of conference sessions and features designed to elevate
UK manufacturing’s knowledge of the latest plastics technology from around the globe.

Just some of the exhibitors at the show include Arburg, Engel, Krauss Maffei, Wittmann Battenfeld,
Sepro, Mouldshop, TH Plastics, Bole, Summit Systems, Borche, Haitian, Motan Colortronic, Simoldes,
UK Extrusion, Negri Bossi, Billion, Piovan, Bausano, Ultra Polymers, Hasco, Distrupol, CMS, Fanuc, Albis,
Snetor, BMB Spa, Campetella, United Polymers and many more.

Duncan Wood, CEO of Rapid News Group, the organiser of Interplas, commented: “The £27 billion UK
plastics industry comes to Interplas to do business and with the largest number of exhibitors on the
show since 2002, Interplas 2023 will be an edition that befits a 75th birthday celebration.”
“There is a growing buzz across the industry, on social and in conversations that tells you Interplas is
around the corner. The show floor is going to be packed with innovation and visitor registration is
flying along well ahead of previous editions, if you are involved in any way in the plastics industry then
you have to be at the NEC at the end of the month!’

Ian Taylor, Managing Director for Conventions & Exhibitions at the NEC Group, said: “Interplas was one
of our very first shows at the NEC when we opened in 1976, so we’re delighted to see it go from
strength to strength as the UK’s definitive and leading plastics event.
“We’d like to wish everyone connected to Interplas a very happy 75th year, as we welcome this year’s
event to the NEC on 26th September.

“We know the event will facilitate valuable trading opportunities for hundreds of exhibiting
businesses, as the plastics industry comes together to showcase new products, machines and ideas.”
Exciting features visitors will gain access to include:

Interplas Insights Conference

A world-class conference programme will take place at the show presenting a wide range of themes
and challenges facing the plastics industry. With a new purpose-built theatre, top-calibre speakers will
take to the stage to present the latest in recycling, materials, digitalisation, regulation and much more.
There will also be an extensive line-up of interactive sessions during the conference, offering
attendees the opportunity to engage with influential speakers. Many of these sessions are led by
leading associations from the plastics industry. View the full conference programme here.

The Introducing Stage

This stage will host an exciting programme of inspiring speakers across the plastics sector. These
sessions are perfect for attendees wanting to find out the latest cutting-edge innovations in moulding
and forming, materials, automation, software, and inspection, to name just a few.

Knowledge Pavilion

The Knowledge Pavilion provides a rare opportunity for visitors to information-gather and network
among some of the most influential organisations in the British plastics industry. Representatives from
various groups, including RECOUP, the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association
(PMMDA) and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), will be on-hand to discuss R&D,
training, regulation and the future.

75@75

The plastics industry has undergone several transformations over the past 75 years. Throughout this
remarkable journey, certain individuals from the UK plastics community have been impactful in driving
change and innovation. To coincide with the 75th anniversary edition of Interplas, the organisers have
invited nominations of individuals who have made a significant impact to the UK plastics industry. The
75 names will be announced at Interplas 2023, followed by an evening of celebrations.

All-in-One Digital Platform

For 2023, visitors and exhibitors will get access to the new event hub and app, designed to improve
event experience and plan time efficiently. This smart technology will allow attendees to connect and
engage with the community, get personal recommendations using AI technology, and also schedule 1-
2-1 meetings with exhibitors and speakers.

Philip Law, Director – General of the British Plastics Federation, commented: “Interplas is the national
showcase for the UK plastics industry. If you’re serious about doing plastics in the UK, you’ve got to be
here.”

“The BPF is excited to be both exhibiting and moderating talks at the 75th anniversary of Interplas – a
show we have had a long relationship with. The BPF is celebrating an equivalent milestone this
year. It is our 90th anniversary. We encourage our members and all those with an interest in the BPF’s
activities to come and visit us during the show.” Philip Law, Director General, British Plastics
Federation.”

Thousands of companies have already registered for the event, such as JLR, McAlpine & Co,
Recipharm, L’Oréal, Dyson, Nissan, Aldi, BD, Kohler Mira, Caterpillar, Bentley Motors, Amcor, Tata
Motors, LEVC, Aqualisa and Lear Corporation

You can register for Interplas at interplasuk.com.

Flegg Projects have the expertise to move you :-)

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Flegg Projects will be attending the Interplas plastics exhibition on September 26-28, 2023. Their Managing Director Jayson Flegg and Sales Director Mark Marshall invite attendees to visit Hall 4, Stand A90 to discuss your machinery transportation and installation needs.

With nearly 50 years of experience, Flegg Projects has the expertise to safely and efficiently move plastic moulding machines, extruders, and heavy equipment anywhere in the world. Whether you’re relocating across your facility or importing new machinery, they can handle your machinery move smoothly from start to finish.

Stop by and let them show you how their specialised equipment and skilled team can save you time and money on your next machinery move see how we do it

Plastic Machinery Movers – Flegg (fleggprojects.co.uk)

 

Teens enjoy real-world robotics experience courtesy of FANUC UK

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A group of seven young people aged between 14 and 16 have spent a week with leading automation experts FANUC UK, gaining valuable hands-on robotics experience as they learnt what it takes to become an automation engineer. As part of FANUC’s campaign to break down barriers to careers in engineering and build a future manufacturing talent pipeline, the company invited a select group of teenagers into its UK headquarters at Ansty Park, Coventry for five days in August for its first ever Work Experience Week. 

 

Hailing from a variety of nearby schools and colleges, the seven teenagers enjoyed a practical insight into the world of automation at the renowned FANUC Academy. Combining hands-on robot programming training with an introduction to project management, the group was also given access to FANUC’s portfolio of industrial robotic and automation solutions, as well as learning about the varied sectors and applications in which they are used – from aerospace and automotive to food & beverage and plastics. 

 

In a bid to understand just what it takes to forge a successful career in robotics, the students also took part in a Q&A session with FANUC staff including Hara Konstantelia, a 23-year-old Technical Sales Support Engineer who herself joined the industry through an apprenticeship programme and helped to run the week-long course. 

 

“I’ve enjoyed seeing the level of passion these young people have shown towards automation, and their excitement to learn new things,” Hara comments. “Having been down this route myself, supporting our work experience students on their own journey and expanding their perception of engineering has been a great experience.” 

 

Attracting Gen Z into a career in engineering is a key aim for FANUC UK. Its Training Academy has recently achieved independent validation, allowing the company to offer accredited courses that can feed into mainstream education. FANUC’s Work Experience programme is showcasing the opportunities available within automation and manufacturing to a cohort that may never have experienced robotics first-hand before.  

 

“We understand the importance of giving young people the opportunity to have real-world, hands-on experience with industrial robots,” says Tony Bentham, Head of Customer Service at FANUC UK “FANUC’s Work Experience Week aims to ignite a spark in young people by showing just what it takes to forge a career in robotics, as well as giving them access to people who are successfully doing their dream job.” 

 

For the majority of the participants, this was the first time they had used a robot and the experience was not one to be forgotten. “It’s been a really exciting experience and I’ve enjoyed it so much,” says Nathaniel Sharpe, 16. “I learnt a lot about the different types of robots produced by FANUC – from collaborative ones that you can work alongside, to some that can pick up items with a vacuum or grippers, to ones that can carry huge loads up to 2-3 tonnes. This was my first time using a robot and I thought it would be a lot harder than it actually was – programming it was surprisingly straightforward! The week I spent at FANUC really opened my eyes to the world of robotics and engineering – I’d recommend the work experience programme to anyone.”  

 

The success of its first ever Work Experience Week and the positive feedback from the participants has prompted FANUC to consider running similar events in the future, as Hara concludes: “Activities like this are so important as the skills required for engineering today are not always accurately represented in the media, especially on platforms aimed at younger people. I hope the students left the week inspired and with a clearer idea of what opportunities are available to them.” 

 

Education is a key theme at the 2023 FANUC UK Open House event, taking place 14-16 November at FANUC UK’s Coventry HQ. To reserve your free place, go to https://ukopenhouse.fanuc.eu/ 

 

FANUC invited a select group of teenagers into its UK headquarters at Ansty Park, Coventry for five days in August for its first ever Work Experience Week. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combining hands-on robot programming training with an introduction to project management, the group was given access to FANUC’s portfolio of industrial robotic and automation solutions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hara Konstantelia, a 23-year-old Technical Sales Support Engineer at FANUC was quizzed by the students and helped run the week-long course.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First time robot user 16-year-old Nathaniel Sharpe programmed a robot which he found to be surprisingly straightforward.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About FANUC 

 

The FANUC Corporation is one of the worldwide leaders in factory automation for CNC control systems, robots and production machinery (ROBODRILL, ROBOCUT and ROBOSHOT). Since 1956, FANUC is the pioneer in the development of numerically controlled machines in the automation industry. With 271 FANUC locations worldwide and more than 8,000 employees, FANUC offers a dense network in sales, technical support, research & development, logistics and customer service. 

 

For more information, please contact: 

FANUC UK Ltd
Sapphire Way, Ansty Park, COVENTRY, CV7 9DR 

Phone: +44 (0) 24 7605 3130
Email: marketing@fanuc.co.uk 

www.fanuc.eu/uk/en  

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOULDFLO appoint FERROMATIK UK as partner for UK and Ireland

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MOULDFLO the Danish based Flow Monitoring and Mould Validation experts appoint FERROMATIK UK as the official Sales and Service partner for the UK and Ireland.

Danish based flow monitoring and mould validation specialists ‘MOULDFLO’ have today officially announced Chesterfield based plastic processing equipment and ancillary supplier
FERROMATIK UK as its official Sales and Service partner for the UK and Ireland. This comes into effect immediately.

Following a lengthy search and evaluation process supported by the Danish Trade Council in the UK, Ferromatik UK was shortlisted and then finally selected as MOULDFLO’s
preferred partner of choice. MOULDFLO’s Head of Sales Anjum Parwaiz said, “Building on strong sales growth and the up and coming launch of complementing products for the
monitoring, testing, validation, and maintenance of injection moulds, we recognised the need to strengthen our worldwide reseller network. We were looking for a reseller in the UK who
had the capability to install, integrate solutions and handle service and support of hardware and software. Ferromatik UK fitted the bill perfectly. In the past our resellers were suppliers
of tool and maintenance components, retailers of DIY products and mould consumables, but our customers also need our knowledge of cooling and polymer processing. This is a
prerequisite when asked to design a flow monitoring solution or mould validation system.  Ferromatik have the capability and capacity to do training on top of installation, service, and
support”.

For more than 50 years Ferromatik UK have been partnered with some leading brands including Milacron and BMB, WEMO Automation and SELLA Thermodynamics. Anjum
continues, “Our market research study showed that customers speak highly and value the service provided by the team of sales and service engineers at Ferromatik UK. This was
clearly significant when selecting and finally appointing our new reseller for UK and Ireland”.

MOULDFLO customers in the UK and Ireland should now contact Ferromatik UK for
technical support, spare parts, training and servicing and to discuss new enquires.

Technical Sales Contacts/New Projects
Dave Smith
Sales Director Tel. 07918 054455 Email. dave_smith@ferromatik.co.uk

Ian Jobling
Business Development Manager Tel. 07918 742924 Email. ian_jobling@ferromatik