Plastics processing & plastics technology

Plastics processing and plastics technology encompass machinery for the manufacture, shaping and finishing of plastic products. Key processes include injection moulding machines (ranging from micro-injection moulding to large machines with a clamping force of over 1000 tonnes), extruders for profiles, pipes and films, and blow moulding machines for hollow products such as bottles and canisters.

Other areas include thermoforming machines for packaging trays and large parts, hot-presses for sheet materials, film machines, granulators and mills for plastics for processing and recycling.

Leading manufacturers include Arburg, ENGEL, KraussMaffei, Demag, Wittmann Battenfeld, Sumitomo, Negri Bossi, Reifenhäuser and Battenfeld-Cincinnati.

Plastics technology is used in the automotive supply industry, in the production of packaging and consumer goods, in the construction industry, in medical technology, and in the electrical and toy industries.