For Sigma Engineering GmbH the K 2019 is all about the subject “SIGMAinteract – Autonomous Optimization connects departments”. At the stand in hall 13 this will become immediately visible with a completely new design concept. Making informed decisions throughout a project requires involvement from partners in various departments. This means project data must be provided to each participant and they will need free and easy access to it. Therefore, the company will present a new tool. Users can share Sigmasoft results interactively and in 3D with colleagues, project partners and customers. Sigmasoft hereby encourages the interdisciplinary exchange and provides a direct link between the simulation in development and production.

Rubicon Gummitechnik und Maschinenbau GmbH presents numerous interesting news around its product portfolio of machines and lines for rubber, silicone and TPE processing. The highlight at the stand is the compounding extruder for the continuous production of silicone compounds.

The specialist in magnetic clamping technology Römheld Rivi GmbH is presenting its new service network for Europe, USA, and Asia at the K 2019. The network comprises 15 service points throughout Europe, and one each in the USA, China and Japan. The service points will provide support for customers in North America and Asia. Among the service technicians, who have been provided with intensive training by Römheld Rivi, are some who speak several languages, which will enable communication in the respective national language. Furthermore, the service points will have access to replacement parts so that Römheld Rivi can provide rapid solutions in the event of any problems.

According to Asahi Kasei, plastics and foams are more than just lightweight materials. They will prove to be a significant addition to the user experience in future automotive interiors. With shared autonomous cars being the main symbol for future mobility, the interior as we know it today will undergo a profound change, said the company. The steering wheel will disappear, the passengers will not have to focus on the traffic anymore. Seats, which now allow only position adjustments will be able to turn around completely. Roof and side windows will be bigger, to make the cabin brighter and to allow the passengers to enjoy the landscape surrounding them. With more time at hand, passengers will ask for more displays, audio systems, more entertainment features in general – but also for peace and quietness. As a result, the automotive interior of the future is going to become a space of comfort and relaxation – a new living space. But these new expectations are challenging the car manufacturers, since every additional feature will add to the overall weight of the car, said Asahi Kasei.

The Krahn Chemie Group has complemented its rubber portfolio in a targeted manner. As of now, the company starts distributing processing aids and special plasticizer products from Eigenmann & Veronelli S.p.A. The acquired distribution rights cover the sales regions Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.

The Austrian rubber injection moulding machine manufacturer Maplan will focus on ways in which to upgrade existing systems in addition to their newly structured range of innovative machines. Both focal points are aimed at offering users economically interesting ways to increase their competitiveness at a time of economic uncertainty. This encompasses options such as affordably exchanging machine control systems, upgrading automation equipment and energy consumption displays.

Prof. Dr. Norbert Vennemann has retired from his active time in elastomer research and education on 1 September 2019. Since 1992, Vennemann held the professorship for plastics technology and testing at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

The K 2019 trade fair for plastics and rubber will take place from 16 – 23 October 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany, where the VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association will shine the spotlight on the recycling sector and show how closed loops can work effectively. A series of interviews is shedding light on why it is doing this and the significance of the "Circular Economy" for member companies of the association. In this interview, Jörg Frömming, Sales Manager at Dekura GmbH, will give his views on the subject.

The specialty chemicals company Lanxess announced that it will focus primarily on the topics of new mobility, urbanisation and digitalisation. All in all, six of Lanxess’ eleven business units – High Performance Materials, Urethane Systems, Polymer Additives, Rhein Chemie, Inorganic Pigments and Advanced Industrial Intermediates – will be showcasing their products at K 2019. For the rubber industry Lanxess supplies a broad portfolio of pre-dispersed chemicals, processing promoters, vulcanisation and filler activators, light protection waxes, release agents, tyre marking paints and high-performance curing bladders for tyre manufacturing.

KraussMaffei is consolidating all its business divisions (injection moulding, extrusion and reaction process technology) and its previous brands KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal within a single, unified brand: KraussMaffei. The company said this repositioning is in line with the “Compass” corporate strategy, which has already brought about fundamental changes with the launch of the Digital & Service Solutions (DSS) business unit. Visual evidence of the restructuring can be seen in a new corporate design throughout the company, which will be rolled out to a wider audience during K 2019.