The 26^th IKV International Plastics Technology Colloquium will take place from 7 – 8 March 2012 at the Eurogress in Aachen, Germany. Under the motto "Integrative Plastics Technology", the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) invites experts from the world's plastics industry to this key event. In 2010 more than 500 experts and 40 exhibitors attended the event. The host for the first time will be Prof. Christian Hopmann, who took over as head of the Institute from Prof. Walter Michaeli in April 2011.

"Integrative Plastics Technology" represents a combined approach to product development and processing processes. It covers integrative simulation from the determination of material data and the simulation of all process steps to the prediction of part properties. It also covers new processing processes and functional integration by means of multi-material systems, integrated coatings and surface structures. It also includes new filler systems and the integration of production-related quality assurance. Integrative plastics technology is also an important part of the Aachen Cluster of Excellence "Integrative Production Technology for High-Wage Countries".

The IKV's scientific assistants will highlight the complexity of integrative plastics technology in 14 sessions and more than 40 presentations. They will show their research results from the fields of injection moulding, extrusion and further processing, rubber technology, part design and materials technology, composites and polyurethane technology. Acknowledged experts from industry will serve as moderators for each topic and will provide an introductory statement from the industry's viewpoint.

In four workshops, a selection of topical subjects will be discussed with representatives from the plastics industry. The workshops will cover such topics as predicting the service life of plastic products, production site and portfolio strategies, high-performance precision tools for medical technology and the lightweight construction potential of fibre-reinforced plastics in automotive design.

In the accompanying trade show, exhibitors from the plastics sector and their suppliers will showcase their innovative products, processes and services. An integral part of the agenda will be a visit to the IKV technical laboratories and the well-proven evening event.

The Colloquium topics

• Injection moulding special processes – improved reliability and part quality
• Simulation along the extrusion process chain
• Integration of functions and cost reduction through multi-material systems
• Innovative film concepts
• PU – tailor-made processes
• Elastomer technology – fresh approaches to compounding and injection moulding
• Optimised moulds for series production
• Biomaterials – compounds, composites, recycling
• Material- and load-oriented structural simulation
• Nano-composites as matrix materials
• Added value through integrative simulation
• Precision optics – new process techniques
• Quality assurance – new measuring processes for reliable production
• Damage behaviour of plastics in long-term use

The presentations, discussions and workshops will be interpreted simultaneously into English.