Smart Molding International 1-2026

5 www.smart-molding.com contents Since the previous edition of the K Show in 2022, companies, focussing on designing and manufacturing of extrusion and injection blow molding machinery and special tooling had launched a lot of new developments. Many of these state-of-the-art novelties were demonstrated at the K 2025 Show that was held in Düsseldorf, Germany, October 8 - 15 2025. With a central material supply system from WITTMANN, elasto has reorganized material handling in injection molding production. The investment is part of a comprehensive modernization package aimed at achieving long-term competitive unit costs at the German site. 48 26 Throughout 2025, various companies, focusing on designing and manufacturing of machines, molds and special tooling were tirelessly launching their new developments for benefit of the injection molding sector. Many of these state-of-the-art novelties were demonstrated at K 2025 ‒ the world's leading plastics and rubber trade fair, that was held in Düsseldorf, Germany, October 8-15 2025. When purchasing a 3D printer for high performance polymers, such as PEEK and ULTEM, there’s a very important distinction between “can print” and “prints reliably”. With a simple $5 80W heater cartridge and $10 RTD PT1000, any manufacturer can claim their 3D printer “can print PEEK and ULTEM”. The fact is, extruding these materials isn’t hard — mitigating warping/cracking, slowing crystallization, and achieving strong interlayer adhesion after extrusion is where these materials get their reputation as “difficult to print”. 44 34