(Tokyo, Altdorf, October 1, 2025) Japanese machine manufacturer SHIBAURA MACHINE acquired 80 percent of the shares in LWB Steinl GmbH. By combining their expertise in injection molding machines and automation, both partners aim to strengthen their technology and system competencies for fully automated production cells. To this end, the mechanical engineering and automation divisions will be separated from the Steinl Group and integrated into the partnership. Their sales networks also complement each other: SHIBAURA MACHINE will gain access to LWB’s European customer base, while LWB will benefit from SHIBAURA MACHINE’s established network in Asia and the United States. This expanded market access is expected to lay a foundation for long-term growth. Altdorf site (Germany) will remain operational as the European headquarters and production hub. SHIBAURA MACHINE: Strategic expansion into Europe and expansion of the product portfolio “Our strong footprint in America and the Asia-Pacific region forms the foundation for our strategic expansion. Europe, especially Germany, plays a key role in our growth. To fulfill our strategy, we specifically sought out a German partner who shares our standards of precision and quality. We identified this partner in LWB Steinl. As a family-owned company, LWB Steinl embodies the values that also shape our Japanese corporate culture: trust, appreciation, and loyalty," says Dr. Georg Holzinger, Managing Executive Officer of SHIBAURA MACHINE and future CEO and President of SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB GmbH. By acquiring a majority stake of the mechanical engineering and automation division, the company aims to expand its product portfolio of all-electric and hydraulic injection molding machines to include vertical injection molding machines and automation solutions. This strategic step will enable the company to offer customers new applications in the future: in addition to thermoplastics, it will also process rubber, silicone, and elastomers.

We design and procure 270 injection molds per year for a wide variety of industries. At our Kirchheim unter Teck location, we have a fully equipped after-sales mold shop.

At Ferlin, we harness the power of 3D printing to accelerate innovation and turn ideas into cutting-edge solutions. Our newly developed VENTURI, designed and produced entirely in-house, is a perfect example of what’s possible when smart engineering meets additive manufacturing. ✅ Smart design enabled by shape freedom 3D printing allows us to design beyond the limits of traditional manufacturing. For example, the VENTURI’s filter holder securely locks the filter in place while still being easy to remove – making cleaning simpler and more efficient. ✅ Fewer parts, fewer errors The upper part of the VENTURI was designed with as few components as possible. This simplifies assembly, reduces production time, and minimizes the risk of errors. ✅ Rapid prototyping, optimized performance By printing and testing multiple design iterations in-house, we quickly identified the optimal shape for both air and material flow, leading to better performance, faster. ✅ Full control through in-house production Manufacturing the VENTURI ourselves gives us complete flexibility and control over quality, allowing us to respond quickly and deliver consistently high standards.

Haitian has taken the next step in the development of its new production facility in Ruma, Serbia, holding an internal Open House event for employees and close partners. The site is a key part of Haitian’s European strategy, providing local machine manufacturing, optimized logistics, R&D and long-term growth potential.

Space Saver pre-chamber (ffg |VK) a GAME CHANGER suitable for MONOLITH® technology. The innovative design of the compact VK offers numerous advantages in terms of thermal performance, installation space, ease of maintenance and spare parts procurement. Space Saver VK is characterized by its extremely compact design & is specially designed to minimize space requirements in injection moulds. Thanks to its small footprint, Space Saver VK is ideal for molds with small cavity spacing. The flexibility opens up possibilities in mold design & makes the VK particularly attractive for multi-cavity applications. The 2-part design can be assembled/disassembled with little effort. Despite minimal space, the precisely positioned cooling ensures optimum temperature control & specifically reduces shear heat at the injection point. The optimized thermal connection to the Hk nozzle ensures a homogeneous temperature distribution & reduces heat losses. This ensures a constant melt temperature & minimizes the risk of processing problems. The VK's optional circumferential temperature control ensures precise control of heat distribution & helps to keep melt quality consistently at the highest level; important for demanding plastics. Another feature is the option of using the VK as a wear insert. Thanks to this functionality, the front VK element can be replaced as required by means of a pull-out thread; it is not necessary to change the insert. Space Saver VK is designed for all MONOLITH® Hk-&NV nozzles from Ø 11 to 30 mm The innovative design of the Space Saver VK enables easy assembly and disassembly. This significantly reduces downtimes and improves the ease of maintenance of the overall system. Despite its many technical features, the Space Saver VK remains an economical solution thanks to its long service life, low maintenance requirements and low purchase and replacement costs.

International procurement of plastic injection molds

different models

SÜDPACK develops and produces thermoplastic compounds for special applica-tions in its Competence Center for compounding. The high-quality compounds made from conventional and bio-based raw materials are perfectly designed to meet the individual needs of customers. The compounds feature high media resistance, surface quality and scratch resistance and can include added recyclate. Since the beginning of this year, the special compounds, which are used in a wide variety of industries, have been marketed under the StarBlend® brand name.

Technology alone is not enough to succeed in toolmaking. Communication, reliability, and collaborative partnerships are crucial. AsMoPLAST knows that successful projects arise where technical expertise, cultural understanding, and trust converge – in Germany as well as in China.

High impact strength – reduced carbon footprint SÜDPACK has optimized its compounds for applications involving high mechanical stress – such as the production of housings, technical components, or automotive interior parts. In testing, SÜDPACK’s compounds consistently outperformed unmodified base polymers. At the same time, compounds containing recyclates or biobased materials help reduce reliance on fossil raw materials and shrink the overall carbon footprint – making a valuable contribution to the circular economy in the plastics industry. Upon request, SÜDPACK can also provide a detailed eco-balance for its StarBlend compounds, enabling customers to make informed, factbased deci-sions tailored to their specific requirements. Compounds with defined electrically conductive properties Most plastics are electrical insulators and can become statically charged through friction. Uncontrolled electrostatic discharges cause millions in damages every year – particularly in sectors such as microelectronics, medical technology, chemicals, logistics, and explosion protection – due to product damage, performance loss, or even explosions. To prevent this, SÜDPACK enhances its PP-based compounds with tailored additives to achieve conductivity levels ranging from antistatic to fully conductive, depending on the requirements. In addition to black and uncolored variants, the compounds can also be color-matched to meet specific design requirements – such as defined housing colors. Thanks to their low weight, these compounds are ideally suited for efficient lightweight applications.

Surface Technology Portfolio of De Martin Group De Martin Group specializes in functional surface coatings and offers a unique combination of: Electroplating Processes (Hard Chrome, Nickel, Tin, Structured Chrome) Electroless Nickel Coatings (Standard electroless nickel, high-hardened, PTFE dispersions, Silicon Carbide dispersions, Diamond dispersions, Boron Carbide dispersion, PFAS-free dispersion coatings) PVD Sputtering (CrN, TiCN, AlCrN with special focus) PACVD-DLC Systems (DLC, Si-DLC, WCH for tribology) Proprietary Hybrid and Special Systems (BORDEM® Cr, BORDEM® SV, CERODEM® Hybrid DLC) PVD/PACVD Multilayer with Chemical Base Systems (optimized synergies of multiple technologies)

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The Switch&Lock 360 hose coupling. Designed for maximum user-friendliness and process reliability, this system revolutionizes the way hose connections are handled in the plastics industry. Simple, safe, efficient – ​​and in any position. The key feature of the Switch&Lock 360 coupling lies in its exceptionally easy handling: The male and female parts are connected almost effortlessly – without any need for precise alignment. The locking process is audibly confirmed and visually verified by a color-coded locking bolt – ideal even for hard-to-reach or difficult-to-see areas. A simple pull on the bolt is all it takes to release the connection. Mechanically sophisticated for maximum process reliability. The design with two guide tubes and radial insertion aids ensures easy and precise coupling, even with hose torsion. The coupling locks securely into place – unintentional disconnection, even under vibration, is virtually impossible. Coupling is possible in any 360° position. The hose connection is released safely, ergonomically, and with minimal strain on the joints via a specially shaped spring-loaded bolt – either with one or two hands. Even when coupled, the coupling can still be rotated or aligned. Intelligent coding – mechanical, color, and electronic – allows for the reliable differentiation of various piping systems. So-called coding rings can be retrofitted – distinguishable both mechanically and by color. With up to 24 possible coding patterns, even complex systems can be clearly and reliably differentiated. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling is also RFID-compatible and can be integrated into digitally networked systems.