Chinaplas 2015 opens today; automation, eco-friendly products set the trend

Chinaplas 2015 is a reflection of the rapid transformation in China's industrial sector and today's opening of this well-attended exhibition is a proof of how China's plastics and rubber industry has been contributing to the region's industrial development. The show, to be held from 20-23 May at the China Import & Export Fair Complex (CIEFC), Pazhou, Guangzhou, has become an international innovation-packed event as focus on automation, innovation and green solutions aims to meet the current demand of leading  manufacturing industries. 

 

Originating in China, Chinaplas has become an important exhibition to catch for those in the  Asian region where industry players from all over the world gather to show off their latest technologies, materials and services. This year, the show welcomes 3,200 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions around the world while the four-day exhibition is expected to receive over 120,000 trade visitors from 130 countries and regions, of which overseas visitors will account for around 25%. The gross exhibition area exceeds 240,000 sqm, occupying 26 exhibition halls at CIEFC. 

 

 

In response to the need, three key elements, namely automation, green technology and innovation are introduced and stressed around the show theme -  "Greenovation - Solution to Sustainability" to promote  sustainable development for various manufacturing sectors, covering plastics and rubber, packaging, automotive, electronics, building and construction, medical, toys, etc. A hundred of new technologies of raw materials and machinery are displayed at the fairground, such as carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics, nylon frame retardant, new thermal conduction resin, silicone rubber injection molding, MuCell injection molding technology, the industry's first thermoformable PPSU foam, world premier's high speed corrugator for double wall corrugated pipe & moulds, etc. 

 

Responding to emerging trends

The implementation of "Made-in-China 2025" strategy aims to accelerate the development of China's manufacturing industry. For the plastics processing industry, as Qian Guijing, president of the Beijing-based China Plastics Processing Industry Association, pointed out, the digitalization, network and intelligentization will become critical missions for the industry in the next five years to further its innovative development. 

 

Chinaplas brings automated technology at the heart of the show with a new theme zone called "Industrial Automation Zone", which showcases highly efficient automation equipment such as robotics, sensor, drive, control system, visual control, dehydration and cooling system, etc. Live demonstration of robotics and fully automated production lines are held at "Robot Parade & Smart Production" to illustrate the multi-functions, preciseness and flexibility of the robotics, as well as the manufacturing advantages brought by clever automation technologies.  Exhibits such as 3-Component Magnifier with Laser Engraving from Hong Kong Mould & Die Council and fully Automated Production Packaging System of Aviation Cup from SHINI are on display. 

 

The increasing public awareness towards environmental protection has encouraged manufacturers to look out for safe and environmentally friendly materials, as well as recycling technologies in the markets. Green technologies at Chinaplas have become increasingly more developed. For raw materials, the world's largest bio-plastics manufacturer, NatureWorks,  showcases their styrene monomer free, BPA free, phthalates free, and acrylonitrile free Ingeo™ Bioplastic. DSM its presents bio-based, high-performance polyamide (PA410) - EcoPaXX™, which is 70% recyclable.  Polyrocks displays flame retardant FRPP and HFFR PP. 

 

For processing machines, Milacron introduces Elektron 30T, which uses 60% less energy and 90% less water than hydraulic injection molding machines. ASB' ASB-12M one-step injection blow molding machines makes the first China debut. The machine is fitted with advanced servo-hydraulic systems to provide superb energy saving and noise control. Guangdong Designer Machinery's PET/PLA Twin-Screw Extruder can achieve power-saving of 40%, labor-saving of 70% and process 100% recycled materials. Haitian introduces new all-electric injection molder series - Zeres, which has an integrated hydraulic system to achieve high productivity per unit space. 

 

Another first is the "Design X Innovation", jointly organized by the organizer and BASF, which brings in new perspectives on the outlook design, structural design and functional design through adopting innovative materials in different industries. In the event's Innovation Gallery, a BMW i3, which boasts as the first vehicle of its kind to make the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) in entire chassis and structural parts, makes its debut in China. Other eye-catching exhibits include  smart urban transport e-floater, PVC-PBT co-extrusion window profile, PUMA IGNITE running shoe made from new foaming technology, etc. Industry experts and renowned product designers have been invited to share their experience about the product innovation at the Open Forum. 

 

Important highlights are the seminars where valuable information are exchanged. Leading experts and scholars from around the world have been invited to  the Medical Plastics Conference from May 21-22 to unveil the potential of medical plastics and innovative technologies in the expanding medical market. Furthermore, over 50 sessions of technical seminars have been organized to bring exhibitors and visitors closer for exchanging technical know-hows.