International Plastic Fair in Japan, showcasing the latest technology for a recycling-oriented society

IPF Japan 2023 (International Plastic Fair), a specialized exhibition on plastics and rubber, was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from November 28 to December 2. The exhibition is held every three years, but since the last time it was held online only due to a pandemic, it was the first time in six years that it was held in person. The exhibition attracted the interest of many visitors with many environmentally friendly resin processing technologies and advanced resin materials on display. 

Emphasis on environmental responsibility 

“S-Concept” compact injection molding machine exhibited by Shibaura Machine

Shibaura Machine introduced the “S-Concept,” a compact injection molding machine designed to improve productivity, reduce manpower, and decarbonize the environment under the theme of realizing a recycling-oriented society. In addition to reducing power consumption during operation, the machine is equipped with functions that help reduce the amount of material used. 

The company’s section manager said, “In addition to the S-Concept, we are also promoting development for a recycling-oriented society, such as the electrification of an ultra-large injection molding machine in the 3000-ton class.” 

“S-Concept” compact injection molding machine exhibited by Shibaura Machine

Sodick exhibited five machines, including the MS150G2-LSR horizontal electric injection molding machine. The machine is suitable for molding liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and has an internal structure specially designed for thermoset resin. 

The manager of the company’s sales promotion section of the company said, “The MS150G2-LSR can mold automotive parts as thin as 0.3 mm with high precision. We would like to propose this machine to revolutionize the automotive industry.” 

Many exhibitors came from overseas, and four Taiwanese companies made presentations at the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) booth on the first day of the show. Everplast Machinery of Tainan manufactures plastic extruders and 3D printers. “We also emphasize the recyclability of materials in the development of our machines,” said a company representative. 

Thinned wood into resin material 

President Hozumi Yoda of NISSEI PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL says, “The potential of resin is unknown”.

NISSEI PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL displayed a number of sample workpieces molded from about 10 different state-of-the-art resin materials. The company is adding innovations to its resins to create added value, such as blending fibers from thinned wood into the materials. The new “NEX-V” series injection molding machine was used for molding, and a unique molding system was used to optimally control the molding of plant-based resins, which are difficult to mold. 

President & Representative Director Hozumi Yoda said, “Humans have been using metals for more than 3,000 years. In contrast, resin has only been used for about 100 years. Resin is an unknown quantity and still has a lot of potential”. 

CANON ELECTRONICS (Saitama, Japan, President & COO: Takeshi Hashimoto) presented a compact 5-axis simultaneous milling machine based on a machining center as a reference exhibit. The company has been developing small machining centers for dental technology, but this is the first time it has been used for industrial applications. The maximum spindle speed is 30,000 rpm, and the machine is rigid enough to machine difficult-to-machine materials. The person in charge said, “We exhibited this machine as a reference because we saw a demand for resin reworking and mold repair. We would like to use the feedback from this exhibition in our future development”.