There is a growing presence of the automotive sector at the K trade fair.
• K spans the industry’ s entire value chain – from raw materials production and machine manufacture, including the complete range of peripheral equipment through to processing
• K 2013 is the market place for visionary themes and innovative sustainable solutions
• K 2013’ s clear layout aids orientation and enables all trade visitors to obtain the information they need for their professional interests without searching or detours AI: What are some of the new technologies / products that will be highlighted at K 2013?
Cullman: There will be many new machines and technologies for all those processors supplying the automotive and aircraft companies, e. g. machinery and equipment that allows more flexibility and shorter changeover times, faster machine movements, optimized molds, more efficient cooling and even better synchronicity with ancillary equipment for shorter cycle times, lower cost per unit and higher output rates. There will also be process-integrated monitoring of product quality, earliest possible in-line reject separation. Documentation of process and quality data for end-to-end product traceability will be a topic at many exhibitors’ booths. I’ m sure that there will be also many new high-performance polymers and rubber materials for under-hood plastics applications with high heat resistance, resistance to oil and other media for heavy-duty dynamic operation
AI: What kind of participation do you expect this year at the K Show?
Cullman: Some 200,000 trade visitors from all continents will again be keen to seize the opportunity that K Düsseldorf is offering. They get to know and directly compare new products and applications of more than 3,000 exhibitors.
AI: What are some of the issues and challenges facing the plastics and rubber industry today?
Cullman: The success strategies of the global plastics and rubber industry are based on two key components: the persistent optimization of the existing potential and the development
Visitors filling one of the halls during the K 2010 show.
of new applications. Current figures for the industry clearly illustrate how well this existing potential is already being used. One of the major challenges the plastics industry has to face today is maximizing on efficiency. Efficiency not only in the use, but also in the production of plastic and rubber parts. On the one hand, new markets have been opening up. On the other hand, the competitive pressure has significantly increased. Short production and delivery times are pitted against complex products and exacting quality requirements demanded in ever shorter development times. Added to this mix is a dramatic pressure on prices. All these requirements are to be met with sustainable production methods and with as little impact on the environment as possible. Keeping abreast with today’ s market means maximizing on efficiency.
AI: Tell us a little about the panel of experts at K 2013 – what topics and issues will be discussed?
Cullman: For six days, a panel of experts will be discussing how“ Plastics move the world”. In sessions in German or in English on alternate days, the panel members will explore numerous aspects of the general theme of mobility. The spotlight will be on climatecompatible energy and transport strategies, as well as on the changes in the worlds of work and leisure thanks to mobile means of communication. A day has also been reserved at this K special review specifically for exchanges with the younger generation.
AI: What are some of the major changes made in the way the event is being conducted this year as compared to previous years?
Cullman: We’ re constantly working on making K even better! It’ s the intense dialogue with our customers, exhibitors and visitors alike that helps us to expand our services and to highlight topics of special interest to the industry. Tickets to K can now be purchased via the Internet and printed at home. We have also redesigned the K App. Other changes include the renovation of the halls and restaurants in the fairgrounds, and an upgrade of our technical infrastructure. AI
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