SONGWON Announces New Leader Business Unit Coatings
Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Steffen Dobberstein as the new Leader Business Unit (BU) Coatings effective coatings effective As Leader BU Coatings, Steffen Dobberstein will play a pivotal role in defining and driving the Coatings strategy and further advancing SONGWON’s position in the Coatings industry worldwide. He will directly report to Hans Werhonig, Leader Group Commercial.
A seasoned professional, Steffen Dobberstein brings in-depth expertise in B2B and marketing pricing strategy as well as extensive leadership experience and 10 years of Coatings industry knowledge to his new role. Prior to joining SONGWON, his past positions included Vice President Strategic Pricing at Dormakaba, Head of International Sales, Geberit AG and Global Business Unit Manager for coatings at Synthomer. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Berlin. Working for over 10 years in the Coatings industry. Steffen Dobberstein takes on the role of Leader BU Coatings from Rosanna Telesca, who successfully built SONGWON’s BU Coatings over the past 9 years. The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee thank her for her contribution to SONGWON’s success and wish her all the best for her personal and professional future.About Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.
A leader in the development, production and supply of specialty chemicals, SONGWON’s products touch your life every day, everywhere. Since 1965, we’ve been driving innovation, partnering for progress and paving the way for a better more sustainable tomorrow with 360° customized solutions.
Headquartered in South Korea, SONGWON is the 2nd largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers worldwide. With Group companies and world-class manufacturing facilities across the globe, we are dedicated to providing customers in over 60 countries with high-performance products that meet their individual needs and the best levels of service. www.songwon.com
Powering Progress: Maximizing Operational Continuity in the Plastic Industry with UPS
In the modern industrial landscape, the plastic industry plays a crucial role in manufacturing products that touch nearly every aspect of our lives. From packaging materials to automotive components, plastics are ubiquitous. However, the production processes in the plastic industry are highly dependent on a stable and reliable power supply. Any disruption in power can lead to costly downtime, product defects, and operational inefficiencies. This is where Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system come into play, ensuring uninterrupted operations and safeguarding production in the plastic industry. The plastic industry relies on a variety of processing machines and equipment, such as extruders, injection molding, Multilayer extrusion, woven sack, fiber manufacturing, plastic sheet manufacturing, pipe manufacturing, rotogravure printing, and blow molding machines, all of which demand a stable power supply. Here are some of the critical power-related challenges faced by the plastic industry:1.Voltage Fluctuations: Inconsistent voltage levels can lead to equipment malfunctions, production errors, and increased wear and tear on machinery and damage of its sensors.
2.Power Outages: Even short power outages can disrupt production processes, leading to material wastage and extended downtime.
3.Quality Control: Maintaining consistent power is essential for producing high-quality plastic products that meet industry standards.
In the plastic industry, where consistent production and product quality are paramount, Online UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) solutions prove to be indispensable. Here’s how online UPS can benefit the plastic industry:
1.Uninterrupted production: Online UPS systems provide continuous and clean power to critical machinery, ensuring that production processes run smoothly without interruptions caused by power fluctuations or outages.
2.Voltage Regulation: UPS help stabilize voltage levels, which prevent expensive equipment and sensors from damage and also helps in production errors due to voltage fluctuations.
3.Increased Efficiency: The plastic industry can enhance operational efficiency by minimizin downtime, reducing maintenance costs, and improving overall equipment reliability.
Riello Power India, a leading manufacturer of UPS systems, offers rugged and robust, comprehensive range of UPS from 6 kVA to 6400 kVA. By ensuring a stable and reliable power supply, Riello UPS helps plastic manufacturers enhance operational continuity, reduce costs, and maintain product quality. Don’t let power disruptions hinder your plastic production. www.riello-ups.in
Reifenhäuser relies on new “Circular Plastics Traceability” Guideline by using digital product passports from R-Cycle
• Future-proof technology for the application of standardized digital product passports
• Turnkey Software-as-a-Service solution according to new GS1 Germany Guideline
• Enormous potential for data management in the manufacturing process and recycling
The Reifenhäuser Group – leading manufacturer of extrusion machinery and components – relies on R-Cycle, the digital product passport (DPP) for plastics based on GS1 standards. With R-Cycle DPPs, Reifenhäuser enables its customers to make their products traceable. All relevant information on the material and processing is stored in the DPP and made available along the entire product life cycle, offering enormous potential for data management in the manufacturing process and recycling of plastic – especially in the packaging industry. R-Cycle was founded as an initiative by leading companies and organizations along the plastics value chain (including Reifenhäuser) and today offers – as a solution provider – a turnkey software-as-a-service solution for the application of digital product passports. GS1 Germany, known for standards and solutions around barcodes, has now published a new guideline “Circular Plastics Traceability”, which offers all stakeholders in the plastics value chain a uniform framework to model cross-company processes and exchange data.
R-Cycle was involved in the development of “Circular Plastics Traceability” and follows the new GS1 Germany Guideline with its solution. The underlying technology is the cross-industry and internationally established GS1 EPCIS interface (Electronic Product Code Information Services). EPCIS is GS1’s core standard for improving transparency in companies or value networks. Bernd Reifenhäuser, CEO of the Reifenhäuser Group, explains, “The publication of the ‘Circular Plastics Traceability’ Guideline is a decisive milestone for the establishment of R-Cycle. It gives us, as a machinemanufacturer, the certainty of investing in a future-proof technology that enables our customers to use standardized digital product passports.”The plastics industry – particularly in the packaging sector – faces ever- increasing industrial and regulatory information and reporting requirements. Recyclability assessments, EPR schemes or plastic tax calculations are just a few examples. The otherwise time-consuming and costly generation of the relevant data is now possible with R-Cycle at the push of a button. Currently, more than 45 leading industrial companies and organizations rely on R- Cycle as the solution for the digital product passport. In addition to providing efficient information in the manufacturing process, digital product passports also enable better recycling to recover high-quality recyclates. Using the information stored in the DPP, waste sorting facilities can precisely categorize recyclable packaging and form recycling-friendly, single-sort fractions. The DPPs can be accessed via suitable marking (e.g. digital watermarks or QR codes) on the packaging.
About the Reifenhäuser Group
The Reifenhäuser Group together with its highly specialized business units is the leading provider of innovative technologies and components for plastics extrusion. Founded in 1911, the company is a global supplier of high-tech solutions. With its technologies and the know-how of its 1,750 employees, Reifenhäuser has the world’s largest network of expertise in plastics extrusion technologies. The CEO of the Group is Bernd Reifenhäuser. www.reifenhäuser.com
Innovative paper bottle: ALPLA becomes the majority owner of Paboco
Packaging specialist takes over shares from joint venture partner Billerud Paboco develops bio-based packaging solutions made from pulp. The Danish joint venture was founded in 2019 by ALPLA and pulp and paper manufacturer Billerud. The internationally active packaging specialist ALPLA is now taking over Billerud’s shares and, as majority shareholder, is investing in scaling manufacturing capacity. From the end of 2024, Paboco plans to produce a fully recyclable paper bottle at a new state-of-the-art manufacturing site in Denmark Paboco (The Paper Bottle Company) develops and produces fibre-based packaging solutions using innovative pulp-forming technology. The company, based in Slangerup, Denmark, was founded in 2019 by ALPLA and Billerud as a joint venture. By taking over all of Billerud’s shares and investing in Paboco, packaging and recycling specialist ALPLA, as majority shareholder, is pushing the rapid industrialization of the fully recyclable paper bottle made from FSC-certified fibres. ‘Safety, affordability and sustainability are the central criteria of our packaging solutions. After several years of intensive development and groundbreaking innovations, the Paboco team is now ready to take its pioneering product to the market and establish the paper bottle as a sustainable alternative for a wide range of customers,’ says ALPLA CEO Philipp Lehner.
Successful test phase
Since 2021, Paboco has been testing the first products on the market together with the Paboco Pioneer Community members: The Absolut Company, Carlsberg Group, The Coca-Cola Company, L’Oréal and Procter & Gamble. After the successful test phase, series production of the next generation of recyclable paper bottles is scheduled to start at the end of 2024. ‘The vision of the fully bio-based and recyclable paper bottle has driven the team to create amazing results in just a short development period. With the bottle configuration now, we are targeting the beauty and fabric and home-care segment, but continuous development will also enable us to bring our next-generation bottle into further applications. We are happy that ALPLA is fully committed to supporting us on this journey,’ explains Tim Silbermann, CEO of Paboco. For the market launch, the company plans to set up a new state-of-the-art manufacturing site and development centre in Denmark. There are currently 18 employees at Paboco – the number of employees is expected to increase significantly by the time series production begins.Innovations for the future
The long-term goal of Paboco is to develop and scale fully bio-based and recyclable paper bottles. In doing so, the company can count on the support of ALPLA: ‘We at ALPLA work intensively on alternative materials, invest in promising projects and actively shape technological progress as a “Family of Pioneers”,’ emphasises Christian Zmölnig, Director Corporate Research, Development and Innovation at ALPLA and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Paboco. The newly formed Board of Directors of Paboco is completed by Ricardo Rehm, CFO of ALPLA, and Rainer Widmar, Managing Director Central and Eastern Europe at ALPLA. The transaction took place at the beginning of October. The contracting parties agreed not to disclose the details.
About the ALPLA Group
ALPLA is one of the world’s leading companies in the manufacture and recycling of plastic packaging. Around 23,300 employees worldwide produce custom-made packaging systems, bottles, caps and moulded parts at 190 sites across 46 countries. The high-quality packaging is used in a wide range of areas, including for food and drinks, cosmetics and care products, household cleaning products, detergents and cleaning agents, pharmaceutical products, engine oils and lubricants. ALPLA operates recycling plants for PET and HDPE in Austria, Germany, Poland, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Romania and Thailand. Other projects are being realised elsewhere around the world.
About Paboco
We are Paboco, The Paper Bottle Company, and we have decided to take action and become part of the solution – by designing for circularity using renewable materials. The paper bottle project is an innovation community joining some of the world’s leading players in materials, design and technology; united by the vision of creating the world’s first 100% bio-based and recyclable paper bottle. Paboco is a company leading the development and production of paper bottles out of Denmark, but supported across industries and geographies. ALPLA-Christian-Zmoelnig Christian Zmölnig, Director Corporate Research, Development and Innovation at ALPLA and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Paboco. ( ALPLA)
Universally applicable: Latest Version of SML’s multi-purpose cast film line with new MDO unit
SML has just set up the newest version of its multi-purpose cast film line in its Technology Centre. The line is universally applicable and features a number of technical innovations: Above all, a further-developed MDO unit.
“Our new multi-purpose cast film line will not fail to impress even long-serving experts. The line has the technical capacity to fulfil almost every customer requirement in cast film production”, Elias Mayrhofer, R&D Engineer at SML, comments with pride. The cast film line is ready for the production of CPP, CPE, Cast-PET, barrier, as well as for mono-oriented films. The application areas are comprehensive as well: They range from film for metallized and laminated standard food and non-food packaging to easy-to-recycle stand-up pouches of MOPE film and further to label film, and also include technical products like cable insulations and easy-tear MOPP film. Despite its wide functional range, the line can be further optimized for the manufacturing of specialized products – assuring the highest efficiency and maximum quality.
Coherent concept
“A central characteristic of all of our machinery is the coherent line concept that we continue to develop and optimize,” Elias Mayrhofer states. This is underlined yet again by the modern and clear design of SML’s multi-purpose cast film line. SML’s new multi-purpose cast film line offers the following technical features:
Five extruders for the processing of PP, PE, PA, PET, EVOH, as well as a tie-layer
A seven-layer variable geometry feedblock with the possibility of numerous different layer arrangements
Die width 2,850 mm, with internal deckling system two times 350 mm
New MDO unit: maximum roll temperature of 160 ° C, maximum stretching ratio 1:10
Horizontal sliding winder for up to 4 part bobbins
MDO unit for mono-materials
One key innovation featured in SML’s latest cast film line is the MDO unit, that is also designed for the manufacturing of easy-to-recycle mono-material films such as MOPP, MOPE and MOPET. With this MDO unit, properties such as the film strength in the machine direction, stiffness and puncture resistance are increased even further, while the film thickness and elongation in the machine direction are significantly decreased. SML has streamlined the whole MDO process: The clean and straightforward design makes operation comfortable and provides sufficient space for maintenance offering easy access.
New roller arrangement – tight stretching gap
One of the main technical features of SML’s latest MDO version is the process-optimized roller-arrangement. The adjustment of the stretching gap takes place in a motorized fashion, making the operation and alternations for product changes quite simple. As the stretching rollers have a diameter of 220 mm, the stretching gap can be kept narrow in a range between 50 and 200 mm (free length of the film between the rollers). While the distances between the stretching rollers can be reduced to a few mm only. The positions of the nip rollers in the stretching area are adjustable too. This ensures an ideal stretching process of the film, independent of the defined stretching gap.
Comfortable settings with SML’s new HMI
Finally, all the process parameters of the MDO unit are digitally recorded and can be comfortably set and adjusted with SML’s new HMI. SML’s new multi-purpose cast film line is available to customers for trials and sample production onwards. www.sml.com
Universally applicable: Latest Version of SML’s multi-purpose cast film line with new MDO unit
SML has just set up the newest version of its multi-purpose cast film line in its Technology Centre. The line is universally applicable and features a number of technical innovations: Above all, a further-developed MDO unit.
“Our new multi-purpose cast film line will not fail to impress even long-serving experts. The line has the technical capacity to fulfil almost every customer requirement in cast film production”, Elias Mayrhofer, R&D Engineer at SML, comments with pride. The cast film line is ready for the production of CPP, CPE, Cast-PET, barrier, as well as for mono-oriented films. The application areas are comprehensive as well: They range from film for metallized and laminated standard food and non-food packaging to easy-to-recycle stand-up pouches of MOPE film and further to label film, and also include technical products like cable insulations and easy-tear MOPP film. Despite its wide functional range, the line can be further optimized for the manufacturing of specialized products – assuring the highest efficiency and maximum quality.
Coherent concept
“A central characteristic of all of our machinery is the coherent line concept that we continue to develop and optimize,” Elias Mayrhofer states. This is underlined yet again by the modern and clear design of SML’s multi-purpose cast film line. SML’s new multi-purpose cast film line offers the following technical features:
Five extruders for the processing of PP, PE, PA, PET, EVOH, as well as a tie-layer
A seven-layer variable geometry feedblock with the possibility of numerous different layer arrangements
Die width 2,850 mm, with internal deckling system two times 350 mm
New MDO unit: maximum roll temperature of 160 ° C, maximum stretching ratio 1:10
Horizontal sliding winder for up to 4 part bobbins
MDO unit for mono-materials
One key innovation featured in SML’s latest cast film line is the MDO unit, that is also designed for the manufacturing of easy-to-recycle mono-material films such as MOPP, MOPE and MOPET. With this MDO unit, properties such as the film strength in the machine direction, stiffness and puncture resistance are increased even further, while the film thickness and elongation in the machine direction are significantly decreased. SML has streamlined the whole MDO process: The clean and straightforward design makes operation comfortable and provides sufficient space for maintenance offering easy access.
New roller arrangement – tight stretching gap
One of the main technical features of SML’s latest MDO version is the process-optimized roller-arrangement. The adjustment of the stretching gap takes place in a motorized fashion, making the operation and alternations for product changes quite simple. As the stretching rollers have a diameter of 220 mm, the stretching gap can be kept narrow in a range between 50 and 200 mm (free length of the film between the rollers). While the distances between the stretching rollers can be reduced to a few mm only. The positions of the nip rollers in the stretching area are adjustable too. This ensures an ideal stretching process of the film, independent of the defined stretching gap.
Comfortable settings with SML’s new HMI
Finally, all the process parameters of the MDO unit are digitally recorded and can be comfortably set and adjusted with SML’s new HMI. SML’s new multi-purpose cast film line is available to customers for trials and sample production onwards. www.sml.com
Clariant to Showcase new Portfolio of Industrial Coatings and PTFE-free Additives at China Coat 2023
− Clariant showcasing new portfolio of wetting and dispersing agents for water-based dedicated to industrial coating applications in containers, transportation and construction − Growing portfolio of PTFE-free additives on display offer safer, more sustainable options for paints and coatings
China Coat 2023 in Shanghai sets the stage for Clariant to showcase its latest solutions dedicated to more sustainable and effective formulations and coating applications that help safeguard public health and the environment.
New portfolio of wetting and dispersing agents for industrial coatings applications:
The coatings industry continues to grow strongly in China, experiencing a strong recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic. This growth is being driven by demand in industries such as export and construction for coating applications that offer both higher efficiency and better performance. To meet these needs, Clariant offers dedicated solutions with features including improved corrosion resistance and reduced formulation viscosity consistently achieved across changing systems.
“At China Coat 2023 look out for our high-performance additives that address various formulation challenges in the fields of 1K acrylic “direct to metal”, or DTM, and 2k-epoxy primers or mid-layers, found in applications such as container coatings, transportation and construction equipment. For paint manufacturers of water-based industrial coatings, we offer multi-functional WDAs with higher flexibility according to their requirements,” said Sebastian Prock, Clariant’s Head of Marketing, Industrial Applications, BU Care Chemicals.Clari Coat in China – a one stop additive shop:
To make it easier to find the right additives Clariant has launched a new Chinese version of its ClariCoat digital platform, also on display at Clariant’s booth at ChinaCoat. The novel web application for paints and coatings specialists who face challenges with their paint formulations provides customized solutions for a holistic range of performance criteria such as liquid paint stability, workability and sustainability. The digital tool is particularly valuable for formulators who want advice on additives as the trend to shift towards water-based paint systems continues in the industry.
Meeting growing demand on PTFE-free solutions:
In addition to performance and sustainability, compliance with regulatory requirements is growing concern for the coatings industry as a whole. For example, the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in ink formulations and coating applications has been regulated in the EU, the US and Japan, creating the need for PTFE-free alternatives. Clariant’s growing portfolio of PTFE-free solutions are a highlight at ChinaCoat 2023.
“We are excited to share the ongoing evolution of coatings and inks, driven in part by our novel additive solutions, which have given us the choice of PTFE-free alternatives in construction, furniture and other applications. We are proud of our PTFE-free alternatives, like Ceridust 8170 M, demonstrating our corporate dedication to minimizing environmental impact,” says Ray Gonzales, Clariant’s Head of marketing Coatings & Adhesives, BU Adsorbents and Additives.
The Ceridust 8170 M is an innovative PTFE-free texturing agent for powder coatings. It has the added benefit of reduced energy consumption during the powder coating extrusion process and complies with the EU’s REACH legislation in addition to also being PFAS-free. In addition to Ceridust 8170 M, Ceridust 8330 is a feature at China Coat as a PTFE-free alternative with excellent abrasion resistance. This unique bio-based additive, made from a renewable resource, is a breakthrough for various coatings and inks, exhibiting superior rub resistance properties compared to conventional wax-based products.
It can be incorporated in both water and solvent-based coating systems and formulations using Ceridust 8330 can achieve similar or superior performance compared to PTFE-containing materials, leading to more efficient ink usage. Clariant will be exhibiting at booth A01, Hall E4 during the ChinaCoat 2023, 15-17 November at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Clariant’s team of technology and customer service specialists will be on hand to give full product highlights and answer any questions. For more information, please visit the dedicated Clariant website for China Coat 2023 HERE. www.Clariant.com
From Converter to full-Range Supplier: Jae Kwang is the first Packaging Manufacturer in South Korea to Produce CPP flat films in a 5-layer Process
Jae Kwang is one of the best-known packaging manufacturers in South Korea. The company, which previously operated exclusively as a converter, decided last year to strike out in a new direction and take film production into its own hands. This was a big step for Jae Kwang, which is now the first company in South Korea to produce CPP flat films in a 5-layer process.
Last autumn, Jae Kwang installed the first 5 layer CPP film line from Reifenhäuser – a milestone, and not only for Jae Kwang. After all, it is the first line of its kind ever in the country. In order to make itself independent of suppliers, the company, founded in 1999, decided to produce as much as possible in-house in the future. “We are keen to take on as many steps as possible in the manufacturing process ourselves. In doing so, we have very high quality standards,” explains Hong-Soo Kang, CEO at Jae Kwang. The high quality standard and the strong production output of the line of 1300kg/hour were also what convinced the company to make this investment.
Hong-Soo Kang, CEO at JaeKwang and Benjamin Pott, Area Sales Manager at Reifenhäuser (from left to right).
Top output values thanks to individual line configuration:
The remarkable productivity results from a technological focus on meeting the specific South Korean market and raw material requirements. In recognition of this crucial aspect, Reifenhäuser and JaeKwang have ensured that the CPP machine has been tailored to meet the optimum requirements of the end product. Thanks to Reifenhäusers core competencies in the hot part extrusion equipment, the Reifenhäuser team was able to fully align the line with the needs of its customer and the local raw materials.
“We are pleased to have Reifenhäuser as a strong partner at our side,” said Owner & CEO Mr. Kang at JaeKwang. “The line, which was specially designed to meet our requirements, enables us to achieve an enormously high throughput while maintaining the same high quality and functionality, thus offering us a decisive competitive advantage in the market,” Mr. Kang continues.
Technologically convincing for Jae Kwang was in particular the feed block system from Reifenhäuser. Jae Kwang opted for a Coextrusion Adapter Pro. This enables multilayer production in extremely low tolerances and adjustment of the layer distribution during ongoing production. “The feed block enables us to test and implement new recipes as flexibly as possible without having to accept high raw material losses,” praises Mr. Kang at Jae Kwang. The Korean all-rounder has therefore now commissioned Reifenhäuser to install a second line.Line with stretching unit is the first of its kind in South Korea:
In South Korea, packaging materials are designed creatively and elaborately in terms of haptics and appearance. In addition, there are growing consumer demands for functionality. Currently, for example, the so-called Easy Tear function is particularly in demand for pouches. With the Easy Tear function, any type of pouch can be opened quickly, safely, and cleanly thanks to an integrated tear strip. This user-friendly solution can be realized by a line with a stretching unit (MDO), which JaeKwang will now install in the next step. This plant technology will also be the first of its kind in South Korea.
With the Easy Tear function, any type of pouch can be opened quickly, safely, and cleanly thanks to an integrated tear strip. This user-friendly solution can be realized by a line with a stretching unit (MDO), which JaeKwang will now install in the next step. This plant technology will also be the first of its kind in South Korea.
About the Reifenhäuser Group:
The Reifenhäuser Group together with its highly specialized business units is the leading provider of innovative technologies and components for plastics extrusion. Founded in 1911, the company is a global supplier of high-tech solutions. With its technologies and the know-how of its 1,750 employees, Reifenhäuser has the world’s largest network of expertise in plastics extrusion technologies. The CEO of the Group is Bernd Reifenhäuser. www.reifenhäuser.com
3DPRINTUK REDEFINES THE AM PRODUCTION LANDSCAPE TO ENSURE CUSTOMER SUCCESS
In the rapidly evolving world of 3D printing / additive manufacturing (AM), the burgeoning number of production bureaux that have begun to proliferate today offers a vast spectrum of options for consumers. The surge in 3D printing bureaux asserting their readiness for production applications can be attributed to the industry& s evolving dynamics. As AM technology has matured, it has moved beyond its traditional niche of prototyping and into the realm of full-scale production. This transition is fuelled by advancements in machine capabilities, material properties, and cost efficiencies, making it viable for producing end-use parts. Recognizing this shift and the potential economic advantages, many bureaux are keen to position themselves at the forefront of this transformation, capturing the growing demand from industries seeking agile, customisable, and efficient production solutions.
Performance bike parts manufactured by 3DPRINTUK
But how do you tell the good from the bad?
Leading UK 3D printing service provider, 3DPRINTUK, maintains that a distinction emerges when one sifts through the sea of providers, and for customers seeking those that truly stand out in delivering production parts of impeccable quality care needs to be taken in supplier selection.Nick Allen, CEO at 3DPRINTUK says, “The capability to handle higher volumes of parts for production is an unmistakable trait of top-tier AM bureaux. Rather than merely having a multitude of machines, these bureaux prioritize both quantity and quality. It’s about harnessing the power of advanced machinery and technologies to undertake large-scale projects, ensuring precision and speed are never compromised. Thus, they can weave seamlessly between intricate custom jobs, batch production and extended production runs. However, no matter how advanced a machine is, the wisdom of experience remains irreplaceable.The most revered AM bureaux wear their years of experience like a badge of honour. With each project, they accumulate insights into materials, processes, and potential challenges. This repository of knowledge doesn’t just aid in flawless execution but also enables them to pre-empt challenges, offering proactive solutions. Moreover, their long- standing presence often means they have robust partnerships with material suppliers and other industry stakeholders, an element that subtly but significantly influences the end products quality.”Beyond the tangible, 3DPRINTUK also maintains that the very soul of a bureau, its core values, play a pivotal role. Best in class AM bureaux radiate values like passion, dedication, and innovation. There&;s a palpable zest within their teams, a fervour about realizing the untapped potentials of 3D printing. This often infectious enthusiasm cascades into an unmatched customer service experience, stemming from a genuine commitment to a project&;s success.
Allen continues, “However, passion without knowledge can be directionless. That&;s why the best AM bureaux like 3DPRINTUK are also hubs of technical expertise. Their teams are not just well-versed with current AM technologies, but are continually updating their knowledge reservoir. From understanding the nuances of material science to mastering post-processing techniques and quality assurance protocols, their expertise is comprehensive and current. An often-underestimated factor that separates the leaders from the crowd is an unwavering emphasis on quality control. For leading bureaux like us, quality isn;t a final checkpoint but a journey that begins right from the initial design assessment and meanders through post- production inspections.”
A holistic approach to AM for production ensures that every phase, from initial design consultation to final post-processing, is optimized for efficiency, quality, and cost- effectiveness. True vertical integration in this context means that an AM provider manages and controls each step of the production process in-house, offering customers the benefits of seamless communication, reduced lead times, consistent quality, and a streamlined experience, eliminating the complexities and inconsistencies that might arise when coordinating with multiple vendors. Allen concludes, “We maintain that while the landscape of AM production bureaux may seem vast, discerning eyes will recognize that merely professing to be production-focused doesn;t equate to excellence. It&;s the harmonious blend of scale, experience, core values, and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation that truly sets the best apart. Our company mission moving towards 2024 is to refresh and change the language that surrounds the use of 3D printing bureaux for production, and to ensure that as a leading bureau we always differentiate itself from less compelling alternatives and draw attention to the capabilities and values that we have that cannot be replicated. We believe in the disruptive power of AM and want ensure that customers avoid disappointment.”
ABOUT 3DPRINTUK
3DPRINTUK are specialists in low volume production using state-of-the-art powder bed fusion (PBF) 3D printing systems with polymer materials. The company bridges the void that exists between prototyping and injection moulding, such that if tooling costs are prohibitively expensive for an application that does not require the volume demanded by injection moulding, 3DPRINTUK can provide a high quality, cost-effective and fast solution. 3DPRINTUK has mastered the process of 3D printing with polymer powders, with no need for support material, virtually no layer lines and short turnaround times. The company is an ideal partner for producing one-off prototypes through to production runs of tens of thousands of parts — on demand. www.3dprint-uk.co.uk
“We have Dreams to Build. Together”. SACMI Supports Ageop This Morning Saw the Inauguration of the Facilities ‘Adopted’ by SACMI
from left: Paolo Mongardi, President of SACMI, Francesca Testoni, Director of Ageop, Giuliano Airoli, SACMI director.
On the occasion of Christmas, a donation has been approved for the ‘Casa Gialla’ facility run by Bologna-based association Ageop, which has been at the forefront of pediatric oncological research, treatment and support for over 40 years. This morning, the building in via Massarenti 183, which hosts young patients and their families, saw the inauguration of the rooms ‘adopted’ by SACMI.
SACMI is lending its support to Casa Gialla, a facility that provides child cancer patients not simply with treatment but a place to play and live. As Christmas 2023 nears, the SACMI Board of Directors has approved a major donation to help the association finalize its purchase of the facility, thus completing the ‘solidarity tender’ Ageop launched in 2021.
This morning, an inaugural ceremony was held in via Massarenti 183, in Bologna, with the unveiling of a plaque on the premises ‘adopted’ by SACMI. Attending the event were Paolo Mongardi, President of SACMI, Francesca Testoni, director of Ageop, and Giuliano Airoli, SACMI director.
The Casa Gialla project is run by Ageop Ricerca, a Bolognese association that has been committed to scientific research and support in the field of pediatric oncohematology for more than 40 years.
Based in the Policlinico Sant’Orsola in Bologna, Ageop hosts, free of charge, hundreds of children and parents every year at 4 facilities located outside the hospital. This allows families – especially those from out of town – to cope with the long, delicate process of care and recovery. Young patients and their families are hosted here for as long as the treatment plan requires; they are then placed under the umbrella of a long-term ‘protected discharge’ plan that may last several months or even years.
Casa Gialla constitutes the last ‘piece’ of Ageop Ricerca’s integrated hosting system. Purchased and renovated in 2015, the building was recently the focus of a solidarity tender involving artists, businesses and institutions. SACMI has made a significant donation that will help the association pay off the mortgage taken out on the property.
“In our homes, everything is designed to ensure children and parents receive protection, aid and affection. Ageop’s free hosting service lets families treat their children at one of Italy’s leading hospitals”, notes the director of Ageop, Francesca Testoni, “helping to ensure all children have access to the best care available. Safeguarding the right to healthcare is one of our key goals and we’re extremely grateful to SACMI for the support it has chosen to give. Only together, in fact, can we build a better future for children and adolescents affected by cancer.”
“By playing its part in practical projects, SACMI sustains the right to education and healthcare, especially children, worldwide”, points out the President of SACMI, Paolo Mongardi. “In this case, we’ve chosen to support a vital local facility that treats child cancer. It’s a facility that, perhaps more than any other, reflects the true meaning of solidarity and the importance of being able to count on adequate assistance and treatment networks”.
This is much more than ‘accommodation’. It’s a ‘home’ where you receive the welcoming support of doctors, psychologists and volunteers. Casa Gialla has family rooms and communal areas – such as a gym – that let guests share their experiences and lend each other emotional support as they face the treatment plan together.
Discussion with other families going through the same experience can be as valuable as consultation with the doctors. Practical and profound psychological needs are also met with the aid of the association’s two counselors, who are based at Casa Gialla and are available 7 days a week.
At the heart of the facility lies the gym, a place where patients can overcome isolation by playing with other children, engaging in experiences and activities that gently soften this time of illness. In recognition of the support received, the gym and the two counselors’ offices will be named after SACMI.
About Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.
