Plastics account for about 50 to 60 percent of medical devices, according to BVMed. Their role in healthcare covers disposable products, implants, packaging and precision components for personalized medicine.
Plastics are becoming a key enabler of frugal vehicle design, combining lightweight construction, functional integration and circularity. Their role extends from exterior structures to intelligent interior surfaces and recycled material streams.
SKZ and Fraunhofer IPA are working on a low-temperature PBF-LB/P process for plastics. The aim of the PimP project is to reduce powder aging, increase the share of material that can be reused, and improve the cost and resource efficiency of the process.
The first edition of 3DPlastLab, an area dedicated to innovation in additive manufacturing within Plast 2026, brought together researchers, designers, universities, start-ups and companies from multiple countries. The presentations focused on materials, their functionality and industrial applications.
Emirates Biotech will present Embio PLA biopolymers at Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2026 in Riyadh. The event will also mark the official introduction of this portfolio to the Saudi market.
In response to EU Regulation 2024/3190, igus has developed the iglidur A351 material for machine components that come into contact with food. The material is free of BPA and BPS, complies with FDA requirements, and is available in several processing forms.
3DForce implemented a 6-axis Dobot CR10A cobot, purchased via the RBTX platform with igus support, to automate the installation of O-rings on fittings. The workstation was also equipped with a vision system, increasing process autonomy and repeatability.
At Plast 2026 in Fiera Milano (9–12 June), the 3D Plast area will be transformed into 3DPlastLab, a format featuring a continuous programme of talks and presentations focused on additive manufacturing. The organisers announce four thematic areas and awards for the most innovative projects.
HP has unveiled the Multi Jet Fusion 1200, bringing industrial MJF technology to the compact segment at a price below USD 60,000. The system is intended to address prototyping, protection of confidential data and short-run production needs.
Evonik will present high-performance polymers and plastic additives at Chinaplas 2026. The company will showcase solutions for e-mobility, low-altitude aviation, healthcare, 3D printing and plastics recycling.
The medical device market is growing rapidly, driven by advanced plastics, new processing technologies, and increasing requirements for precision, digitalization, and sustainability.
igus has introduced the PTFE-free iglidur i190PF filament, offering wear properties comparable to the injection moulding material iglidur W300 and a 100-fold better wear rate than standard PETG in a pin-on-disk test.