The “Defects and Remedies in Thermoplastic Rubber Molding” event recently took place at the Arburg headquarters in Peschiera Borromeo. This operational workshop, moving away from traditional conference logic, saw Arburg and Franplast technicians analyze real-world TPE-S case studies and provide practical countermeasures for production. On the same day, a panel by Women in Plastics Italy and Women@Arburg highlighted female leadership in the plastics sector. The event coincides with Franplast’s 60th anniversary.
Defects in Thermoplastic Rubber Molding: Technical Focus
The proceedings were opened by Cesare Pedone, Sales Director of Arburg Srl, and Elena Franceschetti, CEO of Franplast.
Immediately after, the floor was given to those who work hands-on with the machinery: Luca Adessa (Arburg R&D) and Gabriele Ercole (Franplast R&D). The two technicians dissected typical defects in TPE-S processing, identifying the most likely causes and the countermeasures to apply.
Case Studies: From Polymer Behavior to Machine Parameters
The common thread was clear: every defect in the finished part relates to a process variable, and every variable must be interpreted through the material’s characteristics.
The case studies demonstrated how identical settings can produce vastly different results if the specific rheological behavior of the TPE-S is ignored. The practical benefit for companies is twofold: reduced waste and increased line efficiency.
Women in Plastics: Skills and Female Leadership in the Plastics Sector
In the second half, the event shifted focus to a panel organized by Women in Plastics Italy and Women@Arburg.
Speakers discussed a less-frequented topic in technical meetings: how to build a solid professional path in a rapidly evolving industrial sector and why female under-representation in the plastics industry is no longer sustainable, neither culturally nor competitively.
A Collaboration Looking Toward an International Future
The event concluded with a light lunch, allowing participants to continue the dialogue informally with technicians and association representatives. The meeting marks a concrete step in the collaboration between Arburg and Franplast, aimed at becoming a training and technical reference for the thermoplastic rubber market both domestically and internationally.
