MOULDS and PLASTICS 2025: "Even after 30 years in the plastics industry, I always learn something new!"

The lecture hall was full for every presentation. Conference participants know well that when they “make time” to gain information at a conference, they will have more time at their companies.

Conference participants agreed that it was impossible to say which presentation was the “best”; all of them brought something new and/or allowed them to recognise or recall many things they actually already knew to some extent, but had tucked away somewhere deep in a “drawer” in their minds amid the rush of work. The coaching zone was designed not only for these participants, providing space for “maintenance” of their own thoughts as well.

The presentation by Aleše Kohoutka addressed the importance of a clear corporate strategy and vision, and also invited participants to the coaching zone, which they had the opportunity to try completely free of charge at the conference. Slavomír Láznička highlighted the importance of effective process management in his presentation and explained what “invisible” losses can occur in companies. Conference participants greatly appreciated the comprehensive range of presentations. Optimisation and efficiency were also the common denominator of the presentation by Zdeňka Růžičky (SimulPlast), which focused on reducing manufacturing costs in companies through effective analysis in the preparatory stage of the production process. Among others, participants also rated highly the presentation on the possibilities of mould optimisation using tactile measurement and laser scanning by Lenky Hárendarčíkové (3DTEC). 

Tomáš Gřeš from PEKAT s.r.o. addressed a very topical subject in his presentation, namely artificial intelligence and its use in the visual inspection of moulded parts. “Inexpensive to operate does not mean inexpensive to manufacture,” explained Jan Svoboda ml. (JAN SVOBODA s.r.o.), in his brief but impactful presentation, which explored how to understand injection mould costs correctly. Michael Ondraschek from M. A. S. Automation gave a presentation on automation, which naturally increases the efficiency of production (and warehousing) processes. The key to efficient production? It is the correct evaluation of data and real-time production management, as demonstrated by the presentation by Tomáše Hradského from PHARIS. One of the topics that captured the audience's interest was laser cutting of runner systems, addressed in the presentation by Ondřej Kotrs and Karol Flimel from LASCAM systems.

The company JAN SVOBODA s.r.o. helps not only its clients and their customers face challenges in production, but also those overcoming obstacles in life. As part of the launch of the publication Plastic Injection Moulding 3, conference participants therefore had a unique opportunity to purchase one of twenty copies of a special edition and thus support the Paralympic swimmers' club SK KONTAKT BRNO, which represents Czechia at the Paralympic Games and the World Para Swimming Championships.

The programme of the first day of the conference concluded with the launch of the book Plastic Injection Moulding 3 by Mr Lubomíra Zemana. The highlight was the evening reception with a hot and cold buffet.

The conference programme continued on the second day. The advantages of electric vertical injection moulding machines, not only in terms of productivity and ergonomics, were addressed by Zbyněk Petrla from JSW Machines and Marcel Guzi from JAN SVOBODA. An expense or an investment? Short-term savings or long-term stability and growth? These almost Shakespearean questions were posed in the presentation by René Skýpala from ZNÁME ŘEŠENÍ – who explained why everyone aiming for their company's long-term prosperity and competitiveness should ask themselves these questions. Jaroslav Skoták addressed the issue of crisis procurement in his presentation, namely what procurement could and should do – but often does not. Conference participants agreed that mould cooling is important and that cooling water quality is crucial. How optimum cooling water quality can be achieved with unique magnetic filtration from JAN SVOBODA was the subject of a presentation by Aleš Ausperger from Libeos. The conference marathon concluded with a highly acclaimed presentation on polishing, delivered by Jan Hrbek from Šlechta.

We thank all the speakers and conference participants for helping us maintain its high professional standard.