CHINAPLAS Through an Expert Lens: Vyacheslav Ponomarev on Mold Innovation and Automation Trends

CHINAPLAS 2025: Highlights, Trends, and Automation Insights

The recent CHINAPLAS 2025 exhibition in Shenzhen showcased cutting-edge plastics and rubber technologies, reinforcing its reputation as one of Asia's leading industry events. Vyacheslav Ponomarev, head of KB PRESS-FORMA, provided a clear and practical overview of key highlights in a video report by Rosmould & 3D-TECH, emphasizing meaningful discussions around innovation, automation, and specialized mold manufacturing.

Watch the original video: https://youtu.be/c_kn7mE7rEU

Key Technologies Featured:

• Multi-Material Molding: A retrofit rotary table for standard injection machines allowed easy production of components using three different materials—without needing an entirely new machine.

• High-Speed Micro Molding: Innovative three-plate mold solutions for small items like centrifuge tubes achieved ultra-fast cycle times of just 13 seconds, thanks to robotic handling.

• High-Output Spoon Mold: A remarkable 64-cavity mold produced disposable spoons in only 12 seconds per cycle—perfect for mass production scenarios.

• Cable Tie Automation Line: Cold-runner systems combined with robotic handling significantly reduced material waste and manual labor.

• In-Mold Color Mixing: A clever Y-shaped barrel design enabled two-tone product manufacturing from a conventional setup, simplifying complex processes.

• Transparent Mold Demonstrations: Unique see-through molds showcased standard components like air valves and internal threading mechanisms, offering excellent educational value.

• Fully Automated Packaging Lines: Complete automation from molding to packaging eliminated human intervention, improving efficiency and consistency.

Why Automation Matters:

Vyacheslav highlighted automation as a crucial industry trend. Companies implementing "lights-out" or fully automated production lines are setting the standard for quality, efficiency, and cost reduction. He vividly contrasted these advanced systems with outdated manual processes, emphasizing that automation isn't just an advantage—it's now essential.

China's Growing Mold Expertise:

Chinese mold manufacturers have significantly closed the quality gap with their European counterparts. They're praised not just for high-quality standards (such as ISO 9001 certification and rapid DFM reporting within 24–48 hours), but also for their flexible and responsive communication—critical for international partnerships.

However, he advised carefully selecting specialized suppliers. A company renowned for small precision parts might not excel with larger molds, like furniture components. Matching suppliers to your project's specifics—such as material type, product size, and production volume—is crucial.

Future Trends: Sustainability and Data Integration:

Another key trend at CHINAPLAS was the integration of sustainability and data tracking systems. Manufacturers increasingly connect molding equipment to data management systems (MES/ERP), enabling real-time monitoring of energy usage and waste. This positions companies to meet future carbon footprint and sustainability requirements more effectively.

Next Steps – Rosmould 2025 in Moscow:

Meet KB PRESS-FORMA in Moscow

• Rosmould • Rosplast • 3D-TECH 2025
  17–19 June, Crocus Expo, booth 3S14

• June 18 seminar: “What You Should Know Before Ordering a Mold in China”

Admission and B2B matchmaking are free with online pre-registration. More info: https://en.rosmould.ru/

Join the Conversation: Which automation solution from CHINAPLAS do you think could transform your operations the most? Share your thoughts with us!

✦ This article summarizes key points from Vyacheslav Ponomarev’s video interview shared on the official Rosmould & 3D-TECH YouTube channel. All credits belong to the original creators.