I like how Engel frames the announcement of its virtual event scheduled for October: “In a year that will not let the Fakuma show happen. . . .” Yes, the year is a perp. My sentiment precisely.

So, since we can’t physically gather in enclosed spaces and “there is plenty going on in the Engel R&D pipeline,” to quote Christoph Steger, Chief Scientific Officer, the injection molding machine maker is inviting plastics professionals to a virtual trade fair. Engel will present the innovations it originally planned for Fakuma via online exhibits. Conference sessions and one-on-one meetings also will be part of the “live e-xperience 2020” on Oct. 13 to 16.

Visitors to the virtual trade fair can set up appointments with Engel staff prior to the event. Meetings take place via video conferencing using Microsoft Teams. 

Machines will be running at Engel’s technology centre in Schwertberg, Austria, and attendees will be able to explore the new machine concepts and process technologies via videos. There is also an experience zone tailored to the interests of process engineers, production managers, and maintenance staff. Group-specific tasks will be presented that can be easily and efficiently solved using Engel’s inject 4.0 products. Participants will experience digitalization first hand as they do a test run working remotely in a smart factory, said Engel.

Five conference sessions will focus on smart machine controls, data analytics, digital service concepts, innovative automation solutions, and new processing technologies. “The Engel live e-xperience is a live event,” stressed Steger, and attendees will be able to ask questions using the Microsoft Teams chat function and participate in a live discussion at the end of each presentation. The four-day event kicks off with a keynote by Engel CEO Stefan Engleder on Oct. 13.

Registration begins on Sept. 21. For more information, go to the EngelExperience page.