Roth Plastic Technology: Focus on process combination and substitution

The approach is to develop plastic components not exclusively from the perspective of a single manufacturing process. Already in the concept and research phase, the material, component geometry, function, number of pieces and manufacturing process are to be evaluated together. The aim is to determine suitable material combinations and process chains to the respective consumption and, where appropriate, to connect several plastics processing methods to one another.

In material substitution, existing materials are checked in particular with regard to technical traits, availability, costs and sustainability aspects. Alternative materials can therefore be considered if the required component traits are retained. Functional integration, on the other hand, pursues the goal of bringing together several functions in one component. As a result, additional individual parts, assembly steps or interfaces can be omitted. A prerequisite is a coordinated design of construction, material and manufacturing processes.

Process substitution pertains to the manufacturing process itself. Existing production routes can be replaced by other methods or by combined process chains, provided that this results in technical or economic advantages. In particular in the case of complex components, this can result in additional degrees of freedom in terms of geometry, functional scope and choice of material.

Roth Plastic methodology classifies these approaches into a consistent research and manufacturing concept. The range of services ranges from construction and component design to material and process selection to series production. The cross-procedural analysis should be relevant above all to components in which material changes, functional integration or alternative production routes have to be taken into account at an early research phase.

The trade fair will again take place together with Oni-Wärettrafo GmbH. The cooperation concerns the joint appearance at the Fakuma 2026; further technical joint projects are not specified in the available information.

Fakuma 2026, Friedrichshafen, 12–16 October. October 2026, Hall A5, Stand 5103