The network

The Frankonia Plastics Network (KNF) was established by initiative of enterprises of the plastics industry based on the conviction that dialogue and cooperation between enterprises is fruitful for all sides. A platform for mutual exchange was initiated to allow companies to exchange technical information and give them the opportunity to find common solutions for their often similar problems.
The emphasis is on information management and exchange of experience on all company levels.

Main activities

Our network has two main fields of activity: managing joint projects in materials design and process development and optimisation, and organising technical workshops and conferences. This leads to clear-cut market-oriented R&D support. Furthermore, the North Bavaria Materials Innovation Net offers a platform for involving all departments of a company - from management to R&D to the skilled engineering worker level - in finding common solutions for the daily challenges of industrial practice.
Additional services are the organisation of fair and exhibition stands and investigations on the state-of-the-art of required technologies in preparation of projects. The goal of the working teams is to develop joint, novel solutions which go beyond the materials sector.
One of these solutions - the "Qualification Concept for Plastics Process Coordinators" – was awarded a prize by Kompetenznetze Deutschland in the competition "Network of Competence 2008 – Best Network Service".
The North Bavaria Materials Innovation Net bridges the gap between industry, science, and politics. Furthermore, it acts as a cradle for novel topics in order to strengthen the innovativity of regional companies.
The large scope of choices and activities creates synergetic effects, thus offering a wide product assortment to materials-based regional companies.

The technological focus

The processing of polymeric materials along the value chain is the focus of our work. KNF brings the actors together in "competition-free" situations, offering them the chance to work on self-defined technological problems.

By involving all company levels, it is possible to generate comprehensive solutions. Cooperation between plastic processors, tool makers and technology-oriented suppliers creates greater transparency for all as far as the current state of plastics technology is concerned. This makes quick, non-bureaucratic, mutual support possible for all participants and shortens the start-up times of cooperation projects. Mutual support ranges from resource sharing to information and experience sharing concerning processes and technologies up to joint education and training.

Highlights

In technology-oriented task groups, novel approaches to surface treatment have been developed. Thus, for example, the intelligent combination of known processes made it possible to apply a high-quality coat of paint to a hitherto uncoatable plastic surface. There is an intensive exchange of views on all facets of plastic processing, from toolmaking to the end product and from automation technology to energy efficiency.

Implementing a new training concept

In a training programme accompanied by scientific monitoring, plastic specialists are being trained to become generalists with the task of preventing efficiency losses at interfaces within individual companies as well as across company borders. In February 2008, this concept was awarded a prize by Kompetenznetze Deutschland as the "Best Network Service." In addition, the network designs and implements cross-company training programmes and services.

Design and implementation of an education initiative in the plastics industry

The project "MyPlastics – Your Future with Plastics" is intended to encourage qualified young people to apply for technical jobs in the plastics industry. Through information sessions in schools, the information base of the pupils concerning training offers and content is widened.