3a
Convencion IberoAmericano de la Industria Rotomoldeo
Cancun
,
Mexico
19
- 22 November 2008
The 3rd South American Convention on Rotational Molding took place in
Cancun
on November 19-22 hosted by Polimeros Mexicanos. Held at the Iberostar
all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya, more than 75 people from 14 different
countries representing South and
Central America
and the
Caribbean
attended. Two and a half days of presentations and workshops were complemented
by the ‘RotoShow’ tradeshow.
In opening the event, Ing. José Antonio Gómez Chacòn,
Director General of Polimeros Mexicanos, acknowledged that these are uncertain
times as financial problems unfold around the world. “However,” he said,
“this the best time to take action, when forward thinking companies can
improve in terms of innovation, productivity, efficiency, diversification and
international alliances.” The purpose of the event was to allow molders the
opportunity to interact with international speakers and other molders so that
they could gather information to help in these areas.
Ing. José Antonio Gómez Rossillo followed with a talk
entitled “Risks and Opportunities in a Time of Crisis”, reviewing the
financial situation in Mexico and pointing out that South America was still
almost virgin territory for rotomolding and that regions such as Brazil still
represented good opportunities. He pointed to furniture, energy generation,
irrigation channels and automotive parts as possible targets for new products.
Ing. Rafael Blanco, President of the Mexican Institute of the Plastics Industry
(IMPI), followed with “The Future of Plastics”, an interesting picture of
where rotomolding in Mexico and in general fits within the world picture for
plastics processing. Of the estimated 100,000 plastics companies in the world,
3,500 are located in
Mexico
and 55 (1.6%) of those are rotomolders. He encouraged the industry to think
about a dedicated research center for rotational molding in
Mexico
and listed many examples of existing and potential rotomolding parts. Paul
Nugent presented “The Perfect CycleTM” encouraging molders to
seek out existing technology to help improve their operations and to incorporate
process control to improve quality and speed up cycles. Ing. Jorge Eduardo Gómez
Chacòn presented a comprehensive picture of the opportunities for polyester
glass fiber molding from automotive parts to large scale pieces including RTM
using injection in combination with vacuum. “The Latest Technology for Oven
Machines and a New System from 493K”, presented by Carlos Garcia of Reduction
International, covered the recent success of Rotoline machines across five
continents and showed the latest large scale rock & roll machines for
producing boats in the
UK
. A new system for ‘dynamic cooling’ with interchangeable molds was shown
along with the new red/amber/green simplified system from 493K Ltd. The morning
session was completed by motivational speaker Helios Herrera who provided an
entertaining look at ways to improve sales by encouraging sales people to become
more like consultants and try to help customers to buy rather than simply sell
to them. In the afternoon, a series of workshops included live demonstration of
molding using open flame machinery, quality control tools for molders, mold
design, glass fiber lay-up and machine design brainstorming.
Day two began with a tribute to Chiry Vassallo of Vassallo
Industries in
Puerto Rico
who sadly passed away last year. Polimeros Mexicanos has created an annual
award in his honor which will be presented to a molder in
South America
who has demonstrated innovation and drive. The first recipient was Mario Peňa
Lara of Ecotank Rotomolding from
Costa Rica
who was presented the award by José Valls of Vassallo Industries who read a
letter of thanks from Chiry’s wife Olga. Jose Antonio then introduced two new
materials from Polimeros Mexicanos, Rotolene-S (improved UV) and Rotolene-HP
(improved processability) and was followed by “Developments in Molds for
Rotational Molding” by Sandy Scaccia who reviewed the various methods of
mold-making available and their relative merits; he also presented data showing
how ‘Profit Pins’ were able to speed up cycles and control wall thickness.
Paul Nugent then presented the first of two parts of an advanced session on
rotational covering material selection and optimizing the rotational molding
process. More workshops in the afternoon left the attendees hungry and they were
not disappointed as the entire group was taken aboard a pair of galleons
recreating the ‘Black Pearl’ complete with pirate crew and non-stop
entertainment including a live boarding by the crew of another ship!
The conference wrapped up on Saturday morning with the
second half of the advanced course from Paul Nugent covering machine design and
operation and a closing session from Helios Herrara. Helios left us with an
intriguing answer as to the question “How old are you?”. He told us to
forget about the years already counted and concentrate on those we have left –
what will you do with the time you still have? Who will you inspire?
José Valls (left) of Vassallo Industries presenting the Chiry Vassallo Award to
Mario Peňa Lara (right) of Ecotank Rotomolding in Costa Rica with
Katherinne Ortiz Marin and Jose Antonio Gómez Chacòn center.
Conference
attendees getting to know one another!
Rotoshow attendees
visiting the booths and products on display.
Polimeros
Mexicanos Staff and Customers Relaxing on board the ‘Black Pearl’
Carlos, Katherinne,
Jose Antonio, Paul and Sandy
Orla, Johnny Depp
and Paul
Conference attendees aboard ship
