New show focuses on hybrid components

Exhibition organiser Messe Munchen is launching a new show focused on hybrid parts and components. The event – called hybridica – will take place in Munich alongside the global electronics exhibition electronica from 11 to 14 November. Initially, the event will concentrate on the design, development and manufacture of components that combine metal and plastic. But future events are likely to expand to encompass electronics integration. According to the exhibition organiser, 60% of all stamped metal parts are combined with plastic – either directly or indirectly – in the production process. Kurt Schraudy, pictured, head of Messe Munchen’s new technologies business unit, said: “Combining metal and plastic not only makes it possible to improve the properties of the respective materials, but also allows new functions to be created. Hybrid components give rise to properties that cannot be achieved using homogeneous components.” He added that hybrid components can also reduce production costs by up to 80%.