TAlking about the I SPE Plastics Evolution Conference: From Molding to 3D Printing and the Partnership with Equiplast

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Interview with Dr. Raed Al- Zubi about
the I Plastics E-Volution Conference:
From Molding to 3D Printing
Raed Al-Zubi is the new president of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), the
organization that represents more than 20,000 plastic engineers around the world which
is currently celebrating its 75 anniversary. Al-Zubi will be taking part in the “I SPE
Plastics e-Volution Conference: From Molding to 3D Printing” which will be held at
Equiplast 2017.
Source: EQUIPLAST
Question: What is the main objective of the first SPE Plastics e-Volution Conference that you are organizing at
Equiplast 2017?
“I believe that we have a number of main objectives that we are looking to achieve. Our Society is committed to
embracing and enabling relevant cutting-edge technologies impacting our industry now and into the future; Additive
Manufacturing /3D printing is one such technology that we believe will greatly benefit from the science and materials
of plastics. Our newly established Special Interest Group(SIG) will insure that the interested plastics professional will
have access to the highest quality platform for expanding their knowledge and networking opportunities and this
conference is a fitting example.
Our global society strongly believes in collaboration with industry peers, like Equiplast. This provides the plastics
professional and the industry as a whole a comprehensive and relevant platform addressing a wide range of topics,
applications, technologies, manufacturing processes driving the growth of Additive Manufacturing today. This
conference is a representation of such effective collaboration.”

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Dr. Raed Al-Zubi, the President of the Society
of Plastics Engineers: "Plastics are a
contributor for a better world "
You were recently elected president of the SPE. What are the objectives of your tenure as president?
“Whether it's the President of the Society or any member of our volunteer leadership, our primary objective is support
our Sections, Divisions, and Special Interest Groups in their goal of serving the SPE customer; the plastics professional
and our valued industry. This you will find as a central theme of any President to the Society.
For me in specific, and as highlighted in my year's theme of "It's our future, lets embrace it" our Society could not be
in a better place to serve our customer through a wide range of valued added services and solutions. One example is
THE CHAIN our web based communication platform where plastics professionals can connect with their peers and
throughout the world. It's an exceptional communication platform to share information, insights, and as important
network with each other as communities and as technical groups. Another example, our weekly newsletter PLASTICS
INSIGHT that provides a focused and tailored inside look at our industry. “
In this respect, what challenges are plastics engineers having to deal with?
“One challenge that I would like to highlight is that with the age of the internet, came a massive explosion in the
availability of information and content. When it comes to basic or generic information, one can only access any of the
available search engines to get the desired. However, our industry with its continued expansion into high-end cutting-
edge applications, such as what this conference is addressing, a greater need for accessing specialized and sometimes
highly technical knowledge is now needed. Here our Society provides the solution to this challenge through its relevant
events and it's continually expanding and searchable data base.”
In spite of the numerous advantages of plastics, they have many detractors and there are even some countries
legislating against them. Why do you think plastics have such a bad image?
“Before I address this question, we first need to reaffirm the importance of plastics in the betterment of our lives. One
can only look at the medical industry and see how plastics continues to play any important part in saving lives. Also,
when we look at the environment which we all have a vested interest to protect, plastics have had a direct impact on
reducing carbon emissions through their light weight properties which we find in automobiles and in many packaging
applications that have displaced the more heavier metal and plastic alternatives. Plastics is a contributor for good.
As a Society, we acknowledge that we have a responsibility when it comes to plastic waste which is a contributor to
the negative image that sometimes is associated with plastics. Even though, it is recognized that this is impacted by
human behaviour and awareness about the proper disposable of plastics articles, we cannot but be an active
participant in finding sustainable solutions. Here I would like to highlight the proactive work that is being carried out
by our Society in the area of bioplastics especially by our dedicated Bioplastics Special lnterest Group that is focused
on promoting an open exchange of scientific and engineering knowledge on the subject with an emphasis on "Cradle-
to- Cradle" solutions. “
What does the sector need to do to readress this situation?
“Simple, we need to get involved and engaged in the discussion and more importantly identifying the required
sustainable solutions. “
And what about the political powers? In this respect, is the situation in the United States very different from that
of Europe?

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“Indeed, we see two different trends between these two regions; for the USA, the Shale Oil / Gas has been a game
changer for our industry. We see continued investments and growth in the chemical and polymer production sector
while Europe looks for differentiation and specialization. “
And finally, what do you hope to achieve by holding the conference as part of Equiplast?
“Establish a strong starting foundation for this conference and our collaboration with Equiplast such that we see it
occurring periodically in the future. Also, our participants are delighted with their participation; where they are
enriched with the speakers, papers, and talks presented; exposed to the latest trends impacting Additives
Manufactures thus enhancing their capabilities as plastics professionals and in turn continue to strengthen our
Industry. “
With this Conference a new technical Networking Group is being formed: We are a technical interest group working
around the 3D Printing Technologies. We are a part of the Society of Plastics Engineers. The aim of this group is to
provide a platform for our participants to attend technical conferences, network with colleagues, publish and present
technical information and research, and stay current with news and information through the Special Interest Group
newsletters and conference proceedings.
We want to promote the knowledge sharing and creation among our members. The subjects to be developed initially
are listed below:
Virtual Models
STL, AMF, Voxelization, FEA Simulation
Properties Testing
New Standards, Characterization
Fused Filament Fabrication
Biocompatible & Thermoplastic
Materials
Photosensitive Resins
Vat Polymerization, Material Jetting
Powdered Thermoplastics
Powder Bed Fusion
Supply Chain Innovation
REGISTER NOW TO THE CONFERENCE AND ENJOY THE
NICE WEATHER OF OCTOBER AT THE BEAUTIFUL
BARCELONA AND THE BARCELONA INDUSTRY WEEK
From today 15/08/201750 days are missing
Register Here:
I SPE Plastics e-Volution Conference: From Molding to 3D Printing