Call for Papers 2026

Become a Speaker now:

We ask for presentations to be submitted from the following topic areas:

1. Plastic Components for Interior and Exterior

• Thermoplastics
• Thermosets
• Elastomers
• Foams

2. Circular Use of Materials

• Implementation of the ELV Directive (e.g. recycled content quotas, dismantling)
• Economical use of recyclates
• Circular design of components
• Use of sustainable compounds and recyclates
• Use of renewable raw materials
• Recycling processes and material recovery

3. Use of AI

• Process optimization to minimize scrap, cycle time, and energy consumption
• Quality assurance through camera-based inspection
• Predictive maintenance to prevent failures and anticipate maintenance needs

4. Production, Manufacturing & Process Technology

• Simulation and method development (e.g. digital twin)
• Tooling technology for plastic components
• Additive manufacturing processes
• Production in the smart factory

5. Innovative Surfaces

• Customization of plastic components
• Mold-in-color
• Design variation development
• Modularization
• Paint substitution processes
• Imitation of electroplated surfaces
• Smart soft-touch surfaces, textile surfaces

6. Integration of E/E Systems into Plastic Components

• Integration of sensors, actuators, antennas, conductive tracks, LEDs, etc.
• Light integration
• Display design

7. Lightweight Engineering Solutions

• High-performance materials
• Material substitution
• Hybrid components
• Fiber-reinforced composites

8. Plastic Components in the Defense Sector

• Technology transfer between defense and automotive
• Defense-specific requirements
• Material and manufacturing solutions

Dates:
Deadline for Abstracts: September 11, 2026
Notification of Authors: Beginning of October 2026

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ben Hees (hees@vdi.de).