The survey of engineers, industrial designers and manufacturing professionals from a cross-section of industries also points to a dip in plastics manufacturing projects this year.

In-mold electronics integrates printed electronic circuitry in thermoforming and injection molding processes, embedding the circuitry within the polymer component. DuraTech and TactoTek Oy are two companies that are advancing adoption of the technology.

Several materials suppliers active in the medical space showcased innovations at last week’s co-located Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West and PLASTEC West trade show and conference in Anaheim, CA. Here are some that stood out.

Workforce development topped the American Mold Builders Association survey for the fourth year in a row, with 93% of respondents citing it as the biggest challenge.