COVER STORY NPE in 3-D All forms of 3-D Printing and additive manufacturing tools & techniques will be on display at NPE2015 By Geoff Giordano From SPE Get Connected… with The Chain! Maximum Density at NPE2015 and ANTEC® Orlando By Jon Evans Schedules (and buildings) will be packed with events this March Good Connections By Pat Toensmeier Metal or Plastic? By Andreas Kuerten, Sigrid ter Heide, Cedric Ball, and Frank Beyerl Thermosets solve an automotive design dilemma Plastics Joining in Medical Devices: Choosing the Right Technology By Tom Hoover Medical applications are demanding more from plastics joining methods Plastics Deliver Hope—and Sustainability—in Developing Countries By American Chemistry Council Millions of lives are being improved by unique plastic products CONSULTANT’S CORNER Plastics Filling Simulation Software: A 30-Year Journey By Mark Rosen Reflecting a little on the past reveals winning strategies for using today’s simulation software INSIDE SPI News about the state of the plastics industry and more, from SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association DEPARTMENTS Energy-Saving Tip By Dr. Robin Kent Industry Patents By Dr. Roger Corneliussen Industry News Upcoming Industry Events Market Place Advertiser Index About the cover: Arburg’s Freeformer 3-D-prints parts in thermoplastic resins—producing no dust or emissions while producing functional, customizable parts (original image courtesy of Arburg). www.4spe.org