Combat the skilled labor shortage using this comprehensive resource to train your own plastics processing experts.
Deep dive into the basics of blending versus dosing, controls, maintenance, process integration and more. Automotive Injection Molding Companies
This Knowledge Center provides an overview of the considerations needed to understand the purchase, operation, and maintenance of a process cooling system.
Learn about sustainable scrap reprocessing—this resource offers a deep dive into everything from granulator types and options, to service tips, videos and technical articles.
While prices moved up for three of the five commodity resins, there was potential for a flat trajectory for the rest of the third quarter.
By most measures, pricing for the five commodity resins appeared to be holding firm going into the third quarter.
Second quarter started with price hikes in PE and the four volume engineering resins, but relatively stable pricing was largely expected by the quarter’s end.
While the major correction in PP prices was finally underway, generally stable pricing was anticipated for the other four commodity resins.
Despite price increase nominations going into second quarter, it appeared there was potential for generally flat pricing with the exception of a major downward correction for PP.
First quarter was ending up with upward pricing, primarily due to higher feedstock costs and not supply/demand fundamentals.
Resin drying is a crucial, but often-misunderstood area. This collection includes details on why and what you need to dry, how to specify a dryer, and best practices.
Take a deep dive into all of the various aspects of part quoting to ensure you’ve got all the bases—as in costs—covered before preparing your customer’s quote for services.
In this collection of articles, two of the industry’s foremost authorities on screw design — Jim Frankand and Mark Spalding — offer their sage advice on screw design...what works, what doesn’t, and what to look for when things start going wrong.
In this collection, which is part one of a series representing some of John’s finest work, we present you with five articles that we think you will refer to time and again as you look to solve problems, cut cycle times and improve the quality of the parts you mold.
Gifted with extraordinary technical know how and an authoritative yet plain English writing style, in this collection of articles Fattori offers his insights on a variety of molding-related topics that are bound to make your days on the production floor go a little bit better.
In this three-part collection, veteran molder and moldmaker Jim Fattori brings to bear his 40+ years of on-the-job experience and provides molders his “from the trenches” perspective on on the why, where and how of venting injection molds. Take the trial-and-error out of the molding venting process.
Mike Sepe has authored more than 25 ANTEC papers and more than 250 articles illustrating the importance of this interdisciplanary approach. In this collection, we present some of his best work during the years he has been contributing for Plastics Technology Magazine.
In this collection of content, we provide expert advice on welding from some of the leading authorities in the field, with tips on such matters as controls, as well as insights on how to solve common problems in welding.
Mold maintenance is critical, and with this collection of content we’ve bundled some of the very best advice we’ve published on repairing, maintaining, evaluating and even hanging molds on injection molding machines.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
Almost 25 years ago, I stumbled into a career in the plastics industry in a most happy accident.
Processors with sustainability goals or mandates have a number of ways to reach their goals. Biopolymers are among them.
While the melting process does not provide perfect mixing, this study shows that mixing is indeed initiated during melting.
Additive technology creates air pockets in film during orientation, cutting down on the amount of resin needed while boosting opacity, mechanical properties and recyclability.
Aaron Industries added optical sorting to its operation, expanding capabilities to meet the color needs of customers.
Say “manufacturing automation” and thoughts immediately go to the shop floor and specialized production equipment, robotics and material handling systems. But there is another realm of possible automation — the front office.
Core Technology Molding turned to Mold-Masters E-Multi auxiliary injection unit to help it win a job and dramatically change its process.
While prices moved up for three of the five commodity resins, there was potential for a flat trajectory for the rest of the third quarter.
Across the show, sustainability ruled in new materials technology, from polyolefins and engineering resins to biobased materials.
Successfully starting or restarting an injection molding machine is less about ticking boxes on a rote checklist and more about individually assessing each processing scenario and its unique variables.
Topping five other entries in voting by fellow molders, the Ultradent team talks about their Hot Shots sweep.
Serendipitous Learning Opportunities at PTXPO Underscore the Value of Being Present.
Introduced by Zeiger and Spark Industries at the PTXPO, the nozzle is designed for maximum heat transfer and uniformity with a continuous taper for self cleaning.
Ultradent's entry of its Umbrella cheek retractor took home the awards for Technical Sophistication and Achievement in Economics and Efficiency at PTXPO.
technotrans says climate protection, energy efficiency and customization will be key discussion topics at PTXPO as it displays its protemp flow 6 ultrasonic eco and the teco cs 90t 9.1 TCUs.
Shibaura discusses the upcoming Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) March 28-30
Südpack’s Multifol Extreme film is well suited for greasy, protein-rich and frozen foods
Across all process types, sustainability was a big theme at NPE2024. But there was plenty to see in automation and artificial intelligence as well.
Exhibitors and presenters at the plastics show emphasized 3D printing as a complement and aid to more traditional production processes.
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released final figures for NPE2024: The Plastics Show (May 6-10; Orlando) that officially make it the largest ever NPE in several key metrics.
Discover how artifical intelligence is revolutionizing plastics processing. Hear from industry experts on the future impact of AI on your operations and envision a fully interconnected plant.
Sustainability continues to dominate new additives technology, but upping performance is also evident. Most of the new additives have been targeted to commodity resins and particularly polyolefins.
Mixed in among thought leaders from leading suppliers to injection molders and mold makers at the 2023 Molding and MoldMaking conferences will be molders and toolmakers themselves.
After successfully introducing a combined conference for moldmakers and injection molders in 2022, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology are once again joining forces for a tooling/molding two-for-one.
Multiple speakers at Molding 2023 will address the ways simulation can impact material substitution decisions, process profitability and simplification of mold design.
When, how, what and why to automate — leading robotics suppliers and forward-thinking moldmakers will share their insights on automating manufacturing at collocated event.
As self-imposed and government-issued sustainability mandates approach, injection molders reimagine their operations.
August 29-30 in Minneapolis all things injection molding and moldmaking will be happening at the Hyatt Regency — check out who’s speaking on what topics today.
Get your clicking finger in shape and sign up for all that we have in store for you in 2023.
Molding 2023 to take place Aug. 29-30 in Minnesota; Extrusion 2023 slated for Oct. 10-12 in Indiana.
An overview on the use of chemical foaming agents (CFAs) to successfully foam single and multilayered rotational molding parts, this webinar will illustrate the multiple benefits rotational molders can achieve including reducing resin consumption, decreasing part weight, enhancing wall thickness and improving structural rigidity. Agenda: Charging the mold Dosing ratios Venting Optimal decomposition temperatures, cycle times and drop times for drop box applications Cooling considerations
The aim of this presentation is to guide you through the factors and the numbers that will help you determine if a robot is a smart investment for your application. Agenda: Why are you considering automation? What problems are you trying to solve? How and why automation can help Crunch the numbers and determine the ROI
Join this webinar to explore the transformative benefits of retrofitting your existing injection molding machines (IMMs). Engel will guide you through upgrading your equipment to enhance monitoring, control and adaptability — all while integrating digital technologies. You'll learn about the latest trends in IMM retrofitting (including Euromap interfaces and plasticizing retrofits) and discover how to future-proof your machines for a competitive edge. With insights from industry experts, it'll walk you through the decision-making process, ensuring you make informed choices that drive your business forward. Agenda: Maximize the value of your current IMMs through strategic retrofitting Learn how to integrate digital technologies to enhance monitoring and control Explore the benefits of Euromap interfaces and plasticizing retrofits Understand how retrofitting can help meet new product demands and improve adaptability Discover how Engel can support your retrofitting needs, from free consultations to execution
Join KraussMaffei for an insightful webinar designed for industry professionals, engineers and anyone interested in the manufacturing processes of PVC pipes. This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of the technology behind the production of high-quality PVC pipes: from raw material preparation to final product testing. Agenda: Introduction to PVC extrusion: overview of the basic principles of PVC pipe extrusion — including the process of melting and shaping PVC resin into pipe forms Equipment and machinery: detailed explanation of the key equipment involved — such as extruders, dies and cooling systems — and their roles in the extrusion process Process parameters: insight into the critical process parameters like temperature, pressure and cooling rates that influence the quality and consistency of the final PVC pipes Energy efficiency: examination of ways to save material and energy use when extruding PVC pipe products
Join Wittmann for an engaging webinar on the transformative impact of manufacturing execution systems (MES) in the plastic injection molding industry. Discover how MES enhances production efficiency, quality control and real-time monitoring while also reducing downtime. It will explore the integration of MES with existing systems, emphasizing compliance and traceability for automotive and medical sectors. Learn about the latest advancements in IoT and AI technologies and how they drive innovation and continuous improvement in MES. Agenda: Overview of MES benefits What is MES? Definition, role and brief history Historical perspective and evolution Longevity and analytics Connectivity: importance, standards and integration Advantages of MES: efficiency, real-time data, traceability and cost savings Emerging technologies: IoT and AI in MES
In a time where sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, the food and beverage packaging industry is required to be at the forefront of this innovation. By adopting circular packaging processes and solutions, producers can meet regulatory requirements while also satisfying consumer demand and enhancing brand reputation. Join Husky to learn more about the broader implications of the circular economy — as well as how leading brands are leveraging this opportunity to reduce costs, increase design flexibility and boost product differentiation. Agenda: The cost and operational benefits of embracing circularity Key materials in circular packaging — including rPET and emerging bioplastics How to design a circular food and beverage package Strategies for selecting sustainable closures to future-proof packaging solutions Optimization and streamlining of production processes for enhanced efficiency How Husky Technologies can enable your sustainable success
Plastics Technology’s Tech Days is back! Every Tuesday in October, a series of five online presentations will be given by industry supplier around the following topics: Injection Molding — New Technologies, Efficiencies Film Extrusion — New Technologies, Efficiencies Upstream/Downstream Operations Injection Molding — Sustainability Extrusion — Compounding Coming out of NPE2024, PT identified a variety of topics, technologies and trends that are driving and shaping the evolution of plastic products manufacturing — from recycling/recyclability and energy optimization to AI-based process control and automation implementation. PT Tech Days is designed to provide a robust, curated, accessible platform through which plastics professionals can explore these trends, have direct access to subject-matter experts and develop strategies for applying solutions in their operations.
Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).
NPE2024: Lowering barriers to additive manufacturing adoption in toolmaking.
At NPE 2024, attendees are getting a look at what advances in additive manufacturing (AM) can do for plastics processors. Products and services are intended to lower the bar to entry by addressing some of the common causes for trepidation in would-be adopters of additive technologies, casting them more as temporary pains than endemic shortcomings.
The promises of moving beyond traditional methods of making injection mold tooling have been well established. AM technologies can remove design constraints, opening up design geometries that would be difficult or impossible to create by other means. These include conformal cooling channels that can reduce cycle time and enable better heat management to reduce warpage.
Historically, barriers have limited the scope of the impact of advances in additive technologies in toolmaking. The cost of equipment has been high, discouraging would-be customers from taking a risk by purchasing something that may be novel to them. A limited selection of materials could be a discouragement. There is a cost associated with training when changing technologies, particularly when the learning curve is sharp.
These barriers have been ameliorated in recent years by changes in the overall marketplace and technological advances. Suppliers of additive equipment, additively manufactured tooling and services are anticipating an inflection point in adoption. “A lot is happening all at once, like a perfect storm,” says Scott Kraemer, application engineer at Xact Metal.
People who entered the workforce when manufacturing was at its peak are increasingly leaving it, and naturally there is concern at the loss of their finely honed skills in an area like toolmaking.
“We continue to hear about labor shortages and our ability to automate toolmaking so that your toolmaker is spending 10 hours instead of 100 — or even in some scenarios no hours — people really value that,” says Paul DiLaura, chief commercial officer at Mantle.
Mantle is displaying 3d printed tooling alongside transparent models to show cooling channel design. Source: Matt Stonecash
As companies seek to minimize their exposure to succession risks — and supply chain risks — ease of use can be a selling point. Software development and simplification has reduced the time and training needed for adoption.
Each successive product generation brings more capability at lower costs. This can be a significant factor in the adoption of a new technology.
“Moldmakers are creatures of habit. For us to go out and drop $500,000 to $800,000 on a technology we don’t fully understand and then try to figure out how to do it and make a profit is a big challenge,” Kraemer says. Today, equipment suppliers are offering customers solutions at price points closer to the range of what a CNC machine might cost.
A theme visible across many additive applications is an expansion of the available materials compatible with 3D printing processes, as suppliers and service providers look to meet their customers where they are on material needs and preferences.
Mantle recently announced the qualification of 420 stainless steel paste with its P200 printer. This should be of interest for molders who operate in conditions that accelerate corrosion, especially for those whose molding operation can benefit from the use of conformal cooling channels.
“Cleaning cooling channels is part of the maintenance and upkeep that people do with their molds. There is a concern that a steel will rust over time and make it harder to clean or that you have to clean more frequently. With stainless steel, you don’t have that problem,” DiLaura says.
Xact metal is also aiming to appeal to the corrosion averse, recently adding Corrax tool steel to its offerings through its partnership with Uddeholm. Corrax is described as similar in corrosion resistance to a 300 series SS but the mechanical properties of 400 series.
3D printing may be the most recognizable additive technology, but it may not be suited for every application. For example, most printers have a build chamber, capping the size of components that can be printed. “Imagine an application for a car bumper. To print it, it would take ages and the costs would be huge. So other technologies more suitable, in this respect,” says Mario Ivankovic, market reach director of HTS Group. HTS group manufactures molding components using technologies that include direct energy deposition, diffusion bonding, and 3D printing.
Given the diversity of needs in injection molding, it’s unlikely that one product or even one technology will fit all. Scott Kraemer says, “If you look at CNC machining and wire EDM machines, EDM didn’t replace CNC. It’s another tool in your toolbox, to get the job done.”
Learn about the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing/additive manufacturing.
Spectrum Plastics Group offers customers two technology hubs — one for extrusion, the other for additive manufacturing — to help bring ground-breaking products to market faster.
A development and manufacturing service provider is using dissolvable molds to build injection molded silicone prototypes.
Long established in injection molding, extrusion and polyurethane reaction process machinery, 184-yr-old KraussMaffei prepares to enter the industrial additive manufacturing market.
With advocacy, communication and sustainability as three main pillars, Seaholm leads a trade association to NPE that ‘is more active today than we have ever been.’
Plastics processors are finding applications for 3D printing around the plant and across the supply chain. Here are 8 examples to look for at NPE2024.
A collaboration between show organizer PLASTICS, recycler CPR and size reduction experts WEIMA and Conair recovered and recycled all production scrap at NPE2024.
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