This Knowledge Center provides an overview of the considerations needed to understand the purchase, operation, and maintenance of a process cooling system.

Trade show visitors can experience a demonstration of plasma treatment and printing on polypropylene (PP), which is a material that has a low surface energy that makes it challenging for inks to adhere properly. Plasmatreat is showcasing its technology inside an SAR Automation LP work cell utilizing process automation with a KUKA industrial robot. Through a live demonstration, visitors are able to see how the technology can enhance the surface tension to greatly improve printability as a PP frisbee is treated with plasma and then printed on a Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e flatbed UV inkjet printer.

With Micro-AM, designers are no longer constrained by the limitations of conventional machining or moulding processes, which often restrict the shapes and geometries that can be produced. Instead, Micro-AM enables the creation of highly intricate and complex designs, such as lattice structures, interlocking parts, and miniaturised features. This newfound design freedom empowers engineers and designers to explore unconventional concepts, experiment with novel shapes, and push the boundaries of what is possible. As a result, product development becomes an iterative and creative process, encouraging the generation of innovative ideas and driving the evolution of products and technologies.

Exhibitors and presenters at the plastics show emphasized 3D printing as a complement and aid to more traditional production processes.

Some of the most advanced Micro-AM hardware systems available on the market enable designers and manufacturers to exploit the ability that exists through 3D printing to build complex parts in small, medium, and high volumes in a timely and cost-effective fashion.

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

DRST opens up the possibility of small and even medium and high-volume batch manufacturing depending upon part size and geometric complexity. Manufacturers can produce numerous replacement tools at extremely low cost. For the cost of one aluminium precise mould, which costs about $10K, it is possible to manufacture 500 soft moulds, each producing hundreds of shots, leading to large amounts of final parts through a significantly faster process. In addition, each tool can be adapted as required, opening up the possibility of speed to first part out, and the ability to correct during the manufacturing process according to market and customer needs.

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.

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.

As Micro-AM matures as a process, not just for prototyping but for true production, there is an excitement about what the future may hold for medium-to high-volume manufacturing.  There has recently been increased interest in using Micro-AM for the production of mould tools themselves, so called Direct Rapid Soft Tooling (DRST). DRST is especially well suited to scenarios when the goal is small series production where the cost of a traditionally manufactured tool is prohibitive, and it is also much easier and inexpensive to apply design changes. In addition, increased tool complexity can be accommodated at no extra expense.

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.

When, how, what and why to automate — leading robotics suppliers and forward-thinking moldmakers will share their insights on automating manufacturing at collocated event.

Ultradent's entry of its Umbrella cheek retractor took home the awards for Technical Sophistication and Achievement in Economics and Efficiency at PTXPO.

Plastics Technology covers technical and business Information for Plastics Processors in Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, Plastic Additives, Compounding, Plastic Materials, and Resin Pricing. About Us

This month’s resin pricing report includes PT’s quarterly check-in on select engineering resins, including nylon 6 and 66.

With Micro Additive Manufacturing continuing to establish itself as the go-to technology option for manufacturers, Ziki Peled, GM – Additive Division at Nano Dimension, looks at its potential to transform the way miniature polymer parts are designed and produced.

Join Engel in exploring the future of battery molding technology. Discover advancements in thermoplastic composites for battery housings, innovative automation solutions and the latest in large-tonnage equipment designed for e-mobility — all with a focus on cost-efficient solutions. Agenda: Learn about cutting-edge thermoplastic composites for durable, sustainable and cost-efficient battery housings Explore advanced automation concepts for efficient and scalable production See the latest large-tonnage equipment and technology innovations for e-mobility solutions

Micro-AM's ability to produce functional prototypes with complex geometries also facilitates the validation of designs before full-scale production. Engineers can test various designs, dimensions, and tolerances without incurring substantial costs or long lead times. This iterative approach enhances the quality and reliability of final products by identifying and rectifying potential issues at the early stages of development.

By reducing the time spent on traditional manufacturing setup and tooling, Micro-AM minimises production delays. This capability is particularly valuable in industries where fast response times are crucial, such as consumer electronics and aerospace, enabling companies to bring products to market swiftly and efficiently. Micro-AM also enables "just-in-time" production, where components are fabricated exactly when and where they are needed. This lean manufacturing approach reduces the need for extensive inventory management, leading to cost savings and improved supply chain efficiency.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Furthermore, Micro-AM facilitates the production of custom designs tailored to specific applications, enabling personalised solutions that were previously unfeasible. This customisation potential extends to a wide range of industries. In electronics, for example, custom Micro-AM components can be designed to fit complex electronic assemblies or integrate seamlessly into miniaturised devices. This design freedom fosters a culture of innovation, where products can be optimised for specific purposes, leading to enhanced performance, efficiency, and user experience.

The time and cost associated with the fabrication of conventional micro tooling for micro injection moulding has led to a sustained focus on the creation of Micro-AM produced DRST for short run production parts and functional prototypes. Indeed, via our own Fabrica line of 3D printers, we have fine-tuned the manufacture of DRST through a combination of design optimisation, material improvements in respect of temperature resistance and strength, and process improvements (focusing on improving the impact pressure and stiffness of the printed soft tool). The aim is the handling of tougher injection conditions and a bigger array of injected materials.

I tend to agree, based on my experience with every single piece of consumer electronic or electrical equipment I´ve purchased over the last 20 years...

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.

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.

At NPE, 60-year-old Athena reintroduces itself as a vendor of standard control platforms customized for maximum utility and economy.

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.

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.

Plasma treatment proves effective not only in printing applications but also in enhancing adhesion. This process significantly boosts the surface's wettability, thereby increasing its ability to adhere. Plasma treatment provides improved bond strength for adhesives and coatings, as well as improves the printability of the material.

Across all process types, sustainability was a big theme at NPE2024. But there was plenty to see in automation and artificial intelligence as well.

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.

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 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.

Plasmatreat has solutions for all industries. They focus on industrial-scale microfine cleaning, activation and coating of surfaces made from all types of plastics, and composites — materials that are used in multiple sectors of manufacturing. In extruding plastic films, printing and bonding of nonpolar materials such as PP, PE and recycled materials, Openair-Plasma is a key technology for cost-effective and environmentally responsible manufacturing. Plasmatreat enables hard-to-bond material combinations for the next generation of product development through partnership and innovation.

In some highly competitive market niches, time-to-market is a critical factor for success. Micro-AM expedites the product development and manufacturing process, giving companies a competitive edge. As micro-AM allows for rapid prototyping and low-volume production on-demand, companies can quickly respond to changing market demands and emerging trends.

Additive technology creates air pockets in film during orientation, cutting down on the amount of resin needed while boosting opacity, mechanical properties and recyclability.

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.

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

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.

Historically, producing prototype runs of micro plastic products has involved expensive and time-consuming processes, such as micro-injection moulding or micro-machining. These traditional manufacturing processes typically require the creation of specialised moulds or tooling, making it impractical for small-scale production or rapid iteration. Micro-AM, however, introduces a cost-effective and “rapid” prototyping solution for micro plastic components.

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.

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) has made significant strides in transforming traditional manufacturing processes. Among the various applications of 3D printing, micro additive manufacturing (Micro-AM) has emerged as a disruptive force in the production and prototyping of micro plastic products and components. This technology has the potential to revolutionise the way manufacturers design and manufacture miniature plastic parts for a wide range of industries, including electronics, medical devices, aerospace, and more.

It is usually the case that when AM produced DRST and traditional injection moulding are compared, the savings in terms of product development time and cost are seen as the most compelling benefits for using AM. However, the fact that AM is agnostic to complexity means that AM produced DRST could also stimulate innovation in product design and manufacture. As mentioned, AM can achieve very complex geometries at zero added cost and geometries impossible using conventional processes, and as such is positioned as a key enabling technology driving the production of cutting-edge products as well as shortening the product development cycle. This is because it is quite often the case that product design updates are shelved by manufacturers due to the cost of new traditional moulds.

Multiple speakers at Molding 2023 will address the ways simulation can impact material substitution decisions, process profitability and simplification of mold design.

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.

DRST unlocks new business possibilities for mould makers and manufacturers who up until this point have been restricted to the use of long lead time and expensive traditionally manufactured mould tools for the achievement of any volume of moulding, from prototype runs all the way through to mass manufacture. Positive results today stimulate the business case for a process chain that includes DRST, with a dramatically shorter lead time of around a few hours from file to injected part and at costs reduced from thousands of dollars to tens.

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.

Pioneering advancements and forward-thinking initiatives in plastics manufacturing is the focus of Plasmatreat at NPE2024. With its Openair-Plasma technology, the world market leader for atmospheric plasma treatment presents a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional surface cleaning and activation for plastics.

While the major correction in PP prices was finally underway, generally stable pricing was anticipated for the other four commodity resins.

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

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.

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).

Core Technology Molding turned to Mold-Masters E-Multi auxiliary injection unit to help it win a job and dramatically change its process.

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.

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.

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.

Plasmatreat’s technology serves as a cornerstone for cost-effective solutions in material processing, offering an expansive array of benefits that go beyond mere cost savings. One of its primary advantages lies in the versatility it brings to material selection. By harnessing plasma, industries can pivot toward utilizing more economical standard plastics, thus sidestepping the financial burden associated with expensive engineering plastics. Furthermore, plasma processes can facilitate the seamless integration of recycled materials into production lines. This not only contributes to sustainability efforts but also ensures reliable and efficient processing, mitigating concerns over material integrity.

With Micro-AM, designers can directly translate their digital designs into physical objects with minimal lead time. This capability accelerates the product development cycle, allowing for rapid iterations and design improvements. Additionally, the lack of expensive tooling requirements and reduced material wastage compared to traditional manufacturing methods significantly lowers prototyping costs. As a result, even small businesses and start-ups can explore innovative ideas without breaking the bank.

In just over a year´s time, Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10. I foresee that a lot of businesses (that tend to run slightly older hardware)...

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.

An additional feature of plasma technology is its ability to address the challenge of joining incompatible plastics. Through precise plasma treatment, these materials can be bonded together effectively, opening doors to innovative manufacturing possibilities. Plasmatreat’s live table is showcasing how plasma activates various surfaces and visitors can watch real-time demonstrations of various plastic materials. Visitors can also learn how to troubleshoot adhesion and cleanliness issues with Brighton Science’s BConnect process monitor.

Enercon releases new eBook with technical insights on using atmospheric plasma for improving adhesion for assembly and decorating applications.

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

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.

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.

Across the show, sustainability ruled in new materials technology, from polyolefins and engineering resins to biobased materials.

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.