high-precision IM technology from Wittmann - precision injection molding

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

Sona Dadhania, senior technology analyst at the company, delivered a mutedly hopeful presentation on the future of the AM market. On the upside, Dadhania outlined new hardware innovations coming to market as well as the use of metal powder in AM which she said would broaden the likely application of the technology considerably.

A recent webinar hosted by US-based consultancy company IDTEchEX reviewed current trends in the additive manufacturing (AM) sector and argued that although expectations might have been overblown, innovations in technology and maturation of the market will turn AM into a services industry with a much larger customer base than it currently serves.

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

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.

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.

“At Martor we have been combining quality with innovation to manufacture premium cutting tools for industrial and professional purposes for more than 80 years,” says Sylke Wendt, head of product management at Martor. “Today, we have achieved a significant milestone with the launch of these new products, delivering not only safety and performance but also enhanced sustainability. Making use of recycled raw materials with certified environmental benefits is a first achievement. The next phase will be the reuse of end-of-life knives to become truly circular.”

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

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

Domo Chemicals announced that Martor will be using its recycled polyamide (PA)-based materials for its line of Eco safety knives. Domo’s Technyl 4Earth materials are based on recycled PA6 and available with different glass fiber percentages. Domo collects and recycles spinning plastic scrap from the textile industry, then compounds with masterbatch, additives and glass fibers to form Technyl 4Earth materials.

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.

Processors with sustainability goals or mandates have a number of ways to reach their goals. Biopolymers are among them.

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.

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.

Dadhania also gave an overview of the most interesting start-ups in the space, explaining that many are using new printing methods as well as iterations on established technologies. The techniques she cited were rapid liquid printing, dynamic moulding, and volumetric additive manufacturing (VAM).

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.

Martor safety knives will be made with Domo Technyl 4Earth glass-reinforced nylon material. Photo Credit: Domo Chemicals

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.

Beyond Plastic and partners have created a certified biodegradable PHA compound that can be injection molded into 38-mm closures in a sub 6-second cycle from a multicavity hot runner tool.

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).

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.

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

VAM works a bit like a CAT scan, so an object goes into a machine that has a circular structure and takes pictures from many different angles then uses a computational algorithm to combine the pictures and form a three-dimensional virtual image. The software then uses an algorithm that takes a three-dimensional virtual object, deconstructs it into different angles then projects a two-dimensional image onto photopolymerisable resin. As the intensities overlap where they are highest, they create the regions that will turn from liquid to solid.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

She also explained that widespread automation and digitisation were lowering the barriers to entry across the entire supply chain and that larger companies were increasingly developing proprietary technology for in-house use, further expanding the AM infrastructure and use cases.

In addition the analyst explained that an increasing number of 3D printing companies were experimenting with a scalable service or leasing model for their industrial customers.

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.

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

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

While the melting process does not provide perfect mixing, this study shows that mixing is indeed initiated during melting.

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.

Initially developed at the University of Colorado Boulder in a bid to solve a number of challenges involved in photopolymer 3D-printing, Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (VAM) technology is being taken to market by start-up Vitro3D and has seen the company raise US$1.3 million in seed funding. Again, this technology removes the need for support structures and can make complex parts in high-viscous materials.

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.

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.

The technique can also deliver large-scale objects from high-grade materials such as rubber, foam, and plastic in a matter of minutes. The speed is important since 3D processes have traditionally been slow, similarly, older manufacturing techniques also had limited build volumes and poor material quality, making them unfeasible for mainstream use – this new method means the adoption of 3D-printing is more likely to become widespread since Rapid Liquid Printing can produce large-scale, airtight, non-rigid products in minutes.

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

Dadhania also explained that the technology was last year taken up by several high-profile verticals, including Tesla’s Giga Casting technology which uses sand binder jetting of moulds for several of its electric vehicle parts; Apple’s metal binder jetting of steel chassis for the Apple Watch Ultra; and dental aligner manufacturer Align Technologies which acquired Cubicure to enable the development of dental aligners.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Carbon footprint data certified by EPD (the Environmental Product Declaration system) indicates that the level of emissions is 0.3 kg CO2 equivalent for production of unfilled solutions, and 1.3 kg CO2 equivalent for 35% glass fiber reinforced grades. Compared with virgin equivalent alternatives, the reduction in global warming potential is between 60 and 90%.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

In 2023 there was some realignment of business models as companies worked hard to make the technology economically viable, this included German-based market leader Oerlikon strategically realigning its AM business and consolidating in the

The additive manufacturing market is growing and changing, but analyst Sona Dadhania has high hopes for the future. By Nicola Brittain.

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.

Despite this technological innovation and some high-profile adoption of AM technology, there was actually a fall in investment and mergers and acquisitions activity in 2023 compared with 2022. With US$893 million in public investment in 3D-related companies in 2023 versus US$1.3 billion in 2022, AM could be viewed as a sector in trouble. But Dadhania argues that this is not the long term picture, instead she argues that it reflects a precarious economic climate following an injection of investment and economic activity in 2022 after the global pandemic.

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

One example of a company to have developed its own in-house AM production capacity using concrete is India-based company MiCoB which supplies to sectors including civil, military, and decoration.

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.

Dynamic moulding is an emerging technology developed by US-based start-up 3Deus Dynamic, a company established in October 2020. This innovation is a hybrid between 3D-printing and injection moulding – and it allows for the process of all injectable materials available on the market without chemical reformulation or support structure. Additionally, there are no limits on the size or shape of the product produced. Materials that can be created using dynamic moulding techniques are widespread, from low to high viscosity, and including thermoplastic and elastomers.

Despite a difficult 2023, IDTechEx argues that the future of AM is bright with new and innovative technologies, the growing services nature of the technology, and the fact there is increasing automation and digitisation through the supply chain. In fact, the company predicts that the technology will accrue US$44 billion in revenue by 2034. However, right now AM manufacturers should focus on withstanding fast-changing global economic conditions and perhaps reconsider how they might deliver their technology to end-users.

Originally developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) self-assembly lab, Rapid liquid printing draws a liquid object in three dimensions within a gel suspension. The object sets while printing and is ready for use with minimal post-processing.

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

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.

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.

US, due to “adverse market conditions” in Germany. Similarly, 3devo, an extrusion 3D-printing company, shifted its business model away from equipment sales towards a ‘project partnership’ model.