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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

As Europe continues to lead in the transition to electric mobility, the demand for high-performance composites is set to increase, driving further advancements and adoption in the EV industry. Leading companies like Rochling SE & Co. KG and ElringKlinger AG are ramping up their R&D efforts to develop new products, aligning with market trends and meeting the growing demand for EV Composites.Key Attributes

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.

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.

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

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

A new barrier screw has removable keys to change the dam height, allowing the screw to be tuned for highest throughput with resins as different as LLDPE and nylon, says the screw’s designer, Robert Dray, president of R.

On account of their rigid interlinking molecular structure, inert chemical composition, and resistance to ultraviolet and chemical attack, thermoset composites are very durable. Structures made of thermoset composites are also low on maintenance. The thermoset resin for EV composites is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for lightweight and high-performance materials in EV production.

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.

“We’ve been doing it in extrusion for 20 years,” Dray explains. “It’s really not new in extrusion, but it is new in injection molding.” Dray says that for the past 25 years, extruders have used his company’s patented screw designs for extruding 100% flake regrind into mostly sheet.

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

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.

Two barrels could be better than one when it comes to running regrind material, according to screw design expert Robert Dray of the eponymous R. Dray Mfg. Inc., Dallas, Texas.

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

The IRM patent enables the small plunger to control pack and hold, which can compensate for material shrinkage in the mold. “That is why our small diameter plunger still provides the required pressure,” Dray says. In the IRM’s design, a smaller plunger, which is controlled hydraulically to manage pack and hold, rests inside a larger plunger.

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).

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.

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.

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

Customizable, the shot-size range for the IRM will be the same as current, standard injection molding machines, with the L/D ratio for the screw ranging anywhere from 24 to 36 and the screw’s diameter determined by the overall rate requirements for the system. The injection speed and pressure possible from the plunger are determined by the process’s pack-and-hold requirements.

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.

The scope of the report includes detailed information about the major factors influencing the growth of the EV Composites market, such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. A thorough examination of the key industry players has been conducted in order to provide insights into their business overview, solutions, and services, key strategies, contracts, partnerships, and agreements. New product and service launches, mergers and acquisitions, and recent developments in the EV Composites market are all covered. This report includes a competitive analysis of upcoming startups in the EV Composites market ecosystem.

Prominent companies in the market include Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan), Teijin Limited (Japan), Syensqo (Belgium), Piran Advanced Composites (UK), HRC (Hengrui Corporation) (China), Envalior (Germany), Exel Composites (Finland), Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), SGL Carbon (Germany), POLYTEC HOLDING AG (Austria), Plastic Omnium (France), Rochling SE & Co. KG (Germany), Mar-Bal, Inc. (US), ElringKlinger AG (Germany), and Faurecia (France).

The IRM, in contrast, has a small diameter, hydraulically controlled plunger that can accurately control pack and hold, thereby enabling molders to create parts with the desired shot weight. As an example of the potential waste caused by overpacking, Dray offers up a trial completed by a cap molder applying the new system. Using a 65-mm screw and valve of R. Dray’s design, the customer saved an average of 0.04 g of material per bottle cap. When you consider that this company molds 14 billion bottle caps annually, those resin savings equate to 1,234,589 lbs of raw material saved per year. Assuming a resin price of 60 cents/lb, potential annual savings come out to $740,753 per year.

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

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

Hundreds of tons of demonstration products will be created this week.  Commercial Plastics Recycling is striving to recycle ALL of it.

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.

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.

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.

About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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.

In terms of value, thermoset resin segment accounted for the largest share of the overall EV Composites marketIn thermoset composites, thermoset resins are used as the matrix with fibers such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, natural fiber, and aramid fiber. Currently, thermoset resins are widely used for manufacturing EV composites as, when cured, they are in the liquid state at room temperature. This unique property of the resin allows for the convenient impregnation of reinforcing fiber.

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

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

In addition to being able to run lots consisting of 100% regrind, with no theoretical limitation on shot size, Dray says the IRM would also enable injection molders to process finished parts at a lower price and higher quality, including the possibility of blending in off-spec material. Dray also estimates that by cutting out the compounding step and eliminating pelletizing, approximately 30 cents/lb savings can be achieved. Not currently partnering with any machinery OEMs, R. Dray is currently licensing the technology and customizing orders based on what the molder has on hand, including building extruders to spec to add to the press and turn it into a shot-pot IRM machine.

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

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

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.

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 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

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.

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 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.

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.

In terms of value, RTM manufacturing process segment accounted for the third largest share of the overall EV Composites marketIn 2023, RTM manufacturing process segment accounted for the third largest share of the EV Composites market, in terms of value. RTM is a cost-effective and efficient method for producing high-quality EV composite parts, which is crucial for the growing demand in the EV industry. The trend towards lightweight vehicles for improved efficiency and range is a significant driver, as RTM produces components that are both strong and lightweight.Additionally, RTM allows for high levels of design flexibility and precision, enabling complex shapes and integrated components, which is essential for the innovative designs seen in modern EVs. The process also supports high-volume production, aligning with the scaling needs of the EV market. Moreover, RTM's capability to use various resin systems, including those with high thermal and electrical insulation properties, makes it suitable for manufacturing components that require high performance and safety standards in EVs. Overall, the efficiency, versatility, and sustainability of RTM are key factors driving its growth in the EV composites market.During the forecast period, the EV Composites market in Europe is projected to be the second largest regionThe growth of EV composites in Europe is fuelled by regulatory pressures, government incentives, automotive innovation, infrastructure development, and sustainability goals. Trends such as the adoption of carbon fiber composites, advanced manufacturing techniques, and the focus on battery enclosures highlight the dynamic nature of this market.

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

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.

Dublin, Aug. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The EV Composites Market by Fiber Type (Glass Fiber, Carbon Fiber), Resin Type (Thermoplastics, Thermoset), Type (Ultra-Premium, Premium and Non-Premium), Manufacturing Process, Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.The EV Composites market is estimated at USD 2.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 17.1% from 2024 to 2029.

“Every shot pot has a plunger and then an extruder off to side,” Dray explains. Material is melted by the extruder and then enters the pot before being injected into the mold. The system requires adding another screw and barrel alongside the machine’s existing barrel, with single or double venting added to remove all volatiles and moisture. In the first inlet, reinforcing materials such as glass fibers can be added to improve physical properties.

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

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.

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

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.

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

R. Dray’s injection regrind machine (IRM) uses technology deployed in extrusion to help injection molders process more regrind material. Source: R. Dray

Dray is currently seeking U.S. and global patents on a system he’s dubbed the injection regrind machine (IRM), which borrows from a concept long deployed in extrusion. Namely, the use of a “shot pot” or secondary screw and barrel designed to melt up to 100% regrind material in a two-stage process. Instead of a standard reciprocating screw within a barrel preparing and injection melt, the IRM features the shot pot with a plunger.

Speaking more on process pressure, Dray says that in most cases the IRM has the same levels as standard injection molding. Where it differs, however, is it will not lead to overpacking of parts, which wastes material. Dray says overpacking is often the result of the large screws currently standard on OEM machines, which he says cannot properly control the pack-and-hold phase of the injection molding process.

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

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

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.

Based on the company’s extruder screw designs, which consist of three patents in the single and double-vented configuration, the IRM Technology can be retrofitted into existing injection molding machines or built into new ones.

Today, more than ever, granulation is an important step in the total production process. Our expert explains a few of the many common traps to avoid when thinking about granulators

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.