Setting up supply chains in new global regions is typically a very time and cash-intensive investment for manufacturing companies that can be prohibitive. Through its global network of highly-vetted manufacturing partners, digital quote-to-order platform, and regional teams around the world, Fictiv simplifies the process of setting up new supply chains, providing a faster, more economical path to market for manufacturing companies of all sizes.

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 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.

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

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

Automotive molder ITW Deltar Fasteners found new life for the battered bolt holes on its machine platens with a solution that’s designed to last.

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.

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

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

Kenny Dearing (right), ITW Deltar Fasteners process engineer, has utilized C-Serts to replace worn bolt holes on platens throughout the company’s molding facility. Photo: C-Sert Manufacturing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 solution comes at a time when manufacturing companies are facing intense pressure to reduce costs and expand margins while simultaneously addressing global supply chain risks. According to research, 51% of manufacturing leaders reported in 2023 a desire to increase nearshoring as part of their global supply chain strategy.

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.

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

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).

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.

Fictiv is a global manufacturing company that simplifies sourcing for custom manufacturing, from prototype to low-volume production. Through its highly-vetted manufacturing network, AI-powered technology platform, and global operations centers across the USA, Mexico, India, and China, Fictiv delivers fast, high-quality custom manufacturing services from quote to delivery. Fictiv's capabilities span the full mechanical bill of materials, including Injection Molding, Compression Molding, 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Die Casting, and Sheet Metal. To date, Fictiv has delivered more than 30 million commercial and prototype parts for early-stage companies and large enterprises alike, helping them innovate faster, free up precious resources, and drive profitable growth.

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.

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

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.

No more guessing about whether mold-mounting bolts are tightened properly, with an alternative to unreliable torque measurements.

In addition to boosting productivity, Dearing says the C-Serts have improved safety on the molding floor. “We have a safer and more productive work space because bolt holes that weren’t working have been restored, enabling us to use the correct mold clamps in the correct positions to mount molds, as opposed to grabbing a corner of the mold,” Dearing explains. “We don’t want ‘good enough’ here — we need to always use proper procedures for mold mounting.”

ITW Deltar Fasteners’ test case for C-Sert were the well-worn platens of a 150-ton Toyo press, vintage 1995. Featuring large and lengthy clamps and clamp bolts for mold installs, the machine is in ITW Deltar Fastener’s sample shop, where it’s used for mold trials and training purposes. After successfully repairing the stripped bolt holes, Dearing and his team installed C-Serts in more than 20 of the company’s presses to replace stripped holes. To help quantify the value of the thread replacements, ITW Deltar Fasteners points out that the sampling press undergoes two or three mold changes per day with more than 250 mold swaps performed through the first half of 2023. Dearing says that what used to take at least 15 minutes is now done in five because the mold setters can always “count on using the correct holes.”

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

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.

“Other products and attempts to repair did not sustain over time,” Dearing says. “They would pull out of the repaired holes or become worn out themselves. I knew we needed a permanent solution to repair these bolt holes to make mold installation quick, easy and safe.”

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

Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, today announced the release of its ninth-annual State of Manufacturing Report—an industry-leading survey of...

This new offering from Fictiv provides customers unprecedented global supply chain flexibility and enables companies to increase their supply chain stability, lower tooling costs, reduce tariffs and shipping costs, and increase supply chain speed.

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.

OEMs can now source economical steel tools manufactured overseas and shipped to Mexico for reliable, nearshore production—seamlessly through Fictiv's global manufacturing network.

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

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.

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.

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

How permanent a solution does ITW Deltar Fasteners think it’s found? Dearing says that the company’s tooling engineering manager, Greg Mamelson, quipped that “one million years from now, the platens will be dust but the C-Serts will still be there.”

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

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.

"We are seeing strong demand for shorter supply chains that mitigate the risk of disruption for critical production programs," said Ernesto Chacon, General Manager of Fictiv Mexico. "Mexico is a growing powerhouse for production manufacturing, and we're proud to provide our customers with unprecedented access to high-quality supply in new and emerging regions."

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

C-Sert threaded inserts help molders replace stripped bolt holes on platens with a new threaded hole that promises long service life.  Photo Credit: C-Sert Manufacturing

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.

ITW Deltar Fasteners keeps its mold setters, and the more than 100 injection molding machines on its Frankfort, Ill., production floor, quite busy, undertaking multiple mold changes daily. Based in Troy, Mich., ITW Deltar Fasteners has production operations in Frankfort and Chippewa Falls, Wisc., from which it molds fasteners, hole plugs, bumpers and baffles for the automotive industry and the military.

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.

Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, is proud to announce that it has been named a 2024 Great Supply Chain Partner by SupplyChainBrain. This...

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 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

On the advice of his tooling manager, Dearing ordered several C-Sert kits and repaired four badly damaged holes on the Toyo machine in less than 90 minutes. The kits came with a 60-degree center; a cutting bit to open the stripped hole; cutting oil for the cutting bit; the threaded C-Serts; and a bit to install the inserts into the platen. ITW Deltar Fasteners used its own mag drill to center on the hole and perform the cutting.

These humble but essential fasteners used in injection molds are known by various names and used for a number of purposes.

This solution comes at a time when manufacturing companies are facing intense pressure to reduce costs and expand margins while simultaneously addressing global supply chain risks. According to research, 51% of manufacturing leaders reported in 2023 a desire to increase nearshoring as part of their global supply chain strategy.

Years of numerous, regular mold changes had left many of company’s molding machine’s bolt holes stripped, and this damage made securing tools to the platens a time-consuming challenge. Back in August 2020, the company began repairing platen holes with C-Sert threaded inserts made by C-Sert Manufacturing (Portland, Ore.), and Kenny Dearing, ITW Deltar Fasteners process engineer, says those repairs have lasted to this day.

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.

The C-Serts apply what’s known as an interference or metal-to-metal fit, which the company says ensures they will not back out, pull out or vibrate themselves free. Acting as both an insert and a tap, the C-Sert’s internal threads are as hard as a tap, making them highly resistant to damage from bolts once installed.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, today announced a new hybrid injection molding solution for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who need the best possible tooling craftsmanship for reliable nearshore production. Through Fictiv's global manufacturing network, OEMs can seamlessly order high-quality, production-grade tools manufactured in China in as fast as 4 weeks and then transferred to Mexico. This service provides the best total cost of ownership for molding in Mexico, including expert tool packaging and transfer to Mexico from China, bringing together the best of all worlds.

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

Implementing a production monitoring system as the foundation of a ‘smart factory’ is about integrating people with new technology as much as it is about integrating machines and computers. Here are tips from a company that has gone through the process.

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.

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

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

Dearing notes that the C-Sert-supplied cutter performed well even after clearing multiple holes for installation, adding that C-Sert offers all the needed tools for installation. “It’s frustrating to buy something only to find out that you need a special tool to install it,” Dearing says. “However, the tools needed to install C-Serts can be found in most molding shops.”

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.

When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.

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

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.

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

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.

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.