Largix’s Production Solution large-format 3D printer makes it possible to print with PP and PE materials with minimal shrinkage, by softening the exterior — but not melting — the filament. Screenshot: Largix from video

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

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.

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

Israeli startup Largix has developed a production solution that can 3D print PP and PE without melting them. Its first test? Custom tanks for chemical storage.

To avoid these challenges, Largix has developed a 3D printing process that mostly keeps the polymer in its solid state. Instead of melting and extruding the filament, the printer uses a laser beam to melt just the outer “skin” of each strand so that it can attach to previous and adjacent layers. Up to four filaments can feed through the printhead at once, all of them laser-softened in unison, allowing for rapid material buildup. The company produces the feedstock itself, which has a square profile to maximize the surface area for bonding. The technique creates a monolithic part with Z-axis strength above 90%, Sheelo says.

When Ronen Orr and Amir Sheelo began the collaboration that would become Largix in 2014, they knew they wanted to develop a solution for reducing manual production of industrial goods using additive manufacturing (AM) as an alternative. They had seen the challenges facing industries that have historically relied on skilled labor, and saw AM as an automated way to reduce that labor and improve quality and throughput. They also knew that pursuing additive for industrial parts would mean rejecting most of the 3D printing technologies and materials then available, and plotting a new course toward durable, high-quality components.

When mass produced, these tanks are made through rotational molding with reusable tooling. But custom chemical tanks require a far more manual process, which today is performed by many discrete companies in various regions of the world. Largix believes its manufacturing system and materials offer a digital alternative to fabricating these tanks by hand, along with the ability to create variable wall thickness and other geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce manually.

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.

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).

Its first beta tester, a tank manufacturer in Israel, currently fabricates custom tanks in 50 to 60 hours through manual means. With the Production Solution set to arrive in spring of 2023, this company expects to be able to produce each custom tank in just 2 to 3 hours on this platform.

Large, custom chemical storage tanks like this one could be made faster and through a more automated process with the Largix 3D printer. Screenshot: Largix from video

An electric Allrounder 470 E Golden Electric EVO with 1,000 kN of clamping force, LSR cylinder, and vacuum equipment was used to mold LSR-based valves for automotive applications at Chinaplas. The material from Wacker — Elastosil at Shore hardness 50 A — is resistant to heat and media and offers good resilience and consistently high performance. Using an eight-cavity mold from Chinese partner Gaoyuan, LSR components weighing 0.8 grams are produced in a cycle time of around 55 seconds. Injection is sprue-less and performed directly via a pneumatic cold runner system. The LSR dosing unit is supplied by Arburg partner 2KM. A Flexlift 10 linear robotic system gently removed the molded parts from the tool and placed them on a conveyor belt.

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

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.

In addition, automation and applications experts at Arburg’s ATF in Pinghu develop turnkey and tailored complete solutions in cooperation with local partners. An example exhibited at Chinaplas was for liquid silicone rubber (LSR) processing.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Arburg set the initial course for its "local-to-local" activities back in 2020, with the opening of the Arburg Technology Factory (ATF) in Pinghu, China, near Shanghai. Initially, activities focused on adapting Allrounder machines to customer-specific requirements and implementing turnkey systems in cooperation with local suppliers of molds and peripheral equipment. This was followed in 2023 by the Flexlift linear robotic system and now the Allrounder Golden Electric EVO. Both product series are specifically tailored to the requirements of customers in Asia, where they are exclusively marketed

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

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.

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and a proud dachshund owner.

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

A dog with a condition that affects her mobility gets a custom 3D printed wheelchair in this episode of The Cool Parts Show, enabled in part by a new polypropylene filament.

Arburg said that the Allrounder Golden Electric EVO is extremely precise, thanks to its high-quality injection units. The servo-electric drives for inject, dose, and open and close mold deliver fast acceleration, high speeds, and simultaneous movements, all of which add up to short cycle times. Dry cycle times are up to two seconds shorter than standard hydraulic machines, according to Arburg. What's more, energy use can be reduced by up to 50% with the toggle-type clamping unit, the high efficiency of the servo-electric drive, and recovery of braking energy, said Arburg.

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

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

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.

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

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

“This is autonomous, nonstop production,” Sheelo says. The machine reduces both the need for skilled workforce and the amount of manual labor required to produce industrial parts. And the company already has an initial industrial niche in mind: custom chemical storage tanks.

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.

Chemical tanks won’t be the only application for Largix, of course. The company is already working on applying its technology to produce custom concrete molds, another industrial product today largely built by hand. Parts for aviation, automotive, construction, architecture and other industries will follow.

9T Labs continues to enhance the efficiency of its technology, which produces composite parts with intentionally oriented fibers.

First tools, then production parts. This pattern with industrial 3D printing at small and mid sizes has now come to the biggest additive machines as well.

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.

Another product designed for the Asian market is the Flexlift, a cost-effective reliable, rapid, and precise robotic system. Its minimal height and telescopic design make it suitable for confined spaces. Powerful servo motors ensure highly dynamic and precise performance of the vertical mold-entry axes. This enables fast removal, accurate and vibration-free movements, and short cycle times.

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

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.

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

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

“We did not start by developing a technology and looking for a market,” Sheelo says. “In commercial products, it’s all about quality standards and materials. That’s where we started.”

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.

This “cold” 3D printing process is offered on the company’s Production Solution machine. The gantry-based printer is totally modular and offers a large build volume; the machine running at Largix’s headquarters has a build volume of 4 by 3 by 3 meters (limited vertically only by the facility’s ceiling height) but can be customized to the needs of the user. The automated platform can be equipped with multiple printheads as well as a robotic arm for CNC milling, making it a hybrid manufacturing system.

Early on, this company saw the promise of friction stir welding for building forms in layers. Few understood at the time. They understand now, in part because this process offers benefits such as blended materials and freedom from stress that other metal AM approaches can’t match.

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.

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.

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

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.

Because the material remains relatively cool and solid throughout printing, machining can be done in sequence, without the need to wait for the printed material to cool or contract first. With just a few hours of setup, one Production Solution can run for several days largely unattended, as long as it is kept stocked with material. The company projects that each Production Solution could consume between 120 and 150 tons of material per year.

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.

(And that monolithic part can contain multiple materials, he notes. While up to four filaments can be feed through the printhead at once, there is no need for all of them to be identical. It could be possible, for instance, to build a wall that has colored polypropylene for aesthetics only on one (external) side, then a glass fiber-reinforced filament for strength, then a recycled PP filament, and a fourth filament with some other enhancement like a UV stabilizer additive. As long as the base material is the same, the filaments will weld and function together similar to plain PP.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 prices moved up for three of the five commodity resins, there was potential for a flat trajectory for the rest of the third quarter.

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.

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.

The Israel-based startup is in the process of launching a new polymer 3D printing technology targeted for the production of industrial products, specifically heavy-duty products made of polypropylene and polyethylene (PP and PE). These materials account for 50 to 60% of global polymer consumption, Sheelo says, but they have historically been difficult to 3D print. The plastics can expand up to 30% in a molten state and will retract an equal amount when cooled and solidified; this dynamic behavior makes it difficult to avoid warpage and maintain dimensions in a 3D printing process that relies on melting such as fused filament fabrication (FFF).

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 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.

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

Assembly in the ATF ensures quick availability of the entry-level electric machines. The portfolio includes machine designations 370, 470, 520, and 570, which cover clamping forces ranging from 600 to 2,000 kN. The injection units range from size 100 to 800 for shot weights up to around 430 grams of polystyrene (PS).