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

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.

Nissei says the FWX Series of hybrid injection molding machines gives molders the opportunity for saving space and downsizing mold tonnage requirements. Source: Nissei

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

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

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

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.

The FWX Series is equipped with what Nissei describes as a new compound-type clamping unit, which enables significant downsizing. Nissei says this clamping unit design consists of a high-speed cylinder, high-pressure clamping cylinder and half-nut mechanism, which replace a conventional cylinder that controls both high-speed clamping and high-pressure clamping with a single clamping cylinder.

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.

The other advantage comes from Mantle’s production software. It takes the CAD file for a tool, including CAD files developed for the legacy processing methods, and automatically creates the toolpaths for printing and shaping. That eliminates the specialized and time-consuming CNC programming that’s required for the subtractive process.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Nissei is positioning its new FWX Series of hybrid injection molding machines as offering molders the potential for unprecedented space-saving and press-downsizing opportunities. Available in a tonnage range from 309 to 1,439 tons, with a 309-ton FWX760Ⅲ-130B version in Orlando, the FWX line was developed under the concept of “2-Class Larger Mold, 2-Class Smaller Machine.” Under this, if a hypothetical machine range’s normal array of clamp force tonnages with four sizes — A, B, C and D, where “A” being the largest and “D” the smallest — is considered, a tool that a molder would expect to require an “A” size press for could potentially use a “C,” if they also apply Nissei’s N-Sapli low-pressure technology.

Mantle has worked with a number of parts producers to evaluate and validate its materials and technology, including Tessy Plastics and a global medical device manufacturer. Tessy has run over 400,000 cycles using Mantle-produced tooling, with the parts produced meeting all quality standards. The medical device company was able to reduce the cost of a prototype tool development by 65% while cutting its development time from twelve to four weeks.

Determining the source of streaking or contamination in your molded parts is a critical step in perfecting your purging procedures ultimately saving you time and money.

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.

Meanwhile, they also see themselves helping solve some other big problems. “We want to help bring back industry from overseas,” Sorom said. “Billions of dollars in tooling is needed each year in the U.S., and more than 25% is currently imported from overseas. Pretty much every customer we talk to is talking about reshoring. And we know our technology can help address the skilled labor shortage as well.”

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.

At the show, the machine will mold a water tank and its lid from a family mold, with warpage eliminated by applying low-pressure molding. The display shows how this machine enables molding of products with different shapes and shot volumes using the same process conditions.

In the future, though, they see the focus shifting. “Long-term, we don’t want to be a tooling company,” said Sorom. “We want to be a 3D printing company. We chose the tooling application specifically to build our business case. A potential future customer could be a manufacturer with older production machines that need replacement parts. Other metal 3D printers can’t make parts that will plug right into the machine to get it back up and running. Our parts can. We see a future where 60% of our business is in tooling, and 40% is in other applications like that.”

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 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.

“The first several years, we focused on understanding the requirements–the materials and surface finishes–and developing the technology,” said DiLaura. “We wanted ours to be proven to be differentiated, and we didn’t want to come out with something that wasn’t fully formed.” Now as the company begins ramping up for full commercialization, with its first full-scale systems expected to ship in early 2022, its co-founders see ample opportunities. “One nice thing about tooling is that the requirements are similar whether you’re making a bottle cap or a surgical device,” DiLaura added. “We’re able to address a wide range of products across industries because we focus on the tooling.”

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).

Steve Connor, Mantle’s Chief Science Officer, brought materials and tech know-how from his background as a chemist from the solar industry, where he developed silver pastes used to coat the back of photovoltaic panels. “He wasn’t excited about that as an industry, but that focus was a match for what we do–high-precision parts, with tens of microns accuracy,” said Sorom.

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.

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.

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.

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 addition, Nissei will feature a new tonnage vertical hybrid press — a 331-ton TWX300RⅢ36V — which also utilizes the compound, direct-pressure clamp. The TWX’s clamping mechanism emables a lower mold-mounting height of 40 inches, as well as an overall lower machine height, for improved worker ergonomics. The machines can also operate in facilities with lower ceilings.

Addressing hot-runner benefits, improvements, and everyday issues from the perspective of decades of experience with probably every brand on the market. Part 1 of 2.

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.

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

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

NPE2024: Nissei’s compact FWX Series combines a novel clamp design, low-pressure molding technology, and greater platen and tiebar spacing to enable large molds to run on lower tonnages.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Paul DiLaura, Chief Commercial Officer, was at 3D printing company Carbon when it released its first products, and he built the sales and applications engineering teams from the ground up.

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.

From a production standpoint, the process offers distinct advantages over the current standard of CNC (computer numeric control) machining for tool production. That fully subtractive method results in substantial material waste and added cost, and it’s extremely time-consuming. “We’ve taken a process that’s extremely costly and requires multiple steps, and collapsed it into a single machine,” Sorom said.

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

The company’s executive team members bring a set of experiences that were critical to what Mantle has developed. “The impetus is from where I started,” said Ted Sorom, the company’s CEO. “I worked in a design and manufacturing facility that made underwater equipment and consumer products. I ended up as CTO, and was responsible for the tools we used to make hundreds of metal and plastic parts.” He brought the knowledge of the difficulties of design and production of those tools.

What they developed was Mantle’s Trueshape technology. It starts with the company’s proprietary Flowable Metal Paste printing materials (inspired by Connor’s silver pastes), which mimic existing standard tool steels once the printing process is completed. The pastes are used to print a rough version of the tool being made using an extrusion-based print head. While the part is still in the printer, it’s shaped via a more standard machining process using a high-speed cutting tool to deliver the tight tolerances and fine surface finishes required. “We’ve broken the problem down into a very specific set of steps,” said Sorom. “We know what material has to be removed, because we put it there.”

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 terms of potential footprint reduction, as a Nissei spokesperson explained to Plastics Technology, when comparing a FWX760III machine with other machines that have the same or similar tie bar clearances, if, based on clamping force, a one class smaller machine can be used for an existing mold, it would occupy roughly 15% less space. If two-class downsizing is possible, which depends on the mold and process, about 30% space saving is possible. “The FWX redefines the way of choosing a machine,” Nissei stated in a release, saying selection could be based on mold dimensions rather than tonnage.

In support of the Japanese government’s “Plastic Smart” campaign promoting a “smarter relationship” with plastics, Nissei will also mold a cutlery set using a proprietary blend of eco-friendly PLA material with wood flour and waste plastic reutilization.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

At the show, a 309-ton FWX760Ⅲ-130B will mold PP texture plates from a 2-cavity mold, utilizing roughly 220 tons of clamp force, thanks to N-Sapli, where processing would normally require 661 tons. Injection pressure will be 17,405 psi, according to Nissei.

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

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.

I’ve written extensively about the rise of 3D printing and its use in countless applications for both production tools and equipment, and finished parts and products. The technology has many benefits, but also has shortcomings in both areas. For finished parts, it’s too slow for many mass-production applications, so most experts admit it’s never going to replace legacy technologies like injection molding. For tooling, its tolerances and surface finishes often lead to the need for post-production processes that add time, cost and complexity.

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

Mantle, a metal 3D printing startup based in San Francisco, offers a solution. By focusing on the tools, molds and dies needed for high-volume parts production, the company has developed proprietary materials and a combined 3D printing and machining platform to deliver production tooling that has the required tolerances and surface finish without the need for post-processing. In doing so, they’ve dramatically cut both the time and cost of tool development and fabrication. Today the company announced the closing of its Series B funding round, which raised $25 million and brought Mantle’s total funding to $41.5 million.

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