With advocacy, communication and sustainability as three main pillars, Seaholm leads a trade association to NPE that ‘is more active today than we have ever been.’

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.

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.

COVID-19 vaccines enable the body to build up immunity to the virus without having an infection. Read on for the benefits, risks, and side effects of…

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.

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

In rare instances, signs of a serious adverse reaction require immediate medical evaluation. According to the American Heart Association, people that get the vaccine should seek professional medical care as soon as possible if they develop:

What it can’t build in-house it outsources from established local moldmakers and specialized regional and offshore partners. Additionally, Empire builds hot-runner tooling, incorporating systems primarily from PolyShot, Mold-Masters, and Heitec. It can make mold bases and pins, but it mostly focuses on core and cavity work.

According to research in a 2022 retrospective study, vaccine-associated myocarditis shows an injury pattern on an MRI similar to other causes of myocarditis. But the abnormalities are less severe with vaccine-associated myocarditis. A 2021 study notes that most cases of vaccine-related myocarditis in people younger than 21 were mild and resolved fast.

Several factors can contribute to or cause arrhythmia. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, various types of heart and blood vessel diseases, such as heart attack, heart inflammation, and congenital heart disease, can cause arrhythmia.

“I must have one of the smallest screw/barrel sizes in the business on all my presses,” he adds. “For instance, on an 80-tonner, I’ll usually have an 3-oz barrel. We use the smallest shot size that we can get in order to apply more melt pressure and to ensure that we’re not pressure-limited.”

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.

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

“That’s a tangible event that we can go back to when we develop a process. It also helps us when, for whatever reason, customers change materials. And it shows us how to evaluate tools that come in, regardless of who built them and where they came from.”

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

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.

Notably, a 2021 study investigating the prevalence of myocarditis in competitive athletes after SARS-CoV-2 infection found that 2.3% had myocarditis. This is much higher than the potential risk of heart inflammation after the COVID-19 vaccine.

Empire needs a “scientific” approach for its kind of molding. At its 42,500-ft², facility, it specializes in precision, intricately detailed, small and micro parts—some weighing less than 0.1 g—for medical, electrical/electronic, industrial, and consumer products. The firm is also proficient in MuCell microcellular molding (trexel.com) and multicomponent, two-shot parts. Empire is ISO 9001 and 13485 registered, UL46D recognized, and TS 16949 compliant.

An arrhythmia describes an irregular heartbeat. Some evidence suggests that arrhythmia, and other heart problems, are a potential side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, while it is a possible adverse reaction, the risk is low and healthcare specialists state that the vaccine is safe.

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.

An arrhythmia occurs when something goes wrong with the electrical signals in the heart. There are many more common causes of arrhythmias than the COVID-19 vaccine.

Operating three shifts, 24/7, the company employs 55 and runs 40 molding machines, mostly from Arburg and Sumitomo. It operates an ISO Class 7 clean room, and its secondary operations include light assembly, pad printing, machining, ultrasonic welding, and part functionality testing.

Although considered uncommon, in a small percentage of people, the COVID-19 vaccine may adversely affect the heart. A 2022 cohort study found that although the vaccines are safe, there are reports of myocarditis and pericarditis.

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

COVID-19 itself can increase the risk of potential heart complications. As such, it is advisable to receive the vaccine as the benefits outweigh any potential risks. As with any vaccine, some people may find it helpful to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss any concerns.

As for hiring… at last count, Empire Precision has added a project manager, a tooling engineer/quoter, a scheduler, maintenance personnel, machine operators, and materials specialists since posting its online help-wanted ad.

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.

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

COVID-19 vaccines refer to a group of vaccinations that can help provide protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since the development of these vaccines, researchers continue to monitor possible side effects, which can include tiredness, headaches, and muscle pain.

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.

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.

Empire also designs and manufactures molds. Employing eight toolmakers, it provides everything from prototype mold manufacturing and engineering changes to complete builds—both for its own use and for captive molding customers.

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

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.

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.

An arrhythmia involves an irregular heartbeat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not list cardiac arrhythmias as a possible side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. But as with any vaccine, some people may experience uncommon side effects. Additionally, it is not always clear if an adverse condition is directly due to the vaccine.

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

Adverse effects on the heart occurring due to the COVID-19 vaccine appear to be uncommon. However, the COVID-19 infection itself has the potential to affect the heart in multiple ways. A 2022 review indicates there is a link between arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart attacks, and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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

Cavity-pressure monitoring describes precisely what’s taking place inside the mold, providing a transparent view of the conditions under which a part is created and ensuring  conformance with GMP and ISO 13485 in medical injection molding.

Study shows the plastic compounding process is being used to boost electrical properties and UV resistance while custom compounding is increasingly being used to achieve high-performance in plastic-based goods.

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

However, it is worth noting that the incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation is increasing globally. Some evidence suggests that in the United States alone, roughly 3–6 million people have atrial fibrillation, and that number could reach 6–16 million by 2050.

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

In this article, we will discuss the potential relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and arrhythmias, as well as how the vaccine may affect the heart.

Which foods may exacerbate SVT symptoms? Read on to learn more about which foods and drinks may be beneficial to include or limit when living with SVT.

Virtually all of the company’s manufacturing auxiliaries—from suppliers such as Novatec, Advantage Engineering, and Rapid Granulator—are backed-up with spares. Both power systems and heat exchangers are used with redundant pumps. Elli says the in-house team that laid out the shop floor made sure to reserve space for a preventive-maintenance staging area and for equipment cleaning.

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

Neal P. Elli (r.), president of Empire Precision, literally stands behind his company’s thorough application of Scientific Molding principles. At this unusual cell, whose small throughput couldn’t be handled by conventional dryers, he stands behind a screen displaying the cell’s performance with the company’s own Fill Analysis Software. At left is Gary Oliver, senior process engineer.

The authorized COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the necessary clinical trials to deem them safe and effective. However, as with any type of medication, there is a potential risk of side effects. Most health organizations do not list arrhythmias as a side effect, but some sources suggest it may be a rare adverse event.

With a capital investment of approximately $4 million, Elli expects Empire’s current sales volume of $8 million to rocket to $20 million in less than four years through the use of procedures the company has developed under the influence of Scientific Molding.

“Once we establish the process that we’re going to use in production, it’s a frozen process, and that’s what we run. We don’t ‘process at will’ anymore. Everything drives back to the pedigree of that very specific process.”

Medical-component specialist LightningCath has carved a niche meeting the needs of small to medium-sized entrepreneurs with complex catheter designs … quickly.

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.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, COVID-19 may cause excessive inflammation in the heart muscle that can disrupt electrical signals. This can result in arrhythmia and possibly cause blood clots to form. The virus may also infect the cardiac cells, which can contribute to heart damage. One 2021 study found that traces of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in the heart tissue of 60% of those that died from the infection.

Some sources suggest that arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, is a possible adverse reaction. While this could be possible, most research indicates that the risk of arrhythmia is generally low and supports data on the safety of the vaccine.

Empire uses Autodesk’s Moldflow software (moldflow.com), of which Toolroom Manager Scott McLaren says, “It won’t tell us everything, but it helps us run molds in our equipment using Scientific Molding. It helps us to optimize tool design and predict potential problems and risks during the design phase.”

Individuals that experience an abnormal heartbeat after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or with a SARS-CoV-2 infection should contact a doctor. While an arrhythmia may not indicate anything serious, in some cases it can signal a cardiac problem. It is best to see a medical professional to determine the significance of the arrhythmia.

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

Elli believes there’s much more involved in Scientific Molding than simply using process-monitoring sensors: “I think that Scientific Molding has nothing to do with sensors. But if you develop a process along its principles, and then you put sensors on it, you can assess how you’re doing. It kind of ‘opens up’ the mold and lets you see what’s going on inside before waiting for it to actually open up and knock out a part.

All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub for the most recent information on COVID-19.

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.

Empire Precision has an active Six Sigma program in place. In addition to Trudeau’s black belt, Gary Oliver, senior process engineer; Steve Steinmetz, production manager; and Chris Judd, quality director are Green Belts.

Still, some research indicates that the COVID-19 vaccine may cause arrhythmia as a side effect. For example, a 2022 analysis reviewed information from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to search for incidents of atrial fibrillation, which is a type of arrhythmia. Researchers reviewed the reports of atrial fibrillation after the use of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson vaccines, along with the influenza vaccine.

A U.S. custom injection molder that’s hiring? You couldn’t miss the on-line “help wanted” notices this summer when visiting empireprecision.com, the website belonging to molder and moldmaker Empire Precision in Rochester, N.Y. And when visiting the company in person, you’ll quickly learn what company officials believe to be a key reason for their company’s growth: From the top to the shop, Empire Precision has fully embraced the principles of “Scientific Molding.” What’s more, the company has developed and implemented a proprietary business system for putting those principles into practice.

“We decided that what we really needed was to create a process,” he explains. “We didn’t create a new way to process plastics. We built a business system. We take all of the important data when we develop a process, fine-tune it, and we put it into a software package that we wrote and store in a captive online database. It’s a procedure that’s been in place now for more than five years.

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.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious infectious disease resulting from a recently identified coronavirus. Learn to curb its spread and more here.

One other thing you’ll notice on the shop floor is a digital display screen at every molding station. Each press can be monitored by Empire’s proprietary “Fill Analysis Software,” which presents a visual, shot-to-shot verification that key process parameters are run in compliance with setpoints generated by the company’s Scientific Molding design of experiments (DOE).

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 my mind, it’s all about how you build a mold, and how you build a process that allows the molding machine to control material viscosity, so you’ll fill the tool consistently shot after shot.”

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

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

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

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

ERP software from IQMS, run through a wireless router, monitors every machine to help manage production. Process monitoring is accomplished through a data-acquisition system supplied by RJG Inc. (rjginc.com).

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).

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.

Driven by brand owner demands and new worldwide legislation, the entire supply chain is working toward the shift to circularity, with some evidence the circular economy has already begun.

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Arrhythmia management techniques may include lifestyle modifications, medications, or cardioversion.

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.

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.

Empire Precision has about 450 active molds and makes three to five mold changes per shift. Most of its tools are built in S-70 or H-13 steel, though it usually uses stainless steel for medical projects. Empire has also built aluminum tools from day one, which are now growing in popularity among injection molders because of their superior heat transfer and faster machining. Empire has run a million cycles off on one of its aluminum molds. On occasion it also has built aluminum/steel “hybrid” tooling.

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.

Empire runs parts in filled and unfilled engineering resins—everything from acetal, PPO alloy, and TPE to PPA, PEI, PPS, PEEK, and LCP. Mold temperatures of 500 to 800 F are routine. Empire uses a little less that 40,000 lb/month of materials to manufacture and ship 7 million to 10 million parts a year. Average annual sales are approximately $8 million.

According to the CDC, cases of myocarditis reported to VAERS have occurred more often in adolescent and young adult males. Reports also indicate that myocarditis developed more often after the second dose and usually within 1 week after vaccination.

“Scientific Molding takes the fear out of molding engineering materials,” states Mark Trudeau, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and the company’s director of operations. “Without theory, you run completely on experience, which is fine, but I don’t believe it allows you to control technology.”

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.

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

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.

Elli notes that the company has found Scientific Molding to be an important tool for analyzing and remedying problems with incoming molds. “We’ve developed a process for diagnosing tools that allows us to talk to our customers in a factual way about what’s going on with transfer tooling. That’s one reason why we’re a vendor of choice for transfers. We can get that tool up, running, and making the best parts it’s capable of producing as fast, or faster, than anyone else, while also backing it up with ‘process-pedigree’ documentation to produce consistent parts going forward.”

Adds McLaren: “Our designs may take a little bit longer, since we use Scientific Molding principles for process prediction and Moldflow to assess mold designs, but these procedures help us get the process ‘scripted’ before we start to build the tool. An easier way to manufacture a mold might make it harder to mold a good part.”

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

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

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.

Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. It is not always serious but can indicate severe heart damage. Learn about the types, causes, treatments, and…

Myocarditis involves inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. Symptoms of both conditions may include:

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

Additionally, a 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis states that the overall risk of myopericarditis after a COVID-19 vaccine is low and the risk of heart inflammation is similar to that following vaccination against other diseases.

Scientific Molding, promulgated by Plastics Technology columnist, John Bozzelli—the founder of Injection Molding Solutions (a.k.a. Scientific Molding), Midland, Mich. (scientificmolding.com)—is a procedure for optimizing the molding process by managing material viscosity through the control of material temperature and pressure, injection velocity, and mold temperature. Neal P. Elli, president of Empire Precision, says his company’s adoption and adaptation of these principles began about eight years ago after attending a Scientific Molding seminar.

Its highly automated moldmaking capabilities include wire and sinker CNC EDM, high-speed CNC milling, grinding, and polishing. An eye-catcher is its Makino E33, a late-model high-speed mill. It’s serviced by a 3R Robotic system. A late-model EDM sinker nearby runs unattended.

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.

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.

Typically, COVID-19 vaccine side effects are minor and only last a few days. But the CDC recommends contacting a doctor if side effects do not go away in a few days.

On Empire’s manufacturing floor, under 23-ft-high ceilings, materials are pneumatically conveyed above the center spacing between three rows of machines, which prevents any possibility of materials and molded parts competing for floorspace. The shop floor is currently lit by sodium halite lighting, but Empire will convert to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting later this year.

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

Some evidence notes that arrhythmias are a potentially life threatening complication of COVID-19. As such, this would suggest that the benefits of receiving the vaccine and having immunity to SARS-CoV-2 outweigh the potential risks.

Empire Precision’s Scientific Molding-based software package, developed in-house, helps the company “freeze” optimum process parameters—such as optimum flow rate for filling a mold—and repeatably reproduce them.

How do you create processes that allow 40 molding machines to control material viscosity and consistently fill your molds, even for challenging micro parts? Empire Precision’s answer is Scientific Molding.

The data indicates that there could be a possible association between the vaccines and atrial fibrillation, although the potential risk is still relatively low. Further research is necessary to understand the correlation and why atrial fibrillation may occur in a small percentage of people after vaccination.

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.