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

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

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.

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

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.

Some TPEs are engineered to provide 10 times lower oxygen permeation than standard TPEs, about the same as butyl rubber. These materials can provide an excellent defense against water loss or absorption, according to a presentation given by Masahiro Asada at the 2006 TPE Conference in Akron, Ohio.

Additionally, TPE properties such as softer touch and ergonomic grip can also brings ease-of-use to medical devices. Home-use medical products, a growing market segment where minimally trained users depend on ergonomic products, is another good fit for TPEs.

High-performance TPEs can also be overmolded onto rigid plastic parts. Overmolding eliminates potential points of failure by creating a chemical bond between a plastic substrate and the TPE.

A two-phase molecular structure gives TPEs their combination of strength and flexibility. Amorphous areas, or blocks, in the polymer are soft and provide its elastomeric nature, making the material supple and flexible. The harder crystalline blocks give tensile strength and resistance to chemicals and heat.

For example, TPEs replace lowdensity polyethylene (PE) in the blow-fill-seal process for making eye and nasal-drop bottles. With TPEs, the bottles can be transparent and more flexible than with PE.

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.

On a basic level, TPEs combine the processing advantages and recycling potential of thermoplastics with the flexibility, low modulus, and soft touch of elastomers. TPEs have made their way into industries including medical, electronics, sporting goods, consumer products, and automotive. The polymers’ softness and suppleness, in particular, add consumer appeal to products made with TPEs.

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.

Key points• Compounders can give TPEs a variety of properties, from a soft touch to high-temperature-sterilization resistance.• TPEs are physically, not chemically, cross-linked, so they are easy to process and recycle.• Many TPEs are plasticizer-free and adhere to new federal and international regulations.

Copolymerizing thermoplastic olefins (TPOs) in a reactor rather than through melt-blending polypropylene (PP) with an elastomer is another relatively recent move.

Adding TPE’s resilience and softer touch can improve comfort, cushioning, ergonomics, and safety for a part’s end users. Using TPEs, designers can ensure that equipment is safer to operate and easier to handle by helping to improve grip, provide better nonskid surfaces, and maintain flexibility at lower temperatures. The materials can also supply vibration damping to help minimize motor noise, vibration transmission, or impact shock.

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.

Bottles made with TPEs can also survive higher temperatures. This gives packagers the option of autoclave sterilization at 121°C, a temperature close to the melting point of many grades of PE. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) favors high-temperature sterilization.

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

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.

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 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

TPEs like GLS’ Versaflex form a transparent overmold layer on various substrates, including polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and nylon (PA6). The material is designed for insert and two-shot molding. Some grades let process designers skip a step in drying the TPE and the substrate onto which it will be overmolded, saving process time and money.

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.

Working with TPEsTPEs can be extruded, blow molded, and thermoformed. Manufacturers can also injection mold them. High-pressure injection molding can yield thin-walled TPE parts. Some grades of the material also support insert molding and one and two-shot molding.

Any of these conventional processing techniques work with TPEs using conventional molding equipment. Thus, designers often substitute TPEs for traditional materials to improve product performance, cut down on cycle time, lower equipment costs, or eliminate secondary operations.

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

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.

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.

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

China, which is already the world’s largest TPE market in terms of metric tons, is expected to scale up in many industries for a predicted 20% growth rate through 2012.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are showing up in more and more places these days. The array of polymers that fall under the TPE umbrella, not to mention the color, texture, and property options they offer designers, can be truly bewildering. But sorting out the TPE universe can help a designer cut part count, shorten process time, and improve product durability.

TPE targetsIn 2009 global TPE demand is expected to grow more than 6% to 3.1 million metric tons for a market value of approximately $11.4 billion. Part of this growth comes from applications where TPEs have directly displaced more traditional materials like thermoset rubbers. But much of the expansion is due to the Chinese market.

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.

Manufacturers looking to TPEs should understand the broad range of thermoplastic elastomers, each of which has unique attributes and deficiencies. By working with a knowledgeable supplier, engineers can take advantage of a large portfolio of engineered TPEs to identify the best material and processing techniques for a given final product.

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.

Understanding TPEsThermoplastic elastomers are low-modulus, flexible materials. Their building-block polymers vary and can include styrenic block copolymers, olefins, thermoplastics, and other materials.

In this collection of articles, two of the industry’s foremost authorities on screw design — Jim Frankand and Mark Spalding — offer their sage advice on screw design...what works, what doesn’t, and what to look for when things start going wrong.

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

Introduced by Zeiger and Spark Industries at the PTXPO, the nozzle is designed for maximum heat transfer and uniformity with a continuous taper for self cleaning.

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

This presentation will explore the in-situ polyurethane (PU) overmolding of injection-molded and composite parts, allowing for direct out-of-mold class "A" surfaces. KraussMaffei will review the process and equipment required. It will also discuss tooling types currently available for PU systems for this process. KraussMaffei will compare the pros and cons of this technology over currently-available coating and painting systems.

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 can also skip the aftermold vulcanization step thermosets need. Depending on the raw materials, premold mixing can also be shortened or eliminated.

Fewer potential avenues for failure means engineers need to do fewer tests to prove the assembly will safely perform its function. In highly regulated industries, like the medical-device arena, this can mean a quicker, less-costly route to regulatory approval.

In tension, most TPE blends can withstand 400 to 1,000 psi while specially formulated TPEs, like thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), can exceed 5,000-psi tensile strength. The range of strengths reflects the myriad chemistries TPEs encompass.

ResourcesGLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, glscorporation.com “How to develop a soft touch,” MACHINE DESIGN, June 2, 2005“Hard rules for soft-touch overmolding,” MACHINE DESIGN, May 9, 2002

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.

TPEs also have good colorability and accept special visual effects. Designers can overmold a clear TPE onto a patterned or colored substrate or use a pearlescent or tinted material to create the desired look. Custom-colored TPEs, which can be formulated to have a shiny or matte finish, let manufacturers skip secondary operations like painting or coating.

The variety of chemistries available lets designers tailor materials for properties like clarity, injection moldability, and abrasion resistance. But all TPEs have room-temperature elasticity. Most TPEs can stretch repeatedly to at least twice their original length, some up to 10 times their length, without significant permanent deformation.

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

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.

The automotive industry remains the largest market for TPEs where it finds a home in the soft-touch overmolding ubiquitous in automotive interiors. TPO and thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) use inside vehicles also continues to expand. The two material classes tend to cost less than more commonly used TPUs. They can also be processed with lower-cost two-shot molding.

For example, styrene-ethylene/butylene- styrene (SEBS), a styrenic block copolymer (SBC), is made of a styrene hard phase and a butadiene elastomer phase. The crystalline areas form physical crosslinks in the polymer structure while the amorphous phase provides the material’s elastic properties.

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.

Authored by: Joe KutkaTechnology Launch ManagerGLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, a PolyOne Co.McHenry, Ill.Edited by Jessica Shapiro[email protected]

Dan Rozelman has been a technical sales manager with KraussMaffei since 2022. He is currently responsible for KraussMaffei's composites and surface solutions in North America. He has been in the capital equipment industry for plastics and composites for over 12 years.

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

TPEs can also be sterilized using other standard methods such as steam, ethylene oxide (EtO), e-beam, and gamma radiation.

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.

TPEs gain their strength from this type of physical cross-linking; they are not chemically cross-linked or vulcanized, as thermoset rubber is. The lack of chemical cross-linking means TPEs are appropriate for recycling.

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

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.

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

Explore the in-situ polyurethane (PU) overmolding of injection-molded and composite parts, allowing for direct out-of-mold class "A" surfaces.

Part consolidation is also a key concern for engineers replacing assemblies that include metal components and separate thermoset rubber gaskets. Overmolding a barrier layer onto a high-strength substrate keeps metal ions, rubber compounds, and additives from leaching into drugs or other formulations, according to a presentation David Marshall and Hideki Ishikawa gave at Antec 2006.

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.

TPEs can also be engineered for barrier applications like dynamic-seal gaskets and static-seal stoppers. Potential applications include syringes and intravenous delivery systems, and blood-collection devices.

Researchers continue to introduce complex new TPEs like metallocene-catalyzed polyolefin plastomers (POPs) and elastomers (POEs). These very-low-molecular weight, linear low-density polyethylenes (VLMW-LLDPE) are becoming common in flexible packaging films and in molded goods that see light-duty and moderate temperatures.

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

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

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

For example, TPEs from GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, a PolyOne Co., can be customized to provide a unique flow, hardness, UV resistance, degree of transparency, and meet regulatory requirements such as FDA or USP Class VI.

New TPVs have also been engineered to resist the heat and oil contamination that go with underthe- hood automotive applications where thermoset rubbers have traditionally dominated.

In addition to the varied properties that can be compounded into TPEs, the materials can also cut finished part cost by up to 30%. Although TPEs themselves can cost as much as 50% more than thermosets, greater processing efficiency gives the materials better cost-effectiveness overall.

Some compounders, including GLS, have developed clear, nonplasticized products that can be sterilized. These grades let manufacturers lay aside concerns about the migration of regulated plasticizers from packaging into the package contents.

One example of TPE overmolding is a vial stopper for medical applications. The original part consisted of a polypropylene (PP) sleeve that positioned a separate thermoset elastomer button over the vial. Engineers developed a single two-shot part where TPE is overmolded and fuse-bonded to PP via two-shot injection molding. In addition to halving the number of parts, the fuse-bonding cut down on the potential for leakage failures.

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

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).

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.

In other industries, stricter regulations aimed at product safety are driving companies to change their end products. FDA and European Union rules regarding additives which are potentially environmentally harmful — like phthalate plasticizers and bisphenol A — are forcing engineers to innovate. TPEs enable manufacturers to replace traditional materials that have become problematic with nonplasticized ones that meet the same needs.

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.

To meet multiple customer requirements, TPE suppliers alloy and compound polymer building blocks. Engineers can tailor TPEs to have a softer feel, more vibrant color, a nonslip surface, or vibration damping properties.

Chemical joining over the larger surface area of the part helps prevent separation over a long lifespan of rigorous use. Designers can use single, seamless assembly overmolding to reduce breakage or leakage that can occur when joining components with adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Another option with overmolding is to create an additional mechanical interlock between the substrate and overmolded polymer.

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

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.

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

That efficiency comes from cycling waste and defective parts back into raw material feeds, shortening process cycles, reducing equipment requirements, and the potential for part consolidation.

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

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