Novelty ice cube trays are cool (forgive the pun). But a decent basic ice cube tray—the kind that doesn’t dribble, crack, or cling to the ice—can improve your daily life in a small but meaningful way.

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.

The new process has led to lower inventory, less labor, lower scrap and greater product quality. “When we do insert transfer molding,” Jones says, “we create work in process, and this totally eliminates that. The quality is a lot better. With transfer, you get into mold-fit issues with first shot into the second shot, and a lot of quality concerns. So there’s a lot of advantages to doing it this way in one machine.”

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

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.

The OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray makes 14 elegant, easy-to-remove half-moon cubes. And it has a rigid, sliding plastic lid that protects the ice without retaining freezer smells, the way a silicone lid would. (You can buy one tray, but the set of two is generally a better deal.)

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

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.

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

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

Most traditional ice cube trays make 12, 14, or 16 cubes, which tend to be about 20 grams each. We found that their shape (whether half-moon or square) makes little difference when it comes to melt rate or cooling ability. We considered trays of various shapes and sizes, since they all have similar capacity and efficacy.

The first shot of talc-filled PP from the main barrel encases the inserted steel reinforcement, which is located in a high-stress area of the assembly. Next, instead of a rotary table spinning the mold for the second shot, the mold has a rotating core built into it. When the platens open, the mold’s core rises out of the base and rotates 180°. The trim parts are right- and left-hand, and in the four cavity mold, the two lower cavities are filled with the first PP shot, and spun into the upper position, where the TPV seal is overmolded using the e-Multi mounted on the stationary platen.

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.

There are countless styles of ice cube trays to turn water into ice of every size and shape imaginable. We decided to narrow our focus to plastic or stainless steel trays in traditional ice cube shapes (we didn’t test silicone trays, since they can make your ice taste like freezer burn).

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

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

Six-axis robot delivers inserts and removed finished parts from the two-shot mold with cores that advance and rotate between shots.

We’ve decided not to include silicone molds in our recent testing because those issues make them difficult to maintain. Though cocktail ice is tempting, it’s not worth ruining a glass of the good stuff with an acrid taste.

If you were drinking ice-cold drinks in the 1950s and ’60s, you probably remember using a metal ice cube tray. Though they have a charming vintage look and are a plastic-free option, the models we tested were also a bit impractical.

“Buying a pure two-barrel or two-shot machine, you’re getting into a very specific, very custom piece of equipment that might not have the versatility to run another mold in the future or be able to be reconfigured,” adds Scott Jones, Innotech’s v.p. of engineering.

Lids keep the tops of ice cubes clean when you stack multiple trays. We also found that they can be great for keeping smells out and for preventing spills when trays are being moved from the sink to the freezer. So we looked for trays with lids that were effective at both of those tasks.

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

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.

Rudy Koehler, Innotech president, considered the project at hand as he weighed what technology the company would utilize, including the alternatives of new two-shot molding machine or a standard press with an auxiliary injection unit. “Let’s say we have a two-shot application seven years from now, and the one that we have now goes away,” Koehler says, “and we don’t know if we’ve got the replacement work. We can take the e-Multi off; we can sell it; or we can put it on another machine.”

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.

Silicone trays also have less structural integrity than rigid plastic or metal, so unless they’re reinforced, they can be a bit floppy. A wobbly tray makes the already-daunting trip from the sink to the freezer a lot more difficult.

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

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.

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

Nick Guy is a former senior staff writer covering Apple and accessories at Wirecutter. He has been reviewing iPhones, iPads, and related tech since 2011—and stopped counting after he tested his 1,000th case. It’s impossible for him not to mentally catalog any case he sees. He once had the bright idea to build and burn down a room to test fireproof safes.

If you prefer to turn the tray over to dump out ice cubes, the sliding lid’s wavelike edge lets you do so, for as few or as many ice cubes as you’d like.

We love that it’s stackable. Unlike the cheaper plastic trays we tested from Sterilite and Rubbermaid, the OXO trays come with a lid, so you can stack them without dirtying the tops of the ice cubes. Small feet on the bottom corners keep trays steady while stacked.

It’s not totally spill-proof. The plastic lid may keep some smells out, but it’s far from air- or water-tight. If you tilt the tray at an angle, the water will come gushing out.

Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).

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

Inject a substrate, insert it into a different tool and overmold—lather, rinse, repeat. For most of its 25 years, that’s how Innotech Precision Inc. in Toronto handled overmolding, using a transfer method requiring two molds, two machines and a good bit of labor input.

We have barware recommendations for outfitting a stylish and functional bar at home, with options for every skill level.

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.

Designed to form a component that would hold headlights in place, the mold was intended to produce a front-end automobile bracket. Instead of parts however, the tool’s real output was problems.

The bigger investment and lead time on a dedicated two-shot machine would be a different story. “Maybe a pure two-shot machine has some features that we’re giving up on,” Koehler says, “but there’s enough pros to the approach we took that with 20/20 hindsight I’m still pretty comfortable with the decision.”

The RSVP Endurance Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray also makes 18 cubes, and even though we appreciated that it’s lighter, it does feel flimsier than the Onyx tray. The stainless steel is thinner and more prone to fingerprints, and the lever doesn’t feel as sturdy (if you try to remove ice without thawing the tray, you could break the lever mechanism).

These trays require some level of foresight before you enjoy a cold drink (you can’t immediately pop out ice cubes—we tried). And unlike with plastic trays, with metal ones you can’t remove just a few ice cubes and replenish the empty wells with water since the entire divider needs to be removed to access even one cube.

When a class A trim-component program for full-sized GM trucks came up in 2018, the job was not unlike many other multi-material jobs Innotech had fulfilled with transfer molding. This time, however, an advanced tool technology from a Quebec-based moldmaker and the potential to apply an e-Multi auxiliary injection unit from Mold-Masters led the company to a new overmolding strategy.

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.

An injection molder of trash cans, pallets, totes and other plus-size components, Rehrig Pacific’s machine fleet is composed of larger tonnage presses whose size makes material changes at the feed throat a potentially dizzying exercise.

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

A customer request for multi-material molding presented a market opportunity and potential financial peril: How do you add two-shot without also overextending yourself from an investment perspective?

Productive Plastics has created an extensive collection of 3D printed manufacturing aids that sharply reduce lead times.

The rise of specialty ice brought with it a plethora of silicone ice cube trays, from large spheres for cocktails to butterflies and hexagons. However, though silicone’s flexibility works well for ice molds, silicone has a tendency to absorb freezer smells, which isn’t ideal.

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.

Although cheaper ice cube trays we’ve tried have cracked after becoming brittle in the freezer, we haven’t had any problems with the OXO tray so far. In any case, if you do have a problem with its durability, you can contact OXO and request a replacement under the company’s satisfaction guarantee. We’ve always found OXO’s customer service to be very responsive and helpful.

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.

During our testing, we noted whether trays could stack, if they could be set at an angle or on a non-flat surface, how likely they were to spill when full of water, how easy they were to fill, and whether ice cubes stuck to the tray. We also drank glasses of water with ice from each tray to check for anything that tasted off.

Overall, we think plastic trays are a more-convenient use of precious freezer space, but if you’re set on a metal tray, the Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray is the best one we tried. Read our thoughts below about that tray and the other metal one we tested.

In our tests, ice from silicone molds imparted the distinct taste of freezer burn to our drinks. If you have hard water, silicone can also accumulate white residue from the minerals in the water. While the white residue can be removed with a vinegar solution, we found that the only way to remove smells from silicone molds was to bake 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.

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

It’s easy to fill. There are small channels for runoff between each ice cube groove; that means you can fill the tray by pointing the water spout at one end of the tray and tilting it. The lid stops water from sloshing out as you transport the tray from the sink to the freezer (though it’s not totally leakproof).

Innotech’s goal was to automate the cell as much as possible, with one operator loading metal inserts into a nest for the robot. That same operator inspects and packs good parts within the cycle time with ample time for all three tasks.

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

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.

Joseph Joseph’s QuickSnap Ice Cube Tray, which has been updated to include a lid since we tested it, offers a unique way to remove the cubes. Each of the 12 divisions has a silicone switch mechanism embedded in it. Water freezes into it; then when it comes time to remove a cube, you move the rubber back and forth to loosen it, and the cube pops up at you. It’s a cool idea, but it didn’t always work.

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

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).

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

The Container Store’s Covered Ice Cube Tray makes 21 cubes. But because the tray is made of rigid plastic and has a middle row, removing individual cubes is hard; it’s more of an all-or-nothing experience.

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.

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

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.

The lid will stick if you overfill the tray. If you overfill the tray into the ¼ inch of space between the cubes and the lid, the ice will expand and make the lid stick. Just don’t fill past the tops of the grooves, and you should be fine (though even if the lid does stick, a little bending should break it free).

Made from thick, brushed stainless steel, the Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray is sturdy and well built. The tray makes 18 cubes, and the lever separating them is durable—it resists breaking, even under stress. If you’re looking for a metal ice cube tray, we expect the Onyx will be a long-lasting choice. But it’s expensive and subject to the same pitfalls faced by all metal trays.

If you dislike lugging bags of ice home from the store or filling ice-cube trays, a countertop ice maker might make your day.

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

The approach Innotech took was to purchase an e-Multi and a new 500-ton all-electric Toshiba press (now supplied by Shibaura Machine Co.), pairing them with a specialized multi-material mold that puts a spin on traditional 2K designs that use a rotary table.

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.

In the Innotech molding cell, a six-axis Kuka robot inserts the metal components to be overmolded using electromagnets in the robot tooling—in the mold, pins hold them in place. Before the mold closes, cameras inspect the inserts, ensuring they’re in position and halting the cycle if they’re not.

The class A trim component Innotech has been molding since mid-2020 is positioned at the front edge of the truck’s front door. Apart from the molded plastic, it comprises a stamped decorative metal element and a steel reinforcement.

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 Mold-Masters e-multi auxiliary injection unit was installed on a new 500-ton all-electric Toshiba (now Shibaura) injection molding machine (left in photo).

To remove the ice, first you have to let the tray sit out for a couple of minutes (in other words, thaw), and then you pull a lever to loosen the divider. Then you can either remove the divider and store the cubes in their tray or decant the cubes into another container so you can refill the tray.

An articulating mold and versatile auxiliary injection unit helped this molder rethink its tried-and-true approach to insert molding.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 OXO Good Grips No Spill Ice Cube Tray was formerly a pick. We liked the innovative silicone lid, which lets you stack the tray at an angle without spilling the contents. However, over time we found that the silicone lid imparted a freezer-burn flavor to the cubes. Also, the moat around the outside of the tray created useless and messy shards of ice that would fall out.

OXO sells an identical version of our pick but with a teal lid; it advertises this one as a baby-food freezer tray. This tray typically costs a bit more, but we’ve seen it on sale. We recommend getting whichever version is cheaper at the time.

For a good ice cube tray that allows you to make plenty of ice without worrying about freezer burn, we recommend the OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray, which comes with a rigid, sliding plastic lid for clean stacking. Each tray makes 14 half-moon-shaped cubes, which can be pushed out of the tray easily.

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

The 14-cube OXO Good Grips Ice Cube Tray’s biggest advantage over other ice trays is its rigid plastic lid, which resists freezer smells, allows for easy stacking, and prevents spills while the tray is transported from the sink to the freezer. After many years of using this tray, we haven’t noticed it becoming brittle or exhibiting any other durability issues, unlike some of its competitors.

The ice cubes pop out easily. The half-moon ice cubes usually slide right out of the tray with a gentle push on one end. If they do stick, you can flex the tray with the lid on, so there’s no risk of any cubes jumping out (and onto the floor).

Ciara Murray Jordan is an associate staff writer on the kitchen team at Wirecutter. She previously worked as an artisanal cheesemaker on a small farm in Vermont.

The Sterilite Stacking Ice Cube Tray and the Rubbermaid Easy Release Ice Cube Tray are both pretty much quintessential, white plastic ice cube trays. They each hold 16 cubes, and neither comes with a lid. They stack just fine and make perfectly acceptable ice, but there’s nothing special about them.

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

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

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.

Spectrum Plastics Group offers customers two technology hubs — one for extrusion, the other for additive manufacturing — to help bring ground-breaking products to market faster.

The Mumi&Bubi Solids Starter Kit is marketed as a baby-food freezer tray, but we found it worked just as well for ice cubes. Each tray makes 21 large cubes and has a lid for clean stacking. But the trays take up a good chunk of freezer space and are pretty pricey—you can buy three of the OXO Good Grips trays for less.

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.

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.