Injection Process Monitoring & Control Adds Multi-Component Molding,/Injection Process Monitoring & Control Adds Multi-Component Molding,

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Injection Process Monitoring & Control Adds Multi-Component Molding,

Author：gly Date: 2024-09-30

Part-Quality Prediction - multi shot molding

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Mold and automation supplier for thin-wall packaging, Muller Technology, will unveil its latest in-mold labeling (IML) automation technology at K 2022. The IML production cell, which includes vison inspection and downstream automation, will run on a 700-ton injection molding machine at the BMB SpA booth, producing a round container in an 8-cavity mold.

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.

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

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.

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.

PVC prices were moving up in March by another 2¢/lb-to-3¢/lb on top of the February 3¢/lb increase, and most suppliers were out with a 3¢/lb hike for April, according to Paul Pavlov, RTi’s v.p. of PP and PVC, and PCW’s associate director PVC & pipe Donna Todd. Both sources noted that the market was still adjusting as there has not been a month-after-month upward pricing move for a very long time.

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

RTi’s Pavlov noted that while first quarter overall was stronger than that of 2023, production was still outpacing domestic demand, despite some increase from the infrastructure sector. He also noted that global demand appeared to have peaked, with some Asian imports coming into the U.S. at competitive prices. PCW’s Todd reported that suppliers were hoping to implement a March increase of 3¢/lb, despite market forecasts showing prices rising by only 2¢/lb. Moreover, some suppliers had doubts the April increase had a chance, as forecasts were for flat pricing that month. “Others, however, said that demand has been growing incrementally each week, and they believe that demand will be strong enough in April to push prices higher regardless of what forecasters have said up until now,” she noted.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Polyethylene prices in February were a rollover and it appeared that March and April could well ‘follow suit,’ despite suppliers aiming to push through a 3¢/lb hike in March, and some who had issued another 3¢/lb for April. This according to PCW’s associate director for PE, PP and PS David Barry, The Plastics Exchange Greenberg, Mike Burns of Plastic Resin Market Advisors and resin pricing expert Robin Chesshier. Still, as PCW’s Barry put it, “While increases are unlikely in second quarter, PE prices could stay firm due to shipping issues. This barring a big spike on crude oil prices or a major change in Chinese demand.” Resin pricing expert Chesshier conceded on this.

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

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).

Beyond Plastic and partners have created a certified biodegradable PHA compound that can be injection molded into 38-mm closures in a sub 6-second cycle from a multicavity hot runner tool.

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.

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

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.

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

Muller Technology’s IML production cell will produce a round container in an 8-cavity mold with vison inspection and downstream automation.

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

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.

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.

Addressing the PP spot market, The Plastic Exchange’s Greenberg noted that while April monomer prices were pointing to a decrease, monomer supplies are still generally tight and prices could still move up if there’s any production hiccup. “We do expect relatively good ongoing PP demand along the way as processors procure spot material to get them by while they wait for contract levels to subside.”

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.

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.

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.

Going into the first month of second quarter, prices of at least three if not four of the five commodity resins had a likelihood of rolling over, despite price increase nominations for all. PP was an exception, where a long-awaited downward correction appeared to be underway as propylene monomer supply shortages were coming to an end. While higher prices of key raw materials were behind the resin price hikes issued for PS, PET and PP, there was a downward trajectory forecast, barring any major production or logistical disruptions. But, the overall ‘thread’ was that a recovery in demand for key markets was not yet evident.

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

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.

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.

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

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

According to Plastic Resin Market Advisors’ Burns, any additional increase to the January price increase will swiftly face market challenges due to the discounted resin available in the secondary market. “Downward prime price pressure from the improved offgrade market availability should begin in April. How much of the January 5¢/lb increase is returned? Contract prices could remain unchanged until NPE2024 in May. Processors should focus on recouping as much of the January increase as possible before August and the Hurricane season. The resin markets could potentially achieve two non-market decreases of 2¢/lb to 3¢/lb before August. Exports combined with favorable pricing will limit secondary market price declines.”

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.

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.

Polystyrene prices were moving up in March as suppliers sought increases of 5¢/lb-to-7¢/lb, primarily based on increases in benzene prices. This, following the 5¢/lb February increase, according to PCW’s Barry and resin pricing expert Robin Chesshier, both of whom ventured that prices were likely to be flat in April and perhaps May, as spot benzene prices were trending downward.

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.

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

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

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.

These are the views of purchasing consultants from Resin Technology Inc. (RTi), senior analysts from Houston-based PetroChemWire (PCW), CEO Michael Greenberg of The Plastics Exchange, Scott Newell, executive v.p. polyolefins at distributor/compounder Spartan Polymers, Mike Burns of Plastic Resin Market Advisors, and resin pricing expert Robin Chesshier.

Polypropylene prices moved up 4¢/lb in February, followed by a 3¢/lb increase in March, both in step with propylene monomer, which settled at 58¢/lb for March, but a transition was expected, according to PCW’s Barry, Spartan Polymers’ Newell and The Plastic Exchange’s Greenberg. These sources generally anticipated that a major price correction in monomer, which was expected to take place in late 2023 fourth quarter or at least within this year’s first quarter, was soon underway. This due to monomer unplanned and planned shutdowns coming to an end.

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.

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.

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

The cell’s output is 100% monomaterial containers composed of a fully recyclable polypropylene (PP) structure, including a wrap-around and bottom PP label from Belgian label maker MCC Verstraete. The high-volume manufacturing cell can produce more than 40 million containers per year for food, dairy and other consumer packaging applications.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Muller says the automation system consumes less energy thanks to an energy recovery system, and its modular design gives it flexibility and allows it to be paired with a case-packaging system. The dynamic entry feature uses artificial intelligence (AI) programming for self-optimization of the robot intrusion between the platens, optimizing total cycle time.

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

Noting that PE spot prices were dropping from week-to-week as March came to a close, The Plastic Exchange’s Greenberg ventured that suppliers would have more of a challenge in negotiating March contracts. He noted that there were plenty of lower offers for LLDPE and injection molding HDPE, and that while blow molding HDPE and HMWPE film remained snug, supply was expected to recover as second quarter turnarounds end.

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.

Despite earlier anticipated rollover in prices for most of the volume commodity resins, prices were generally on the way up for all going into the third month of first quarter.

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.

PET prices moved up another 1¢/lb-to-2¢/lb in March, after moving up a total of 3¢/lb the two previous months, all based on raw material formulation costs, according to Kevin Mekaru, RTi’s senior business unit leader, commodity plastics. Meanwhile suppliers were out with increases of another 1¢/lb-to-2¢/lb for April, again based on higher feedstock costs, though one major supplier was seeking 5¢/lb, citing logistical concerns. Mekaru ventured flat-to-up pricing for the April-May time frame, noting that paraxylene costs typically go up as the driving season approaches. He characterized demand as flat, with not much of an upside underway, and noted that lower-cost imports continue to be an issue for domestic suppliers.

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.

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.

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

Extrusion simulations can be useful in anticipating issues and running “what-if” scenarios to size extruders and design dies for extrusion projects. It should be used at early stages of any project to avoid trial and error and remaking tooling.

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

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.

Muller will debut a new IML system at K 2022 built around a BMB injection molding machine. Photo Credit: Muller Technology

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

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.

Muller says its mold design minimizes maintenance and increases mold life, providing quick changeout capabilities that allow for fast and safe product changeovers. The IML automation system is also compatible with the Holy Grail 2.0 intelligent sorting system, which enabels label identification for end-of-life classification. The company will build these IML automation systems in the U.S. at its Fort Collins, Colo. facility and in Switzerland at its Conthey plant.

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.

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.

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

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.

Styrene monomer prices, meanwhile, were dropping after they spiked up due to planned and unplanned production shutdowns. Chesshier ventured that some relief was possible in May, if benzene prices dropped further. According to Barry, the implied styrene monomer price based on a spot formula (30% ethylene, 70% benzene) was up about 1 cent at 44.7¢/lb moving into the end of March.

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

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.

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.

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

Plastics processors are finding applications for 3D printing around the plant and across the supply chain. Here are 8 examples to look for at NPE2024.

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.

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.

Barring any major disruptions, Barry ventured that PP prices, in step with the monomer, could drop by as much as 8¢/lb in April, and a few more cents in May. This based on falling spot monomer prices, down nearly 10¢/lb. While Spartan Polymers’ Newell sees a correction coming, he thought that April could prove too soon noting that monomer inventories were still tight and demand was not great. He ventured that monomer spot prices could still move up a bit more. Both sources noted that while January-February were pretty decent months for demand, it was more likely due to processors restocking. They noted that March appeared to be way off in demand and that a recovery of the market did not appear to be taking place as yet. This was particularly the case for the consumer goods market sector.

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.

For extrusion blow molders, challenges of price and availability of postconsumer recycled resins can be addressed with a variety of multilayer technologies, which also offer solutions to issues with color, processability, mechanical properties and chemical migration in PCR materials.

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