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.

Prism Plastics (Chesterfield Township, MI), a high-precision plastic product company, has acquired Tech Molded Plastics Inc. (Meadville, PA), a full-service injection molding company specializing in tight-tolerance, precision molding and the manufacture of production injection molds. Prism is a portfolio company of Altus Capital Partners (Wilton, CT), which specializes in U.S.-based middle-market manufacturing companies.

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

Two newly developed antioxidant blends that are said to allow nylons 66 and nylon 6 to exceed current performance limitations and offer new opportunities for compounders have been launched by Germany’s Bruggemann (U.S. office Newton Park, Penn.). Bruggolen TP-H1607 and TP-H1805 are the company’s latest additions to its extensive additive portfolio for nylons.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Tech Molded Plastics’ CEO Scott Hanaway affirmed that position. “We’ve got a diversified customer base, which brings a broader diversification for both companies, including some packaging and aerospace products. We’re strong in the automotive market, experienced in designing and building difficult, multi-cavity molds and offer moldmaking and design engineering in-house along with an apprentice program, which adds to the overall capabilities of the combined companies.”

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.

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

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

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

A year ago, during an interview with PlasticsToday, Jeff Ignatowski, Director of Sales and Marketing, noted that Prism was looking to expand into other vehicle components, including opportunities for metal-to-plastic conversion, drive train, under hood, fuel system components and more. The goal was to add a fourth facility and, at the time, Prism was in the early stages of discussing where that plant might be located.

“We’re confident that this acquisition will prove to be mutually beneficial in helping both organizations accomplish more together than they could have separately,” said Tech Molded Plastics CEO Scott Hanaway. “Prism Plastics has a strong reputation throughout the industry and we couldn’t think of a better company to align ourselves with moving forward.”

Operating within guidelines from material suppliers can produce levels of polymer degradation. Get around it with better control over either the temperature of the melt or the barrel residence time.

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.

Bricker agreed. “Prism doesn’t do in-house moldmaking, so that adds to our capabilities,” he said. “As Scott suggested, the overall customer base will be broader, and we have expertise in the same type of tough parts—critical mechanical products.”

Bruggolen TP-H1607 is a proprietary copper-based stabilizer package which is said to significantly extend long-term mechanical property retention of nylons to limits unmatched by existing classic copper salt based antioxidants. For example, tests demonstrate that TP-H1607 enables heat stabilization of unreinforced nylon 66 beyond 5000 hours at 150 C/303 F, significantly outperforming conventional copper salt based stabilizers which level off at 3000 hours at this temperature. The extraordinary efficiency of  TP-H1607 offers the opportunity to dramatically reduce copper and halogen content. In nylon 66 at 150°C/303 F the copper concentration in the compound was reduced by a factor of more than 5 and still matched the maximum performance level of existing copper salt based products. This capability allows cost savings and opens applications in the E&E sector, such as switch housings and sensors, where a comparative tracking index CTI of 600V is required. Significantly, trials revealed that TP-H1607 exhibits no greater influence on electro-corrosion than conventional phenolic/phosphite stabilisers used extensively in E&E.

With the new Bruggolen TP-H1805, Brüggemann has developed an easily processable high-heat stabilizer package which reportedly stretches the limit for continuous-use temperatures - up to 200 C/392 F in the case of glass-reinforced nylon 6 and beyond 200 C.392 F for nylon 66.  TP-H1805 does not require prior activation and is also effective at temperatures below 200 C/392 F. Thus, compounders are said to have the opportunity to produce cost-efficient aliphatic nylon-based materials for borde line applications previously reserved for higher priced PPAs or other high-performance polymers such as PPS. In addition, TP-H1805 may offer the opportunity to substitute in certain applications nylon 66 for the less expensive nylon 6.   Both stabilizers are supplied in pellet form and are easy to dose and disperse during compounding.

In addition to Tech Molded Plastics, Prism operates three other facilities including two in Michigan and one on the Mexico border in Harlingen, Texas. However, Bricker noted that Prism will be “cautiously looking at other opportunities,” always taking into account if it makes sense for the company’s overall strategy. The company currently ships more than a half-billion parts annually from its facilities in the United States.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Bruggemann’s new Bruggolen TP-H1607 and TP-H1805 antioxidant blends said to overcome performance limitations of nylon 66 and nylon 6.

After successfully introducing a combined conference for moldmakers and injection molders in 2022, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology are once again joining forces for a tooling/molding two-for-one.

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

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

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

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

Said to be the first of its kind, this AI assistant will enhance access to ICIS’ intelligence and insights for the energy and chemical markets.

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.

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.

Bricker added that while Mexico certainly offers business opportunities, “so far, with the types of products we make, we’ve stayed within U.S. borders. But as opportunities arise with customers, we’re always willing to talk about their needs. With the high level of automation in our plants, it doesn’t make sense at this point to put facilities in Mexico.”

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Founded in 1973, Tech Molded Plastics focuses on precision injection molded components for the automotive, medical, consumer, electronics and aerospace industries. Tech Molded Plastics currently operates 37 injection molding presses ranging from 33 to 440 tons. Through the acquisition, Prism Plastics effectively doubles its size in terms of sales, and gives the organization immediate access to a proven and sophisticated team of professionals while adding in-house mold building capabilities.

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

In commenting on the synergies between Prism and Tech Molded Plastics, Bricker pointed first and foremost at the team of people that contribute to the success of the companies. “Both have good groups of people that been in the plastics business for many years, and have extensive knowledge and experience. That’s one of the biggest synergies,” he stated. “This is two solid companies coming together—a combination of equals. We’ve made two great companies into a greater one.”

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.

Said head of polymer additives Dr. Klaus Bergmann, “Our goal is to offer heat stabilizers for nylons across all temperature ranges and all application areas. With the introduction of these new products we are further extending our portfolio of high-performance stabilizers to provide even more value to our customers.”

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.

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.

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.

Going forward, Prism will continue to look at areas of diversification in different markets. In addition to the unique markets that Tech Molded Plastics brings, Bricker emphasized that the company will continue to diversify into other industries and develop customers in other markets, with each company continuing to support the other. “We now have a larger portfolio of services and expanded capabilities to offer all our customers,” Bricker commented.

In an interview regarding the purchase of Tech Molded Plastics, Ignatowski noted that the acquisition turned out to be Prism’s next expansion, rather than a greenfield build. Bricker confirmed that statement: “We had planned to do something like a greenfield, but this opportunity came along to acquire Tech Molded Plastics, which was a good [one] for both companies.”

Until she retired in September 2021, Clare Goldsberry reported on the plastics industry for more than 30 years. In addition to the 10,000+ articles she has written, by her own estimation, she is the author of several books, including The Business of Injection Molding: How to succeed as a custom molder and Purchasing Injection Molds: A buyers guide. Goldsberry is a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. She reflected on her long career in "Time to Say Good-Bye."

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.

Prism Plastics President Rod Bricker, who is also one of Prism’s co-founders, said in his announcement, “Prism Plastics continues to experience a strong and steady growth trajectory fueled by our commitment to the Prism Way—an operational mindset geared toward lean manufacturing processes, automated technologies and embedded quality control measures that result in best-in-class standards of quality for our clients at every touch point. In acquiring Tech Molded Plastics, we recognized a strategic opportunity with a company that shares our philosophies regarding manufacturing, business, family and culture to further expand our capabilities and capacity to fuel future growth.”

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