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.

Engel began this development at K 2010 with its flomo electronic temperature-controlled water-manifold system, which replaces older maintenance-intensive water distributors and can monitor and document each individual cooling circuit. Partial or complete blockages due to water-borne debris or scale buildup no longer go undetected. Then at NPE2015, Engel launched e-flomo, which added the ability to actively control either the flow rates or in/out temperature difference (ΔT) in all individual cooling circuits. The advantage of ΔT control is that it automatically sets the required flow rate for each circuit to produce the desired ΔT.

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

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.

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

New IQ flow control in Engel’s CC300 injection machine controller interfaces with Engel’s e-flow water-valve controller and its new e-temp TCU with variable-speed pump.

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

Electronic flow control is paired with a variable-speed TCU pump to achieve optimum cooling with the minimum energy required.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

A key element of this system is a TCU with variable-speed pump developed by HB-Therm of Switzerland in collaboration with Engel, which sells this unit under the name Engel e-temp. It is networked with the injection machine via the OPC-UA communication protocol, which is becoming a standard of Industry 4.0 networks, which Engel calls inject 4.0.

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.

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.

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

Learn the causes, symptoms and remedies for TCU leaks to keep these vital contributors to plastics processing up and running longer and more efficiently.

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

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.

Teel Plastics opened new plant in record time, partnering with AEC & Aqua Poly Equipment Co. to expand production of swab sticks to fight pandemic.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

NPE2018 will see the North American launch of the newest module of iQ intelligent control software from Engel Machinery Inc., York, Pa. (booth W3303). “Most rejects in injection molding are the result of temperature-control errors,” says Joachim Kragl, director of Advanced Molding Systems and Processing. “This explains why processors’ focus is increasingly shifting to mold-temperature control.” It also explains the development of Engel’s iQ flow control, which is integrated into its CC300 machine control and communicates with other intelligent peripherals in a machine cell.

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

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.

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

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

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

The innovative Mould Track System offers an intelligent solution with precise indoor localisation technology for the injection moulding sector. It enables the precise tracking and localisation of injection moulding tools in real time and the digital interlinking of processes. With this advanced system, HASCO, once again, defines the standard as part of the increasing digitalisation of the mouldmaking world.

With the Mould Tag, bearing an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification), HASCO enables the simple and reliable digitalisation of original standard mould units and hot runner technology in injection moulding tools. Via the HASCO App, this can be read out, and all product-relevant data directly displayed. Whereas barcodes and QR codes can be easily copied, Mould Tag enables unambiguous identification with unforgeable proof of origin.

K 2016 saw the next step with the introduction of iQ flow control. This software networks the temperature-control units (TCUs) and the injection machine to create a single unit that, based on the measured values determined by e-flomo, controls the pump speed in the TCU to provide the required flow. While e-flomo increases process stability and reduces rejects, automatic pump-speed adjustment with iQ flow control ensures that the pump works no harder than necessary and thus minimizes energy usage for mold-temperature control. Since the pump operates on demand, rather than at maximum output all the time, wear and tear is reduced and pump maintenance is reduced.

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.

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

HASCO Hot Runner will present new developments in the field of 3D-printed hot runner components. The innovative Shadowfree technology, as a module element, eliminates the flow shadows in needle valve systems, and enables a colour change in the hot runner that is up to 40% faster. Extensions to the Value-Shot program H203/… increase the application possibilities of this nozzle series several times over with a consistently high cost-to-benefit factor. Innovative filter inserts reduce the pressure loss to a minimum. With the new RFID nameplate, paperless documentation is applied directly to the injection moulding tool. The very latest regulating technology simplifies the control of the hot runners – also by means of direct integration into the injection moulding machine.

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

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

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

The new thermal insulating sheets, specially developed for highly stressed moulds, are noted for their particularly low thermal conductivity coefficient. They increase the process reliability and effectively reduce the amount of energy required. The temperature control range is supplemented by a highly flexible, twist-resistant and unbendable PTFE corrugated hose, a new monocoupling program with French connection profile and the Cooling Tornado, which allows, through turbulent flow, energy savings, shorter cycle times and thus efficient cooling and temperature control.

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

At the upcoming FAKUMA, HASCO will present numerous new and further developments from the fields of Mould Base and Hot Runner, as well as innovative digital solutions for mouldmaking. With new technologies, user-friendly tools on the homepage, a modern app, regular CAD updates and digital services, HASCO makes day-to-day working as easy as possible for its customers.

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.