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

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

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.

The biologics contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) market is experiencing rapid growth and is dominated by global players with investments in large scale stainless steel capacity. But is larger always better? Not necessarily says Celonic, a mid-sized, privately owned CDMO, who has … more ➔

New figures published by the industry association European Bioplastics suggest a sharp increase in the production of sustainable plastics in the next two years and calls for policy support. more ➔

HEXPOL TPE and Polykemi have collaborated on material combinations for multicomponent injection molding based on the resins’ properties and sustainability qualities. The companies’ goals included demonstrating the possibilities in reducing the product carbon footprint, while increasing recyclability and optimizing adhesion.

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

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.

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.

The first half of 2024 is history, and experts are divided on whether the financing nadir has been reached or even passed. There are very different figures for different types of treatments under … more ➔

“We are proud to be the first company in the world to produce disposable laboratory materials from PLA using the injection moulding process,” stressed co-founder and co-CEO Joel Eichmann. The sustainable solution not only reduces CO2 emissions compared to polystyrene, the production process for PLA is also less energy-intensive.

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

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

According to estimates, around 5.5 million tonnes of plastic are produced in life science laboratories worldwide every year. Material that cannot be recycled and is therefore incinerated. The start-up Elephant Green Biotech now offers 96-well microtitre plates made from bioplastics to replace the petroleum-based products and thus reduce emissions. Microtitre plates are among the most frequently used disposable products in laboratories and are mainly used for high-throughput analysis. They are usually made of polystyrene. Green Elephant Biotech uses cplant-based polylactic acid instead for the production of its microtitre plates.

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).

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

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.

Although the disposal of PLA sheets also produces the greenhouse gas CO2, the emissions correspond to what the maize plants originally absorbed from the atmosphere. According to the company, the life cycle of its 96-well plates therefore produces half the CO2 emissions of conventional plates.Additionally, Green Elephant Biotech’s microtitre plates can now compete with their petroleum-based counterparts: “Manufacturing the first product that meets the high technical standards of laboratory consumables involved many challenges, such as ensuring high transparency for optical applications. However, the tests have shown that our sheets are competitive with conventional plastics in this respect, which proves that quality does not have to come at the expense of sustainability,” says Eichmann.

French bioplastics recycling specialist Carbios SAS and British recycling and waste management company FCC Environment want  to establish a PET biorecycling facility in the UK.  more ➔

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.

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.

Radiopharmaceuticals have turned into a hot commodity when it comes to M&A financing and deals. Targeted therapies that employ high-energy attachments linked to antibodies, small molecules or … more ➔

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

The Three R (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) principles developed over 60 years ago provide a framework for more humane lab animal testing and, more importantly, less of it. A range of in-vitro … more ➔

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Combinations using mechanically recycled ABS with bio-circular attributed TPE were also tested, resulting in a 57% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to the fully fossil-based equivalents. The TPE has bio-circular attributed content via the mass balance principle from 2nd generation feedstocks.

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

HEXPOL TPE and Polykemi have collaborated to determine maximum carbon reduction possibilities for overmolding PP with TPE. Photo Credit: HEXPOL TPE and Polykemi

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.

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.

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.

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

Plastic consumables used in pharmaceutical and biotechnological research must meet high quality standards. A German start-up has now launched the first sustainable product that is not based on petroleum chemistry: a 96-well microtitre plate The plastic for microtitre plates is made from corn starch.

Here are processing guidelines aimed at both getting the PHA resin into the process without degrading it, and reducing residence time at melt temperatures.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Swedish compounders HEXPOL TPE AB and Polykemi AB have collaborated on a 2K sustainable development project for consumer products.

A print magazine focussing on start-ups in the life sciences! Like a catalyst, it aims to promote young companies in the life sciences with the right impulses. more ➔

Bioplastics specialist Avantium N.V. has inked a 5-year agreement to supply Henkel with plant sugar based furandicarboxylic acid , a building block of PEF bioplastics. more ➔

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

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.

First quarter was ending up with upward pricing, primarily due to higher feedstock costs and not supply/demand fundamentals.

The compounders documented the cradle-to-gate Product Carbon Footprints (PCF) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) per kg of material. The PCF data shows that switching from a combination using fossil fuel based ABS from Polykemi, that is overmolded with a fossil fuel based TPE from HEXPOL TPE, to a recycled PP and TPE with bio-circular attributed content, can result in a 77% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The companies say this combination can also provide end-of-life and recycling compatibility advantages.

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

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.

Last December, Finnish Neste Oyj has partnered with Hamburg-based lab supplier Eppendorf AG  to create a new line of renewable plastic lab consumables, Eppendorf Consumables BioBased, from cooking oil waste.

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

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.

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.

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

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