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.

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

Other highlights for the new PET-LINE include higher output, energy efficiency, greater ability to run recycled PET and a new control. In a release, KraussMaffei said the PET-LINE positions its Netstal brand as an alternative for molders whose production layout currently utilizes machines with lateral removal and who have a corresponding stock of injection molds, noting the new line can be paired with legacy side-entry molds and associated post-mold cooling stations. KraussMaffei also said its existing Netstal PET-LINE with top entry is still available giving its customers the option for side and top entry.

“The success of our Engineering Services Group is really measured in our ability to manufacture the highly critical, high-precision products that leading Pharma, Diagnostic and MedTech companies count on to gain a competitive advantage,” Manley said. “This means driving manufacturing productivity, repeatability, and cost savings. We can only achieve that manufacturing goal when product design, tooling and automation set us up to accomplish it. That’s why I’m so excited to see the impact that this new global engineering services group will have on customer outcomes.”

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.

Learn here how to take advantage of new lightweighting and recycle utilization opportunities in consumer packaging, thanks to a collaboration of leaders in microcellular foaming and multilayer head design.

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.

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.

According to Paul Manley, MGS president & CEO, “Our Global Engineering Services Group is a critical link in meeting growing demand from leading healthcare companies for holistic manufacturing solutions from concept through delivery. We know from our roots in toolmaking that world-class manufacturing is dependent on early product development and design that supports innovative tooling and automation solutions with early insights into the production process.”

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

Netstal’s new PET-LINE has changed from top entry and post-mold cooling above the clamping unit to side entry and cooling alongside the press, offering compatibility to lateral removal tools and after-cooling stations.

The machine was optimized for processing of recycled PET (rPET), including a new screw design and two-stage injection unit. The KraussMaffei spokesperson said the new PET-LINE will feature a barrier screw optimized for running PET. The two “stages” of the injection unit, include the plasticizing unit with barrier screw and a second stage with a shooting pot where melt is transferred from the plasticizing unit and injected into the mold. Accumulators are used for the hydraulic circuit. The company says the new design makes processing of up to 100% rPET material is possible.

Follow these best practices to minimize loss of time, material and labor during color changes in molding containers from bottles to jerrycans. The authors explore what this means for each step of the process, from raw-material infeed to handling and reprocessing tails and trim.

Coronavirus antibody test kits for Roche will be mass produced at an annual rate of 230 million units using three Netstal machines to clean room mold cups, pipette tips and racks to hold them.

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

The new series launches with a machine providing clamping force of 4,000 kN (400 tons) and a 6000 injection unit with the ability to run molds with up to 128 cavities. KraussMaffei notes that more models will be released in coming years to support production of all common beverage applications. A company spokesperson told Plastics Technology that eventually the range will cover preform cavitation from 48 to 144, with some special preform designs below 48.

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.

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

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

KraussMaffei HighPerformance AG’s Netstal brand has introduced the new PET-LINE of preform injection molding machines, featuring lateral removal of preforms in a design the company says is fully compatible with existing side-entry molds and after-cooling stations.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Injection molding technologies for packaging and medical molding are on display, with an emphasis on Industry 4.0 functionality.

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.

Uniloy is revising its machinery lines across the board and strengthening after-sales services in tooling maintenance, spare parts and tech service.

In lieu of a planned launch event derailed by the coronavirus pandemic, KraussMaffei has organized exclusive presentations at Netstal’s headquarters in Näfels, Switzerland and digital visits for all those customers who are unable to travel. This hybrid event will run over three months, with interested customers able to sign up for exclusive presentations in Näfels or attend online meetings where the demonstration of a running machine can take place.

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.

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

This follows on the heels of planned strategic acquisitions to increase the company’s front-end engineering skills and global capacity across North America and Europe.

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.

The PET-LINE also marks the debut on the newest control technology for Netstal—aXos 9. KraussMaffei says this new control emphasizes user friendliness with a new operator panel comprised of a central touchscreen flanked by haptic keys. Navigation occurs exclusively via the touchscreen, while all axial motion is triggered via the haptic keys. The company believes operators will appreciate the advantage over pure touchscreen controlling, noting that the distinct feedback from the haptic keys simplifies “blind” operation with regard to the moving axes.

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.

MGS has launched its Global Engineering Services Group which brings together more than 85 engineers and 200 toolmakers globally, enabling Pharma, Diagnostic and MedTech innovators to take healthcare projects from napkin sketch to validated product, process, and production cell setup.

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

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 unique area of expertise and craftsmanship for MGS, custom automation technologies leverage decades of manufacturing experience to create and design scalable automation solutions that drive robust and quality-controlled manufacturing processes to deliver and maximise ROI. End-of-arm tooling (EOAT), proof-of-concept, press-side, decoupled indexing, and continuous motion systems round out MGS’ full scope of automation 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.

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

Product development and design engineers draw on competencies in R&D, regulatory compliance, quality, and project management to achieve faster time-to-market and reduced risk with a seamless transition to tooling.

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 PET-LINE features a 5-point dual toggle lever in its fully electric clamping unit. Lock-to-lock time comes in at 1.9 seconds for the 400-ton machine, shortening cycle times and boosting output. The machine be equipped with up to four post-mold cooling stations, with interior and exterior cooling ensuring more uniform preforms.

The company’s global tooling capacity expanded to more than 200 toolmakers through recent acquisitions in Europe. In Europe alone, more than 120 skilled toolmakers and mould designers in Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Belgium give customers local and regional access to MGS’ unmatched tooling capacity. Tools and moulding processes are validated in dedicated centres in Denmark and the US where ISO 13485-certified environments offer “plug and play” space for customer injection moulding machines and automation setup.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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

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.