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.

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.

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 road from discovery in the lab to commercial viability can be long, and this was certainly the case for acetal polymers.

This first safety glass was adopted for safety goggles, gas masks and car windscreens. But the details of the polymerization process were still being worked out, and the initial approach of polymerization in solvents turned out to be a chain reaction that could be explosive. In the meantime, chemists at I.G. Farbenindustrie developed a method for emulsion polymerization that made the reaction much safer and more manageable. They received the patent for this development in 1930. I.G. Farbenindustrie had little interest in safety glass. Instead, they were focused on fibers for making artificial silk. But the advantages of the emulsion polymerization process were obvious and critical in allowing Rohm & Haas to produce the rigid polymer profitably.

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

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.

Due to the combination of hyperinflation in Germany’s currency in the mid-1920s, the subsequent worldwide depression, and the end of patent protection of Oropon, the price of the product fell nearly 50% between 1925 and 1933. Consequently, while experimental research was directed toward polymers, the need for income dictated that some of the efforts were diverted to by-products from the acrylic ester synthesis. A key product that kept the company in the black was fire extinguishers filled with ethylene bromide.

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.

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.

The ability of Rohm & Haas to move forward with the production of acrylic polymers was facilitated in 1927 when the company entered into an agreement with I.G. Farbenindustrie to obtain ethylene cyanohydrin. This reduced the number of steps in Walter Bauer’s ethylene process and eliminated the costs that Rohm & Haas was incurring in making the raw materials in house. The one-pot process then used the ethylene cyanohydrin to make their monomer, ethyl acrylate.

Later, a different type of polymerization process known as anionic polymerization was found to yield both isotactic and syndiotactic versions of the polymer. Atactic, isotactic and syndiotactic are terms describing the way pendent groups are arranged on a polymer backbone, referring to which side of the polymer chain the pendant groups are on. All of these forms of PMMA are amorphous and therefore still transparent, but their heat resistance varies greatly. The Tg of isotactic PMMA is only 45°C (113°F) while that of syndiotactic PMMA is 130°C (266°F). Combining these different structures offers another approach to tailoring properties.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Michael Sepe is an independent materials and processing consultant based in Sedona, Ariz., with clients throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. He has more than 45 years of experience in the plastics industry and assists clients with material selection, designing for manufacturability, process optimization, troubleshooting, and failure analysis. Contact: (928) 203-0408 • mike@thematerialanalyst.com

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

So, you’ve got a nice collection of vintage vinyl salvaged from your misspent youth, but are those records really made of vinyl? Some of them might be polystyrene (PS). How can you tell, and does it matter? The Cactus Cowboy has the answers.

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.

Don’t assume you know everything there is to know about PE because it’s been around so long. Here is yet another example of how the performance of PE is influenced by molecular weight and density.

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 many respects, nylons and polyesters appear to be interchangeable. But there are interesting differences in the properties of these two families that arise from their chemical structures.

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.

While acrylics are generically referred to as PMMA, commercial acrylics are typically copolymers that employ modifications to the methyl methacrylate chemistry in order to adjust mechanical and thermal properties. Pure PMMA was originally made by free-radical polymerization, which produces a polymer with an atactic structure. Pure atactic PMMA has a glass-transition temperature (Tg) of approximately 120°C (248°F), while most commercial acrylics exhibit Tg’s of 90-105°C. This results from the chemistry modifications made to commercial materials. Varying the chemistry by substituting larger alkyl groups allows for the adjustment of the thermal and mechanical properties of the material while still retaining the transparency and outstanding uv stability. Using methacrylic acid as a comonomer will raise the softening temperature of the material, and acrylic-imide copolymers also provide a substantial improvement in thermal performance, sometimes equaling the heat resistance of polycarbonate.

During the same time period, DuPont came up with its version that was trade named Lucite. A year after the introduction of Plexiglas, molding powders were commercialized for melt processing by extrusion and injection molding. Despite these concurrent developments, there appears to have been no flurry of patent disputes and litigation among these companies. This may be attributable to the unstable political situation in Europe at the time.

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

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

Acrylic-sheet greenhouse glazing takes advantage of the material’s transparency and resistance to weathering. (Photo: Arkema)

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.

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.

It’s fairly easy to tell the difference between a PVC and PS record. For one thing, the label is pressed into the PVC during the stamping process, whereas it is glued onto molded PS records. The appearance of the grooves is also a giveaway. And then there’s the tap test. Curious? You’ll have to watch the video for the lowdown on that.

Aliphatic polyketone is a material that gets little attention but is similar in chemistry to nylons, polyesters and acetals.

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.

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

When compared with glass, acrylics were an order of magnitude more impact resistant while reducing weight by almost 60%.

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.

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.

In 1928, Bauer and another chemist, Adolf Gerlach, discovered that they could polymerize the acrylic ester between panes of glass. The resulting material was stiffer and created such a strong bond between the glass plates that they could not be separated. Attempts to do so made it obvious that the polymer layer prevented the shattering of the glass and unlike the celluloid that was available at the time, this new polymer did not turn yellow when exposed to sunlight. Rohm & Haas had their first plastic product, created as usual through a series of coincidences, trade named Luglas in 1929. Bauer and Gerlach shared the patent.

Editor in chief of PlasticsToday since 2015, Norbert Sparrow has more than 30 years of editorial experience in business-to-business media. He studied journalism at the Centre Universitaire d'Etudes du Journalisme in Strasbourg, France, where he earned a master's degree.

You can better visualize the melting process by “flipping” the observation point so the barrel appears to be turning clockwise around a stationary screw.

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

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 our next installment, we will look at the development of a unique material that has been alternately referred to as polyphenylene oxide and polyphenylene ether.

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

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

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

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.

As for the difference in sound quality, the Cactus Cowboy says it’s a toss up. In other corners of the internet, there is a raging debate. Of course there is.

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.

The acrylic chemistry produced a material with outstanding transparency, high surface hardness, high strength and stiffness, dimensional stability, excellent electrical insulating properties, and among the best levels of resistance to degradation from ultraviolet light of any known polymer. In our modern era, where transparent materials like polycarbonate are available, it may seem laughable that acrylics were considered to be tough.

In a short video that clocks in under six minutes on his Youtube channel, the Cactus Cowboy explains that back in its heyday the recording industry shifted from pressing PVC “pucks” between two stamps, heating the material, and trimming flash from the edges to injection molding polystyrene. The reason, as you can imagine, was speed and efficiency, especially beneficial when it came to cranking out 45s.

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

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.

Because impact resistance has always been relatively poor for acrylics, a lot of attention has been given to improving this property. This can be achieved in several ways, including increased molecular weight, modification of the methyl methacrylate chemistry for a portion of the polymer structure, and addition of impact modifiers. This last approach can reduce uv resistance and also impairs the excellent light transmittance of the base polymer. Acrylic polymers can be used in blends with materials like ABS or in copolymers with styrene to provide certain property profiles. Thin acrylic sheets can be formed over substrates of less uv-stable materials like ABS to provide the desired combination of toughness and weatherability.

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

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

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.

Initially, the process for converting ethyl acrylate into a polymer was not well controlled. Unlike the rigid materials we normally think of when we consider modern acrylics, the early polymers were relatively flexible. This made them useful as electrical insulation, coatings for textiles, lacquers for use in dyes, and bonding agents for use in adhesives—all applications that acrylic is still used in today. These materials were given the trade name Plexigum in 1927. The origin of this name seems to be lost to history, although it may have been a derogatory term conferred by Otto Rohm over his frustration regarding the properties of these materials.

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

Despite the fact that the processes for making esters of acrylic acid were worked out at Rohm & Haas by 1921, economic conditions and the desire of the company to keep the developments secret stalled the path to commercialization of acrylic polymer.  At the time, Rohm & Haas was a relatively small company by chemical industry standards, and its income relied heavily on the leather tanning product that Rohm had created in the early days of the company, known as Oropon.

In 1933, Rohm and Haas discovered that they could polymerize methyl methacrylate between sheets of glass to create a sheet material that was trade named Plexiglas. By 1936, this process was being used to form the material into a structure that could be used to substitute for glass and was marketed as a safety glass for car windows, largely supplanting Luglas in the market. In the intervening period between 1928 and 1936, chemists at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) discovered the polymerization of methyl methacrylate and created a product they designated “acrylic glass,” trade named Perspex.

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.

Consumer applications included aquariums, bathtubs and countertop materials that take advantage of the dimensional stability and hardness of the material as well as its ability to accept color and resist yellowing. The introduction of polycarbonate some 20 years later did bring a new level of impact resistance to the world of polymers and it raised the upper end-use temperature of transparent polymers by approximately 50°C. However, even with the addition of additive packages designed to extend uv resistance, polycarbonate still cannot match the stability of acrylics to the effects of outdoor weathering, as any automotive lighting engineer will tell you. Even with coatings applied to polycarbonate to slow down the effects of outdoor weathering, acrylics still outperform polycarbonate in this respect.

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

But when compared with glass, acrylics were an order of magnitude more impact resistant while reducing weight by almost 60%. This led to rapid adoption of the materials in applications like canopies, aircraft windshields, skylights, windscreens, and outdoor signage. The timing of the introduction of the material dovetailed fortuitously with the advent of the second World War, which led to applications in the military such as submarine periscopes and gun turrets.

In 1932, Rohm & Haas and I.G. Farbenindustrie entered into an agreement whereby Rohm & Haas was granted the right to share the emulsion polymerization patent while I.G. Farben took over monomer production, including the coveted one-pot process as well as some of the polymer production. Only Luglas was excluded from this arrangement.

Back in the day, the recording industry shifted from pressing vinyl to injection molding polystyrene, especially for 45 rpm records. The Cactus Cowboy explains why and how to tell if your vintage vinyl really isn’t.

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

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