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Metallic-Effect Pre-Colored ABS Series - abs injection molding

Author：gly Date: 2024-09-30

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.

All told, Bartz says, EVCO now has 10 plants with 1.2 million ft2 total manufacturing space (20% more than this time last year), 265 injection machines, and 1700 employees worldwide. “We added 200 in the last year,” says Bartz, acknowledging that as quite an achievement in times of acute labor shortages. “It’s even more of a problem with COVID illnesses,” she notes. “But fortunately we have great relationships with a lot of technical schools and their professors. We conduct tours for students, and we have internship programs.”

Supply-chain snafus are another widespread obstacle that has hamstrung production at many molders. However, EVCO is able to sidestep that challenge in ways that may not be accessible to smaller molders. Degenhardt explains, “Getting components is a big deal. So we have been stockpiling control components, for example. We have had some problems with resin lead times, but it’s getting a little better now. Machine deliveries have been okay—we’ve been lucky to get some from orders canceled by other molders. Robots, in fact, have longer lead times than injection presses. So we recently bought five robots to put on the shelf for later use.”

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.

Custom injection molder is adding floorspace, machine capacity, and contract manufacturing capabilities at multiple plants in the U.S. and Mexico.

Now that the company has 15 printers, such internal uses are still the dominant purpose for those machines. But in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated their value in making production parts on short notice. “We printed headbands for a proprietary face shield while we waited for steel to be cut for injection molds,” recalls Bartz.

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

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.

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

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

There are a lot of 3D printing technologies out there, and it’s not uncommon for processors new to additive manufacturing to get tripped up. Here are some typical snafus, along with advice on how to avoid them before you start making parts.

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.

New system automatically cleans mold-cooling lines—including conformal channels—removing rust and calcium, among other deposits, while simultaneously testing for leaks, measuring flow rate and applying rust inhibitor.

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.

Glanzer says his team currently favors Fanuc cobots, which in his experience have proven to be cost-effective with reasonable lead times. EVCO uses safety scanners rather than hard guarding around cobots. He notes that the Fanuc cobots can downshift from high-speed production mode to slower “cobot mode”—or even stop entirely—when a person enters its safety envelope.

EVCO also has completed a 13,000-ft2 expansion of its Advanced Molding Plant (AMP) in DeForest to accommodate new 560- and 720-ton Engel presses, additional warehousing, a new grinding room, and workspace for the automation team. Anna Bartz, director of marketing, expects that the building will need another expansion in the next two to four years.

Next to ATLAS , experienced mechanics at NIAR work with students converting multiple passenger aircraft into freighters and special missions aircraft. As part of a three-year training program, the students get hands-on experience as aircraft mechanics.

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

Since 2018, EVCO has supplemented its conventional molding takeout robots with the newer category of collaborative robots, or cobots. “Cobots are a popular topic of conversation around here,” says Glanzer. “We have more and more contract-manufacturing business, which creates more opportunities to use cobots for inspection and assembly.” In particular, he notes, “We are working on using them to pick inserts out of a bin and hand them to a faster robot for insertion into the mold. Cobot bin picking offers a higher degree of flexibility in terms of part variations than using traditional bowl feeders for manipulating and feeding components—especially with the help of 3D vision systems."

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As an example, when Plastics Technology visited, student trainees were busy working alongside KraussMaffei experts with more than 20 years of experience developing processes for injection molding. Similarly, in the automated fiber placement labs, students were working side-by-side with experienced staff members and engaging with certification agencies carrying out inspections and completing certification paperwork. These students are mentored by full-time ATLAS researchers and engineers with industry experience. In some labs, students were troubleshooting manufacturing issues to develop guidance materials and process specifications.

KraussMaffei (KM) is working to bring its automated, high production-rate, injection molding-based thermoplastic composite technologies to the burgeoning advanced and urban air mobility markets. In partnership with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and its Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS) operation, KM has installed a 450-ton multimaterial injection molding machine to support high-pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM), ColorForm polyurethane overmolding and the FiberForm process for infrared oven preheating of composite sheets.

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

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.

After a year of testing to gain experience, EVCO is ready to begin production with its first LSR press for programs in medical and lighting. (Photos: EVCO Plastics)

Established in 2019, ATLAS was conceived as a makerspace for industry-scale automated composites manufacturing research, including automated fiber placement (AFP), fiber patch placement for complex geometries, thermoplastic welding, and thermoplastic overmolding for multifunctional integrated structures. In 2023, ATLAS received AS9100D and ISO 9001 certification concurrently to expand its support to industry for automated manufacturing, nondestructive inspections and machining of advanced materials.

Most of EVCO’s printers are MarkForged models that use filament extrusion. But the newest model is an SLA (stereolithography) type that uses liquid resin and photocuring. “It provides very high resolution and no lines between layers,” says Degenhardt. He also notes that EVCO uses outside vendors to produce metal parts by AM, such as robot end-of-arm tooling, conformal cooling channels for injection molds, and prototype cavity/core sets. What about getting their own metal 3D printer? “It’s on the wish list,” he replies.

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.

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.

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.

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

EVCO is expecting its largest press yet, a 4400-tonner that will arrive in 20 containers and take three months to assemble.

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

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.

Krauss Maffei's FiberForm technology in an injection molding macine enables the production of fiber-reinforced plastic components.

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.

“We wanted to democratize the access to these technologies,” Seneviratne explains. “We have established a world-class manufacturing innovation center where inventors can make ideas reality by converting laborious hand layup manufacturing processes into automated processes using advanced materials without spending a single penny on infrastructure or equipment.”

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.

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.

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

A new low-pressure molding process, 3D printing of production parts and prototype tooling, collaborative robots, and process monitoring with automatic QC are all on the menu.

As reported last year, EVCO outfitted its new CAL2 plant in Georgia with five bays for LSR molding, a new venture for the company. “We had been thinking about LSR for five years,” says Degenhardt. The first machine, a 130-ton Engel tiebarless press with Nexus LSR dosing system and Engel viper robot, is located in the DeForest Innovation Center, where it has been used for development purposes over the past year. Degenhardt is impressed with the integration of the robot and machine: “They share a common controller, so the machine always knows what the robot is doing and vice versa, so there are no crashes and we can optimize the cycle time. Since February, the EVCO team has gained confidence to transition into LSR commercial production. “We’ve been awarded a few programs in medical and lighting,” notes Degenhardt.

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).

“KraussMaffei is delighted to be able to forge this strong partnership with NIAR, bringing these industry-proven automated, high-rate, out-of-autoclave solutions to the aerospace and space industry,” says Nolan Strall, KM’s North American president. “One reason we’re excited about this is because in automotive we see already things like organo sheet thermoforming materials that are bonded in injection molding being utilized, so we know it can be done. It’s typically reserved for the high-end autos, and the volumes just haven’t been there, but as this goes forward, we’re optimistic that we’ll see more and more uses.”

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

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

Today, among other technologies, it houses the new 450-ton KM press with dual 1,400 injection units and a rotary table for multimaterial molding. The multifunction press can support high-pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) as well as the ColorForm polyurethane coating technology, in addition to the integrated FiberForm infrared oven for preheating composite sheet prior to over or back molding.

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 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

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

Outside the U.S., EVCO’s M2 plant in Mexico recently added 17,200 ft2, and its China plant is now leasing a second building (40,000 ft2) for its tooling department.

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.

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

Waruna Seneviratne, the director of ATLAS and a senior research scientist for Composites & Structures at NIAR, notes that prior to the creation of this makerspace, many companies interested in investigating new composite structures and processes were forced to go overseas to find lab time and equipment, limiting how many businesses could afford to take on such R&D.

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.

KraussMaffei commissioned a full injection molding cell to support the development of molded thermoplastic composite structures at NIAR’s ATLAS facility in Wichita. Photo Credit: Wichita State University, NIAR, ATLAS.

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.

In Calhoun, Ga., EVCO purchased a second plant, dubbed CAL2 (40,000 ft2), last year, and just started production there in March. It houses EVCO’s first white room, outfitted with high-speed automation, and five bays designated for the firm’s foray into LSR molding.

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.

EVCO operates 15 3D printers mainly for internal prototypes and automation components, but limited production business helps pay for these machines and materials.

The KraussMaffei system will enable Wichita State students to learn about molded thermoplastic composite parts, while giving industry a production level machine to develop new programs. Photo Credit: Wichita State University, NIAR, ATLAS.

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

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.

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.

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

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group helps industrial partners tackle the sustainability challenges presented by fiber-reinforced composite materials.

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.

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

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.

As those experienced mechanics and technicians age out of the workforce, their decades of knowledge are passed on. “It’s great applied learning and, at the same time, it is a solution to get the next generation of students up to speed with an experience they cannot get from a classroom,” Seneviratne says. It’s a hands-on experience that pays in terms of the pocketbook as well. Seneviratne notes that undergraduate students working in NIAR labs with equipment like the KM press can earn a decent salary to support themselves through school while gaining hands-on experience using cutting-edge technologies.

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

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

Adds Brandon Westra, automation engineer, “We had 20 molds built to run parts for two assembly systems with UV cured adhesives.”

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

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

“We are looking forward to engaging with the team at NIAR for future development and industrialization of the technology needed to meet the in-situ process and qualification standards of the aviation industry,” Strall says.

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.

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 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.

EVCO’s automation team is busy with projects like this consumer-packaging cell that ties together two injection presses with 16-cavity stack molds to produce mating parts that are conveyed, snapped together, packaged, labeled and inspected, after which data on each assembly is read via barcode and uploaded to a production and quality database in the cloud.

EVCO Plastics doesn’t seem to have a first gear. Since 1964, the family-owned custom injection molder has launched a major expansion on average every three years, right through recession and pandemic, and has accelerated that pace of late. In recent years, EVCO also has expanded its technological base with the addition of 3D printing, collaborative robots, iMFLUX low-pressure molding, an automated UV-curing paint line, expanded process monitoring, white-room molding and liquid silicone rubber (LSR). In a recent interview with Plastics Technology, EVCO executives and engineers provided an update on the latest capacity expansions and technological initiatives in three main areas: automation, LSR and 3D printing.

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.

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

The maker of plastics processing equipment has placed a machine and an injection molding expert in NIAR’s ATLAS lab in Wichita, Kansas, to help molding, composites and aerospace take off.

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

This particular site has a rich aviation history, dating back to its days as a key wartime production plant for Boeing. On this same site from 1943 to 1946, the facility cranked out roughly 100 B29 bombers/month — more than four airplanes a day — including the Enola Gay. From 1957 to 1963, 437 B52s were manufactured there.

The program began within a small lab space at NIAR’s headquarters on the main Wichita State campus, and has since grown to employ more than 100 research engineers and student technicians in multiple laboratory and office spaces, including a new south Wichita facility. In total, the operation covers roughly 150,000 square feet.

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

Adding people, plants and machines, expanding capabilities in LSR, high-tonnage presses, automation and 3D printing—EVCO Plastics maintains momentum through challenging times.

She says EVCO is not really looking for short-run business in additive manufacturing (AM). However, she acknowledges that a small amount of such business “offsets the cost of new printers, materials, labor, etc. so we’re able to produce things like CMM fixtures, automation components and prototype parts. Keeping the amount of production frees up the printers for our Innovation Center team to test new tooling, fixturing and other protyping.”

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

In Oshkosh, Wis., where EVCO focuses on larger machines, and expanded by 31,000 ft2 in 2019, the company has leased and additional 120,000 ft2 for contract manufacturing and warehousing—specifically new large-scale assembly projects. The company recently added a 1000-ton Engel press to the Oshkosh plant and is expecting arrival of a 4400-ton Engel machine this summer. That will be the largest ever at EVCO, which has two 3500-ton Engels there. Notes Bernie Degenhardt, corporate automation manager, “It will come in 20 containers and take three months to assemble.” It’s intended for agricultural and power-sports applications.

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

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

Degenhardt describes another large cell for COVID DNA test kits in the MED facility. It collects six different parts from six injection presses. One of those parts is a fluid-filled vial—itself an assembly of three parts from a different cell. The test-kit cell uses several feeder bowls, an assembly conveyor, label wrapper, Tyvek sealing, vision inspection and a barcode reader to send production data to the cloud for access by the plant computer system. “This is new for us—using a SCADA system to collect data from the production line and send it to the cloud, so we can verify production quantities and quality data in real time. The cell is designed to make 70 million test kits a year.”

A newly degreed engineer will theoretically have much of the book knowledge needed to enter the workforce but typically lack the real-world experience to have an immediate, productive impact. Wichita State’s applied learning model, NIAR, is changing that, according to Seneviratne, who estimates that it typically takes up to 2 years to make a new engineer productive.

“These undergraduate students had zero experience with advanced manufacturing technology when they started working here,” Seneviratne says. “None of them came with automation or injection molding experience, and they’re getting trained here. They’re getting paid well; getting hands-on experience with industry-scale advanced machines; and making contacts because they are working alongside industry partners on-site solving real-world problems.” Seneviratne notes that in 2022, the university paid $28 million in student salaries, not scholarships, to undergraduate students working alongside industry veterans with the very latest equipment and technologies.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

When EVCO got its first plastic 3D printer in 2014, the goal was to produce parts for internal use—jigs, fixtures and other assembly components, as well as R&D prototypes. “Additive manufacturing pushes the boundaries of part design,” says Degenhardt, “and there’s a lot less risk involved in testing concepts this way.”

EVCO has the financial heft to combat supply-chain uncertainty by stocking up on control components and even buying five robots to put on the shelf for future use.

In addition to getting work-ready students through the program, it also enables the advanced composite industry to test materials and structures at an otherwise impossible scale. In 2012, NIAR converted an arena into a test lab where strain gauges can run a flight profile on multiple full-scale aircraft simultaneously. “You need three things for success: cutting-edge equipment, talented people and challenging projects,” Seneviratne says, “We’re set up to teach students and provide critical support for industry at the same time.”

The KM press, along with a 1,900-ton vertical Engel machine that can also apply HP-RTM and run molds as large as 5.7 × 7.1 feet, is located in ATLAS’s Sector A facility — a 128,000-square-foot space adjacent to Spirit AeroSystems in south Wichita. This area is also home to material supplier Solvay’s Manufacturing Innovation Center.

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

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.

Jason Glanzer, EVCO automation engineer and integration lead, has been focused on high-volume, high-speed automation. “We’re doing a lot of medical kitting with 3D inspection, heat sealing and assembly.”

Currently the main AM production business that helps pay for the printers’ internal uses is iPhone cases of a carbon-fiber filled nylon with a metal insert. Explains Bartz, “The insert allows consumers to attach scopes and photography equipment to their iPhone. Given the frequency of iPhone design changes, it’s not cost-effective for us to cut new steel with every new release, which is why 3D printing is a sound production solution.”

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.

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

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

“We’re set up to create an applied learning environment,” Seneviratne says, “Our technicians are getting more than just a quick 18-month textbook license. They are getting three years of intensive hands-on paid training alongside mechanics with 20 or 30 years of industry experience.”

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

New plant in Georgia has room for 20 injection machines, including the company’s first LSR molding presses to enhance its medical capabilities.

“In automotive we see already things like organo sheet thermoforming materials that are bonded in injection molding being utilized.”

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

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

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

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.

Such assembly systems are typically built in-house by EVCO’s automation team; but given the accelerating pace of new projects, they have sought outside help. For example, Germany’s Ilsemann Automation helped EVCO’s team build the first of an intended four cells for packaging components. As described by Glanzer, each cell will have two Husky presses, each with a 16-cavity stack mold and custom-built side-entry robots, operating on an 8- to 12-sec cycle with 1.5-sec takeout time. Parts from both presses travel on a common conveyor to an assembly station where the mating parts are snapped together. All parts are weighed and inspected by metal detectors and layer-packed in gaylords. These systems are one of the first candidates for implementing EVCO's SCADA (supervisory control and data-acquisition) system.

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.

3D printing a core and cavity on machine from Gefertec, followed by machining, allowed for a complete mold tool to be produced in three days.

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.

As the coronavirus pandemic eased its grip on the global economy, EVCO was ready with freshly added capacity at several locations. It purchased around 20 injection machines in 2021. At the start of 2022, the company moved its corporate headquarters in DeForest, Wis., to its MED (medical and electronics) facility, another of the three EVCO facilities there, which has remodeled its office space with an addition of 8000 ft2.

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.