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).

When compared instead with injection molding, while STEP cannot offer the same high-volume production, it provides the same mechanical properties and quality for ABS parts. This, as anticipated, is a plus point for this additive manufacturing process, which could be a good solution for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to scale.

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.

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

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.

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 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

Using STEP technology for these applications, in both prototyping and production, ultimately has enabled users to reduce the risks involved in using multiple production processes. Discover STEP technology for yourself by requesting a free sample part HERE.

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.

Milacron Holdings Corp., Cincinnati, is introducing a new way to take advantage of its Kortec co-injection technology for products needing a three-layer barrier sandwich structure. Up to now, Milacron has offered turnkey systems (now branded Kortec Complete) consisting of a two-component injection machine, Kortec hot runner and engineering support—including integration assistance, startup, and training. Now, molders who wish to use an existing injection machine can choose the new Kortec Connect package, which comprises a Kortec hot runner, Mold-Masters E-Multi secondary injection unit as an add-on for the existing press, and the same engineering support.

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

What is interesting about STEP, and what Evolve says distinguishes this technology from other additive processes, is that it enables the production of fully dense parts. This is because the roller presses the image onto the print layer by exerting pressure, which, combined with heat, ensures optimal adhesion. The machine marketed by Evolve, the SVP™ (Scaled Volume Production), also scans the layer at each pass to identify any variations in height, compensating for them by adjusting deposition in subsequent layers. According to Evolve, compared to other additive processes, STEP thus allows for parts that are highly accurate with superior mechanical properties that are scalable.

STEP technology in such cases has made it possible, for example, to create sprinkler valves, check valves, and pressure test manifolds for irrigation systems. In these cases, ABS is ideal because it is chemically resistant to aqueous acids, alkalis, and concentrated hydrochloric and phosphoric acids. In addition, the technology was able to provide the essential characteristics required in these parts, namely density, no voids or porosity problems.

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.

As mentioned, ABS components are used in numerous industries and applications. These include that of irrigation systems and electrical components. Both these sectors, in addition to benefiting from material properties, have the need to produce small, detailed parts in not-too-large production runs in common. This is why injection molding often does not prove to be the wisest choice, even considering the additional cost of molds.

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

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.

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.

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

Having given an overview of the technology, let’s get to the heart of why this technology differs from other AM processes and could be a viable alternative to injection molding when it comes to producing scalable ABS parts. First, in terms of materials, STEP uses two types of ABS —  one in black and one in light gray. The process also works with a nylon PA-11, which offers greater elongation and a higher softening temperature.

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.

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.

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

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.

The most widely used production method for large-batch ABS parts is injection molding, but additive manufacturing is equally used for prototyping and small runs. A limitation in this field is that encountered by the segment of users who are scaling up their production and therefore need to move quickly from prototyping to volume production. Evolve Additive Solutions’ Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process (STEP) technology fits into this market segment, offering itself as a viable alternative to injection molding for the production of quality ABS parts at scale. How? Let’s delve deeper.

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

Evolve’s STEP technology is part of the additive technology family, but it does not correspond exactly to any of the processes currently outlined in the international standard ISO/ASTM 52900:2021, which describes additive manufacturing processes.

Another use case of STEP technology for the manufacturing of ABS end-use parts is the production of electrical interconnect housings. The use of STEP technology, in this case, was useful because of the ability to combine precision and speed, allowing the end user to create 195 parts in just under two hours. With a standard three-shift rotation, this is an output of more than 300,000 parts per year.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

AE Plast opted for tiebarless multimaterial Engel victory machines as it took on complex parts for the appliance and power tool market, including a 3K housing for Dremel’s rotary tool.

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

If we look at part accuracy and detail, the layer thickness for STEP is 13 microns, with 22μm particles enabling the production of strong, high-resolution parts; surface roughness is 3-6μm. The Kodak NexPress print engine, which the technology uses, has a resolution of 600 dots per inch (DPI), equivalent to a pixel size of 40 microns. Because this is an electrophotographic process, it does not encounter the same thermal challenges as other 3D printing processes, such as power density limits. That is why Evolve with STEP aims to overcome the “historical” limitations of additive manufacturing and especially the relationship between print speed and resolution.

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 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.

According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the polymer 3D printing market is growing, with a calculated value of $1.7 billion in 2023 and an estimated $4.4 billion by 2028. Among the most widely used thermoplastics in the manufacturing industry is ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), best known for its impact resistance, low temperature resistance and light weight. Thanks to these characteristics, it is used in numerous applications: prototypes, appliance parts, car interiors, gears, valves, tools, etc.

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.

What do you think about STEP technology for serial production of ABS end-parts? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

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

84 countries and 60k+ stakeholders strong, SPE unites plastics professionals worldwide – helping them succeed and strengthening their skills through networking, events, training, and knowledge sharing. For more information, visit www.4spe.org.

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

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

Given the relative speed of STEP, the technology can effectively serve as a bridge between prototyping and volume production. And, in terms of cost, it can be an initial solution for SMEs that want to scale up but cannot afford to invest in injection molding technology.

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.

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

In terms of printing speed, the technology is faster compared to, for example, Powder Bed Fusion additive technologies. This is because these technologies require, with each print, the use of the entire build volume and thus longer times to switch between production runs, which is not necessary with STEP. In fact, the process can be stopped once the part is ready and, once it is extracted, a new one can be started immediately.

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.

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

3Dnatives is the largest international online media platform on 3D printing and its applications. With its in-depth analysis of the market, 3Dnatives gets over 1 million unique visitors per month and is currently available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian. 3Dnatives works with key Additive Manufacturing market players and offers a variety of services such as a 3D printing price comparison engine, B2B consulting and B2B brand content, event management and much more!

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

Milacron claims 30 years of experience in co-injection, with over 100 systems in the field, producing 12 billion parts in 18 countries. Kortec Connect will be featured at NPE2018 May 7-11 in Orlando, Fla., at booth W2703.

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.

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.

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.

In fact, STEP involves creating parts layer by layer, but the technology’s core is based on high-speed 2D digital printing. It is structured in 3 steps: the first is imaging, in which particles of the part and supporting materials are selectively deposited on a moving belt using electrophotography; the second is alignment, here the images are heated and transferred to the build plate; and finally fusing takes place, i.e., under the effect of heat and pressure, the particles are fused to the build layer and then cooled below glass transition temperature. Fully developed layers of part and support material are deposited one after another, producing the 3D part. “We’ve found a way to micronize engineering thermoplastics so that they behave like toner in a 2D printer,” explained John Lees, vice president of engineering at Evolve Additive.

NPE2024: Coinjection of postconsumer resin, in-mold decoration, LSR micromolding and bioplastics processing are just some of the machine displays at Milacron's booth.

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.

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

SPE Middle East Office N. ESO:14, Desk 34 Sheikh Rashid Tower, Seventh Floor Dubai World Trade Center P.O. Box 9204 Dubai, UAE

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

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