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.

Developing a component for a new manufacturing process can be a daunting prospect. It is in any business’s nature to be cautious of change and to minimise risk; however, any successful business must also recognise when an opportunity is too good to ignore.

In addition to efficiency, Core said lead time and total cost helped make the case for the EM5. When quoting a dedicated 2K injection molding machine with a rotary table, Core was given lead times of 50 to 52 weeks, compared to 14-16 weeks for the EM5, which was slightly less than the quoted mold-build time for the job, creating a scenario where the EM5 could be installed and ready for the new tool to start production on day 1.

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.

Discover suppliers of these and more in our advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of PIM International.

Mold-Masters has extended the capabilities of its E-Multi auxiliary injection platform, introducing the new larger capacity EM5 model.

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.

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

In this study, Martin Kearns and colleagues from Sandvik Osprey review the sintering behaviour of popular tool steels such as D2 and M2, and present fresh data on a range of other tool steels, some made via both prealloy and master alloy routes. Materials investigated include AISI8620 and tool steels H11, H13, S7 and high carbon, high speed steel, T15, all sintered in nitrogen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a world of rising costs and uncertain market conditions, the ability to wring maximum profits from existing business was truly the mark of a Top Shop in 2022.

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

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 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.

“The logo aspect,” Frederick says, “that’s everything to the customer, and it’s really precision molding at that point. This is not a shoot-and-ship part, that’s an A surface, and we have to make sure our process is robust.”

Wittmann Battenfeld will introduce the new EcoPower B8X injection molding machine line and show direct current as an energy source for a concept machine that will power its own robot.

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.

Extensive MIM, CIM industry and sinter-based AM industry news, plus the following exclusive deep-dive articles and reports:

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.

FCS Group’s X-Type parallel quartet injection molding machine features four injection units aligned in parallel for a smaller footprint.

The free-to-access PIM International magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of MIM, CIM and sinter-based AM from a commercial and technological perspective through:

A customer request for multi-material molding presented a market opportunity and potential financial peril: How do you add two-shot without also overextending yourself from an investment perspective?

The following years of Powder Injection Moulding International magazine are available to download in PDF format, free of charge, from our archive.

A number of the papers presented during the technical sessions at the POWDERMET2018 conference, organised by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) and held in San Antonio, Texas, June 17-20, 2018, addressed issues related to achievable properties and the influence of feedstock characteristics on the processing of Powder Injection Moulded products.

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.

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

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

MIM is a natural choice of fabrication method for complex parts in materials that are difficult to machine. Tool steels are one such class of material with significant potential applications growth, both for the MIM industry and for MIM-like Additive Manufacturing processes.

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.

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

Like Core, the customer is based in the Southeast — a region wanting when it comes to molders with 2-shot capabilities in the medium tonnage range (which is one reason Core got into multimaterial molding back in 2019). Core has a lot of exposure and expertise in automotive but serves a variety of markets beyond that, including medical, packaging and outdoor power equipment, among others.

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.

Core Technology Molding became one of the first users of Mold-Masters’ E-Multi 5 auxiliary injection unit. The inset shows a replica of the toolbox part showcasing the precision shutoffs required to help the red logo “pop.” Source: Mold-Masters

One of the first to utilize Mold-Masters’ newest, largest auxiliary injection units —the E-Multi 5 (EM5) — Core Technology Molding Corp., Greensboro, North Carolina, was able to produce a 2-shot “bumper” component for a rolling toolbox cart four times faster and at half the cost compared to the prior production setup. “The previous process couldn’t make sellable parts in the same day,” explains Brandon Frederick, Core’s engineering manager. “Prior production had two different processes, two different tools and two operators. We’re half the cost — we didn’t need two machines.”

Earlier this summer PIM industry leaders from around the world came together in Lossburg, Germany, for Arburg GmbH + Co KG’s second International PIM conference.

Made for a well-known American industrial tool brand, the plastic bumper component is a decorative and functional all-plastic part assembled onto a large, rolling, automotive mechanic toolbox cart. Featuring high finish and surface quality requirements, the bumper is roughly three feet in length, and incorporates two colors and clean shutoffs for a crisp, sharp imprint of the company brand, including the trademark icon. The design calls for red nylon 6/6 substrate to be overmolded with soft TPU in a 2+2 mold, with the black rubber framing the red logo.

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.

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

Today, BASF has adapted this technology for metal Additive Manufacturing via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). This technology offers the company’s existing MIM customers a low-investment route into metal AM, whether for prototyping or the development of entirely new applications.

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.

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.

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.

The EM5 was used to inject the red nylon 6/6 substrate while the black overmolded rubber was injected by the machine’s primary injection unit. In the design, the EM5 injected 864 g for the nylon 6/6 substrate, while the machine’s primary injection unit delivered the 800-g TPU overmold with a total cycle time of 70 seconds for the 2+2 mold. Normally, Frederick notes that the auxiliary unit would handle the rubber overmolding, but because the nylon 6/6 could degrade if the residence time was too long, Core utilized the EM5’s smaller barrel and shot size for the nylon. Shot sizes for the EM5 range from 550 to 1,200 g, says Dave Silva, Mold-Masters’ director of product development.

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

The EM5 is attached to the molding machine in an L-shaped configuration on the non-operator side of the press with an injection point on the hot half, stationary half of the tool. E-Multi’s can be installed vertically, horizontally or at any custom angle to accommodate the cell. Freise says that due to the EM5’s size, Mold-Masters expect most of its installs will be horizontal.

BASF SE’s Catamold® feedstock is synonymous with the high volume production of components by Metal Injection Moulding and the product’s launch, more than thirty years ago, was the catalyst for the industry’s global growth.

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).

It is the latter that has driven such dramatic growth in the global MIM industry over the last decade. For those who are just at the point of discovering this technology, Matt Bulger reveals the ten key rules for MIM success, as observed in his nearly three decades as a developer and manufacturer of MIM components.

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.

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.

The event, which took place five years after the company’s inaugural PIM conference, had the goal of exploring the future of metal and ceramic injection moulding through two days of presentations by parts manufacturers, materials suppliers, equipment producers and researchers. Dr Georg Schlieper reports on the event for PIM International.

In this collection of articles, two of the industry’s foremost authorities on screw design — Jim Frankand and Mark Spalding — offer their sage advice on screw design...what works, what doesn’t, and what to look for when things start going wrong.

In 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

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

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.

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 biggest advantage for Core in shifting this production to two-shot versus insertion and overmolding was staffing. “The biggest piece is the labor aspect,” Frederick says. “You go from taking molded substrates and placing them in the tool, dedicating half an operator for just putting parts into boxes, to now where machines do all the work in one press with one mold.”

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

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.

Don't miss any new issue of PIM International, and stay up to date with the latest industry news. Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter.

“The EM5 supports the same concept, but costs less, has a better lead time and helps us be more competitive because speed to market these days is everything,” Frederick says.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Reach a truly international audience that includes component manufacturers, end-users, industry suppliers, analysts, researchers and more.

The 116-page September 2018 issue of Powder Injection Moulding International (Vol. 12 No. 3) features 60 pages of industry news, plus the following articles and technical reviews:

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

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.