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

A big benefit with I.C.E. is that parts can be ejected hotter because there is less danger of distortion. This can trim overall cycle time.

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.

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

Furthermore, metallocene solutions can impart a glossy and brilliant finish to the packaging, making it even more appealing on store shelves. This aesthetic appeal serves as a compelling selling point for brands across various industries, aligning with the growing demand for visually pleasing and attractive packaging solutions.

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.

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

Coming to market around the same time as its polyethylene partner, metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene is playing a more subdued, yet important, role in niche applications.

MPP initially found its niche in the spunbond and meltblown nonwoven textile market, especially in the production of hygiene products such as diapers and wipes. It allows finer denier fibers to be produced, meaning not only reduced material usage but also the production of more drapable and softer textiles. In combination with propylene-based elastomers such as Vistamaxx from ExxonMobil Chemical, even softer, higher-loft, drapable nonwoven textiles can be realized.

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and a proud dachshund owner.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

I.C.E. has been used to mold deep parts with low draft angles, textured surfaces, or undercuts, using polyolefins and engineering materials. The process can trim tool costs and cycle times.

Driven by brand owner demands and new worldwide legislation, the entire supply chain is working toward the shift to circularity, with some evidence the circular economy has already begun.

At the same time, I.C.E. requires that the part does not move during the initial core movement. The part can be held in the cavity using ejectors, a stripper plate, shop air, or combinations of these. The most common approach is to use the stripper plate and ejector system. When core retraction begins, the stripper plate or ejector system, which operates independent of the core movement, is moved forward at the same time and same speed as the core retracts. The ejector movement holds the part against the cavity. Any molding machine with true "eject-on-the-fly" capability can be utilized, says Allen.

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.

Paul E. Allen, president of Logic Corp., a supplier of mold-temperature controllers, cluster valves, and manifolds, has patented an approach he calls Incremental Cavity Ejection (I.C.E.). It uses the material shrinkage to help, rather than hinder, ejection of difficult parts.

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.

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

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.

Albeit a niche market, several mPP suppliers including Korea’s LG Chem and TotalEnergies have earmarked mPP as having further potential in automotive interior applications on account of its low odor, minimal emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and fogging characteristics. These attributes are welcome given the increasingly stringent regulation of VOCs in Europe and elsewhere. Previously, Japan Polypropylene also demonstrated the ability of its Welnex metallocene TPO to eliminate weld lines and realize excellent surface appearance in glass-fiber-reinforced automotive interior components.

The core retracts fully from the cavity and the part is ejected. Linear transducers and optical comparators control core and ejector movements.

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.

Logic's I.C.E. process allows the molten plastic to relieve stresses in the mold while also reducing ejection force requirements. In some cases, air ejection may be adequate without ejector pins or a stripper plate.

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

Implementing a production monitoring system as the foundation of a ‘smart factory’ is about integrating people with new technology as much as it is about integrating machines and computers. Here are tips from a company that has gone through the process.

Improvements in nozzle design in recent years overcome some of the limitations of previous filter, mixing, and shut-off nozzles.

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.

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.

Typically during molding the part shrinks around the core. The part is separated from the core using ejectors, air, and/or a stripper plate. However, if the part has shrunk too tightly onto the core, a number of potential part-removal problems can loom, says Allen.

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

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.

Use of I.C.E with a stripper plate and 100-psi shop air allowed use of a standard two-part mold, which was 30% to 35% less expensive to build, says Bruce Silver, process engineer. Further cost savings came from using a lower level of polish and eliminating the use of a release agent on the core. Cycle time was trimmed by 33%, and because the part's internal stresses are relieved in the mold, a secondary annealing step could be eliminated, Silver says.

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

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.

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

Up to now, solutions to these difficulties have included compromising part design to add more draft or using mold releases, slides in the tool, or highly polished molds—all of which add cost.

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.

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

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.

LyondellBasell metallocene solutions also address concerns about the use of highly regulated substances. With no phthalates or bismethoxyfluorene being used during the production of the product, LyondellBasell provides food packaging manufacturers with an alternative.

LyondellBasell reports that its Metocene metallocene solutions are sparking a renewed interest in the textile industry, not only because of their downgaging capability but also on account of their low odor characteristics, a feature that is considered paramount in more-comfortable and discreet hygiene products.

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

"The core restricts the free shrinkage of the part, so stresses are created," he explains. In addition, high ejection or stripping forces may be required to push a cooled part off the core, and these forces can deform or wrinkle the part or impart added stresses.

Users can also employ shop air piped through the core to hold the part to the cavity while the core retracts. Logic has developed an auxiliary air-control device for this purpose.

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.

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

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.

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

Today, more than ever, granulation is an important step in the total production process. Our expert explains a few of the many common traps to avoid when thinking about granulators

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

Metallocene-catalyzed polypropylene (mPP) was developed around the same time as metallocene-based polyethylene (mPE), but sales of the two materials have been lopsided, with the mPE market perhaps 15 times larger. Nevertheless, mPP suppliers still hold hope that the resin will play a more prominent role in markets where purity and performance are priorities.

Logic licenses the I.C.E. process, including know-how for determining when to activate core and ejector movements and/or the air system. The patent (U.S. #5,932,164) was issued Aug. 3, 1999. So far, only a small handful of companies have used I.C.E, including Tupperware's Hemingway, S.C., facility, and custom molders Whirley Industries of Warren, Pa., BPW Plastics of Wilbraham, Mass., and Prototype & Plastic Mold Co., Inc., Middletown Conn.

Five industry pros with more than 200 years of combined molding experience provide step-by-step best practices on mounting a mold in a horizontal injection molding machine.

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

With advocacy, communication and sustainability as three main pillars, Seaholm leads a trade association to NPE that ‘is more active today than we have ever been.’

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

You may need to unlearn what you always thought was the right way to get parts out of an injection mold. You will have to reprogram the sequence of steps for mold opening and ejection. But if you are making deep cup-shaped or box-shaped parts with little or no draft, especially ones with external undercuts or surface texture, the benefits of rethinking the demolding steps can be faster cycles and fewer rejects due to distorted, scratched, or marred 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.

Take a deep dive into all of the various aspects of part quoting to ensure you’ve got all the bases—as in costs—covered before preparing your customer’s quote for services.

When the core is partially retracted the initial stresses building up between the still molten center of the part and the cooling skin are allowed to relieve themselves. "Cooling and shrinkage now occurs radially across the diameter of core, instead of just across the thickness of the part," says Allen. The mold then opens fully, withdrawing the part from the cavity and allowing complete ejection off the core.

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

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

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.

One standout application for mPP is injection-molded-film food packaging. This segment is another particular focus at supplier LyondellBasell. In an era where consumer safety and sustainability are paramount, the company’s Metocene grades are said to offer low odor, ensuring that taste and aroma of packaged food remain unaffected. This is a significant development for brands looking to maintain the organoleptic qualities of their products while reducing their environmental impact.

Logic Corp.'s I.C.E. process retracts the core slightly while the part remains in the cavity, held in place by ejectors, stripper plate, and/or shop air. This prevents sticking to the core, relieves stresses, and allows the part to shrink away from the cavity.

The first goal of I.C.E. is to break the tight adhesion of the cooling and shrinking part to the mold core. The second goal is to allow the part to shrink radially away from the cavity wall. Both are achieved by partially withdrawing the core from the part while the part remains in the cavity.

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 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.

This process requires that the moving and stationary mold halves be parallel. "You can mold parts with a zero draft angle, but the molds have to absolutely straight," Allen says. He prefers using the tiebars and leader pins to keep the molds in line, instead of just cam locks.

Further, mPP previously showed promise in sealant film applications but has since been outshined by materials such as Vistamaxx. There is, however, renewed interest in adoption in medical bags, where replacement of random PP copolymer and TPO materials is envisaged. Injection-molded medical device components are another potential outlet for mPP, as well as housewares and semiconductor transport trays.

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.

At the same time, an undercut or textured exterior surface can make the parts difficult to remove from the cavity without deforming or marring the show surface of the part. Again, this occurs because the core restricts the ability of the part to shrink away from the cavity surface. The difficulties are magnified when parts have very low draft angles.

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.

To break the adhesion between the core and the part the I.C.E. process requires a small movement of the core without fully opening the mold. A modification of the normal sequence program for the injection machine will be required. The incremental ejection distance off the core varies depending on part shape and surface, and resin used. "Incremental ejection of the part off the core can be carried out over a distance as little as 0.010 in. It has to be sufficient to break the grip of the part on the core but maintains the part engaged on the core for full withdrawal," says Allen. "Movement of the core and ejector or stripper plate is controlled using linear transducers and optical comparators—standard equipment on injection presses."

In addition to its numerous advantages in terms of safety and sustainability, Metocene-based grades also reportedly excel in enhancing the aesthetics of packaging solutions in terms of exceptional clarity and transparency, providing excellent visibility of the contents inside. This feature, often referred to as "shelf visibility," not only allows consumers to see the product they're purchasing but also adds a touch of elegance to the packaging.

Prototype & Plastic Mold, a $6-million/yr molder of parts for military, medical, and industrial applications, has used I.C.E to produce a military battery cell casing of polysulfone. The part measures around 6.5 x 3 in. x 6.5 in. deep with only 0.15º of draft. Initially, Prototype Plastics used a three-part mold with a split cavity. But demolding difficulties still generated up to 20% scrap parts.

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

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