New Arburg Machine Premieres in the USA - plastic cap mould/New Arburg Machine Premieres in the USA

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New Arburg Machine Premieres in the USA - plastic cap mould

Author：gly Date: 2024-09-30

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

Demand was expected to be stronger in May, as processors anticipated lower prices. These sources described demand in nearly all sectors as slowed, with orders not materializing as was expected going into second quarter. Still, they anticipated that prebuying in May-June would bolster demand as processors looked to stock up, particularly due to the potential of a very active hurricane season.

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

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.

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.

The Plastics Exchange’s Greenberg confirmed his company saw active trading as April was ending, reporting that spot market supply began to open up at lower prices, enabling more transactions. “It required slim margins to complete a number of the deals, but sellers were willing to unload material, some at losses, as lower cost replacement material began making its way into the market.”

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

While the EdeX models initially offered by Md Plastics are designed for thermoplastics, Durina hopes to offer LSR versions in the future. (An Inject-EX system for LSR was shown at NPE2018). “They won’t need a screw at all,” Durina says. “The silicone material can feed directly into the inner barrel of the injection plunger where the end of the screw would normally be. And we can put a static mixer at that entry point, so there would be no need to premix the two LSR components in the feed system.”

Reporting on spot market trading, The Plastics Exchange’s Greenberg reported that processors appeared to be amply supplied. “We have been seeing fairly normal order flow, as opposed to the type of activity that signifies either inventory building or destocking.”

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

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

Md Plastics, a supplier of screws, check valves, shutoff nozzles and other plasticating components, is now marketing its first injection press, built by EdeX Technology Co., Ltd. in Taiwan. EdeX (edex.com.tw) is a privately owned firm started in 2009, which builds around xx injection machines a year. It is mounting Inject-EX plasticating systems on a selection of press sizes from its ATOM and ATOP series of CE-certified, servohydraulic horizontal presses (see accompanying table). These are space-saving two-platen designs with four platen-mounted clamp cylinders, air-cooled hydraulics and INV7800A controls with 15-in. screen from LNC Technology Co., Ltd. (lnc.com.tw) in Taiwan. The company has built two-stage machines before, with an angled screw above the plunger barrel, a design used by a number of injection machine builders. A 70-metric-ton EdeX machine with Inject-EX system is newly arrived at Md Plastics’ plant in Columbiana, Ohio.

Polypropylene prices were poised to fall by double digits in April, in step with propylene monomer, while some further decrease was also projected for May, with this month likely to level off, according to PCW’s Barry, Spartan Polymers’ Newell and The Plastic Exchange’s Greenberg. While suppliers were seeking to implement a margin improvement increase of 2¢/lb in April, these sources saw the outcome as unlikely.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Inject-EX machines incorporate Md Plastics’ inline two-stage injection unit, in which the fixed screw feeds melt through an inner channel in the center of the coaxial plunger to accumulate in front of the plunger. The entire screw/plunger assembly moves forward to inject and backward to recover the next shot. (Image: Md Plastics)

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.

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

The ‘DryerGenie’ marries drying technology and input moisture measurement with a goal to putting an end to drying based on time.

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

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.

Plastics processors are finding applications for 3D printing around the plant and across the supply chain. Here are 8 examples to look for at NPE2024.

Also unique to this system, the entire screw/plunger barrel assembly moves forward to inject, emptying the melt chamber in front of the plunger through a Mini-Shut shutoff nozzle on the end of the barrel. This design is said to be simpler, more compact, and less costly than other two-stage designs.

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).

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.

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.

How the development of new catalysts—notably metallocenes—paved the way for the development of material grades never before possible.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

Burns saw the market as favoring processors and converters, venturing that discounted offers from suppliers and additional sufficient availability in the secondary market is expected to apply downward price pressure on the January 5¢/lb price hike. While PCW’s Barry also did not see potential for another increase and saw prices as remaining relatively stable, he did not anticipate the same scenario for the second half of this year as that of 2023. “We saw a big drop in prices in last year’s second half but there are some different factors at play, including increased prices in crude oil. Also, suppliers’ inventories are more balanced, with exports now accounting for nearly 50% of sales,” he noted.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Barring any major production or logistical disruptions, prices of PE, PS and PVC were largely expected to be stable through the second quarter, with those of PET likely to move up a bit this month driven by raw material formulation cost increases. The key outlier was PP with the months’ long anticipated major price correction taking place in the April-May time frame. Demand has been characterized as slowed across the board for all five commodity resins, though an upward trend was anticipated. This is largely due to prebuying for restocking primarily due to the upcoming hurricane season.

A collaboration between show organizer PLASTICS, recycler CPR and size reduction experts WEIMA and Conair recovered and recycled all production scrap at NPE2024.

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.

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

Novel inline screw and plunger are designed to overcome limitations of conventional reciprocating screws, in a system more compact and less costly than other two-stage configurations.

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

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

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.

Spartan Polymers’ Newell ventured the months’ long anticipated major correction of PP prices, put off primarily due to planned and unplanned monomer shutdowns, could add up to about 15¢/lb. He noted that between August 2023 and March 2024, PP prices moved up 23¢/lb. Noting that spot prices were flat-to-lower, PCW’s Barry ventured that suppliers reportedly had “ample line time available,” indicating that contract buyers had postponed buying in April.

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.

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

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

Polystyrene prices appeared to be settling flat in April, were likely to follow suit in May and possibly this month, according to PCW’s Barry and resin pricing expert Robin Chesshier. This, after moving up a total of 10¢/lb in first quarter, driven primarily by benzene prices. Chesshier ventured that based on market fundamentals and barring any major supply disruption, the PS market prices could remain stable through much of second quarter. Demand was a bit better, but not compared to typical seasonal demand of past years, she noted.

PVC prices moved up 1¢/lb in April, following the March 3¢/lb and February 2¢/lb hikes, back-to-back increases that have not taken place for a few years in this market, according to Paul Pavlov, RTi’s v.p. of PP and PVC and PCW’s associate director PVC and pipe Donna Todd. Pavlov projected relatively flat pricing for the May-June time frame.

Polyethylene prices in April were another rollover and this trend had a good likelihood of continuing into the May-June time frame, according to PCW’s associate director for PE, PP and PS David Barry, The Plastics Exchange Greenberg, Mike Burns of Plastic Resin Market Advisors and resin pricing expert Robin Chesshier. Meanwhile, suppliers reiterated their 3¢/lb increase initiatives and issued a May prices hike of 3¢/lb. Chesshier noted that demand for domestic products was down while ‘cheap’ imports continued to arrive and supplier inventories grew, and expected a relatively stable market for PE, barring a major production or supply event.

Md Plastics is now marketing special Inject-EX versions of servohydraulic, two-platen injection presses from EdeX of Taiwan. (Photo: EdeX Technology Co.)

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.

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

Driven primarily by increased demand for infrastructure projects, demand for PVC was up between 5% and 7% over 2023, Pavlov noted. Commenting on the increases, Todd noted that with the April increase, suppliers would have achieved only 6¢/lb out of the 9¢/lb they had sought so far this year. “Generally speaking, May has been viewed as the last month in which a springtime price increase could be announced, as pricing normally flattens out for the summer barring a hurricane that takes down production facilities.”

Durina also notes that the EdeX machines being sold here are built with provisions to accept Md Plastics’ special Temp-Sense melt-temperature sensor and the latest version of the Melt Profiler melt-temperature control system, called Melt iQ.

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

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

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

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

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.

These are the views of purchasing consultants from Resin Technology Inc. (RTi), senior analysts from Houston-based PetroChemWire (PCW), CEO Michael Greenberg of The Plastics Exchange, Scott Newell, executive v.p. polyolefins at distributor/compounder Spartan Polymers, Mike Burns of Plastic Resin Market Advisors, and resin pricing expert Robin Chesshier.

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.

Portable, standalone data monitor replaces a laptop. Newest system uses melt thermal data to signal injection fill-to-pack switchover.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Despite price increase nominations going into second quarter, it appeared there was potential for generally flat pricing with the exception of a major downward correction for PP.

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

PCW’s Barry reported the implied styrene price based on a spot formula (30% ethylene, 70% benzene) varied by less than 1¢/lb through a six-week period leading to the last week of April. He characterized PS demand as lackluster with no supply issues reported despite some temporary unplanned styrene monomer plant issues.

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 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

As stated by Michael Durina, president of Md Plastics, the Inject-EX plasticating system was developed “to ensure that each pellet is exposed to the exact same amount of energy during its journey from the hopper to the mold. The result is a melt that is more uniform and homogeneous than is produced by today’s reciprocating-screw systems.” He explains that as the conventional reciprocating screw retracts during recovery, the pellets entering the feed throat are exposed to a continuously changing L/D, so their shear exposure is inconsistent, which leads to viscosity variation. That effect is exacerbated by the fact that when the screw moves forward during injection, pellets fall from the hopper into the empty screw flights. Those pellets are not compacted efficiently during the next recovery cycle, creating further melt variability. Add to these problems the well-known issue in conventional machines of inconsistent shot volume due to inconsistent closing of the check valve at the end of the screw at the start of injection.

All these problems can be reduced or eliminated with two-stage screw/plunger systems, of which Inject-EX is a new variant. Like other two-stage systems, this one has a plasticating screw (Md Plastics’ Posi-Melt design) that is stationary with respect to the feed hopper and that feeds an injection plunger via a shutoff valve. What’s different about Inject-EX is that the screw and plunger are not housed within separate cylinders, but are directly coupled inline. The screw feeds melt through a channel or “inner barrel” in the center of the injection plunger, and the melt exits that channel at the front of the plunger. The valve between the screw and plunger sections is the same one used in Md Plastics’ Mini-Shut shutoff nozzle. This is a poppet valve that is spring loaded with Belleville washers. It therefore shuts immediately when the screw stops turning. This design provides true “first-in/first-out” melt inventory, unlike most other two-stage designs.

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.

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.

At NPE2018, Md Plastics showed off the prototype of a novel inline screw/plunger system called Inject-EX, designed to overcome the limitations of standard reciprocating-screw injection molding machines. Since then, the design has evolved, with an improved heating system and, most importantly, a Taiwanese machine builder has adopted the Inject-EX system for a series of presses to be marketed here by Md Plastics.

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

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.

PET prices in April appear to be settling flat to slightly up after moving up 4¢/lb-to-5¢/lb in first quarter, all based on raw material formulation costs, according to Kevin Mekaru, RTi’s senior business unit leader, commodity plastics. While he thought PET prices would be a rollover in May, he ventured that an increase could emerge for early June, due to a combination of anticipated prebuying by suppliers as processors built up inventories for the summer season and prices of key raw material paraxylene moving up as the gasoline season kicks in and its availability for PET production becomes tighter. Meanwhile, attractively priced imports continue to be an issue for domestic suppliers.

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.

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.