EcoTemp has been marketed in Europe for five years but NPE will mark its U.S. introduction. According to Dr. Farrokhzad, European experience on around 350 injection presses show these advantages:

Energy efficiency is one of the key elements of efficient plastics processing. Solutions that reduce cycle times without consuming more energy are particularly attractive. At next month’s NPE2015 show in Orlando, Fla., Single Temperature Controls, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., will highlight an approach to variotherm mold-temperature control that does not require active heating and cooling from an alternating temperature-control system. A less complex, less costly, “passive” system reportedly can often achieve cycle time reduction while also saving a substantial amount of energy.

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.

Sustainability continues to dominate new additives technology, but upping performance is also evident. Most of the new additives have been targeted to commodity resins and particularly polyolefins.

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

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

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).

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.

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

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

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.

Productivity advantages were also confirmed in a study by the respected Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. On a sample mold, using PC/ABS material, conventional temperature control with a water supply temperature of 80 C was compared with with the EcoTemp system operating with a lower supply temperature and a cooling-time interruption of 14 sec. All other process parameters were kept constant. The cooling time was selected to achieve a maximum demolding temperature of 90 C in the area near the gate. Under these conditions, the quality of the molded parts would be comparable in both cases, according to the researchers.

The plant water system is a critical component of an injection molding facility. A poorly designed or maintained water-cooling system can have a serious impact on production efficiency and cause many maintenance issues. Here’s what you need to know — and ask — to prevent those problems.

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

EcoTemp can be integrated into all Single water-temperature control units. In practice, it is used mostly at water temperatures of up to 90 C/194 F but can be used with up to 150 C/302 F pressurized-water systems. EcoTemp uses cycle-dependent signals from the injection molding machine to control the start and stop of cooling fluid circulation. Because this involves little or no additional investment, Dr. Babak Farrokhzad, director of sales and marketing at Single Temperiertechnich GmbH in Germany, has called it “a poor man’s variotherm.”

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

“Dynamic,” “cyclical,” or “variotherm” mold-temperature control is an increasingly widespread technology for improving the quality of injection molded parts by first heating the cavity wall above the glass-transition temperature of the plastic during melt injection, followed by cooling to solidify the part after the cavity is filled. Such hot/cold mold cycling reportedly can improve the reproduction of gloss or fine surface detail of injection molded parts, increase dimensional stability through reduced stresses, and decrease cycle times.

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.

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

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

SeeScan adds conveying, drying, feeding and chilling technologies to improve quality — and enhance employee safety — in production of its underground/underwater inspection systems.

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 cycle time required by the conventional system to reach the maximum demolding temperature was 33 sec, while the EcoTemp system took 7.5 sec less, an 18.5% reduction. At the same maximum temperatures at the gate, the demolding temperature of the rest of the part surface was about 20° C lower with the EcoTemp system, as revealed by thermographic imaging of the parts after demolding. This was due to the lower mold temperature achieved by the EcoTemp system. While the cooling-time interruption with EcoTemp resulted in a mold-surface temperature 7-10° C above the water-supply temperature, it was still 30° C lower than that achieved by conventional temperature control. “The EcoTemp system shows a slightly higher temperature increase, but also faster and more efficient cooling,” said Sergio Rigano, ATT specialist at Single.

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.

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.

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.

• Double-digit reduction of cycle times—by an average of 60.6% in European production. Two examples are shown in the accompanying table.

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

Join this webinar to explore the transformative benefits of retrofitting your existing injection molding machines (IMMs). Engel will guide you through upgrading your equipment to enhance monitoring, control and adaptability — all while integrating digital technologies. You'll learn about the latest trends in IMM retrofitting (including Euromap interfaces and plasticizing retrofits) and discover how to future-proof your machines for a competitive edge. With insights from industry experts, it'll walk you through the decision-making process, ensuring you make informed choices that drive your business forward. Agenda: Maximize the value of your current IMMs through strategic retrofitting Learn how to integrate digital technologies to enhance monitoring and control Explore the benefits of Euromap interfaces and plasticizing retrofits Understand how retrofitting can help meet new product demands and improve adaptability Discover how Engel can support your retrofitting needs, from free consultations to execution

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

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.

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

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.

The cavity wall is heated by the injected melt while cooling-water flow is temporarily halted. Water flow is restored after cavity filling, using a lower temperature than with standard constant-temperature cooling.

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.

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.

Active systems such as Single’s ATT (Alternating Temperature Technology) alternately pass warm and cold fluids through the cooling circuit. Other active systems use electromagnetic induction coils in the mold for heating, together with water cooling. Both require investment in special equipment and modifications to the mold.

Passive approaches, such as Single’s EcoTemp system to be shown at NPE, interrupt water flow for mold cooling during the injection phase, so that the cavity wall heats up by conduction of thermal energy from the injected melt. This is followed by an intense cooling phase, which can use 10-20% lower water temperatures than standard constant-temperature cooling systems.

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.

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.

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.

Effectively choosing, operating and maintaining thermal fluid can positively impact productivity in plastics processing.

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.

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

The purchase was part of a combined £2.5 million investment during 2018 which included injection moulding presses, robotics, software, training, logistic equipment and human resources.

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

• Longer application of holding pressure, even in areas away from the gate, because melt does not freeze immediately in contact with the mold.

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.

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.

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

Globeius is now a North American supplier of Mouldpro’s Flosense 1.0 Flexible Flow Monitoring system for tracking manifold pressures and mold temperatures.

Also to be shown at NPE is Single’s new “intelligent” controller for EcoTemp and other Single temperature-control units. It is user-configurable, easy to use, and multi-lingual, notes Frank Spork, Single’s managing director. It has a scrollable touchscreen that resembles a smartphone in design. It runs in Basic and Expert modes, and allows storage of 20 mold recipes. Special features include notification of upcoming scheduled maintenance, a list of spare parts, and service contact information. Spork says the next upgrade will be remote access via the Internet.

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.

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

He notes that, for maximum efficiency and profitability, either EcoTemp, active variotherm, or conventional mold-cooling methods should be applied in combination with molds that provide good thermal conductivity, ensure an effective heat transfer to the cavity, and have a low mass to be cooled/heated. In order to keep this mass to a minimum, small inserts with conformal cooling/heating channels are recommended. These inserts can be designed by means of additive-manufacturing methods such as 3D printing or lasercusing, which build up these inserts layer by layer from steel powder so that the integrated cooling channels closely follow the cavity surface contour and run very close to the cavity wall.

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.

Coverage of single-use plastics can be both misleading and demoralizing. Here are 10 tips for changing the perception of the plastics industry at your company and in your community.

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

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.

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

A spokesperson from Patterson & Rothwell, said: “The new Agie is one of the first to be installed in the country and we can spark quicker for longer, more accurately and more efficiently for our customers.”

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

The new machine features the latest-generation GF Machining Solutions Intelligent Speed Power Generator (ISPG), a TECFORM module to enhance machining efficiency and reduce unproductive time.