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

Swedish compounders HEXPOL TPE AB and Polykemi AB have collaborated on a 2K sustainable development project for consumer products.

The new concept of “3D IML” won the Emerging Technologies award in the SPI’s International Design Competition. It uses Trexel’s MuCell microcellular foaming process. Selective application of a barrier coating traps the foaming gas behind the logo lettering, giving it a raised, soft-touch feel.

The IMDVista system played a similar role in Engel’s booth, providing 100% inspection of HDPE water-bottle caps from a Plastisud 96-cavity mold. A 460-ton, all-electric Engel e-cap machine ran a 2.7-sec cycle without benefit of an accumulator, achieving very low energy utilization of 0.4 kwh/kg. Cam-operated mechanical slides for the tamper-evident band eliminated the need for a core pull.

Arburg’s LSR demonstration involved overmolding LSR onto PBT in a coupling cushion for a car windshield rain sensor. The part consist of a PBT frame and a silicone diaphragm into which a sensor is inserted. The soft silicone conforms to the windshield curvature. The PBT frame was molded in an all-electric Allrounder 570 A (220 tons) with a 4+4 cavity mold from Rico Elastomere of Austria (rico.at). After hot-runner injection of the PBT, an Arburg Multilift V robot transferred the first shot to the LSR cold-runner overmolding cavities. Cycle time was 38 sec.

•Plenty of new hybrids as well, including many space-saving two-platen models. Many “hybrids” only in the sense that servo or inverter motors drove their hydraulic pumps.

Also new from Milacron is the Varian Turntable, a rotary platen for multi-shot molding. Servo drive makes it faster and more precise. It’s also grease-free. It comes in seven standard sizes to fit machines from 330 to 3300 tons.

JSW Plastics Machinery introduced all-electric models in its J-AD series from 220 to 650 tons specifically for high-speed packaging. They have reinforced bed frames to support heavy stack molds, along with linear guide rails for the moving platen and sliding shoes for stack-mold center plates. Besides 30% higher mold-weight capability, they have bigger motors, 50% faster injection acceleration/deceleration response, 24:1 mixing screw with higher rpm (yielding 20% greater PP plasticating capacity), extended daylight, 20% faster clamp movements, 20% less platen deflection, 100% greater nozzle-touch force (using a hydraulic cylinder), and greater heater capacity.

Maruka USA exhibited the latest all-electric model from Toyo Machinery & Metal Co. of Japan. The Si500V is a 500-ton model in the Si-V series from 35 to 940 tons. These models are beefed up with 30-40% larger servomotors than competing machines, as well as larger ballscrew systems. The series also has wider tiebar spacing and a new V-slant toggle with a greater tilt angle that reportedly provides more uniform distribution of clamp force over the platen. The upgraded System 500 controller has a 5X faster processor than before.

More speed, more power, more precision, and more automated functions accomplished in and out of the mold. That’s exactly what injection machinery suppliers were offering at NPE2012.

Milacron demonstrated the PowerPAK’s suitability for high-speed, high-volume stack-mold applications: A 550-tonner with two-stage, screw/plunger electric injection unit molded thin-wall PP lids in a 2 x 4-cavity stack mold on a 4.8-sec cycle. The machine had stack-mold support shoes and “greaseless” tiebars—said to be unusual for all-electric stack-mold operation.

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.

This process has been used for 15 years, mostly abroad, to mold automotive, healthcare, and consumer products, including auto fuel and water tanks and intake manifolds. It involves molding two halves of a hollow part in a mold that then slides to bring the mating halves together and overmolds a seal around them in a second cycle. Both shots use the same material.

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

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.

A relative newcomer to NPE was Woojin Plaimm, Inc. of South Korea. It established an office in Brea, Calif. Although the company has at least 10 machine series, it highlighted three at NPE: the TE all-electric series from 33 to 500 tons; the TH-S series with energy-saving, servo-driven hydraulic pumps (55 to 500 tons); and the DL two-platen hydraulic series (servo-driven pumps optional) from 500 to 3300 tons.

Wittmann Battenfeld exhibited the two-platen hydraulic MacroPower line, to which smaller sizes are being added. At the Milan Plast show in Italy later in April, Wittmann brought out a new 500-metric-ton model that is now the smallest in the line (down from 650 m.t. previously).

Sumitomo demonstrated the SL screw at the show in a high-precision medical micromolding application on a 55-ton SE50DUZ press. The part was a 57.5-mm-long, hairpin-shaped device molded of Ultem polyetherimide. The barbed legs are around 400 μm wide at the barbs and the end where they are joined has a 500-μm hole. Molding tolerances are 25 μm. The two-cavity mold came from micromolder Makuta Technics, Shelbyville, Ind.

Wittmann Battenfeld showed off its EcoPower all-electric presses, for which it will add multicomponent injection capability this year.

Niigata (niigata-us.com) had a new-generation all-electric line at the show. The MD-S6000 series comprises smaller models (55 to 150 tons), while the MD-W6000 series is medium-to-large sizes from 200 to 1100 tons. These units have wider tiebar spacing and updated controls with more user-programmable features.

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.

Not all the new hybrids were two-platen types. Nissei brought out a new hybrid model with a servo-driven hydraulic X-Pump, the 500-ton FNX460-200BN1. This successor to the FNX A1 type has an expanded range of applications in polyolefin food, beverage, and medical containers and caps. It is aimed at cycle times below 10 sec and comes with 48% higher injection pressure and 55% faster injection speed than conventional machines. It also boasts high plasticating and shot capacity and precise control of nozzle and barrel temperatures. It can support parallel functions and eject on the fly while using an oil tank half the size of a standard hydraulic press.

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.

KraussMaffei, emphasized multi-component molding and in-mold assembly at the show with its SpinForm “swivel-platen” system. The firm reported that it has sold two 4400-ton, double SpinForm systems with two turning stacks to BMW in Leipzig, Germany. They will produce polyolefin structural components for electric cars next year. The system is equipped with two six-axis robots, a second injection unit in an “L” configuration, and an oven station. The system will mold an outer skin and a substructure and then, as the stacks rotate, heat-weld them together in the mold, along with a third component.

KraussMaffei also announced that it installed an R&D system at Toronto University, consisting of an MX injection molding compounder with a twin-screw compounding extruder feeding a plunger injection unit. This system can feed, chop, and compound continuous glass rovings, and also has MuCell capability, making it the first in the world to produce foamed long-glass parts direct from raw fiber.

Hot buttons at the show will be multi-component molding, in-mold labeling/decorating (IML/IMD), in-mold assembly, medical molding, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), micro-molding, and high-speed packaging.

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

Japan’s strategic roadmap targets about 40,000 FCVs on its roads by 2020, about 200,000 by 2025 and about 800,000 vehicles by 2030. These will be served by a hydrogen filling station network of about 160 stations by 2020 and about 320 stations by 2025.

South Korea, meanwhile, targets 700,000 FVCs by 2030. The Hyundai Intrado concept car took pride of place at the Lotte Chemical Chinaplas booth. The monocoque chassis of the fuel cell vehicle features extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic composites supplied by the Korean firm. Composite tanks located at the rear of the vehicle, meanwhile, store more than 100 liters of hydrogen pressurized to 700 bar.

In addition, the models have 2.5X greater electrical capacity than a standard machine so they won’t overheat during high-speed molding. The regenerative braking system recovers around 6% of energy from mold open/close operations.

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).

Also emphasizing caps and closures was Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd., which introduced its next-generation HyCAP system for high-output beverage closures. The new HyCAP system ran a 300-ton hybrid press and a 0.95-g 26/22 closure in a 96-cavity KTW mold (Husky acquired KTW last year) on a 2.2-sec cycle. Husky launched the first HyCAP system at NPE 2009, where a 300-ton press molded a similar closure in 72 cavities on a 2.4-sec cycle. The 45% productivity improvement since then is attributed to improvements in the mold, machine, and controls. And that’s not all: Later in April, the Chinaplas show in Shanghai saw the debut of Husky’s HyCAP High Performance Package, billed as the “world’s fastest closure system.” It ran a 1.2-g 29/25 lightweight water cap in a 72-cavity KTW mold in 1.85 sec. This system is said to save up 20% in energy consumption vs. the previous HyCAP generation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

These coupling cushions for an auto windshield rain sensor have a PBT frame overmolded with 5 Shore A LSR. Silicone encapsulated both sides of the PBT spanning the center of the circular parts. Arburg molded on them on a two-shot press in 38 sec, including robot transfer of the parts between cavities.

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.

Another new X-Pump hybrid is the N-PLAjet, designed specifically for PLA and other biopolymers. Nissei also displayed a vertical hybrid X-Pump model TNX50R2VLM (58 tons) customized to process LSR for insert molding. It has wide tiebar spacing, shot capacity down to 0.3 g, and a servo-powered turntable and ejector for fast cycles.

An option for Ube’s new UF series is its Cav-Change system, which is just now being introduced to the U.S. It’s an electric-driven turning-stack mold system for multi-material molding.

Injection molding news at the show was too voluminous to present in one article. Next month, we’ll report on controls, robots, hot runners, and other tooling developments from NPE. Also, see our March show preview for additional news that isn’t repeated here.

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 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 PA 6 resin reportedly delivers superior performance for hydrogen permeation prevention (an order of magnitude superior to HDPE) and excellent mechanical performance, in terms of durability to withstand sudden changes in tank temperature from filling and discharging hydrogen, and shock resistance in extreme cold.

Netstal ran 2.18-g HDPE PCO 1881 carbonated soft-drink closures in 72 cavities in 3.5 sec using a 280-m.t. Elion hybrid press with regenerative braking on the clamp. Netstal cited energy consumption for the machine as 0.48 kWh/kg and for the system overall as 0.52 kWh/kg. Caps were inspected by an Intravis vision system.

Also new was Niigata’s MDVR vertical electric press series (35 to 165 tons), also with wider tiebar spacing and new controls, as well as a faster oscillating mold table. It can mold two different parts on alternate cycles with separate injection profiles for each part.

The latest from Mitsubishi is the MMX Series of large two-platen machines with Smart Pump system, consisting of a servo-driven hydraulic pump as well as an induction motor driving a variable-volume pump. These presses (1300 to 3500 m.t.) are built in China. They are more standardized than Mitsubishi’s MMS line but offer faster delivery and lower prices.

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.

As reported in March, Absolute Haitian  introduced Zhafir Mercury all-electrics to the U.S. This novel tiebarless design with two-stage injection now is available in 55, 100, and 150 metric tons. Later this year, the company will add 250- and 400-m.t. models, which will later be followed by 75 and 125 m.t.

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

•Lots of new all-electric machines, especially beefed-up models meant to prove that servos can compete in high-output packaging applictions.

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

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.

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.

“Blowmolding was preferred over injection molding due to its superior productivity,” says Masayoshi Baba, Manager, Injection and Composite Technology Group (Polyamide), at Ube’s Polymers Development Center in Ube City, Japan. “The welding step required for injection molded tanks becomes irrelevant.” Wall thickness can also reportedly be controlled with high precision in the blowmolding process. Baba was speaking to PlasticsToday at the recent Chinaplas show in Shanghai.

An innovation not reported previously is so-called “3D IML,” which won the Emerging Technology award in SPI’s International Design Competition. The application is a PP margarine tub molded by Paccor Packaging Deutschland for Planta in The Netherlands. It uses the MuCell microcellular foam process from Trexel Inc. (trexel.com). Foaming helped lightweight the package by 13% (9% through thinwalling and 4% from density reduction)and allowed 15% lower injection pressure and 36% lower clamp force. However, the novelty here is the raised logo lettering, which has an embossed, soft-touch feel. This was accomplished by applying a barrier coating to the back of the label in selective areas (behind the lettering).

JSW announced that its Die Slide Injection system for molding hollow parts is now available in the U.S. That’s because the Japanese molder that owns the patent, Sakamoto Kanagata, recently established a branch in S. Elgin, Ill.

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.

As reported in our March preview, NPE was the U.S. debut of Vesta all-electric machines (88 to 470 tons) from Negri Bossi  that were introduced at K 2010 in Dusseldorf. Designed for heavy-duty custom molding, they have direct-drive toggle clamps, regenerative braking on the clamp, and a beefed-up injection system (up to 40 oz) with bigger, more durable ballscrews.

Today’s hyper-competitive molding environment requires more—more speed, more power, more precision, and more automated functions accomplished in and out of the mold. That’s exactly what injection machinery suppliers were offering at NPE2012 in complex molding demonstrations aimed largely at automotive, medical, and packaging applications. These were some key themes of the exhibits:

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.

Ube Machinery Inc. introduced a new generation of large all-electric presses, the Ubemax UF series of 700 to 1400 tons. Features include the TAF clamp, whose increased rigidity is said to reduce platen deflection by 60% and base deflection by 50%. The new ballscrew design on the toggle reportedly adds wear life while reducing grease consumption by 90%. The new e-HUMMA controller has a large, high-resolution TFT color touchscreen with quick access to all screens from icons on the main menu. It’s also designed for easy addition of future software options. Also new is Flex Servo injection process control, which is said to improve molding accuracy and consistency and to reduce spikes and power consumption.

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

Absolute Haitian introduced its own all-electric system for caps and closures, as well as cups, CD packaging, memory cards, and cellphone components. Its new Zhafir Venus/p is offered as an economical packaging alternative, since it is priced like a hydraulic machine. Features include a high-performance motor for faster injection and a longer screw (25:1) for greater plasticating capacity.

Boy Machines demonstrated a new LSR pumping station on its XS V vertical hydraulic press. The pneumatic unit is small and easily movable (photo at right). The system has a reportedly unique ability to lock the “back” position of the screw so as to eliminate the need for a shutoff valve on the mixing block. The screw has a special nonreturn valve that’s said to be easy to clean and to allow material changes with very little waste of costly LSR material.

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

As we reported in a Dec.’11 Close Up, Milacron has converted its Magna Toggle line to the Magna T Servo series with servo-driven hydraulics. The company is now doing the same with its Maxima Servo two-platen series and plans to offer only servo-hydraulic models by next year.

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.

Toshiba’s packaging work cell demonstrated a 200-ton EC200SX with IML automation from Imdecol of Israel. The cell molded and labeled two PP deli containers in a 4.9-sec cycle. A clean-room enclosure over the clamp provided positive air pressure and included a particle counter to verify Class 100,000 conditions.

Toshiba operated a new 200-ton EC200SX all-electric press in an automotive cell, showing off special technology developed by Japanese molder Taisei Plas Co.  for bonding sheet metal to overmolded plastics. The key is a process for nano-texturing the surface of the metal to enhance bonding. Toshiba molded an automotive circuit-board holder with the help of its own new jointed-arm robot that demolded parts and inspected them with a laser mounted on the robot. Taisei technology is also used in Japan to mold a tablet computer case in which PPS attachments are overmolded onto metal. Toshiba says tight control of injection pressure afforded by the EC SX series is essential to this process.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Prototype tanks for Toyota’s FCV were made of steel, whereas Honda uses aluminum in the tank of its Clarity FCV. The Toyota Mirai uses two fuel tanks. Ube plans to establish a global supply framework for 1218IU to be used as a liner material for high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

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

When it comes to hydrogen fuel tanks, HDPE has met its match. The process used by Toyota to manufacture the tank for its Mirai fuel cell vehicle (FCV) entails blowmolding the liner, followed by wrapping with carbon fiber and then impregnating the fiber with epoxy resin that cures at 150°C. Coupled with the requirement that the tank retain its integrity down to a chilling -70°C, Ubenylon 1218IU, a polyamide (PA) 6 material from Ube Industries, was selected as the material of choice.

Milacron also showed off some new features on its PowerPAK all-electric series of 440 to 1125 tons. These include water-cooled drives and enhanced diagnostic and maintenance information on the drives in the control system, which includes a built-in energy monitor. Also new is optional high-force electric injection, designed especially for PET preforms. These machines offer optional accumulator-assisted hydraulic injection and ejection (a 330-ton model is available only in this configuration).

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

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.

Engel demonstrated 64-cavity, flashless molding of a medical diaphragm using cold-runner valve gates on a 7-sec cycle—very fast for LSR. The e-victory 130-ton hybrid had ecodrive servo-driven hydraulics and a servo-driven screw. Because the runner was cooled right up to the gate, the mold could be run hotter (410 F vs. the typical 350-360 F) for faster cycles. The moldmaker, ACH Solution from Austria also supplied a top-entry, servo-driven mold sweep that demolded all 64 parts faster than would be possible with a pneumatic sweep. The sweep consisted of an aluminum brush that was positioned 0.015 in. away from the mold face. Automated deflashing was also integrated into the cell.

Toshiba Machine Corp. demonstrated its latest-generation EC SX all-electric presses at work cells in its booth. The high-speed molding cell had a 390-ton EC390SX molding PS spoons in 32 cavities on a 3.9-sec cycle. The machine had a special high-speed clamp with a more powerful motor, which provides a 14% shorter dry-cycle than a standard EC SX model. Another packaging cell is discussed in the IML section below.

Arburg demonstrated high-speed IML production of twin 1-liter PP buckets with separately molded handles in a 2+2 cavity family mold on an Allrounder 720 H press (350 tons). Total part weight was 62 g for each bucket and handle. The robotics from Van den Brink B.V. of The Netherlands inserted the labels, removed the buckets and handles, assembled them together, and placed the finished products on a conveyor—all in 4.8 sec.

Those coated areas trapped the foaming gas that naturally migrates out of the plastic part after molding, resulting in permanently raised lettering.

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.

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.

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

Ube’s other new series is the UU2e Fusion line of two-platen hybid machines. Built in the U.S. and spanning 1100 to 2200 tons, these machines use multiple servomotors and gear pumps to drive the hydraulic pumps. There is also a servomotor and ballscrew for clamp traverse motions, so hydraulic screw recovery can run in parallel with clamp opening and closing. Modular design lets users choose a clamp, injection unit, servomotors, and gear pumps according to their needs. These units also have the same e-HUMMA controller and Flex Servo technology as the UF electric series.

The new screw works together with a GS Loader from Spiral Logic, which provides controlled feeding, rather than the usual “flood” feeding, and Spiral Logic’s GS check valve, which is said to provide 100% positive shutoff when the screw rotates 120° in reverse. Benefits of this system reportedly include 13% lower power consumption, less screw and barrel wear, 60% less cushion fluctuation, 74% less variation in cavity pressure, and elimination of black spots from stagnant, degraded material on the screw.

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

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.

Available on the SE-EV series (and on SE DUZ all-electrics ) is a novel screw design described as “revolutionary” because it turns conventional plastication theory on its head. Decades-old single-screw theory holds that melting should be accomplished almost entirely by shear heating from mechanical work (friction) imparted by the screw. According to this theory, barrel heaters are intended only to prevent heat loss to the environment. But the new SL screw assembly, designed by Spiral Logic Ltd. of Hong Kong (spirallogic.com.hk) has no compression zone or compression ratio, and all the heat input for melting comes from the heater bands. Spiral Logic says this “non-compression” screw accomplishes better and more uniform melting in a shorter barrel—only 13:1. It avoids uncontrolled shear heating, which is said to result in inconsistent melt temperature, pressure, density, and viscosity.

In addition, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag demonstrated unusual “full-cover” IML in which a food package gains barrier protection from being completely covered by the label.

Netstal, which claims to be number one in the world in IML installations, molded tubs on an Evos 3500 (350 m.t.) hybrid in eight cavities in 5.75 sec with automation from Ilsemann.

Toyota’s Mirai FCV employs two hydrogen fuel tanks, made from a PA 6 liner wrapped in a carbon fiber epoxy composite. Each tank can hold 5 kg of hydrogen.

Negri Bossi also introduced its brand-new EOSSE series of small two-platen models (the company’s first) from 55 to 130 tons with a variable-displacement pump powered by an electric variable-frequency drive. These presses boast long opening strokes and unusually wide tiebar spacing. The clamp rides on linear bearings and uses two diagonal pistons for traverse movements. At the Milan Plast show in Italy last month, Negri Bossi brought out a modified version of the EOS with almost fully electric operation except for self-contained hydraulic clamp cylinders.

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.

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.

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

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

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

This “naked” view of Toyo’s new Si500V (with exterior panels removed) is one of several new all-electric machines beefed up with extra power for high-speed molding.

As noted in our March show preview, there were some impressive demonstrations of in-mold labeling. CBW Automation showed off a challenging application in labeling small syringes, requiring super-precise positioning of 16 small, extra-thin labels at high speed.

One unusual aspect is the fact that LSR encapsulates both sides of the PBT areas that span the diameter of the sensor. LSR is injected from one side, but pins hold the PBT so the LSR can flow around it on both sides. Second, the special LSR material from Wacker Chemical has a hardness of only 5 Shore A; its very low viscosity is challenging to process without flashing.

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

Engel combined two-component molding with IML in an unusual sequence. Thin-walled lids for ice-cream containers were molded on an e-motion 200 T US combi all-electric machine. Using a core-back process, the machine first injected the colored frame, then the label was placed in the same mold and the clear center panel of the lid was molded over the label.

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.

Besides showing two new E Series hybrids with servo-driven pumps, Boy Machines demonstrated its new auxiliary injector for converting a standard machine to multi-component molding. This add-on injection unit is based on Boy’s XS hydraulic machine. It can be mounted in various positions and comes in sizes of 12, 14, and 16 mm screw diam. with its own hydraulic drive and control, which can be interfaced with most makes and models of presses.

As reported in March, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag brought to the show its new SE-EV all-electric, direct-drive series (55 to 198 tons). It replaces the Demag DUZ series at no increase in price. The SE-EV line reportedly uses 20% less energy than other all-electrics. For example, it requires no power to hold the clamp closed. It also has a shorter machine base but 100 mm more daylight than before, as well as 50 mm more vertical tiebar spacing. Faster servomotors are said to provide greater injection speed—350 mm/sec, up from 300 mm/sec previously. New linear guides on the moving platen replace tiebar bushings, providing greater rigidity and at least 20% more mold-weight capacity while eliminating grease on the tiebars. Two pull-in cylinders add more nozzle-touch force.

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

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

Sumitomo’s new El-Exis SP hybrid for ultra-high speed and precision has an accumulator with bigger valves, hoses, motor, and pump to provide 1000 mm/sec injection but also more precise transitions from boost to hold stages. It’s available from 165 to 825 tons and has linear bearings instead of tiebar bushings, eliminating wear on tiebars. At the show, a 500-tonner molded 1-g HDPE bottle caps in a 96-cavity Schottli hot-runner mold on a 1.98-sec cycle. The waterfall of caps leaving the mold became a horizontal blur as they were fed to a conveyor for 100% QC inspection by an IMDVista vision inspection system from IMD Ltd. in Switzerland. It inspected all caps for short shots, color, flash, ovality, and contamination.

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