The Graveyard Shift - contract injection molding

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.

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

An Allrounder More 1600 equipped with two electric injection units will demonstrate energy-efficient 2K molding, producing a container made PBT and LSR. The LSR dosing unit from Reinhardt Technik is integrated into the Gestica control system via OPC UA and the Euromap interface 82.3.

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.

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Arburg will have nine exhibits on its own stand and another 10 machines on partner stands with live demonstrations of applications, processes and trends in injection molding and 3D printing.

Introduced by Zeiger and Spark Industries at the PTXPO, the nozzle is designed for maximum heat transfer and uniformity with a continuous taper for self cleaning.

In this collection of 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.

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.

An additional 10 injection molding exhibits on partner stands at Fakuma will include: an Allrounder 1300 T rotary table machine that produces vegetable slicers by overmolding metal blades with ABS (Maschinenfabrik Lauffer, Hall A3, Stand 3008); an Allrounder 470 H hybrid machine that uses an 8-cavity mold with a special laser surface to produce closure caps from recycled PP (Barnes Group, Hall A1, Stand 1208); and an electric Allrounder 370 A that processes solid silicone into cable ties (ACH, Halle A4, Stand 4307).

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

On the additive manufacturing side, a high-temperature Freeformer 750-3X, Arburg’s largest compact 3D printer, with a build space of 330 by 230 by 230 mm (13 by 9 by 9 in) and a discharge rate of 57 cm3/hr (3.5 in3/hr), will be printing air diffusers from aerospace-approved Ultem pellets. In addition, a innovatiQ LiQ printer for printing LSR will also be presented.

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.

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.

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.

At Fakuma, an Allrounder 520 H Premium will use a 1+1+1 mold to produce an Allrounder machine base from ABS at a scale of 1:18. The Moldlife Sense computer system from Arburg’s partner Hack enables mold monitoring and communication between the machine and mold via an OPC UA interface.

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.

As the company continues to celebrate its centennial, Arburg will mark the anniversary at Fakuma 2023 with the premier of the Allrounder 520 H — the second tonnage with the new hybrid machine technology to be presented by Arburg this year. In addition, the company will unveil arburgSOLUTIONworld, a new service to customers to help them save energy, increase operational efficiency, and address the shortage of skilled workers.

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

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

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.

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

The 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.

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.

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

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

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.

Positioning it as an energy and resource efficient alternative to thermoforming, an all-electric Allrounder 720 A Ultimate packaging machine will mold inmold labelled (IML) round cups with a wall thickness of only 0.37 mm using injection compression molding. An IML process designed for the medical market will be presented using labeled centrifuge tubes. Partners Kebo, MCC Verstraete, Beck Automation and Intravis are also involved in this joint project built around an electric Allrounder 520 A running an 8-cavity mold.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

Cut your material costs by more than 60% by printing with pellets, granules, and recycled plastics instead of filament. Check out the top pellet 3D printers on the market.

Fakuma 2023 will mark the premier of the Allrounder 520 H — the second machine size with new hybrid machine technology. Photo Credit: Arburg

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.

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

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

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

The Arburg ALS host computer system, along with individual processes and customer-specific manufacturing solutions, will be demonstrated, as well as the company’s digital services, including arburgXworld customer portal and smart assistance functions from the Gestica control system.

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

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

After a two-year hiatus, Arburg’s Technology Days event (June 22-25) returned in 2022 bring customers and plastics trade press from around the world to the company’s global headquarters in Lossburg, Germany.

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.

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.

There are a lot of 3D printing technologies out there, and it’s not uncommon for processors new to additive manufacturing to get tripped up. Here are some typical snafus, along with advice on how to avoid them before you start making 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

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.

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).

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

Israeli startup Largix has developed a production solution that can 3D print PP and PE without melting them. Its first test? Custom tanks for chemical storage.

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.

The family held injection molding machine maker celebrated its centennial with approximately 1200 guests from 32 countries and two “anniversary” hybrid presses.

Arburg experts will be providing advice on the mega topics of energy, efficiency, and labor shortages as part of the new arburgSOLUTIONworld. This new interactive exhibition space is built around a 4-m (13-ft) high LED column. Here Arburg’s Action Plan: Energy will provide showgoers with energy advice, machine updates and consumption measurements to help them save resources and energy.

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.

Arburg notes that its stand will also feature a wide range of automation solutions from simple part removal with various linear Multilift robotic systems to complex handling with Yaskawa and Kuka 6-axis robots. Arburg will use production of a tire lever will show how digitalization and automation can be used to mold parts efficiently and with 100% traceability. A turnkey system with a vertical Allrounder 375 V and a 6-axis robot mounted in a space-saving hanging position will produce the bicycle tool. The Arburg Turnkey Control Module (ATCM) Scada system and Invisible Tracing from partner Detagto allow each product to be traced and identified.

A development and manufacturing service provider is using dissolvable molds to build injection molded silicone prototypes.

The Hehl family company, which grew into Arburg, marks its centennial this year with a new generation of energy and resource efficient hybrid injection molding machines.

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

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

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

Also at the stand, an Allrounder Golden Electric 470 E with a Yaskawa six-axis robot will be process post-consumer recyclate (PCR) into toy dolphins, while a vertical Allrounder 375 V machine will overmold inserts with post-industrial recyclate (PIR) based on a glass-fiber-reinforced PA 66/6 to make ready-to-use bicycle tools. Tool cases, familiar to K 2022 visitors, will be molded using Arburg partner Leonhard Kurz’s Recopound material, made from post-industrial recyclate (PIR) PET films. In addition, an ISCC mass-balanced material from Covestro will be applied in the case produced via a turnkey system using a hybrid Allrounder 920 H with a clamping force of 5000 kN (562 tons).

Starting at Fakuma, Arburg will add the size 520 machine to the size 470 hybrid Allrounder launched earlier in 2023. The machines combine an energy-efficient and precise electric clamping unit with a powerful and dynamic hydraulic injection unit, coming in Comfort, Premium and Ultimate performance variations.

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.

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.

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