Manufacturing four burr-free dental components every 25 seconds, a Sumitomo (SHI) Demag SAM-C5 robot performs the demoulding task. A special end of arm tool uses compressed air to delicately extract and place the dental covers into containers, ensuring hygiene standards are never compromised.

In this timeframe, the HDPE market in Europe experienced a rise in prices, even though trading activity remained sluggish due to the ongoing seasonal summer slowdown, with many market participants withdrawing from business dealings. The price escalation was mainly driven by supply constraints, as Europe encountered a reduction in import shipments. The price trajectory was primarily influenced by supply-side factors, with a further reduction in import volumes anticipated by the end of September. Furthermore, several price settlements for August were reported, adding to the upward pressure on HDPE costs. Moreover, the 1.4% increase in upstream Naphtha prices led to a 2% rise in feedstock Ethylene prices during this period, which subsequently drove up the overall cost of HDPE.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Market Analysis: Plant Capacity, Production, Process, Technology, Operating Efficiency, Demand & Supply, End-Use, Grade, Foreign Trade, Sales Channel, Regional Demand, Company Share, Manufacturing Process, 2015-2035

In the first half of August 2024, the High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) market witnessed contrasting trends across various global markets, with prices rising in Europe but weakening in Asia. In European countries, prices increased amidst supply disturbances, despite weak demand from downstream sectors such as construction, packaging, and automotive. Conversely, the Asian market saw a decline in prices, primarily driven by a drop in upstream Crude oil prices, which affected markets globally. Moreover, regional market dynamics were shaped by supply disruptions and seasonal factors, influencing downstream demand. Consequently, the price of HDPE Injection Molding EXW Jiangsu in China decreased by 0.4% while the German HDPE Injection FD Hamburg elevated by 2% during this period. In this timeframe, the HDPE market in Europe experienced a rise in prices, even though trading activity remained sluggish due to the ongoing seasonal summer slowdown, with many market participants withdrawing from business dealings. The price escalation was mainly driven by supply constraints, as Europe encountered a reduction in import shipments. The price trajectory was primarily influenced by supply-side factors, with a further reduction in import volumes anticipated by the end of September. Furthermore, several price settlements for August were reported, adding to the upward pressure on HDPE costs. Moreover, the 1.4% increase in upstream Naphtha prices led to a 2% rise in feedstock Ethylene prices during this period, which subsequently drove up the overall cost of HDPE. Conversely, the Asian HDPE market displayed signs of weakness, with many downstream buyers cautious about making import purchases in anticipation of increased regional supplies. Market activity in Southeast Asia was muted, with the assessment of polyethylene import prices being influenced by limited deals and selling indications, as most suppliers had already fulfilled their sales for August shipment cargoes. The market outlook was perceived as bearish, affected by declining demand for HDPE in China, despite expectations that converters might start restocking later in August to prepare for year-end demand. Although freight costs for import shipments from Northeast Asia remained elevated, market players noted a gradual decline due to better container availability. Additionally, a decrease in freight rates could lead to a surge of competitively priced materials like HDPE, especially when compared to Middle Eastern cargoes. Additionally, ChemAnalyst predicts that the current trend in the HDPE market is likely to persist in the upcoming weeks. In Europe, HDPE prices may continue to rise due to ongoing supply disruptions, even if demand decreases further. Meanwhile, in Asia, prices are anticipated to keep declining, driven by weak demand from the downstream construction sector during the monsoon season, which could further impact product prices. These regional dynamics are expected to significantly shape the HDPE market, with supply-side factors and seasonal variations playing crucial roles in determining future price trends.

“The market for liquid silicone is growing dynamically, both in terms of applications demanding skills in LSR, as well as volume," observes Rustam Aliyev, the company’s LSR expert and business development director of automotive & electronics.

Given that each dental article weighs just 0.425 grams, and with an LSR shot weight of just 1.7 grams, the exhibit features Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s smallest IntElect injection unit. An LSR eTwin Connect from Reinhardt-Technik delivers material to the needle gate nozzle tool. Material is then injected into each of the four cavities twice. Metering data directly connects to the IntElect processing data via OPC-UA, ensuring a fully traceable and stable production process.

Modular by-design, the LSR eTwin Connect allows for quick configuration of programs and instant software upgrades. To support quick drum changes and for ease of  maintenance, the system also features a roll in device and automatic drum locks.

LSR tooling specialist RICO supplies the 256-cavity open tool system. The Elastosil LR 3844/50 material from Wacker Chemie is dispensed via a sophisticated yet compact Industry 4.0-ready LSR eTwin Connect dosing system engineered by another LSR expert - Reinhardt-Technik. This metering and static mixing system guarantees the perfect mixing ratio of two additives, ensuring 99.75% of the LSR material is processed.

LSR is regarded as a unique material, in that it remains flexible and elastic down to -50°C, yet also retains its properties up to 200°C. As a result, LSR is used extensively in electronic components, cables etc. where insulation is required, as well as in medical and healthcare products and the consumer goods sector. To support these markets, in the last five years Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has made significant investments developing an all-electric LSR package that inevitably delivers the cleanliness and precise shot control required to handle this low viscosity material. This year’s Fakuma exhibits demonstrate the company’s advanced proficiency in moulding high-specification LSR components, exclaims Aliyev.

In the first half of August 2024, the High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) market witnessed contrasting trends across various global markets, with prices rising in Europe but weakening in Asia. In European countries, prices increased amidst supply disturbances, despite weak demand from downstream sectors such as construction, packaging, and automotive. Conversely, the Asian market saw a decline in prices, primarily driven by a drop in upstream Crude oil prices, which affected markets globally. Moreover, regional market dynamics were shaped by supply disruptions and seasonal factors, influencing downstream demand. Consequently, the price of HDPE Injection Molding EXW Jiangsu in China decreased by 0.4% while the German HDPE Injection FD Hamburg elevated by 2% during this period.

To support the high-volume production of individual single wire seals, tooling partner Rico Group reveals its proprietary 256-cavitation LSR mould tool. Combining the direct injection system with double nozzle technology with the IntElect machines optimised clamp force, this LSR package successfully achieves the highest number of cavities in the most compact installation space. The turnkey system coordinates every processing step to efficiently manufacture 256 LSR parts every 15 seconds with minimal flash and material waste. “It’s the definition of high-volume sustainable production,” notes Aliyev.

Additionally, ChemAnalyst predicts that the current trend in the HDPE market is likely to persist in the upcoming weeks. In Europe, HDPE prices may continue to rise due to ongoing supply disruptions, even if demand decreases further. Meanwhile, in Asia, prices are anticipated to keep declining, driven by weak demand from the downstream construction sector during the monsoon season, which could further impact product prices. These regional dynamics are expected to significantly shape the HDPE market, with supply-side factors and seasonal variations playing crucial roles in determining future price trends.

Ensuring the material is exposed to a consistent temperature in all 256 cavities, the Rico tool is designed to run on a cold clamping force. This helps to avoid premature curing of the material before every cavity is filled. As a result, it reduces the risk of component and tooling damage, and consequently expensive machine downtime and costly tool repairs.

“Integrating a high precision dosing system with the IntElect machine and the optimal heat balance attained by the Rico dual tip nozzle delivery system ensures unprecedented distribution of the 15 gram shot weight. The result of the high machine dynamics means that part weight accuracy of 0.059 grams is repeatably replicated in the fastest possible cycle time,” explains Aliyev.

On their main stand, the company highlights its multi-cavity LSR processing competence, including OPC-UA interface compatibility, on an all-electric IntElect 180/570-250 injection moulding machine. Visitors to the Reinhardt-Technik booth (Hall A3, Stand 3313) will have the opportunity to view another market where LSR processing is prevalent, the healthcare sector.

Visitors to the Reinhardt-Technik booth (Hall A3, Stand 3313) will have the opportunity to view the healthcare sector where LSR processing is prevalent. Manufacturing surgical dental protection covers demands a combination of the thinnest walls and thicker beaded geometries. To accomplish this level of 3-dimensional LSR moulding precision, specialists in healthcare applications EMDE MouldTec supplies the gated 4-cavity mould tool, which fits into the generous tool space of the IntElect 75/420-65.

Conversely, the Asian HDPE market displayed signs of weakness, with many downstream buyers cautious about making import purchases in anticipation of increased regional supplies. Market activity in Southeast Asia was muted, with the assessment of polyethylene import prices being influenced by limited deals and selling indications, as most suppliers had already fulfilled their sales for August shipment cargoes. The market outlook was perceived as bearish, affected by declining demand for HDPE in China, despite expectations that converters might start restocking later in August to prepare for year-end demand. Although freight costs for import shipments from Northeast Asia remained elevated, market players noted a gradual decline due to better container availability. Additionally, a decrease in freight rates could lead to a surge of competitively priced materials like HDPE, especially when compared to Middle Eastern cargoes.

The main Sumitomo (SHI) Demag stand (Hall B1, Stand 1105) features a fully electric IntElect 180/570-250 injection moulding machine equipped with an LSR package comprising a twin dosing system, robotics, and vacuum and venting peripheral equipment. In a cycle time of just 17 seconds, this IntElect LSR package manufactures 256 individual 0.06-gram single wire seals with absolute precision and stability. Despite this high throughput, the IntElect machine’s energy consumption remains one of the lowest on the market.

At Fakuma 2023, visitors will get the opportunity to see Sumitomo (SH) Demag’s LSR processing competence in two live demonstrations.

Supporting full connectivity, the OPC UA interface facilitates seamless communication between the IntElect machine control and the eTwin Connect dosing system. During every injection cycle, the intuitive, user-friendly multi-touch 15.6 inch HMI capturing all processing documentation, including material pressure, colouring and additive settings, to ensure high-level transparency and traceability.

The eTwin servo-driven piston pumps save processors up to 80% energy compared to air-driven pumps. While the integrated cooling system and pulsation-free volume flow helps to optimise the filling behaviour and prevent the LSR material from curing too soon. The unit also performs automatic venting, purging air from the material before it is fed into the moulding machine and tool. Combined with the IntElect’s high injection dynamics, the repeatable process ensures the highest component quality is achieved time and time again.