arrays - injection mold fabrication

Finding the right supplier is not always easy. But the company MERSEN didn’t have to search long. Their ideal partner is located directly in their region. With Meusburger as their supplier, MERSEN benefits from many advantages and years of successful co-operation.

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

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.

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.

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.

To overcome these challenges, sensors are sometimes placed behind an ejector pin or other mold component that is itself in direct contact with the melt. This positioning gets the sensor out of the cavity, but it can make them susceptible to false readings, if, for instance, the mounting hole isn’t fitted well to the ejector pin. These sensors can also be impacted by gases emitted by the plastic melt, which are often vented through ejector-pin channels. In addition, low-viscosity materials, like liquid silicone rubber (LSR), can leak through to the sensor, impacting the reading and over time requiring cleaning and maintenance. Dust and grime associated with being that close to the molding process can also impact the sensor and its readings over its service life.

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.

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

Joachim Dorner, Designer at MERSEN, said: “The wide range is a huge bonus because all our requirements are covered by one supplier. We buy not only special machining and steel but also E-parts and workshop equipment from Meusburger.”

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.

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.

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.

The co-operation has a long history. This may be due to the fact that Meusburger is well-known in the region, especially for its all-round service and heat-treated for stress relief steel. Even for complex requirements, Meusburger offers the best quality in special machining.

Ensconced behind the cavity wall, the sensors are protected from the plastic melt, as well as gases and outside contaminants, reducing maintenance requirements. They can also use more potential placements in the mold, with the ability to be positioned independently of the demolding direction and not requiring space close to the cavity. They only require one mounting hole where the sensor is placed and set with a predefined preload.

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Founded in 1891, the MERSEN Group now has a remarkable 60 production facilities in more than 35 countries with a total of 6,800 employees. The company covers a number of economic sectors from electronics, energy and transport to process engineering and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Their main business focuses on graphite-based corrosion resistant equipment, carbon brushes for industrial electric motors, insulating graphite for high-temperature applications and industrial fuses.

Kistler supports customers in sensor placement by performing a finite element analysis (FEA). This determines the maximum distance to the mold wall the sensor can be placed and still provide accurate and useful measurements. For the FEA, customers send in a 3D-CAD model showing where they want to place the sensor, and Kistler calculates what the actual sensitivity of the sensor in that position will be. In doing so, the company factors in both the strain on the metal and side forces.

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

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.

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.

Beyond giving unique insight to the potential quality of a part, cavity pressure data is essentially requisite for many components in markets like medical, with direct cavity pressure readings, where the sensor is on the surface of the cavity and in contact with the melt, the gold standard. That presence in the cavity provides the sensors with an unfettered reading of the pressure, but it comes at a cost, with continued direct exposure to the melt of abrasive materials, for instance, wearing them over time, as well as leaving a vestige or witness mark on the surface of the part. The blemishes might be small, but in applications where a class A surface finish is required, like lenses, they are unacceptable.

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

Marceta explains that one significant difference between the two contact-free sensors is the crystal that measures the strain. While the previous version applied a quartz crystal, the new version now features a PiezoStar crystal specifically grown by Kistler. This update raises the sensor’s sensitivity from 5.9 pC/N to 28.5 pC/N. Kistler says this enables the sensor to measure weaker signals reliably and precisely.

A contact-free sensor measures the strain the melt imparts on the mold wall and promises precise, reproducible measurements with lower maintenance, longer service life and blemish-free parts.

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

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.

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

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

When the company shifted focus onto the medical industry, it sought to develop an even smaller sensor suitable for the compact molds used for products such as lenses, syringes and EpiPens. In 2018, Kistler launched the first ever version of a piezoelectric miniature longitudinal measuring pin, which it updated in late 2022. It’s updated version, 9239B miniature longitudinal pin has a circumference of 2.5 mm and can measures strain forces of up to 500N, with a sensitivity of 28.5 pC/N.

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

One answer to these challenges that completely avoids contact, direct or indirect, with the melt: measuring the strain that the pressure of the melt imparts onto the mold’s walls. Kistler’s strain-based cavity pressure measurement is contact-free and uses piezoelectric sensors to generate what the company describes as “precise and reproducible values.”

Of all the trends you can see at NPE2024, this one is BIG. Not only is the auto industry transitioning to electrification but there are concerted efforts to modify the materials used, especially polymers, for interior applications.

Gefran says the QE2008-W wireless strain measurement system uses a sampling rate of up to 1000 measurements/sec to measure clamping force, bending and cavity pressure profile.

Cavity Eye provides innovative cavity sensors and data-transmission devices that plug into molds, machines, and auxiliaries.

MERSEN relies on the Austrian standard parts manufacturer for special machining, among other things. Meusburger’s support is particularly helpful when things need to happen quickly or when special requirements can no longer be met in-house. For example, when machining extremely deep pockets and fitting holes, Meusburger helps find the right solution for every requirement. Whether flame cutting, sawing, deep hole drilling, milling, grinding or turning, the company provides proficiency and experience when it comes to special machining. Due to their modern machinery, Meusburger can handle all orders quickly, cost-effectively and in top quality, which is what won MERSEN over from the start.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Teel Plastics opened new plant in record time, partnering with AEC & Aqua Poly Equipment Co. to expand production of swab sticks to fight pandemic.

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.

MERSEN is also satisfied with Meusburger’s constant availability and high-quality products. The standard parts manufacturer has scored points right from the start with MERSEN with their large warehouse. Dorner added: “When things need to happen quickly, Meusburger is there and ready. We are happy to have a partner that we can rely on any time.”

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

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

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

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

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

Marceta says Kistler sensors have already been used to measure strain in other applications, such as machining, and the company applied that knowledge when developing the first piezoelectric strain sensor for injection molding. The resulting Type 9247A sensor has a circumference of 4.4 mm and has been applied by molders in the cosmetic and in the automotive industry for several years.

The site in Hittisau, Austria, was established in 1972 and currently has approximately 160 employees working on developing and designing custom components. MERSEN has an especially wide range of production ranging from die making, permanent mould casting, injection moulding, or plastic presses, Meusburger provides the support with its comprehensive and perfectly matched product range. A decisive advantage for MERSEN is that with Meusburger, they can get all the steel grades they need from a single source.

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

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

Marko Marceta, product manager Plastics at Kistler, says that although this contact-free measurement method does not measure absolute cavity pressure values, it enables injection molders to draw accurate conclusions about them, so that measuring the strain over time produces a very similar measuring curve to other methods. Marceta notes that, more importantly, measuring strain generates reproducible curves, helping molders satisfy quality assurance and regulatory guidelines.

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.

For Dorner, there is another reason for the many years of co-operation: outstanding teamwork. Peter Nußbaumer, Head of Special Machining, is the ideal contact. What’s more, MERSEN was also very impressed by Meusburger’s online tools. Dorner concluded: “Working with the colour table standard eliminates the need for 2D drawings for the design departments. This saves us a lot of time. Meusburger’s clear and well-arranged website their online technical tips, which are always up to date, are tremendously helpful for us. In addition, we are always satisfied with how professionally the orders are handled, we feel that we are in very good hands with Meusburger. The fast service, the collegial co-operation and the consistent contacts are what particularly stand out from our years of work with Meusburger.”

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.

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

In this collection of content, we provide expert advice on welding from some of the leading authorities in the field, with tips on such matters as controls, as well as insights on how to solve common problems in welding.

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.

Driven by brand owner demands and new worldwide legislation, the entire supply chain is working toward the shift to circularity, with some evidence the circular economy has already begun.

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.

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

Residing behind the cavity wall, Kistler’s sensor measure the strain exerted on the wall to determine part quality, instead of direct pressure readings of the melt. Photo Credit: Kistler

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group helps industrial partners tackle the sustainability challenges presented by fiber-reinforced composite materials.