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.

Making something out of (almost) nothing is an ‘eye opener’ for youngsters in their first exposure to plastics processing.

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

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

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

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

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

Contract manufacturer Diversified Plastics Inc. (DPI) has a new CEO at the helm, with Alex Danzberger being promoted from vice president of finance.

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).

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.

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

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

Last month, Mel O’Leary, president and CEO of Meredith-Springfield Associates, Inc. (MSA) in Ludlow, Mass., was honored by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office’s All-Inclusive Support Services (AISS) for his two decades as a “second-chance” employer in collaboration with AISS. O’Leary, 69, co-founded MSA, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. I interviewed him for a feature profile of his company, which specializes in bottles and technical articles made by extrusion blow and injection-blow molding, in our March 2019 issue. The firm operates 14 blow molders and employs around 100 people.

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.

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.

“We’re in regular communication with the Sheriff’s Office. They have a whole staff at the Corrections Dept. just to find employment for pre-release and post-release offenders. This is for low-level offenders who have shown good behavior.

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.

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.

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 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.

MSA usually hires pre-release offenders with three to six months left on their jail sentence. The Corrections Dept. provides a bus for transportation to and from our plant (only three miles from the county jail) at the beginning and end of shift.

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.

John Sewell, CEO, cites the company’s policy of “celebrating the dignity of every human life. We treat our employees with dignity and respect. In return, they would walk through a wall for us. Some employees have been with the company for 30, 40 and even 50 years. “We have fourth-generation employees in the same family working here.” This extraordinary loyalty has helped the company deal with labor shortages, especially during the recent pandemic. “We’re like everyone else in needing more workers. But when we’re down a few people due to sickness or otherwise, everyone chips in to make up for it.”

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

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

“Alex’s unique skillset aligns perfectly with the company’s vision and growth initiatives,” said Rob Kieval, chairman of the board at DPI. “We are confident he is the visionary leader needed to usher us into a new era as an economy powerhouse company defined by digital agility and customer-centricity.”

Geoff Giordano is a tech journalist with more than 30 years’ experience in all facets of publishing. He has reported extensively on the gamut of plastics manufacturing technologies and issues, including 3D printing materials and methods; injection, blow, micro and rotomolding; additives, colorants and nanomodifiers; blown and cast films; packaging; thermoforming; tooling; ancillary equipment; and the circular economy. Contact him at [email protected].

“Do well by doing good” is advice often attributed to Benjamin Franklin — a directive characteristically both moral and practical. The briefest internet search will reveal that this principle is integral to today’s concepts of sustainable management, yielding references to McKinsey, Harvard Business Review, Penn Wharton, Forbes, and so on. By chance, I recently happened upon two plastics blow molders who have taken it to heart, with good results for their communities and their companies.

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.

Danzberger has held numerous leadership roles with firms including Kinetic Data, a workflow automation application company; Capella Education Co., an online university; Digital River, a global SaaS provider; and Honeywell International. He earned a bachelor’s in economics from Allegheny College and is a Six Sigma Greenbelt.

Two blow molders with long-standing programs of hiring formerly incarcerated low-level offenders have helped these individuals re-enter their communities and have benefited from an additional resource during chronic labor shortages.

“These hires are not treated any differently from regular employees,” O’Leary says. “They get the same pay, raises and reviews. We deposit their paychecks at the jail, which deducts for room and board and gives a weekly cash allowance of $25 to the workers. The rest is placed in a bank deposit for the workers until they are released.

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

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.

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

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.

Close to 300 of those employees came to CKS through the company’s Second Chance program started by v.p. of manufacturing Lloyd Martin. Says Drew Sewell, COO for sales, “We hire out of prison when nobody else will — nonviolent, non-sex offenders. We don’t judge.” In addition, the company offers a rehab program for people who want to kick alcohol or drug addiction. “After a year in the program we will hire them,” Drew says.

John Sewell, CEO of CKS Packaging (center), with brothers Scott, co-COO in charge of operations (left), and Drew, co-COO for sales. Their Second Chance program for low-level offenders and recovered drug addicts has produced long-term employees even at the managerial level. (Photo: CKS Packaging)

“I sincerely appreciate this honor,” O’Leary said at the ceremony, but what’s more important to me is the impact this program has on so many lives. It doesn’t just benefit ex-offenders, but also their families and communities. People make mistakes, and giving them a chance to turn their lives around is very important to me. We’re proud to have helped hundreds of formerly incarcerated people in the last 20 years to transition back into the community with gainful employment.”

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

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.

I first encountered the phrase “second chance” about a year ago in talking with John and Drew Sewell, two of three brothers in the second generation running family-owned CKS Packaging. Based in Atlanta, the firm has two dozen locations nationwide with over 400 blow molding machines and employing around 3000 people.

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

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.

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

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

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.

“Information automation” is one of the keys to running a successful custom blow molding business for Meredith-Springfield Associates.

Average tenure of these second-chance hires is about six months—but that’s the same as, or better than, other entry-level unskilled workers, O’Leary says. “We have zero turnover at the technician level and above—but below that level, it’s a revolving door. We have 50% annual turnover no matter what we pay or what we do. Availability of some labor through Corrections provides us relief from these hiring difficulties.”

The company’s Second Chance hires include shift supervisors, technicians and even a plant manager. “We’re starting a veterans outreach program now,” Drew adds.

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

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.

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.

With more than two decades of experience ranging from operations to process efficiency, Danzberger will lead the Minneapolis-based custom manufacturer further down the path of digital manufacturing. Diversified also has a facility in Vista, CA.

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

This family-run firm fills a specialized niche with a culture of innovation and environmental stewardship that realizes the dreams of its founders, its employees and its customers.

O’Leary has encouraged other manufacturers to follow his example, with some (limited) success. “I always preach and promote this program. I’ve seen how it changes lives.”

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.

Meredith-Springfield thrives on technically difficult blow molding jobs that others avoid. Its latest pioneering effort is pushing the limits in the new field of EPET.

“We let them know we have a vacancy, and they’ll look for three candidates that we can interview. They’ve known us for 20 years, so they know who would be a good fit with us. The beauty part is that they offer us pre-qualified candidates.”

Diversified Plastics, which is employee owned, specializes in custom plastic injection molding, micro molding, and additive manufacturing of high-precision, close-tolerance parts and components for medical devices, electronics, telecommunications, and industrial applications. The full-service contract manufacturer also assists customers in designing for additive manufacturing, mold construction, and cleanroom assembly and packaging.

Mold maintenance is critical, and with this collection of content we’ve bundled some of the very best advice we’ve published on repairing, maintaining, evaluating and even hanging molds on injection molding machines.

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

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.

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

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

Some second-chance hires have stayed with MSA for up to 15 years. “One even left and came back,” O’Leary recalls. These longer-term successes include one woman supervisor, two warehouse forklift operators, as well as machine mechanics and automation operators.

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.

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.

“We also get some post-release offenders on probation with an ankle bracelet. Either way, Corrections provides regular monitoring and supervision for the first six months to see that everything is working out.

“Many of these hires are younger people for whom this is their first real job. We give them mostly unskilled and semi-skilled jobs as a packer/inspector, material handler or automation operator. But we also get some skilled workers—welders, heavy equipment mechanics, licensed forklift operators. We even had a teacher and an architect.”

“DPI’s commitment to innovation and its dedicated teams in Minnesota and California are the perfect foundation for this exciting transformation,” Danzberger said. “In collaboration with our leadership team, including Rodd Joos and (Chief Commercial Officer) Tom Venable, we will leverage groundbreaking technologies to redefine contract manufacturing, exceeding customer expectations and establishing DPI as a leader in the digital manufacturing age.”

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.

Mel O’Leary, president and CEO of blow molder Meredith-Springfield Associates, was recently honored for hiring hundreds of people in two decades of collaborating with Massachusetts’ Hampden County Sheriff’s Department’s second-chance employment program for low-level offenders. (Photo: Matthew Naitove)

In a subsequent phone conversation, I asked O’Leary how the process works. He credited Hampden County in Western Massachusetts as having “the most innovative and progressive program — and one of the lowest recidivism rates — in the country.” He explained, “It starts with their first day in jai. They can’t just sit in their cell. They must engage in education, vocational training, or some constructive activity for at least 40 hours a week.”

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.