Sustainable Injection Moulding Technology for High-Quality Plastic Parts - injec/Sustainable Injection Moulding Technology for High-Quality Plastic Parts

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Sustainable Injection Moulding Technology for High-Quality Plastic Parts - injec

Author：gly Date: 2024-09-30

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.

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

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 date, A56 formulations have been shown to offer such improvements in TPU, PET, PBT, and nylons 6, 11, 12, 610, and 612, according to Momcilovic. The improved properties can result in material savings or up to 30% via replacement of virgin with recycled material.

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

The basic composition of the KPR (Kenrich Polymer Recycle) blend is a masterbatch of 20%-active LICA 12 titanate catalyst, 19% alumino silicate; 11% SiO2 (silicon dioxide), and 50% LLDPE. Explains Monte, “The difference between KPR and LICA alone in recycle is that we have found an inorganic particulate that has mixed-metal catalysis effects, much like a Ziegler-Natta catalyst. We have replaced the inert inorganic silica as the carrier for the conventional 65% CAPOW powder and 20%-active CAPS pellet with this Z-N catalyst and now have a more powerful 80% active power and a 40%-active pellet.”

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

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.

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.

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

Monte notes that the masterbatch can be used like a color concentrate, but must be melt compounded at 10% lower temperatures than normal to create sufficient shear because the catalyst reduces viscosity. The lower temperature is key in order to impart the optimal work energy at the interface of the dissimilar macromolecules to optimize the complete reaction of the 1.5-nm catalyst particles.

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.

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.

Among the most recent additions to Nexam’s line is Nexamite A56 PETA, a multifunctional additive based on a new molecule in the benzofuran family. It acts as chain extender and branching agent that increases the melt strength and viscosity and thus improves the processability of extruded products. Chain-extended and/or branched materials also typically exhibit improved mechanical properties.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Vertellus recently evaluated the effectiveness of ZeMac copolymer in recycled nylon 66, using prime-quality nylon 6 and nylon 66 for comparison. Each was compounded with a 1:1 EMAh alternating copolymer grade and a stabilizer package. Here are some results:

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

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

Developed by Kenrich Petrochemicals, Bayonne, N.J., Ken-React CAPOW KPR 12/HV powder and Ken-React CAPS KPR 12/LV pellets have been shown to regenerate PCR to virgin-like properties. The product is the result of combining the company’s single-site neoalkoxy LICA 12 titanate catalyst with a mixed-metal catalyst to “give more bang for the buck,” says Salvatore Monte, company president.

• Prime nylon 6, 66: In both cases, mechanical properties were improved, along with an increase in HDT, while the MFR decreased.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

The first is flooring, whereby I6002 PHA copolymer serves as both a compatibilizer and an internal lubricant/processing aid, improving tensile toughness, tensile strength, torque reduction, and UV resistance. At use levels of 3-5%, it has been shown to facilitate use of increased levels of post-industrial and post-consumer recycle, as well as mineral filler, a big plus in this application, according to Senechal. The impact of such PHA copolymer on recycled PVC compounds includes improved fusion and gloss.

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

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.

A new slate of compatibilizers, chain extenders, and process aids improve properties and processability of resin alloys and mixed post-consumer recycle.

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.

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

• ZeMac can be used to reduce costs and maintain properties and performance by mixing in recycled resin—even if it’s not consistent in quality and composition, at 20-25%.

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.

Two PHA copolymers are said to have unique miscibility in PVC: I6002 amorphous grade for flexible PVC and I6003 semicrystalline grade for rigid PVC. Max Senechal, Metabolix’s v.p. of strategy and commercial development, notes that there are at least five end-use applications in the works, with two expected to be commercial within the near term.

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.

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.

CHAIN-EXTENDING NYLON, POLYESTER, TPU Nexam Chemical AB of Sweden offers globally a new type of heat-activated additives for enhancing processability and end-use performance of a broad range of plastics. The Nexamite technology consists of bi- or multi-functional substances that can be used for controlled chain extension, branching, or crosslinking of plastics. Nexamite additives can be processed using conventional equipment; their activation temperatures can range from 393 F to above 572 F.

Until recently, the industry has lacked effective methods for upgrading reclaimed and recycled nylon, according to Adur. When molten, most nylons exhibit Newtonian behavior, which means that at a fixed temperature, their viscosity is essentially flat as a function of shear rate. This limits applications for recycled nylon to those that do not require high melt strength. Adur says the most promising approach has been chain extension—the process of relinking broken polymer chains during compounding to increase molecular weight and mechanical properties.

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.

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

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.

Recent advances show a broad range of applications and benefits of ZeMac EMAh in nylon compounds, notes Ashok Adur, global commercial development director. In virgin resin, applications include commercial use of ZeMac to increase the relative viscosity (RV) of nylon for use in profile extrusion and blow molding. The increased melt strength afforded by the chain extender significantly reduces the cost—by about 40¢/lb—compared with high-RV nylon produced via solid-state polymerization. ZeMac has also been used to recover properties like tensile strength, flexural modulus, and HDT for higher-temperature usage of impact-modified nylon compounds while retaining their high impact strength.

The key disadvantage of this class of additives is that their use in the recycling industry is not well known, according to Holmes: “Recyclers will have to become more familiar with reactive compounding techniques to optimize the catalysis effects and will need the capability to monitor and adjust melt-process conditions to optimize the work energy (defined as the area under the plot of polymer melt torque vs. screw residence time).”

Moreover, Adur says ZeMac is making headway in upgrading the performance of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled nylon and as a compatibilizer in recycle applications:

Test bars exposed to a hot-air stream; dark bar shows the effect of increased melt strength from addition of Nexamite A56 to nylon 12.

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 yet another real-world application, a customer was able to load 50% tire rubber regrind into PP for automotive truck beds and meet specifications. Also, a major processor (which requested anonymity) reports that the Kenrich catalyst has proven very versatile in compatibilizing a number of resin systems using regrind.

However, some chain extenders resulted in a linear chain that was too high in molecular weight and created very high shear, making it difficult to injection mold the material. Unlike those early chain extenders, the novel EMAh copolymer converts the linear nylon molecule to a branched structure that results in non-Newtonian melt behavior—also referred to as shear thinning—which mitigates high torque and difficulty in injection molding, Adur says. “The unique chemistry of this EMAh copolymer drives a rapid increase in viscosity, and the resultant polymer exhibits high melt strength that opens up new applications for upgraded nylon that were not possible event with prime-quality nylon,” he says.

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

Third is a new type of heat-activated additive that acts as a chain extender and branching agent for TPU, nylons, and polyesters, improving the processability and stability of extruded products. It also has promise for upgrading recycled materials. Fourth, are PHA bio-copolymers that act as compatibilizers, process aids, and secondary plasticizers in flexible and rigid PVC.

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.

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

COMPATIBILIZING ALLOYS & PCR A novel, year-old catalyst available in both powder and masterbatch form acts as compatibilizer for dissimilar polymers, including polyolefins, PET, PVC, and bioplastics like PLA. It is gaining increasing attention for use in PCR mixtures such as PP/PET/PE. It also has been shown to increase extrusion output and to lower cycle times in injection molding.

Nexamite A56 can be introduced into the polymer as a powder or masterbatch during conventional compounding. Once functionalized—through reaction with the polymer —chain-extending, branching, or crosslinking reactions take place. It is possible to control these reactions—favoring one or two—by varying the amount of the additive, process temperature, and the reaction time, explains Momcilovic. In long-chained nylons such as types 12, 610, 612, and 1010, the addition of A56 results in nearly threefold improvement in tensile elongation, and 25% improvements in tensile strength and 10% in tensile modulus.

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

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.

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.

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).

Said CRP Technology’s CEO and technical director Franco Cevolini, “For some time, we at CRP Technology have been studying an alternative and total use of those exhausted Windform powders for selective laser sintering, that fallen into disuse as they no longer meet our high quality standards…In this case, we regranulated the Windform XT 2.0 powder cake, and make it suitable for injection molding technology. The test phase ended with excellent results and now we are ready to sell it to those who manufacture on large volumes basis.”

Implementing a production monitoring system as the foundation of a ‘smart factory’ is about integrating people with new technology as much as it is about integrating machines and computers. Here are tips from a company that has gone through the process.

After reactive compounding with the EMAh alternating copolymer at very low loadings (0.1, 0.3, 0.5%), increases in the recycled nylon’s mechanical and thermal properties—tensile strength and elongation, flexural modulus and strength, Izod and Charpy impact strength, and HDT—demonstrate that this is a way to upgrade recycled nylon to match or even exceed the performance of prime nylon.

In one commercial success, a molder was trying to work off PP regrind into HDPE injection molded flower pots, but the products suffered delamination once the PP exceeded a 5% level. Using the additive catalyst, they were able to achieve a 50/50 blend without delamination and formed a copolymer in situ that was stronger than the virgin HDPE.

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.

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

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.

Explains Dane Momcilovic, Nexam’s chief technology officer, “Our core competence is in development of products for controlled polymer modification. One important application area is the modification of melt strength and polymer viscosity. so far, we have devoted significant effort to polymers used for extrusion applications. Our modification technology also offers opportunities for upgrading recycled materials whose polymer chains very often are somewhat degraded and less stable from a processing perspective, as compared with their virgin counterparts.”

• It can compatibilize recycled PET in nylon 66 to cut costs by over 25¢/lb for many automotive parts, including underhood, chassis, and structural components, without losing performance. This approach can be a cost/performance alternative to either thermoset resins or virgin nylon 66.

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.

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

Four relatively new polymer modifiers have multiple functions in virgin and/or recycled resins. One is an unusual catalyst for compatibilizing multi-polymer blends and post-consumer recycle (PCR) mixtures and has promise to allow use of high levels of PCR in consumer goods. Second is a family of 1:1 alternating copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride (EMAh) modifiers that show high efficiency as chain extenders for engineering resins such as nylon and PBT, but are also promising in upgrading recycled nylon 6 and 66 and compatibilizing recycled PET in nylon 66.

Nexamite A56 acts as a chain extender and branching agent in TPU, PET, PBT, and many nylons, increasing melt strength and viscosity for improved processability and mechanical properties of extruded products. (Photo: Freelin-Wade)

But a more significant issue with PCR nylon is that it is often contaminated with impurities such as polyester textile scrap; calcium carbonate, PP, and PUR from carpet waste; and various fillers and paints from automotive and appliance scrap. These make purity and consistency the two major challenges for PCR nylon. To meet the demand from injection molding, the properties of PCR nylon must be improved before it can be used to replace prime material to cut costs and increase sustainability.

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.

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

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.

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.

New PHA copolymers are multifunctional modifiers for flexible and rigid PVC applications such as extruded railing of PVC/wood composite.

Indeed, the high-quality injection molded parts made of Windform XT 2.0 IMG are said to exhibit the same performance of prototypes realized in additive manufacturing with Windform XT 2.0.

UPGRADING RECYCLED NYLON Vertellus Specialties Inc., Indianapolis, has been expanding its family of ZeMac copolymers—1:1 alternating copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride (EMAh), including ZeMac E60P powder and Extent masterbatches. The company has found these additives to be very efficient chain extenders for nylon, PBT, and other engineering resins.

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.

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

In her July Recycling Know-How article in this magazine, Compatibilizers Create New Recycle Feedstream Value, Kim Holmes, dir. of recycling and diversion at the Society of the Plastics Industry, discussed the merits and limitations of the three categories of compatibilizers—bipolar copolymers, maleated copolymers, and in-situ macromolecular catalysts, like KPR. She noted, “Copolymerization of two or more dissimilar polymers in the melt via in-situ catalysis using thermally stable organometallics holds the possibility of allowing the use of high levels of PCR in consumer goods.”

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

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.

Kenrich has a patent that demonstrates how its titanates and zirconates improve flow and mechanical properties. In addition, the company’s literature demonstrates how its titanates can copolymerize resins such as PP and HDPE. Monte says the addition of 0.3% CAPOW KPR will produce a compatibilized 50/50 blend of HDPE/PP with excellent final part properties.

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

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

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

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

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

The Windform XT 2.0 IMG formulation boasts premium performance ranging from in high stiffness and resistance to shock to allowing for extreme detail accuracy even with thin thicknesses. Its excellent properties reportedly make it ideal for demanding applications in industries such as automotive, transport, e-mobility, agriculture, robotics and industrial design.

A new carbon fiber reinforced nylon 12 composite for injection molding is newly available from CRP Technology. Said to be the first of a family of sustainable materials for industrial production, Windform XT 2.0 IMG is 100% recycled from the company’s exhausted Windform XT2.0 industrial 3D printing material for laser sintering.

PHA PLAYS MULTIPLE ROLES IN PVC Metabolix, Cambridge, Mass., has changed the focus of the development program for its PHA biopolymer and now offers several PHA-based modifiers for processing and performance enhancement of other polymers, including PLA and PVC.

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.

PPO was a promising new high-performance thermoplastic, but it could be made useful only by mixing it with a humble commodity resin.

• Recycled nylon 6: The recycled nylon used was primarily nylon 6 from industrial sources. Due to the presence of some nylon 66, the MFR was lower than would typically be expected from a recycled stream with just nylon 6. During compounding, the material generated less torque than the prime nylon 6 due to expected degradation caused by its additional heat history. MFR decreased due to the addition of EMAh, which produced chain extension and resulting branching. This branching led to shear thinning, which enabled excellent injection molding performance, confirmed by spiral flow data as well as by customer experience on large and small injection presses.

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

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

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.

The second developmental application is extruded railing of PVC/wood polymer composites, where I6003 acts as both a compatibilizer and processing aid, promoting better dispersion of wood flour and mineral fillers. It allows for incorporation of up to 52% total filler in PVC building materials and profiles to improve stiffness and load-bearing capacity. This is accomplished at relatively low extruder torque levels, while high filler levels usually involve higher torque and wear.

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.

Says Monte, “We are doing a large test in Toronto with a ton each of two PCR streams, and another in France. We are also doing tests with a university for a technical paper to be presented soon. We are also considering going into a partnership with a large polymer company that has the global footprint in compatibilizers and resources necessary to support the KPR brand at the marketing, regulatory, sales, and technical support level.”

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.

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.

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 company has also partnered with conglomerate Sumitomo Corp. for distribution of its graphene-enhanced masterbatches in Japan.

• It serves to upgrade recycled nylon 6 and 66 as long as the recycled nylon has at least 94% nylon content and is consistent in quality and composition. End-use applications are targeted to automotive underhood replacement markets such as air dams and flexible pressure hose, as well as electronics and small appliances.

Other applications being explored include roofing membranes, where I6002 acts as a high-molecular-weight secondary plasticizer and processing aid. It shows good permanence (low plasticizer migration) and oil and grease resistance. Wire and cable jacketing and tubing and films are other potential applications.

With advocacy, communication and sustainability as three main pillars, Seaholm leads a trade association to NPE that ‘is more active today than we have ever been.’

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.

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

On the matter of upgrading PCR nylon with chain extenders, Adur notes that fiber-grade nylons tend to have lower molecular weight and less robust properties than injection molding grades. PCR nylon is subjected to additional heat during reprocessing, reducing its molecular weight even further.