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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Custom thermoset molder Woodland Plastics Corp. (Addison, IL) announced the recent installation of a new 88-ton Arburg Allrounder molding machine. The new machine provides injection and injection-compression molding of thermoset materials, including phenolics and bulk molding compounds.

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).

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.

Uniloy is revising its machinery lines across the board and strengthening after-sales services in tooling maintenance, spare parts and tech service.

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 newest development from Priority Plastics is expanding beyond extrusion blow into ISBM. Its first step into this technology involves bringing into this country for the first time, and on an exclusive basis, a few machines to its Portland plant for making wide-mouth PET food and beverage containers from 1-gal handleware up to 25-gal drums. Initial targets are containers for frozen alcoholic beverage pops and 88-oz retail containers. Another planned product is a 1-gal wide-mouth nutraceutical powder container.

A key element of Priority Plastics’ business model is responsiveness to customer demands and minimizing freight costs through strategic plant locations across the country. The firm assumed its current form through the merger of three companies in 2006, one of which dated back to the pre-1900 era, when it made metal stirrups. The name Priority Plastics was adopted in 2008.

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.’

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

In Mesa, Ariz., the company’s newest plant (5000 ft2) makes high-purity chemical containers—heavy-wall HDPE 1-gal round bottles—in a Class 100,000 cleanroom.

Priority Plastics has one Cyclone machine in Portland, but it hopes its customer education campaign will create demand for more. With all this new activity in Portland, the company is looking toward a 40,000-ft2 expansion in warehouse and manufacturing space.

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

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.

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

Gilbert notes that, as with the company’s new ISBM capabilities, the Cyclone requires customer education. “Open-head is a cheap solution—or so it seems at first blush. But add the Cyclone’s faster cycles to the fact that tight-head containers allow for more of them to be stacked on a pallet, saving on freight costs, and likewise saving warehouse space and cold-storage space for those products that need it, and it’s more economical overall. Equally important—or more so—it’s a better container for abrasive and corrosive chemicals that you don’t want to leak or spill.”

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.

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.

Priority Plastics declines to name the source of these single-stage ISBM machines or specify the exact number installed so far, but it cites several advantages that led to the choice of these systems over well-known competing brands. For example, Doug Gilbert, senior product development engineer for this technology, notes the capability to produce jugs with integrated handles, similar to extrusion blown jugs, but without any trim scrap. He explains that they are made from special PET preforms that are injection molded with the handle (multiple styles are possible, as shown in accompanying photos).

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

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.

This investment supports company growth with increased capacity in low-tonnage thermoset molding. Since its installation last month, the new machine has improved molding efficiency by lowering cycle times and reducing machine maintenance costs, says Woodland Plastics. Additionally, it provides greater processing control through a touch-screen monitor, and is connected to the company’s enterprise resource planning software to provide real-time processing and scheduling data.

Priority Plastics is also making increased use of remote access to its machine controls. “Three or four of our newer extrusion blow machines can connect remotely with the manufacturer’s service department—as can the new ISBM machines,” Gilbert notes. “And the Cyclone allows us to make program changes remotely.”

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.

Marketing director Stephanie Oliva says, “We are currently educating prospects and customers about these new and innovative sizes now available in the U.S. market. We believe these could be competitive to HDPE for certain industry segments.”

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

How does a company whose business is primarily in stock blow molded containers create excitement in the market? For Priority Plastics, the answer today is to offer new choices to packers and brand owners that present opportunities for product differentiation, enhanced quality and cost savings.

Learn here how to take advantage of new lightweighting and recycle utilization opportunities in consumer packaging, thanks to a collaboration of leaders in microcellular foaming and multilayer head design.

Maker of one-stage ISBM machines will show off new sizes and styles of handled and stackable PET containers, including novel interlocking products.

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.

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

Priority Plastics’ new Cyclone system reportedly produces tight-head HDPE containers faster than any other technology in North America. That, plus superior stackability and leak resistance, are expected to help wean customers from open-head containers.

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.

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.

This geographical dispersion of production facilities is supplemented by the firm’s Priority ONE program for placing machines at customers’ plants for onsite production. “Lower carbon footprint and less shipping of air,” explains Zimmerman.

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

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.

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.

Other capabilities are stackable bottles, rectangles, and wider necks than are available with competing ISBM technologies.

On the processing side, Gilbert says these machines offer more cavitation than competing models, quick-change tooling (requiring a couple of hours), and up to 40% energy savings from recapturing high-pressure blowing air for use in extrusion blow processes. Energy is also saved by linear transfer of preforms from the injection station to the blowing station without reheating.

The company is looking at both larger and smaller containers for ISBM production. According to Zimmerman, open-head PET containers larger than 25 gal are being developed in The Netherlands. And Priority Plastics also has its eye on future production of smaller, narrow-neck PET containers via ISBM for hand sanitizer and personal-care products.

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.

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

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

The headquarters location, in Portland, Ind., has 85,000 ft2 devoted largely to HDPE tight-head drums. Its in-house DOT-audited lab for drum testing to UN specs is said to be unique among plastic drum manufacturers. Another special capability is a portable Class 100,000 cleanroom for manufacturing high-purity products such as 20-liter chemical drums and three-chambered DNA sampling containers. Portland is also the location for the company’s two newest technologies in tight-head containers and PET ISBM.

Is the midst of a global pandemic the right time to explore new technology and expand production in new directions? That’s evidently not holding back Priority Plastics, which is just now introducing its second major product line in two years, while trying on a different type of manufacturing technology for the first time. Its first foray into PET injection stretch-blow molding (ISBM) has something in common with its introduction of new high-speed HDPE tight-head container production a year ago: Both are made possible by imported machine technology not seen previously in North America.

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.

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

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

Zimmerman notes that among the “new normal” conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is a trend toward greater automation at Priority Plastics. The new ISBM machines will have fully automatic packing lines, and the Cyclone recently was outfitted with automatic capping and packaging. In addition, the Iowa plant has three collaborative robots (cobots) in its packing stations.

Today, more than ever, granulation is an important step in the total production process. Our expert explains a few of the many common traps to avoid when thinking about granulators

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.

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

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released final figures for NPE2024: The Plastics Show (May 6-10; Orlando) that officially make it the largest ever NPE in several key metrics.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Priority Plastics is thinking big—large, wide-mouth containers and drums, that is—to offer new concepts to the U.S. market. The company is launching lines of industrial and consumer packaging made on machinery said to offer capabilities not seen before in the U.S.

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.

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.

Besides a stock container portfolio that extends to well over 300 SKUs, Priority Plastics offers a number of custom capabilities. Among these are lightweight versions of standard products, which are said to use 20% less resin without compromising product durability. Another option is Eco Multi-Layer versions of some products in which up to 80% of the core layer consists of regrind or post-consumer material, sandwiched between virgin layers.

A different example of an integrated handle possible with Priority Plastics’ new ISBM technology. The handle is molded into the original preform.

The 88-ton machine is the second new molding machine that Woodland Plastics has installed within the past year; it purchased a 350-ton Allrounder thermoset molding machine in early 2015.

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

The firm today employs around 300 in four plants that house 35 to 40 extrusion blow machines plus a few ISBM systems that arrived in January and will start production in March. Overall revenues are around $70 million.

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.

The Grinnell, Iowa, plant (82,000 ft2) produces a variety of blow molded HDPE canisters and packages of dry-pack towel wipes. The lids are injection molded, previously done in-house but now outsourced. The company sells both filled packages and empty canisters and lids, all of which saw a sales boost from the COVID-19 pandemic. “They’ve really taken off—one our biggest growth engines this past year,” says Nate Zimmerman, director of business development.

ISBM is not all that’s new at Priority Plastics. A year ago, the company went into production with the “Cyclone,” a four-cavity, continuous-extrusion shuttle machine of a type not seen in the U.S. before. It’s designed to produce 5-gal/20-liter HDPE tight-head containers. According to Gilbert, “Through a combination of cavitation and faster cycling, it has twice the output of any other machine in North America right now. It is capable of multi-layer production and lightweighting. Most important, it allows us to convert customers from UN open-head pails to something more cost-effective, that’s also UN-rated, and will not leak.”