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.

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

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 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.

PMT undertook a classification of the working status of all its equipment, including injection molding machines. (Photo: PMT)

With the backing of California investment firm Tide Rock (Cardiff by the Sea), which has deployed close to $350 million in capital over the last two years, PMT will at present focus on continuing to incorporate its acquisitions. Beyond strictly plastics plays, Tide Rock’s 2022 acquisitions included two metal operations, Accu-Fab and Fabcon; and Adura LED Solutions, which manufactures custom LED modules, PCBs and Chip-on-Board (COB) LEDs.

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.

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

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

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

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.

By the end of March, injection moulding machine manufacturer ENGEL concluded the fiscal year 2023/24 with a total turnover of around €1.6 billion, indicating a minor downturn compared to the previous year.

Slight decline in turnover of -6% The ENGEL Group concluded the fiscal year with a slight decline in turnover to the previous year. "The volume in the injection moulding machine market has fallen by up to -40% according to various association figures. ENGEL has succeeded in gaining shares in a shrinking market - a trend consistent with observations from previous economic contractions," said Stefan Engleder, CEO, ENGEL Group, on the turnover of around €1.6 billion. The Business Units Medical and Packaging made a significant contribution to this development. Demand for the production of diabetes therapy products remains high, especially in the American region, while the packaging industry is experiencing a boom in Europe due to new regulations. The after-sales business also manifested positive growth, with a surge of almost +15% compared to the previous year.

Upon taking over, PMT brought in 10 injection molding machines, including five brand-new presses, putting the first machine on the floor before there were even electrical utilities in place to run it. When Plastics Technology visited last month, two more injection machines were on their way, joining nine new Yushin robots, including two 6-axis Fanuc models. Mold racks, new overhead cranes and a jib crane were also installed, and PMT is still awaiting delivery of two material silos and a cooling tower.

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.

The company is meeting the mixed prospects with an expansion of its global presence while setting new benchmarks in order income for customer-specific automation solutions.

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 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

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

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.

Michael Engler’s decades in plastics can be traced back to one week in middle school when his woodshop class briefly turned its focus on plastics.

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

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.

In collaboration with the Austrian headquarters, global standards are established where necessary and beneficial. This strategy enables ENGEL to fortify its dual-pillar approach: developing and producing "in the region for the region" and thereby optimally adapting to local conditions in the customer markets. "Our many years of experience now allow us to implement local solutions with local R&D and manufacturing know-how. This is a great added value. At the same time, we ensure global standards at local costs," Engleder explains. Global players can consistently rely on ENGEL’s uniform standards throughout their injection moulding machine’s entire life cycle.

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.

Targeted for strategic fit and core competencies, with a requisite nod to financial health, the newly acquired companies are now undergoing integration into PMT’s corporate vision — voted upon and agreed to by its employees — as it seeks to build, in the words of CEO Michael Engler, a “world-class organization.”

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.

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

PMT’s custom thick-sheet thermoforming operations supply the medical business, among others, and offer painting. (Photo: PMT)

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.

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

“Why is that important?” Engler asks. “Now we work the plan. Each year when we’re developing our budget, there are no secrets,” so that C machines are targeted for replacement with an eye on improved productivity, as well as the customer’s best interests. “If I have ‘C’ machines that are highly utilized,” Engler says, “I’m putting my customers at risk. So maybe my business process is to buy a new piece of equipment and then start to mitigate risk.”

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.

All this injection molding is new, but the legacy thermoforming and extrusion operations at the facility are not. The thermoforming footprint includes 12 machines with capabilities in drape, vacuum and pressure forming, including two- and three-station rotary and two-station pressure-forming shuttle and single-station machines. Molds as large as 10 × 10 ft can be run, and the operation includes three- and five-axis CNC machining for post-forming finishing, as well as in-house toolmaking using epoxy, wood and aluminum forms. Certified AS 9100 for defense and aerospace work, the operation also boasts a paint room and the ability to add EMI shielding.

All of these activities fall under an integration initiative. In a second-story conference room overlooking the company’s most recently created molding floor at a facility southeast of Denver, Engler spins around his laptop to share the down-to-the-bullet-point assimilation plan. Located in the appendix of a slide deck, the scheme applies to PMT’s marketing, sales, assets, management team, accounting/finance, operations and systems.

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

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.

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.

Adverse trends as a shortage of skilled workers and high production costs offer promising opportunities for customer-specific automation solutions – a segment that ENGEL has been dedicated to for many years, alongside manufacturing injection moulding machines. Customers are increasingly inclined to automate as many process steps as possible directly via the machine, for instance quality checks or packaging.

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

When Plastics Technology visited, parts in production varied from components for communications, including an 80-in. telecom dome and various 5G parts (with 7G already being quoted), as well as components for an autonomous vehicle and various helicopter applications, including floors, being retrofitted into decommissioned Blackhawk helicopters that are being converted to help combat forest fires.

As PMT worked to create a cohesive whole from its collection of acquisitions, Engler knew the company would need a headquarters facility. It found that structure, and additional core competencies in Plastics Design & Manufacturing (PDM), Centennial, Colo. Acquired in May 2021, PDM is located south of Denver in what’s known as the Tech Center. In business for more than 40 years, the custom heavy-gauge thermoformer, which also has a profile extrusion operation, operates in an 80,000-ft2 space.

At this time, the plant uses two portable chillers to supply process water, and it goes through 50,000 to 60,000 lb of resin a week, with each press burning through two gaylords daily, as PMT anxiously awaits its silos and, eventually, a centralized material-handling and drying system. The first four machines on the molding floor — all-electric Toyo’s — are committed to one customer and run six dedicated tools for a renewable-energy project. Once the six-axis robots are integrated, PMT’s plan is to make this machine group fully “4.0,” running nearly lights-out, with only one material handler managing the floor.

Adhering to its growth strategy, ENGEL has allocated a double-digit million figure for the expansion of the global network in the forthcoming fiscal year. In Europe, Americas and Asia, the company relies on largely independent hub structures, each encompassing sales, order processing, production and after-sales service.

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.

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

PMT’s three-man tooling operation in Longmont, Colo., built 20 tools in 2022, including this mold which it will run in-house. (Photo: Plastics Technology)

Improvements in nozzle design in recent years overcome some of the limitations of previous filter, mixing, and shut-off nozzles.

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.

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

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

On the extrusion side, parking targets — extruded and cut profiles that are adhered to a garage floor to indicate to a driver when a vehicle is properly situated — were running last month. The facility has six single-screw extrusion lines targeting open and closed profiles, as well as pipes, including parts for hydroponic farming. The parking target application actually allows PMT to run zero landfill with company-wide plastic scrap reincorporated into the black profiles. Depending on the scrap mix, PMT alters the adhesive used to secure the parts to the garage floor on the basis of compatibility.

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.

Determining the source of streaking or contamination in your molded parts is a critical step in perfecting your purging procedures ultimately saving you time and money.

The forecast for the new fiscal year remains cautious. "The high order backlog has so far let us get off with a black eye. However, these orders are nearly exhausted. Despite intermittent increases in order income, we are yet to witness a lasting economic recovery - but we hope for the first growth stimuli from the spring fairs Chinaplas in Shanghai and NPE in Orlando," Engleder adds.

In a span of just five months over the second half of 2021, Plastic Molding Technology (PMT), Centennial, Colo., completed four acquisitions of injection molding, moldmaking, thermoforming and extrusion operations in Colorado and Texas, creating the basis for what it hopes will eventually be a plastics processing power located in the western U.S. but with reach well beyond that geography.

Engler says, “We actually did a survey inside our business across all employees that got us to agree on what we want our real mission and vision to be. From that high-minded effort to forge and share a corporate philosophy, PMT’s integration work extends to the more mundane as well: create a uniform quoting process and upgrade IT and back-office technologies, including establishing a shared CRM (Salesforce) and ERP (DELMIAworks, formerly IQMS).

To begin to satisfy the asset portion of the process, PMT classified its roughly 100 injection molding machines across all sites. At that time, those included two facilities in Colorado — Altratek Plastics in Longmont and Pikes Peak Plastics in Colorado Springs — as well as Plastic Molding Technology in El Paso, Texas, which was the final acquisition in the 2021 shopping spree and whose name was adopted for the new combined company. Presses were catalogued with A, B or C rankings. “’A’ machines are top of the line, ready to run,” Engler explains. “’B’ machines are maybe getting a little older but have no major issues, and ‘C’ machines are targets to replace.” PMT didn’t stop at injection molding machines, however, as the equipment review extended to everything on the shop floor, from temperature-control units and robots to forklifts and air compressors.

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.

Following a rapid series of acquisitions, Plastic Molding Technology now undertakes an integration process as the first step on a path to its goal of becoming a world-class plastics processor.

“When I talk about integration, I see it as a very structured process,” Engler says, “It’s not happenstance.” Each business aspect is scored with a radar chart where blackened quadrants denote progress, although integration is never really completed. “Think of it like 5S,” Engler says, referencing the lean manufacturing methodology that calls for continuous improvement: “You’re never done.”

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.

Start by picking a target melt temperature, and double-check data sheets for the resin supplier’s recommendations. Now for the rest...

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

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

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).

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.

PMT has more than 100 injection molding machines across three sites, with plans to replace aging equipment and build out additional capacity going forward. (Photo: PMT)

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

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

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.

Across the three sites in Colorado and Texas, PMT has just under 250,000 ft2 of space and more than 100 vertical and horizontal molding machines, ranging in clamp force from 20 to 500 tons, with insert, overmolding and two-component capabilities. The company also bought out the lease of the company that was using the other half of the building it purchased in Centennial, giving PMT another 40,000 ft2 to move into as it expands. PMT also owns the land, offering further expansion opportunity. Featuring 33-ft ceilings, two office areas and two shipping and receiving docks, the site gives PMT an anchor point as it continues to establish what Engler calls a “beachhead of competencies.”

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.

One hour north in Longmont, Colo., PMT operates an additional injection molding and moldmaking operation. Featuring 14 all-electric Toyo injection machines from 55 to 400 tons that are just six years old or newer, this molding operation specializes in highly glass-filled parts, with many applications destined for sporting goods. All the machines feature sprue pickers, and there are brand-new three-axis robots on two of the presses. Including the tool shop that’s five minutes down the road, the two facilities cover 18,000 ft2. The toolmaking operation has three moldmakers on staff and offers full design, fabrication and repair, as well as sampling capabilities from a lone press. It built 20 tools in 2022.

When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.

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

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.

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

PMT CEO Michael Engler (left) and John Hunt, vp and general manager Colorado for PMT, stand in front of the company’s newest press — an all-electric Toyo running a renewable-energy application. (Photo: Plastics Technology)

“When you buy four different businesses with four different teams, four different cultures, and four different ways of doing business, you need integration and stabilization of those processes,” Engler says, noting that if an acquisition opportunity presents itself in the coming year, the company will consider it, but the present moment might call for something else. “Right now, buying four companies in less than one year was very stressful,” Engler says laughing. “Now we need to make some money and pay some bills.”

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.