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

Now that the company has 15 printers, such internal uses are still the dominant purpose for those machines. But in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated their value in making production parts on short notice. “We printed headbands for a proprietary face shield while we waited for steel to be cut for injection molds,” recalls Bartz.

Two mammoth 8000-ton presses built at its St. Valentin plant in Austria have been delivered to Infiltrator Water Technologies in Winchester, Ky.

Outside the U.S., EVCO’s M2 plant in Mexico recently added 17,200 ft2, and its China plant is now leasing a second building (40,000 ft2) for its tooling department.

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).

New plant in Georgia has room for 20 injection machines, including the company’s first LSR molding presses to enhance its medical capabilities.

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.

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

EVCO Plastics doesn’t seem to have a first gear. Since 1964, the family-owned custom injection molder has launched a major expansion on average every three years, right through recession and pandemic, and has accelerated that pace of late. In recent years, EVCO also has expanded its technological base with the addition of 3D printing, collaborative robots, iMFLUX low-pressure molding, an automated UV-curing paint line, expanded process monitoring, white-room molding and liquid silicone rubber (LSR). In a recent interview with Plastics Technology, EVCO executives and engineers provided an update on the latest capacity expansions and technological initiatives in three main areas: automation, LSR and 3D printing.

She says EVCO is not really looking for short-run business in additive manufacturing (AM). However, she acknowledges that a small amount of such business “offsets the cost of new printers, materials, labor, etc. so we’re able to produce things like CMM fixtures, automation components and prototype parts. Keeping the amount of production frees up the printers for our Innovation Center team to test new tooling, fixturing and other protyping.”

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.

EVCO also has completed a 13,000-ft2 expansion of its Advanced Molding Plant (AMP) in DeForest to accommodate new 560- and 720-ton Engel presses, additional warehousing, a new grinding room, and workspace for the automation team. Anna Bartz, director of marketing, expects that the building will need another expansion in the next two to four years.

All told, Bartz says, EVCO now has 10 plants with 1.2 million ft2 total manufacturing space (20% more than this time last year), 265 injection machines, and 1700 employees worldwide. “We added 200 in the last year,” says Bartz, acknowledging that as quite an achievement in times of acute labor shortages. “It’s even more of a problem with COVID illnesses,” she notes. “But fortunately we have great relationships with a lot of technical schools and their professors. We conduct tours for students, and we have internship programs.”

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.

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.

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.

Degenhardt describes another large cell for COVID DNA test kits in the MED facility. It collects six different parts from six injection presses. One of those parts is a fluid-filled vial—itself an assembly of three parts from a different cell. The test-kit cell uses several feeder bowls, an assembly conveyor, label wrapper, Tyvek sealing, vision inspection and a barcode reader to send production data to the cloud for access by the plant computer system. “This is new for us—using a SCADA system to collect data from the production line and send it to the cloud, so we can verify production quantities and quality data in real time. The cell is designed to make 70 million test kits a year.”

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Currently the main AM production business that helps pay for the printers’ internal uses is iPhone cases of a carbon-fiber filled nylon with a metal insert. Explains Bartz, “The insert allows consumers to attach scopes and photography equipment to their iPhone. Given the frequency of iPhone design changes, it’s not cost-effective for us to cut new steel with every new release, which is why 3D printing is a sound production solution.”

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

Special transportation was required for many parts of this huge machine. Pictured is the arrival of the 257,941 lb stationary platen at the Infiltrator facility in Winchester, Ky. Photo Credit: Engel

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

Adds Brandon Westra, automation engineer, “We had 20 molds built to run parts for two assembly systems with UV cured adhesives.”

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

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.

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

EVCO is expecting its largest press yet, a 4400-tonner that will arrive in 20 containers and take three months to assemble.

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.

An improved line of large two-platen injection presses offers new sizes plus greater speed, educed maintenance, more operator-friendly design, and added flexibility for a range of molding requirements.

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

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

The Engel duo 130000/130000H/8200 combi machines each feature two 85,000 cm³ (approx. 2900 oz.) injection units capable of a combined total shot weight of 270 lbs (122 kg). In terms of footprint, the machines measure 96 feet (29.3 meters) long and 37 feet (6.4 meters) wide. Big no doubt, but in relation to their shot size and clamp force, Engel points out that these behemoths actually have a relatively small footprint made possible by the duo’s two-platen design.

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.

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).

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

There are a lot of 3D printing technologies out there, and it’s not uncommon for processors new to additive manufacturing to get tripped up. Here are some typical snafus, along with advice on how to avoid them before you start making parts.

Austrian injection molding machine and automation supplier Engel (Schwertberg) has delivered the two largest-ever injection molding it has built to the U.S., shipping a pair of 8000-ton duo combi machines to Advanced Drainage Systems‘ (ADS) subsidiary Infiltrator Water Technologies (IWT) in Winchester, Ky.

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

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

Modifications to the common core pin can be a simple solution, but don’t expect all resins to behave the same. Gas assist is also worth a try.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

EVCO operates 15 3D printers mainly for internal prototypes and automation components, but limited production business helps pay for these machines and materials.

Jason Glanzer, EVCO automation engineer and integration lead, has been focused on high-volume, high-speed automation. “We’re doing a lot of medical kitting with 3D inspection, heat sealing and assembly.”

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.

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.

EVCO has the financial heft to combat supply-chain uncertainty by stocking up on control components and even buying five robots to put on the shelf for future use.

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

3D printing a core and cavity on machine from Gefertec, followed by machining, allowed for a complete mold tool to be produced in three days.

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

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.

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

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.

Glanzer says his team currently favors Fanuc cobots, which in his experience have proven to be cost-effective with reasonable lead times. EVCO uses safety scanners rather than hard guarding around cobots. He notes that the Fanuc cobots can downshift from high-speed production mode to slower “cobot mode”—or even stop entirely—when a person enters its safety envelope.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Engel notes that dozens of individuals worked thousands of hours with a perfect safety record to complete the project. Engel received the purchase order in November 2020, with the handover of the first machine completed in February 2022. In Februray 2023, the second machine, a replica of the first, was delivered.

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 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

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.

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.

In a release, Jim Moran, business development manager at Engel North America, laid out the logistical challenges of transporting the machines from Austria to Kentucky. Actually, since each press was fully assembled and tested prior to shipping and then disassembled to be delivered to the U.S., the company was technically shipping components with 29 truckloads of parts eventually arriving in Kentucky from Austria, including the platens which were transported to and from St. Valentin via barge on the Danube River.

Most of EVCO’s printers are MarkForged models that use filament extrusion. But the newest model is an SLA (stereolithography) type that uses liquid resin and photocuring. “It provides very high resolution and no lines between layers,” says Degenhardt. He also notes that EVCO uses outside vendors to produce metal parts by AM, such as robot end-of-arm tooling, conformal cooling channels for injection molds, and prototype cavity/core sets. What about getting their own metal 3D printer? “It’s on the wish list,” he replies.

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

After a year of testing to gain experience, EVCO is ready to begin production with its first LSR press for programs in medical and lighting. (Photos: EVCO Plastics)

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.

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.

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

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

As the coronavirus pandemic eased its grip on the global economy, EVCO was ready with freshly added capacity at several locations. It purchased around 20 injection machines in 2021. At the start of 2022, the company moved its corporate headquarters in DeForest, Wis., to its MED (medical and electronics) facility, another of the three EVCO facilities there, which has remodeled its office space with an addition of 8000 ft2.

Such assembly systems are typically built in-house by EVCO’s automation team; but given the accelerating pace of new projects, they have sought outside help. For example, Germany’s Ilsemann Automation helped EVCO’s team build the first of an intended four cells for packaging components. As described by Glanzer, each cell will have two Husky presses, each with a 16-cavity stack mold and custom-built side-entry robots, operating on an 8- to 12-sec cycle with 1.5-sec takeout time. Parts from both presses travel on a common conveyor to an assembly station where the mating parts are snapped together. All parts are weighed and inspected by metal detectors and layer-packed in gaylords. These systems are one of the first candidates for implementing EVCO's SCADA (supervisory control and data-acquisition) system.

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

Adding people, plants and machines, expanding capabilities in LSR, high-tonnage presses, automation and 3D printing—EVCO Plastics maintains momentum through challenging times.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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

Since 2018, EVCO has supplemented its conventional molding takeout robots with the newer category of collaborative robots, or cobots. “Cobots are a popular topic of conversation around here,” says Glanzer. “We have more and more contract-manufacturing business, which creates more opportunities to use cobots for inspection and assembly.” In particular, he notes, “We are working on using them to pick inserts out of a bin and hand them to a faster robot for insertion into the mold. Cobot bin picking offers a higher degree of flexibility in terms of part variations than using traditional bowl feeders for manipulating and feeding components—especially with the help of 3D vision systems."

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

As reported last year, EVCO outfitted its new CAL2 plant in Georgia with five bays for LSR molding, a new venture for the company. “We had been thinking about LSR for five years,” says Degenhardt. The first machine, a 130-ton Engel tiebarless press with Nexus LSR dosing system and Engel viper robot, is located in the DeForest Innovation Center, where it has been used for development purposes over the past year. Degenhardt is impressed with the integration of the robot and machine: “They share a common controller, so the machine always knows what the robot is doing and vice versa, so there are no crashes and we can optimize the cycle time. Since February, the EVCO team has gained confidence to transition into LSR commercial production. “We’ve been awarded a few programs in medical and lighting,” notes Degenhardt.

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.

ADS, which places a high level of corporate emphasis on sustainability, said it has made significant investments in new equipment in recent years to help it more efficiently create its products, which are used to move water and now include high levels of recycled plastic. For Engel, which was recently been granted an EcoVadis gold rating, sustainability is also a top priority.

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

EVCO’s automation team is busy with projects like this consumer-packaging cell that ties together two injection presses with 16-cavity stack molds to produce mating parts that are conveyed, snapped together, packaged, labeled and inspected, after which data on each assembly is read via barcode and uploaded to a production and quality database in the cloud.

A new low-pressure molding process, 3D printing of production parts and prototype tooling, collaborative robots, and process monitoring with automatic QC are all on the menu.

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.

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.

An Engel spokesperson told Plastics Technology that ADS and Infiltrator wanted to keep most of the key details around the machine close to the vest, but Engel says going forward it will be manufacturing even larger machines, including the possibility of presses with clamp forces exceeding 12,000 tons and shot weights of a few hundred kilograms. For these machines, maximum platen size would 13 by 10 ft, with the ability to run molds weighing up to 444,000 lb and offer material throughput of 4400 lb/hr.

In Calhoun, Ga., EVCO purchased a second plant, dubbed CAL2 (40,000 ft2), last year, and just started production there in March. It houses EVCO’s first white room, outfitted with high-speed automation, and five bays designated for the firm’s foray into LSR molding.

Infiltrator Water Technologies will use the machine’s 270-lb combined shot weight to injection mold water management products. Photo Credit: Engel

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.

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

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

Supply-chain snafus are another widespread obstacle that has hamstrung production at many molders. However, EVCO is able to sidestep that challenge in ways that may not be accessible to smaller molders. Degenhardt explains, “Getting components is a big deal. So we have been stockpiling control components, for example. We have had some problems with resin lead times, but it’s getting a little better now. Machine deliveries have been okay—we’ve been lucky to get some from orders canceled by other molders. Robots, in fact, have longer lead times than injection presses. So we recently bought five robots to put on the shelf for later use.”

When EVCO got its first plastic 3D printer in 2014, the goal was to produce parts for internal use—jigs, fixtures and other assembly components, as well as R&D prototypes. “Additive manufacturing pushes the boundaries of part design,” says Degenhardt, “and there’s a lot less risk involved in testing concepts this way.”

The enormous size of these machines required new manufacturing facilities to house them. Infiltrator completed a 59,000-ft2 building expansion over the same time as the parts were delivered. Over 2 months, the machine was assembled while the building and all the necessary auxiliary equipment and utilities were installed, including a 150-ton overhead crane intended to move molds in and out of the machine but used to help assemble the new press in the interim.

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.

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.

In Oshkosh, Wis., where EVCO focuses on larger machines, and expanded by 31,000 ft2 in 2019, the company has leased and additional 120,000 ft2 for contract manufacturing and warehousing—specifically new large-scale assembly projects. The company recently added a 1000-ton Engel press to the Oshkosh plant and is expecting arrival of a 4400-ton Engel machine this summer. That will be the largest ever at EVCO, which has two 3500-ton Engels there. Notes Bernie Degenhardt, corporate automation manager, “It will come in 20 containers and take three months to assemble.” It’s intended for agricultural and power-sports applications.

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.

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.

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.

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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 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.

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

Custom injection molder is adding floorspace, machine capacity, and contract manufacturing capabilities at multiple plants in the U.S. and Mexico.

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.