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.

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

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 press conference at Mobility Days, KTM’s Franz Füreder described the opportunity at hand in the changing mobility space. “New drive concepts and autonomous driving change mobility requirements profoundly,” Füreder said, “and they require new material and manufacturing concepts. This creates major opportunities for plastics. Polymer materials are lightweight by definition and support a sparing use of raw material and energy, processed by injection molding, this opens up mass markets.”

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.

The tape sandwich process uses thin, single-layer reinforcement materials such as tapes and fabrics with a polypropylene matrix that are inserted into both cavity halves of the injection mold without preheating. The mold closes, polypropylene is injected resulting in a “sandwich” structure. The mechanical properties of this structure allow the parts to satisfy the stiffness required for motorcycle seat bases with a single-layer UD-tape. Compared to more conventional fiber-reinforced composite plastics processing methods, included preheating organosheets via an oven prior to mold insertion, this process uses less energy and applies a standard molding cell.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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).

A third option is using only biodegradable materials, including compostable wiring and incinerable plastics.  The environmental impact depends on the consumption of energy and material, which varies with technology, material and frequency of use.

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.

Sustainable 3D printing demands optimization of the period of operation and part geometry.  In general, 3D printing is probably better for the environment compared to machining technologies, but injection molding production processes are superior at the same scale. A printer used for only a few hours each week will leave a larger footprint than when used continuously. 3D printing of hollow-core parts is cleaner than solid-block parts, but with machining, the reverse is true.

Thomas, Liji. (2020, February 17). Is 3D Printing Really a Clean Technology?. AZoCleantech. Retrieved on September 28, 2024 from https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=908.

At present, injection molding is the most efficient production method for large runs covering hundreds of thousands of parts. Inkjet printing is the 3D printing method with the lowest operating costs due to its use of inexpensive open-source recipes, requiring only operator expertise.

This process is capable of using multiple liquid polymers, with batch printing associated with high energy-efficiency. It uses more toxic raw materials (but with higher reusability value), often produces less waste, and requires minimal support material. The solidified polymer cannot be recycled.

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

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.

This uses a lot of energy except when batch printing. It is adapted to a wide range of materials including metals, ceramics, thermoplastics, and glass, though slightly less with batch printing. Residual powder can be reused, and support metals recycled, though the support plastic goes to landfill.

Thomas, Liji. 2020. Is 3D Printing Really a Clean Technology?. AZoCleantech, viewed 28 September 2024, https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=908.

At present most 3D printing is carried out on a small scale. However, it is expanding quickly as tools and materials become more affordable, process quality improves, and innovative techniques emerge.

3D printing is ideal for legacy repair of single components of outdated machines like washing machines or bike parts. This keeps perfectly good machines in continued use, avoiding needless discards or replacement.

Another concern is worker exposure to toxic materials with 3D printing, whether at home or in offices, largely due to the absence of safety measures that are routine in industrial situations.

Optimal printer design, with minimal support material, could also reduce waste generation markedly with certain technologies, but not all. For instance, inkjet and fused deposition modelling (FDM) are very low-waste processes.

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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

The downside is that the use of unlike materials in the same print cycle reduces recyclable potential. A potential green solution is to use more complex parts, avoiding the need for assembly and disassembly, as well as using one or a very few tunable materials to create a whole object.

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.

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

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.

The Thermo Scientific™ MAX-iAQ™ is a fully automated ambient air monitoring solution with 20 detection points, specifically designed for the accurate detection of trace compounds in environments with high humidity.

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.

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.

During its Mobility Days in Austria, Engel and KTM Technologies debuted an all-plastic molded motorcycle seat base produced via a tape-sandwich process that can run in a standard molding process.

Giampiero Frisio of ABB discusses AI's impact on data center sustainability and the integration of renewable energy for efficiency.

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

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.

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.

Beyond Plastic and partners have created a certified biodegradable PHA compound that can be injection molded into 38-mm closures in a sub 6-second cycle from a multicavity hot runner tool.

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.

This advance was shared at the two day Mobility Days event that Engel and KTM Technologies jointly organized. Bringing together more than 500 experts from the automotive, micro-mobility, aerospace and transportation sectors, the event featured presentations in Linz and machine demonstrations at Engel’s large-machine facility in St. Valentin, Austria.

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 cleanest processes sometimes produce the lowest quality, however, and green materials for 3D printing like wood, sawdust and salt are often unavailable or unviable.

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

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.

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

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

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.

3D printing cannot typically be used to print a whole working object with multiple materials simultaneously. Instead, it produces simple components, to be assembled with other parts. However, experimental multi-material printers are already in existence, and if commercialized, could greatly increase the reach of 3D printing.

Resource utilization is practically the same with 3D printing or injection molding. Transportation costs may be only marginally reduced, even with on-site printing, since feedstock shipping is still required. If a single producer were to offer multiple types of 3D printed parts of a single material on demand, only warehousing and shipping costs apply. Even so, this impacts manufacturing costs only slightly.

Previous KTM seat bases were thicker molded components, featuring rib structures to boost rigidity, with thicker sections measuring in at 9 mm. To reduce the necessary installation space and create more room for electronics, KTM Technologies cooperated with Engel on a composite part utilizing tape-sandwich technology. The average thickness of this new part was just 2.5 mm.

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This application uses a wide range of energy, but through proper designs it can produce self-supporting part designs with low waste. It uses easily recycled plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poorly recycled plastics like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polylactic acid (PLA), which is biodegradable but requires special composting.

This technique uses materials like ceramics, plaster, sawdust, concrete, starch, salt and sugar. While it saves a lot of energy on batch printing and reduces waste, the large-scale printing of consumer goods is unviable.

Join KraussMaffei for an insightful webinar designed for industry professionals, engineers and anyone interested in the manufacturing processes of PVC pipes. This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of the technology behind the production of high-quality PVC pipes: from raw material preparation to final product testing. Agenda: Introduction to PVC extrusion: overview of the basic principles of PVC pipe extrusion — including the process of melting and shaping PVC resin into pipe forms Equipment and machinery: detailed explanation of the key equipment involved — such as extruders, dies and cooling systems — and their roles in the extrusion process Process parameters: insight into the critical process parameters like temperature, pressure and cooling rates that influence the quality and consistency of the final PVC pipes Energy efficiency: examination of ways to save material and energy use when extruding PVC pipe products

Plastics Technology covers technical and business Information for Plastics Processors in Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, Plastic Additives, Compounding, Plastic Materials, and Resin Pricing. About Us

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.

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

The seat bottom that was created provides identical stiffness, while reducing installation space by 66%, with weight reduction of 26% The companies note that the sandwich structure can utilize standard thermoplastics but still be exposed to high mechanical stresses. At end of life, using the same resins for the tape and the matrix allows the part to be more easily recycled.

Thomas, Liji. "Is 3D Printing Really a Clean Technology?". AZoCleantech. https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=908. (accessed September 28, 2024).

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

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

AZoCleantech interviews Carbon Limit's Founder and CEO about the company's mission to reduce one billion tons of CO2 with CaptureCrete, an innovative concrete technology.

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

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.

Any new technology, however promising, must be assessed for its environmental sustainability. This applies to 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing (AM), which is being developed as an alternative manufacturing technology in many fields of production. Clean technology is defined in terms of the lifecycle, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, toxic materials, and the use of non-renewable resources.

3D printed parts may also impart higher use-phase energy efficiency, such as by lessening the component weight in aerospace and transportation applications. Regenerative cooling and fuel efficiency could be optimized by designing complex engine parts for printing like combustion chamber walls containing fluid channels.

Greenhouse gas emissions are likely to drop steadily if 3D printing replaces injection molding technology globally. However, with current technology, whether 3D printing could replace injection molding technology globally remains a question.

The Tier One automotive supplier with compounding and blowmolding machine capabilities adds the 50-yr-old molder and moldmaker.

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.

Development partners Engel and KTM Technologies introduced a “tape sandwich” process and design that the company’s say creates molded plastic parts with greater stiffness, less weight and low production costs. The aim of the joint development work, which is now commercially available, was to make a motorcycle seat base that’s more compact and lighter while retaining the same mechanical properties of its predecessor. Even in motorcycles, drivetrain electrification requires accommodation of an increasing number of electronic components. Belgium toolmaker Feronyl provided tooling for the project.

The ARL QUANT'X is a complete energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer solution for all your elemental analysis needs.

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

Lean production is a huge advantage of 3D printing, since it eliminates warehousing and work-in-progress costs, and reduces any financial incentive to overproduce, unlike injection molding.

In this interview, AZoCleantech talks to Trevor Tilman and Kelly McPartland about carbon capture and storage, analysis of CO2 purity and more.

Dr. Liji Thomas is an OB-GYN, who graduated from the Government Medical College, University of Calicut, Kerala, in 2001. Liji practiced as a full-time consultant in obstetrics/gynecology in a private hospital for a few years following her graduation. She has counseled hundreds of patients facing issues from pregnancy-related problems and infertility, and has been in charge of over 2,000 deliveries, striving always to achieve a normal delivery rather than operative.

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

Thomas, Liji. "Is 3D Printing Really a Clean Technology?". AZoCleantech. 28 September 2024. .

Learn about sustainable scrap reprocessing—this resource offers a deep dive into everything from granulator types and options, to service tips, videos and technical articles.

The Energy 11 Twin-Screw Extruder is a versatile piece of equipment designed for various applications in battery research and development.

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.