As I mentioned, the movable/rotating half contains the first-shot cavities and the stationary half contains cavities for the first shot and the second shot. After injection, the mold rotates to align the first shot with the second-shot cavity. So in one cycle you are molding the first shot with the base material and molding the second-shot material over the first-shot parts from the previous cycle. There are two sets of ejector plates because you are only ejecting the parts with both materials molded, leaving the others to have the second shot molded. There are two important things to consider in the tool design for the first shot when it is in the second-shot position: crush and support.

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.

With a commitment to quality, integrity, and a can-do spirit, APTYX is deeply rooted in innovation. Established in 1949, APTYX specializes in manufacturing plastic injection molding components tailored for various industries, including medical, energy, and aerospace.

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.

With a workforce exceeding 40,000 skilled individuals spanning over 250 locations worldwide, Berry Global tap into the power of their diverse talent pool and industry-leading expertise in plastics molding.

The rotary platen option itself may have two very different meanings to some molders. The simpler one—which I am addressing here—is a vertical platen on one face of the clamp that rotates on a horizontal axis. The other—far more complex—is often referred to as a “cube mold” or “spin stack.” It is a center stack with two or four faces that rotates on a vertical axis. This creates a multi-daylight stack-mold configuration, which is the most complex and costly version of a rotary two-shot mold.

With over three decades of experience, VEM Tooling has been at the forefront of the injection molding industry, providing comprehensive solutions for molding and tooling needs. Their team of seasoned engineers offers expert insights into design, manufacturability, and flow analysis, ensuring the flawless execution of plastic injection molding projects.

In the United States, there is a substantial presence of over 800 plastic injection molding companies. These companies either manufacture their own products or offer customized injection molding services to clients. Concentrated mainly in states like California, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, these manufacturers contribute significantly to the country’s manufacturing landscape.

Key advantages: Plastic injection molding, Design and Engineering, Competitive pricing, cutting-edge equipment techniques,

It’s important to understand what materials are being used and their ability to bond to each other. A mechanical bond is necessary—with details and holes in the part design—but some materials do not like to adhere to each other. Most of my experience is with using TPE or TPU as the second shot and PP, PC/ABS, or ABS as the first shot (substrate). There are also cases were the same material with different colors or additives is used for two-shot molding.

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.

An overview on the use of chemical foaming agents (CFAs) to successfully foam single and multilayered rotational molding parts, this webinar will illustrate the multiple benefits rotational molders can achieve, including reducing resin consumption, decreasing part weight, enhancing wall thickness and improving structural rigidity. Agenda: Charging the mold Dosing ratios Venting Optimal decomposition temperatures, cycle times and drop times for drop box applications Cooling considerations

Embarking on their journey in China and later expanding into the United States, TDL Mould has emerged as a prominent injection moulding manufacturer. Since its establishment in 1995, TDL Mould has been steadfast in providing custom and standard injection molding solutions to its extensive clientele. This commitment extends to delivering competitive pricing and employing innovative methods to meet client requirements. Moreover, TDL Moulds distinguishes itself by conducting rigorous quality checks to ensure customer satisfaction and meet industry standards.

Catering to a wide array of industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, energy, hardware startups, industrial, lighting, medical, dental, robotics, and more, Xometry’s plastic injection molding solutions are versatile and adaptable. This extensive experience highlights Xometry’s ability to deliver top-notch services across diverse sectors, meeting the unique needs of each industry.

Moretto offers plastics processors and micromolders for a broad suite of auxiliary solutions targeted specifically for precision processing.

With over 70 years of experience as a plastic injection mould manufacturer, Maryland Plastic Products evolved from its parent company, Maryland Ceramic & Steatite Company, to establish itself as a prominent manufacturer of molded plastic products, particularly for electronic packaging.

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

EVCO Plastics serves as your all-in-one solution for plastic injection molding needs. With facilities scattered across the United States, they seamlessly guide your project through every stage, from start to finish.

Xcentric Mold & Engineering has solidified its position as a reputable plastic injection molding company in the United States. Renowned for its comprehensive services, the company covers everything from rapid prototyping to bridge tooling solutions, ensuring prompt fulfillment of each customer’s unique requirements.

With nearly three decades of experience, this family-owned and operated company has been steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality tooling solutions within tight timelines. Their proficiency extends to supporting a wide array of needs, including new product launches, tradeshow demonstrations, engineering testing, and refining existing products.

With extensive experience spanning decades in the manufacturing industry, Texas Injection Molding has finely tuned its expertise in processing both custom plastic and commercial resins. Situated in Houston, Texas, and serving clients across Austin, San Antonio, and the Southeastern United States, the company specializes in delivering custom plastic injection molding services to OEM manufacturing and consumer products industries. Moreover, they provide comprehensive product design and engineering assistance for developing plastic injection molded products.

LTM Plastics prides itself on being a mid-to-high volume contract molder known for its collaboration, competence, and production of quality plastic parts. Operating as a Quick Response Manufacturer (QRM), the company possesses the flexibility to adjust internal systems to accommodate almost any project.

Established in 1977 and currently operating under the name LTM Plastics as an injection mould manufacturer, Lawrence Tool & Molding was initially founded as a tool shop by a veteran. Despite its transformation, it remains a family-owned business, having evolved into a state-of-the-art injection molding facility.

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.

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.

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

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).

Dedicating their services to high-volume precision manufacturing and custom plastic injection molding, Rodon Group has served industries ranging from windows, doors, and household appliances to consumer goods, healthcare products, and construction materials. Committed to quality, innovation, and sustainability, this ISO-certified company, despite its family-owned roots since 1956, has grown to become one of the largest injection molders in the United States.

Benefiting from cutting-edge machinery with capacities ranging from 30 tons to 200 tons, Maryland Plastic Products can efficiently process a wide range of thermoplastics.

Founded in 1979 by Gordon K. Stephens, Ironwood Plastics stands as one of Michigan’s premier plastic injection molding companies. Recognizing the dynamic nature of technology, the company remains proactive in staying abreast of the latest trends and advancements to deliver superior-quality products to its clients.

Starting its operations in 1995 as a die and mold production service from a small garage, the company experienced rapid growth within five years, prompting a relocation to a larger facility spanning 221,000 square feet in the Somerset Industrial Park. Subsequently, the expansion of services to include plastic injection molding was driven by increasing opportunities. However, the cornerstone of the business’s growth has been its unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, resulting in repeat business from loyal customers.

Based in the Vero Beach area of Florida, Nylacarb prioritizes continuous communication with customers to ensure product compliance and satisfaction. They have optimized their processes across all departments, including Machine Operators, Shift Supervisors, Quality Control Team, all of whom execute their roles promptly and meticulously.

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.

With the simpler rotary platen, as defined above, the tooling itself is not that complex; you just have a second runner system and two sets of ejector plates. The movable half is the half that rotates. If you are producing one part per cycle, there will be two ejector cavities (movable half) and two cover cavities (stationary half). The two ejector cavities will be identical, and the cover cavities will have one for the first shot and one for the second shot. So the pattern continues with multiple parts: Two parts in each cycle would have four ejector cavities and four cover cavities. Again, the four ejector cavities would be identical and the cover cavies would have two cavities for the first shot and two cavities for the second shot.

With three generations of family operation, Nylacarb Corporation has upheld unwavering standards of quality. This commitment entails integrating total quality across various facets of injection molding, such as part inspection, material specification, and mold maintenance. Moreover, their ISO 9001:2015 certification assures customers of their adherence to a robust quality management system throughout the injection molding process.

Key advantages: Custom injection molding, insert molding, overmolding, hot and cold runner injection molding, tool design and custom fabrication, prototyping, component assembly, and packaging.

The other version of two-shot molding is the movable core, which does not require a rotary platen. The cavitation will be like a normal mold: one part, one cavity. The movable cores move internally to adjust for the second shot. The mold closes and injects the first shot; then the first-shot core/slide is pulled, the second-shot core/slide is set, and then the second shot is injected. There are cases where there is just one core/slide, which pulls back after the first shot and creates the cavity for the second shot. In either case, the setup and process are the same.

VEM Tooling is proficient in all aspects of the molding process, from initial design to assembly solutions. Extensive testing is conducted to maintain the highest standards of quality throughout the production process. Over the years, VEM Tooling has been instrumental in establishing successful injection molding and assembly lines across various industries, both locally and internationally.

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.

Concerning tool design, you need to make sure the first-shot cavity has support against the second-shot cavity pressure. At times, ribs or undercuts are needed to hold the first shot in place to prevent flash and deformation. Make sure your hydraulic cylinders actuating the cores are robust enough to resist the cavity plastic pressure or you will be struggling with flash and narrow process windows.

This CW Tech Days virtual event will explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market. Presentations from industry experts will emphasize the use of composite materials in applications requiring the weight savings, structural benefits and ability to withstand extreme temperatures that only composites can provide.

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.

Berry Global stands as a prominent figure in the injection molding manufacturing realm, boasting a heritage rich in product innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic expansion. Their journey to becoming a leading global provider of innovative solutions has been fueled by the unwavering dedication of team members.

Ideal for emerging businesses seeking to introduce new product lines or stabilize their existing supply chain, LTM Plastics offers reliability as a domestic molder.

Each day, they embark on a mission to craft inventive packaging and engineered products that enhance both lives and the environment. Leveraging their unparalleled global capabilities, sustainability leadership, and profound expertise in innovation, they cater to customers of all sizes across the globe.

Jabil leverages extensive expertise across various markets, coupled with technical prowess, design capabilities, manufacturing proficiency, supply chain insights, and global product management acumen. This unique blend enables their success as a leading global brand.

Furthermore, TDL Moulds harnesses state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, granting them a competitive advantage. This ensures the delivery of products to specification without compromising quality and within a remarkably short timeframe.

Furthermore, APTYX collaborates with clients to engineer innovative solutions, providing them with the confidence to overcome tough challenges.

Established in 2000, Valencia Plastics Inc. has been a trusted Full-Service Blow Molding & Injection Molding Product Manufacturer. They are committed to delivering quality plastic products at affordable prices, maintaining high standards across various industries such as Medical, Commercial, Aerospace, Pharmaceutical, and Military.

Established in 1997 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Nubs Plastics, Inc. is renowned for its expertise in manufacturing molded plastic products. Specializing in precision plastic injection molding and contract manufacturing, the company offers a comprehensive range of services, including design, engineering, materials selection, molding, mold making, and quality control.

The plastic injection molding industry holds significant importance worldwide, as it caters to the production needs of various sectors. From consumer electronics to household items, automotive components to medical devices, plastic injection molding companies are indispensable across diverse industries.

The company offers innovative solutions for intricate engineering plastics and injection molding applications through strategic partnerships with leading manufacturers of custom resins and compounds.

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

Whether you require design assistance, mold creation, injection molding, assembly, or post-production work, EVCO’s team handles all aspects of the process, allowing you to relax while leaving the details to them.

With a rotary-platen mold, it is critical to have locators on the mold and the machine platens to ensure that it is exactly on center of the rotary platen. If the mold is not exactly on center, you will have alignment issues; when the mold rotates 180° it can damage the leader pins, bushings, and shutoffs. It is also important to consider tonnage with part surface area. In most cases your cavities will be off-center—first shot on one half and second shot on the other half—so you will not have full advantage of the machine tonnage to compensate for the cavity plastic pressure.

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

Presently, ADM and API offer a wide array of services tailored to core markets such as Aerospace & Defense, Energy, Medical, Water & Wastewater Treatment, and more.

Plastikon Healthcare, was founded with the ambition to establish itself as a premier plastic and contract manufacturer globally. Presently, both Plastikon and its healthcare division continue to deliver acclaimed services, serving as vital components in the success of numerous leading companies across diverse sectors like medical, automotive, and electronics. Through the utilization of cutting-edge technology and the dedication of its workforce, Plastikon and Plastikon Healthcare have earned a worldwide reputation for surpassing customer expectations.

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

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.

Those not familiar with two-shot injection molding may assume that it’s complex. Yes, it adds another element to part production by involving a second material and process, but it’s not really all that complicated.

This 1-day technical conference and exhibition showcases innovative developments in materials, processing and equipment for the additive manufacturing industry. This conference is specifically designed to inform, update and educate plastic processors about implementing new additive manufacturing technologies. Hear technical presentations on the newest advances in additive manufacturing related to: design, materials development, processing equipment and enabling technologies, new applications and more. See exhibits from engineering plastic suppliers, compounders, molders, design and engineering firms and machinery suppliers. Experts will show you how to apply the latest technologies to your next project or program. The conference includes a full day of technical presentations, plenary and keynote presentations on business trends; breakfast, lunch and breaks; exhibits of advanced technologies and an evening networking reception.   Note: Additive Manufacturing Media executive editor Stephanie Hendrixson will moderate the Supporting AM Adoption in Northeast Ohio panel at 11:20 a.m.

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

Pioneer Plastics, a leading figure in plastic parts molding, boasts a team of designers and engineers with extensive expertise in the field. They possess in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process and are adept at guiding clients in selecting the most efficient production methods for their products.

GSH Industries sets itself apart through its expertise in designing and developing tooling and secondary equipment for a diverse range of plastic extruded shapes and profiles. With a dedicated team aligned with the company’s values of professionalism and customer satisfaction, GSH Industries has become renowned for its contribution to bolstering the local US manufacturing sector. Although privately owned, GSH Industries maintains strong connections with the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing personalized service to the community and ensuring top-notch quality in their work.

Notwithstanding its acquisition by Seaway Plastics in 2022, Minnesota Mold and Engineering (MME) has a storied history dating back to 1974, when it emerged as a small tool shop. However, in 2000, MME embraced new challenges within the injection molding arena, solidifying its commitment to delivering top-quality contract manufacturing services under visionary leadership.

As a global injection plastic molding manufacturer, Jabil operates with over 250,000 employees spanning 100 injection molding factory locations in 30 countries. Despite their expansive reach, they may not be a household name because the majority of their products are manufactured for other companies. These clients include 300 of the largest brands globally, spanning diverse sectors such as healthcare, packaging, smartphones, cloud equipment, automotive, and home appliances.

In many cases, decreasing the discharge temperature will improve product quality and perhaps even boost rate. Here are ways to do it.

Key advantages: low-volume injection molding, plastic injection molding, insert molding, overmolding, liquid silicone rubber molding, CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal manufacturing.

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.

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.

Crush would be defined as the shutoff to prevent the second-shot material from flashing or bleeding out onto the first-shot plastic where it doesn’t belong. Crush is a raised area of cavity steel that presses into the first shot to prevent flash, typically 0.003-0.005 in. Also, in areas with thicker wall stock on the first shot, you may have to add extra crush to compensate for the extra shrinkage. You can crush by adding steel to the second-shot shutoff or adding first-shot material by removing steel.

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.

Key advantages:  plastic injection molding, blow molding, precision molding, plastic extrusion, plastic CNC machining, plastic prototyping, 3D printing, sheet metal manufacturing, metal injection molding.

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

Over the years, I have preached about robust process windows. In two-shot molding, this becomes a greater focus with another variable involved. People often will process the first shot to address issues with the second-shot process, or the opposite. Crush, support, deflection, and inadequately sized cylinders can all contribute to issues that many molders will process around, putting them at risk for quality issues and scrap.

Fondly referred to as SPI by their customers, Steven Plastics Inc. aims to establish itself as the premier partner in the injection molding industry, offering top-notch mold building and custom plastic injection molding production.

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.

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.

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.

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

By leveraging cutting-edge technology alongside a skilled workforce, engaging these experts for your plastic injection molding needs ensures swift and accurate execution of every task. However, staying informed about advancements in the plastic injection molding industry gives you a head start ahead of competitors in your industry.

Backed by a highly skilled team and cutting-edge technology, Xcentric Mold & Engineering guarantees a seamless start to every project. Their unwavering commitment extends to optimizing designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency. Throughout the process, expert coaches oversee quality control while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

In essence, the leading 30 plastic injection molding providers across the United States stand out for their exceptional service and expertise. These seasoned firms have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products while ensuring that customer demands are fully met. Whether it’s a large-scale order or a small one, these reputable companies have the resources and capabilities to address any requirements effectively.

Rotary two-shot molding, from my perspective, is the simplest version of the options, But there are still critical things to consider, such as tooling, crush, support and the processes for both shots. In this article, I will focus on the version of the process that uses a rotary platen. The tool itself can have a rotary plate built in, actuated by hydraulics or a rack system. This makes the tooling a little more complex and typically is used when the molder does not do a lot of two-shot molding.

Established in Bloomfield, New Jersey, in 1987, PTI Tech emerged with a clear goal: to deliver top-notch precision injection molding services to aerospace, medical, and defense sectors. As demand surged, PTI expanded, moving to a larger 40,000 sq. ft. facility and later to a 100,000 sq. ft. space in Clifton, New Jersey. This strategic relocation fueled PTI’s growth and facilitated a stronger focus on research and development, particularly in Metal Injection Molding. Notably, it forged partnerships with AlliedSignal/Honeywell and secured a significant $5 million research grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

You also need to make sure the first-shot part is supported in the second-shot cavities to prevent the second-Shot cavity pressure from deforming or compressing the first-shot material. I have seen many times where the first-shot part was not supported properly, which contributed to flash and deformed parts. Remember that the second shot is applying thousands of pounds of plastic pressure against the first-shot plastic, not just the steel.

Key advantages: Manufacturing, tooling, molds, plastic injection, mold flow, multi-cavity tools, medical, automotive, aerospace, and electronics

More than four years on, there are aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic that linger in their impacts to the plastics market and are made visible in our annual survey.

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.

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

Valencia Plastics’ products have a global footprint, contributing to life-saving efforts, supporting military operations, promoting preventive healthcare, and bringing joy to children worldwide. Their innovative solutions have propelled them forward since their inception, making them a go-to choice for inventors bringing their ideas to fruition.

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

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

Since then, MME has operated 24/7, running a three-shift operation across more than 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space spread over two locations in Minnesota. Moreover, MME boasts a range of state-of-the-art, in-house solutions to meet all deliverables, including both clean room and non-clean room production, an internal tool shop for mold design and builds, and dedicated space for secondary operations and assembly.

What are the basic building blocks of plastics and how do they affect the processing of that material and its potential applications in the real world? Meet the repeat unit.

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

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

Your problem may be related to tooling, material, processing, or combinations thereof. Here’s how to find the root cause.

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.

Across industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer products, they are trusted for their ability to not only meet but often exceed customer expectations. They can handle complex geometries and stringent requirements using engineering-grade resins, ensuring precision and durability. The key lies in configuring tolerances.

In 1994, Ken Mold embarked on its journey in China, where its founder, Zhong Jianwu, developed a unique mold-making technique. However, the company soon expanded its operations to the US, catering to a wide range of injection molding needs.

Rodon Group stands out in the realm of plastic injection molding manufacturers, boasting extensive expertise and a flair for mass production. From offering design support to Mold manufacturing and assembly, they cater to a diverse clientele across various industries, covering a wide spectrum.

With ISO and TS certifications in place, the company maintains rigorous standards to ensure the highest quality products and processes. Their primary goal is to exceed customer expectations across all aspects of service, including injection molding, product delivery, quality control, and pricing.

With ISO 9001:2015 certification, Nubs Plastics caters to a diverse clientele across industries such as aerospace, medical, irrigation, and consumer products. Their streamlined manufacturing process ensures efficiency, and stringent quality checks guarantee the delivery of only top-quality products to customers.

Proto Labs prides itself on its extensive range of services, spanning from rapid prototyping to low-volume production. With cutting-edge technology and automated systems, they excel in delivering high-quality plastic parts with impressive turnaround times.

Key advantages: custom plastic injection molding, plastic engineering, injection mold design and tooling, plastic blow molding, plastic assembly and decoration.

Drawing upon decades of experience in processing both commodity and custom-engineered plastic resins, Steven Plastics Inc. (a subsidiary of Primarc-Nilan) has been at the forefront of providing solutions for complex plastic engineering applications. Over the span of 33 years, they have specialized in offering custom and production injection molding solutions. Through their in-house Technical Services Team, they ensure the delivery of superior quality molds and injection molded parts to their global clientele.

Renowned for its expertise in insert molding and injection molding, the company has built a solid reputation for successfully executing even the most intricate projects within the industry.

Thanks to their in-house tool shop, they can swiftly handle design and engineering tasks, resulting in quicker delivery times compared to industry norms.

Key advantages: precision machining, tool & mold design, build, repair, and maintenance, metal injection molding, and plastic injection molding.

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

Key advantages: Plastic Injection Molding (Thermoset Molding/Thermoplastic Injection), Prototype & Design, Production Mold Making, Insert Molding and Overmolding.

In the journey from concept and prototype to full-scale production and beyond, Four Process stands as a steadfast companion. Specializing in custom precision plastic injection molding services, the team’s commitment extends far beyond mere manufacturing. They adopt a strategic approach to plastic injection molding solutions, ensuring they cater to and anticipate evolving requirements throughout the product’s life cycle.

AIM Processing has parlayed small part molding expertise and aggressive automation, even for short run production, into a highly successful custom molding business.

Plastic Components has been a frontrunner in delivering top-notch products within the industry. They took the initiative to submit their PVC trim products for evaluation and certification by an independent third-party testing organization. This ongoing evaluation, overseen by Warnock Hersey, ensures that Plastic Components’ products consistently meet or exceed the stringent standards set by ASTM for factors like tensile and flexural strength, dimensional stability, and exterior weather resistance. With their trims now listed with Intertek Testing Services/ Warnock Hersey, customers have confidence in the exceptional performance and proven compliance of Plastic Components’ products with ASTM standards.

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

Xometry is renowned for its custom plastic injection molding services, offering expertise and quality assurance to clients. With a focus on both prototype and production molding, Xometry provides personalized consultation for each project and assigns a dedicated project manager to oversee every order, ensuring a smooth transition from design to production.

Fast forward over two decades, and Ken Mold has evolved into a premier ISO9001:2008 Certified manufacturer of high-performance, cost-effective custom molds. Serving major industries such as Appliances, Electronics, Automotive (interior and exterior), Packaging, and Medical, they boast cutting-edge equipment with capacities ranging from 25T to 1250T. Additionally, they operate a Class 4 clean room dedicated to medical devices and parts.

Accurate Molded Products, Inc. has established itself as a leading manufacturer with a rich legacy spanning over 65 years. Specializing in custom rubber molding and plastic injection molding, the company caters to diverse industries such as industrial, automotive, and agricultural. Operating from facilities in Southeast Asia and Chicago, Accurate Molded Products offers a comprehensive suite of services, including assembly, inventory management, and reverse engineering.

There are five specific areas that designers and manufacturers need to consider to realize the potential of these unique materials.

With flexible operations, Four Process efficiently handles short, medium, and long-term production runs, adapting seamlessly to clients’ specific needs. Their plastic precision injection molding solutions and capabilities guarantee the timely delivery of high-quality plastic molded products.

Using state-of-the-art procedures and cutting-edge machinery, they ensure the rapid and accurate production of even the most complex parts.

Having obtained an ISO 13485:2016 certification, the company specializes in offering plastic injection molding services tailored to industries such as medical, lighting, appliance, electrical, and hardware. Their capabilities encompass molding tasks for both small and large components, covering thermoset molded parts and thermoplastic parts across prototype, low to high, and short-run production volumes.

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.

There are a few variations of two-shot molding, including rotary platen, movable core, and overmold. The first two require a second injection unit, two runner systems, and two processes. The latter, in most cases, involves two separate molds—one for each material—but can also be run with one mold, two runner systems, and pick-and-place part transfer, either manually or with a robot.

Their expertise lies in custom plastic molding, encompassing rubber dip coating, dip molding, and molding processes. Additionally, they offer custom plastic injection molding and cleanroom assembly services, enabling clients to meet their needs without outsourcing.

Ranked among the top-tier plastic injection molding companies nationwide, Crescent Industries is deeply committed to understanding and meeting their customers’ unique requirements. Their priority lies in delivering products that align with contracted specifications within the stipulated timeline.

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.

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.

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randy Kerkstra has been in the plastics industry for more than 26 years, occupied frequently with troubleshooting injection molding. He is currently a tooling manager for a large, multi-plant molding and manufacturing company. Contact: kbmoldingsolutions@gmail.com.

With a focus on plastic injection molding, Crescent Industries stands as a premier manufacturer, offering end-to-end solutions spanning from design conception to final production. Their comprehensive services encompass product development, mold fabrication, assembly, and packaging, catering to a wide array of industries such as medical, aerospace, and industrial sectors. Renowned for their expertise in design optimization and material selection, Crescent Industries guarantees unmatched performance across various applications.

Plastics processors are finding applications for 3D printing around the plant and across the supply chain. Here are 8 examples to look for at NPE2024.

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.

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

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

Key advantages: Plastic injection molded products for healthcare, packaging, smartphones and cloud equipment to automotive and home appliances

Plastics Technology Top Shops Benchmarking Survey provided both unanimous responses and divided results, but pervasive throughout is the sense of an industry still grappling with the aftermath of 2020’s global pandemic.

Over the course of nearly four decades, Pioneer Plastics has continuously expanded its manufacturing capacity as a plastic parts manufacturer. Operating from a cutting-edge 100,000-square-foot facility, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and innovative technologies, they have simplified and improved the custom mold design process for their clientele.

Currier Plastics had a major stake in small hotel amenity bottles until state legislators banned them. Here’s how Currier adapted to that challenge.

No matter the industry you operate in—be it automotive, medical, industrial, or consumer products—EVCO Plastics is equipped to handle your project with precision and expertise.