Elite has specialized in prototype injection molding and tooling services for many years and has proven to be one of the best in the industry. We are able to save our customers both time and money by providing molds built with aluminum or softer steels such as P20. By utilizing aluminum or soft steel for the mold instead of harder steel, we can help reduce your overall tooling cost. Not only is it less expensive, but by choosing aluminum, your machine time will also be cut in half, which means shorter lead times. With aluminum/soft steel molds, you can even get production quantities on simple designs.

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

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.

It is recommended to purge the machine completely with LDPE to remove the previous resin and, after cooling the extruder to the process set points referenced below, introduce the PHA/PLA blend. This procedure should get you into the production material without degrading the resin. PHA/PLA blends have an upper temperature limit of around 400°F and will rapidly degrade around this temperature.

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.

As noted, PHA is a hygroscopic polyester that will absorb environmental moisture. Having the material dry before processing will prevent degradation and melt thinning. A moisture content of less than 0.04% (400 ppm) is required. Recommended drying conditions are four hours at no greater than 170°F (80°C) with a desiccant dryer.

We are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Elite truly believes in a high-quality and clean working environment to ensure we provide the best products.

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

Class 105 plastic injection molds are our biggest strength at Elite. When it comes to building a mold, the competition cannot match our speed and quality. We are the best at providing top-of-the-line, high-quality plastic injection molds.

PHAs are a naturally occurring biodegradable material produced via bacterial fermentation, similar to brewing alcohol. During fermentation, when nutrients and food sources are optimized, the bacterial strains start making and storing PHA as a food source, eventually producing a peak amount of PHA.

You may also have to explore some forms of ejection and part holding as the mold opens to keep the bottles releasing consistently due to some variability in whether the bottles will stick to one side or the other or release cleanly.

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.

The low melt temperature aims to achieve a parison with enough melt strength to hold together. You will find that PHA/PLA blends are sensitive to the smallest temperature changes, and viscosity will drop rapidly as melt temperature increases. We typically advise processors new to PHA/PLA blends to think of adjusting temperatures by two or three degrees at a time, not the usual five-degree changes.

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

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.

QUALITY – We are ISO9001:2015 certified and have all the necessary equipment and personnel to ensure quality parts and accurate reporting.

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

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.

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 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.

At this point, the PHA is separated from the cellular components and processed, resulting in a light, white powder that can be combined with other materials like PLA to produce processable and usable bioplastic resins. These materials are typically compostable in home and industrial environments, and degradable in soil and marine environments.

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.

Hopefully, this outline will provide some basis for developing a process for your parts. If you go at it slowly and methodically, you should be able to create a stable process and then improve from there. Remember that PHA/PLA blends are relatively new and different materials that require some new and different processing techniques.

This strategic collaboration will support long-term growth of bioplastics production requiring a blend of PHA and PLA inputs.

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.

Because PHA can degrade quickly under heat and shear, it is recommended that you purge fresh material forward anytime the machine is idled for more than five minutes before starting up again. It is not only the temperature of the melt that matters but also the residence time. High residence times will cause the material viscosity to decrease and can cause problems with machine startup.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 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.

Resin drying is a crucial, but often-misunderstood area. This collection includes details on why and what you need to dry, how to specify a dryer, and best practices.

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

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

To aid the crystallization rate, keeping the mold at 110-140°F (40-60°C) is recommended. The strategy is to get the mold warm enough to promote crystallization yet cool enough to enable part ejection and handling.

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

In the current legislative climate of bans on petroleum-based plastics and consumer requests for sustainable alternatives, bioplastics offer a unique opportunity. In prior decades, there has been significant resistance to bioplastics because of cost as well as unique, and often difficult, processing characteristics. Now, however, the development of many polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based resins — often combined with polylactic acid (PLA) — has resulted in bioplastic solutions that are well suited to current market needs.

This area requires particular attention. The PHA component of the PHA/PLA blend requires a warm tool to promote timely crystallization. If you process into a cold tool at 40-60°F, the parts will come out soft and pliable and then, over the next 60-90 sec, become firm. What is happening is the part is crystallizing in your hand. The cold temperature is retarding the crystallization rate. When working with PHA/PLA blends, crystallizing and cooling are different. Parts can be cold and not crystallized.

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.

Since we do not work on production tooling, we are able to move projects quickly through our facility. We cut weeks off normal lead times.

An important part of any blow-molding process is how you handle the parts once molded. The handling of parts made from PHA/PLA blends will become more difficult as production speeds increase.

We are an excellent choice if you are trying to find a supplier for a quick-turnaround project that involves getting preproduction parts before the production tool is complete. We can even provide simple open-and-close parts in three to five weeks. This way, you can have parts to fulfill your needs while you are waiting for production tooling to be complete. Also, this will allow you to test your part design and ensure your assembly will work perfectly. For more information n the various markets we have helped out over the years please check out our industries page

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.

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

As cycle and crystallizing times decrease, the bottles will become softer and easier to damage. It may require some engineering and automation adjustments to enable some post-molding cure time before the parts are bulk packaged.

Once more, the PHA component will drive your temperature strategy. To achieve a stable and workable parison, you must keep your heat near the low end of processing temperatures for PHA.

Since we specialize in prototypes and low volumes, we are able to give you better pricing than companies that build both production and prototype plastic injection molds.

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.

At the end of production, the machine should again be purged clear of the PHA/PLA blend — using LDPE at process temperatures — before increasing temperatures to go to the next resin.

Another reason to keep the tool warm is that most blow-molded PHA/PLA blends will stick to a cold mold surface, making it difficult to eject them.

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.

To successfully extrusion blow mold PHA/PLA bottles you need to take heed of the unique processing charactertics of the material. Photos: Danimer Scientific

With over 32 years of experience, we have really seen everything. We know how to properly build a plastic injection mold for you that will last.

While extruder speed is directly related to cycle time, it should be noted that PHA is a shear heating material similar to PVC (polyvinyl chloride). As production rates and extruder speeds increase, you will see temperature override in your extruder zones. If your machine has heat cool bands, you can employ those to keep temperatures inline or you can try to introduce some heat earlier in the extruder to reduce friction and shear heating.

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

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

At Danimer Scientific, most of our research effort has been with extrusion blow molding (EBM), which is the process covered here.

Recently, many processors have been experimenting with running PHA/PLA blends in their blow molding operations, with mixed success due to the blends’ unique characteristics. However, proper attention to the inherent characteristics of PHA/PLA materials when setting the processing parameters can lead to better and more consistent outcomes.

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).

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

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

You need to pay attention to the inherent characteristics of biopolymers PHA/PLA materials when setting process parameters to realize better and more consistent outcomes.

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.

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.

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

Here are processing guidelines aimed at both getting the PHA resin into the process without degrading it, and reducing residence time at melt temperatures.

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.

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

One of the opportunities to use PHA and its compostable characteristics is in blow-molded articles. The positive end-of-life scenarios offer one possible solution to the overabundance of plastic in the market. PHA can be blow molded into various shapes, sizes and designs for many applications, from personal use to food and drink storage.

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

Despite price increase nominations going into second quarter, it appeared there was potential for generally flat pricing with the exception of a major downward correction for PP.

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

It would also be helpful to look at your extruder screw design and avoid screws with higher compression ratios or very short, aggressive compression sections.

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

When evaluating ERP solutions, consider the power of interactive production scheduling to effectively plan and allocate primary and secondary equipment, materials and resources on the overall production capacity of the business and conclude that this is a key area that cannot be overlooked.   __PRESENT

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.

Private label manufacturer Eagle Beverage to use Danimer Scientific’s Nodax PHA for marine degradable straws and other product categories in the future.

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

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.

About the Authors: Russell Mullins is Danimer Scientific’s special operations technical advisor and has more than 45 years of experience in plastics injection molding and product design. Dr. Karson Durie is associate director of Danimer’s facility in Athens, Georgia, and earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Georgia. Contact: 229-243-7075; russellmullins@danimer.com; danimerscientific.com.

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.

When combining PHA with PLA, you will find that the processing requirements for the PHA will drive most of your processing strategies. PHA is hygroscopic and needs to be dry. It is sensitive to residence time and requires a warm (120-130°F) mold to crystallize.

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

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.