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.

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

Biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) are versatile, compostable and biocompatible materials derived from natural resources such as corn, sugar beets and potato starch, and are excellent candidates for producing commercially compostable packaging materials. PLA adoption has grown significantly in recent years, but some drawbacks — including low elongation at break and brittleness in comparison with traditional petroleum-based polymers — have limited the range of applications in which it is employed.

A sit-down with bioplastic producer Danimer Scientific showed me there are more possible answers to that question than I had previously thought.

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.

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.

Adding aPHA to PLA improves flexibility and potential for living hinges. (The two different curves represent two different lots of aPHA.) CA1180P,

▪  Mold temperature: This directly affects the cycle times. At a mold temperature of 30℃, the cycle time for CA1180P PLA/aPHA blend is 20–35 sec. On the other hand, more than 100 sec of cycle time is required for high-temperature molding (110℃) typically used for crystallizing the PLA in-mold.

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 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

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.

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).

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

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.

aPHA is a type of biopolymer that belongs to the family of PHAs, which are biodegradable aliphatic polyesters produced by various microorganisms as a means of energy storage. Unlike other types of PHAs, aPHA is a non-crystalline or amorphous polymer, meaning that it lacks the highly ordered structure found in semi-crystalline polymers. In 2022, CJ Biomaterials commercialized Phact 1000P aPHA, which has several unique properties that make it a promising material for various applications.

Sungplastic’s melt plastic solutions include:Plastic joining: welding and bondingOvermolding for custom partsInsert molding for plastic parts with metal insertsUltrasonic Welding and common assembly methodsFor Mini parts, small parts, large parts all availableFor high volume or low volume accessibleAmple production lines and capacities and skilled workersAdvanced processing technologies and equipmentStrict quality control system

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 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

This method harnesses vibrational pulses and pressure to effectively join relatively rigid plastics. As the materials vibrate and rub against each other, they generate heat and eventually fuse together. Ultrasonic welding is known for its speed and versatility. It finds applications in various tasks, such as inserting metal components into plastic, staking metal and plastic parts, and spot welding plastic.

Spin welding creates circular weld joints by utilizing surface friction. One of the two parts to be joined is rotated at high speed, while force is applied to maintain their connection. The resulting friction generates heat, melting the plastics, and subsequent pressure ensures a strong bond. Spin welds offer high strength, hermetic sealing, and an economical approach to achieving round weld joints.

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

Raj Krishnaswamy is v.p. of polymers R&D at CJ Biomaterials. He had over 20 years of polymers R&D experience at Chevron Phillips Chemical, Metabolix and Braskem prior to his current stint at CJ. Raj is a co-inventor on 50+ patents and a co-author on 40+ publications. He is a Fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineering (SPE), has been recognized with the Research/Technology lifetime achievement award by the SPE, and is an alumnus of the NAE Frontiers of Engineering.  Contact: (339) 999-2693; raj@krish.cj.net; cjbio.net.

Addition of aPHA to PLA improves impact strength and ductility at room temperature. (The two different curves represent two different lots of aPHA.)

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.

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.

Vibration welding is ideal for creating pressure-tight joints, especially in irregularly shaped or larger plastic parts. It is also effective when joining plastics with different melting points. Vibrational heating generates friction, and when combined with pressure, it melts and bonds the plastics. The strength of the resulting weld joint is on par with the base materials. Cycle times average around 5 to 8 seconds for manual or automated operations.

Demand for bioresins is growing in molded goods, particularly as a sustainability play to replace fossil-fuel based materials, but these materials are not a drop-in replacement for traditional materials. Molds and hot runners need to be optimized for these materials.

▪  Holding pressures and time:  The second-stage injection pressure (i.e., holding pressure) should be just enough to fill the last 1% to 5% of the part and maintain a full part as it cools and shrinks in the cavity. For PLA/aPHA blends, holding pressure is typically 15% to 30% of the first-stage peak injection pressure and should start low and increase gradually until the part fills but does not flash.

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

This method involves melting two plastic parts against a precisely heated platen for a specified duration. After the platen is removed, the two parts are brought together, resulting in a strong, permanent, and often hermetically sealed joint. Hot plate welding is a well-established technique known for producing durable bonds.

Adding aPHA to PLA can boost a range of mechanical properties and expedite composting. Here are the details as well as processing guidelines for injection molding the blends.

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

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.

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.

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.

Due to enormous versatility, plastics are a preferred material in a wide range of sectors.Plastic products manufacturing has faced some difficulties as a result of its popularity and extensive use. The connections between semi-finished plastic goods and other plastic or metallic materials are strong. Plastic overmolding is one of many tested plastic melting techniques, however the procedure that best fits a given project and budget is not set in stone and must be chosen appropriately depending on the needs of the situation.We can give you the fundamental information that will help guide your process selection and provide unique plastic joining processing services because we are a plastic molding manufacturer who has mastered the key plastic joining techniques.

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.

▪  Warping and shrinkage: PLA/aPHA blends have a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, which can cause warping and shrinkage of the parts during the cooling phase of injection molding. To minimize this, it is critical to use proper cooling methods, such as uniform cooling across the mold surface and adequate cooling time. And a slower than normal injection speed and additional holding pressure can help fill the part without much shrinkage and flash.

CA1180P can be processed on conventional electric and hydraulic reciprocating-screw injection molding machines. General process conditions are similar to those of PLA. Hydrolysis, thermal stability and warpage/shrinkage are among the factors that must be accounted for in molding both PLA and compounds of PLA with aPHA. Because aliphatic polyesters are susceptible to hydrolysis at typical processing temperature, the products must be dried prior to molding.

Melted plastic joining is a valuable process used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods manufacturing.

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.

Based on those performance features highlighted, it’s clear that blends of PLA and aPHA are useful biobased (100% bio-carbon) and compostable alternates to plastics such as ABS, PP, PS, HIPS and PET in many molding applications. These blends are also certified for food contact by the U.S. FDA.

Because aliphatic polyesters are susceptible to hydrolysis at typical processing temperature, the products must be dried prior to molding.

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.

As a result, it can be regarded as an attractive alternative to petroleum-based plastics. (It should be noted that the value of aPHA is to work with PLA or other biopolymers that are brittle and rigid, where it can help improve their performance and quicken their rate of composting compared with PLA alone.)

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.

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.

These polymers are also prone to chain scission at higher than nominal processing temperatures that can arise from excessive shear. These attributes call for processing temperatures below ~200°C. The injection speed and screw rpm must be moderate. High-shear regions such as flow through the gate must be appropriately addressed through gate design.

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

The two companies have agreed to collaborate on creating advanced products based on industry-leading Ingeo PLA and Phact PHA technologies to meet growing demand for sustainable materials across a broad  array of markets

Overmolding stands out as an exceptional method for plastic joining, as it goes beyond merely combining multiple materials. Overmolding, in particular, offers extensive benefits for component or device design and performance. It serves as a versatile solution to dampen sound and absorb vibrations, insulate delicate electronic components, and enhance resistance to chemicals and moisture. Moreover, it facilitates the incorporation of a diverse array of colors directly into the plastic, rendering it suitable for applications like keyboards, functional buttons, branding, and customized aesthetics. Overmolding seamlessly integrates these advantages into a single, waste-reducing, efficient process that significantly lowers production costs.

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.

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

FDA listing clears the way for CJ Biomaterials’ amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate to be used in the manufacture of food contact materials sold in the U.S.

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.

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.

As technology advances, so does the realm of plastic joining, with innovative methods that harness heat to manipulate melt temperatures, enhance adhesion, and modify other key characteristics of plastic materials. Let’s delve into these advanced approaches:

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

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.

To develop the ultimate physical and appearance properties of PLA/aPHA blends, the material should be processed at the maximum allowable melt temperature without excessive thermal degradation. It should be injected at slow speed, packed at the minimum pressure required to fill out the mold details, and packed long enough until the gate freezes.

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

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.

▪  Cooling time:  This should be long enough that the part ejectors do not penetrate the part. The part should not stick in the cavity and eject freely. The cooling requirements of a part are strongly dependent on its wall thickness. It is recommended to start long — e.g., 15–30 sec — to  ensure the part can be ejected, and then gradually reduce the cooling time when the cycle is running. At a minimum, the cooling time will be equal to the screw recovery time.

Laser welding capitalizes on the concentrated heat and precision of a laser beam to fuse plastics. It is particularly well-suited for applications that involve plastics of varying thicknesses. Laser welding excels in high-volume production scenarios, offering the ability to create narrow and deep welds, meeting the stringent demands of complex parts.

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

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.

In this article we explore the use of amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (aPHA), which is commercially produced by CJ Biomaterials (a division of CJ CheilJedang), to improve the mechanical properties of brittle polymers such as PLA in injection molding applications. While modification of PLA is the focus here, a similar approach may be employed for a variety of other polymers used in molding applications.

Plastic Mold Manufacturing Plastic Injection MoldingRapid PrototypingCNC MachiningSheet Metal StampingPressure Die CastingSilicone & Rubber PartsSurface Finishing

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

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.

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Max Senechal is the chief commercial officer at CJ Biomaterials. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the chemical and material industries, with the last 13 years spent on the development of biomaterials at Metabolix, Ginkgo Bioworks, and CJ Biomaterials. Contact: (339) 999-2693; max.senechal@cj.net; cjbio.net.

•  Improved flexibility and potential for living hinges in molded parts. Figure 3 shows the influence of aPHA addition on the modulus of PLA.

•  Faster PLA industrial composting. As shown in Fig. 1, blending 10% aPHA with PLA permits composting times about 30 days faster.

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

Plastic welding involves melting the surfaces of the plastic components to be joined and fusing them together, relied on the application of heat, pressure, and sometimes the addition of filler material to melt and bond the plastic surfaces. It is typically used for joining thermoplastics plastics that can be melted and reshaped multiple times) and is well-suited for applications requiring airtight or watertight seals, high structural integrity, or hermetic bonding.

Eunhye (Grace) Lee is the group manager of polymer application R&D at CJ Biomaterials. She has a Ph.D in polymer engineering from Osaka University and over 10 years’ experience in research on biopolymers. In particular, she has led application studies on biopolymers such as PLA, PHA, and PGA. She recently published several papers on the behavior of polymer properties and the use of biopolymers. Eunhye is currently conducting research on improving the physical properties of PHA biopolymers and compounds including tuning rates of biodegradability. Contact: (339) 999-2693; grace.lee@cj.net; cjbio.net.

For example, its low glass-transition temperature (Tg) around -17℃ leads to high stability and elasticity at low temperatures, compared with semi-crystalline PHAs in the market. The high biodegradability of aPHA is also one of its most remarkable characteristics. It is certified to be biodegradable in various environments, including soil and marine, by microorganisms that can use it as a carbon source.

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.

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

To date, CJ Biomaterials has introduced two compounds for injection molding, CA1180P and CA1170P, which are based on PLA and aPHA along with a small amount of mineral filler. Their cost and performance are differentiated by the content of aPHA and mineral filler. The spider chart  (Fig. 4) demonstrates the performance of CA1180P relative to a standard PLA injection molding grade. It is evident that CA1180P, which is 100% biobased and compostable, has significantly higher impact strength and elongation relative to PLA alone, while only a modest decrease in strength is evident.

Plastic bonding involves using adhesives or chemical agents to create a strong, durable bond between plastic surfaces. Adhesives are selected based on their compatibility with the plastic materials being bonded. It is used for joining a wide range of plastic materials, including thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics. Plastic bonding is often chosen when the plastic components are heat-sensitive or have complex shapes. It is also used for applications requiring flexibility or vibration resistance.

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.

Infrared welding is a rapid and non-contact method that introduces infrared radiation into the plastic components. This radiation is promptly converted into heat, causing the surfaces to melt. The two parts are then pressed together, and with the application of pressure, they bond seamlessly. This technique ensures efficient and effective joining, making it a valuable tool in the plastics industry.

The optimal hold time is the time that it takes the gate to seal off, at which point the weight of the part does not increase with further holding. For PLA/aPHA blends, hold times of 3–10 sec are common; longer hold times can be used for more complex parts. Sink marks and voids in the part indicate insufficient hold time.

The method choice of melt plastic together depends on factors such as the type of plastics being joined, the desired strength of the bond, the application, and the specific manufacturing requirements.

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

Incorporating these advanced plastic joining techniques signifies an evolution in the industry, providing versatility and efficiency while ensuring the structural integrity of the final products. These methods allow manufacturers to achieve a range of functional and aesthetic goals, driving innovation and sustainability within the field of plastics.

•  Considerable impact toughening of PLA.  As shown in Fig. 2,  aPHA can enable PLA to transition from a brittle polymer to a ductile polymer.

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

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

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