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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.

“The board helps us reduce delivery times and costs on initial parts while hard tooling is being made,” says VTE general manager Sam Geiger. “We can make a cavity for a heavy-gauge application in three days versus two-weeks for an aluminum tool. And we did it cheaper due to the shorter manufacturing time.” VTE built a package of 15 prototype molds in a two-week period for one customer and says it can make a mold in as little as a day. “If it’s a small mold, say 12 x 12 in., and we have the specifications in the morning, we can have the cavity done that evening,” Geiger claims.

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VTE also developed particular practices for machining Ren Shape. Machining typically begins with a 0.5-in.-deep cut, followed by cuts 1-in. and then 1.5-in. deep. Two-fluted, hardened-steel ball-end mills are used to machine the board at 3500 rpm and 120 in./min for roughing. Finishing cuts are made with a 0.25-in. tapered, fluted-end mills at 4500-5000 rpm and 150-160 in./min., using a 0.007-in. stepover to produce mold surfaces that require no secondary finishing. The finished cavity is inserted into a standard aluminum mold base.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Driven by brand owner demands and new worldwide legislation, the entire supply chain is working toward the shift to circularity, with some evidence the circular economy has already begun.

A collaboration between show organizer PLASTICS, recycler CPR and size reduction experts WEIMA and Conair recovered and recycled all production scrap at NPE2024.

Join Engel in exploring the future of battery molding technology. Discover advancements in thermoplastic composites for battery housings, innovative automation solutions and the latest in large-tonnage equipment designed for e-mobility — all with a focus on cost-efficient solutions. Agenda: Learn about cutting-edge thermoplastic composites for durable, sustainable and cost-efficient battery housings Explore advanced automation concepts for efficient and scalable production See the latest large-tonnage equipment and technology innovations for e-mobility solutions

In 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

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

Successfully starting or restarting an injection molding machine is less about ticking boxes on a rote checklist and more about individually assessing each processing scenario and its unique variables.

Say “manufacturing automation” and thoughts immediately go to the shop floor and specialized production equipment, robotics and material handling systems. But there is another realm of possible automation — the front office.

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

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

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

Ren Shape modeling boards from Vantico are used by moldmaker VTE to machine cavities for thermoformed prototype parts in half the time and for half the cost of aluminum molds.

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.

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.

Introduced by Zeiger and Spark Industries at the PTXPO, the nozzle is designed for maximum heat transfer and uniformity with a continuous taper for self cleaning.

August 29-30 in Minneapolis all things injection molding and moldmaking will be happening at the Hyatt Regency — check out who’s speaking on what topics today.

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

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

While prices moved up for three of the five commodity resins, there was potential for a flat trajectory for the rest of the third quarter.

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.

The 4-in.-thick boards come in sizes of 16 x 60 in. VTE uses Vantico’s Ren Weld 103 adhesive to join several boards into a solid block that VTE can then machine into deep-draw molds using its standard three-axis CNC milling equipment and tool bits. VTE has made Ren Shape cavities with up to 24-in. depth of draw.

“It’s a lot faster to machine,” Geiger. “You don’t have to polish it. When it comes off the machine, it’s done. We achieve the same high level of detail as with an aluminum tool.”

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.

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

VTE produces thermoforming molds for deep-draw parts as well as food trays, bowls, and other highly contoured containers from PP, PE, PS, and polycarbonate. The firm has been working with Ren Shape for more than two years to produce mold cavities for forming both heavy-gauge sheet (up to 3/16 in.) and thin films.VTE uses the Ren Shape Type 450 board (one of a family of products with a range properties), which has sufficient strength and heat resistance to withstand numerous thermoforming cycles. It has a glass-transition temperature of 205 F, Shore hardness of 65D, and tensile strength of 2300 psi.

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.

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 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.

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.

On the other hand, the heat trapped in the Ren Shape tool can help provide good part definition with heavy-gauge sheet. Because the cycles are slower, Ren Shape molds have run up to 500 heavy-gauge parts without problems. “We specialize in Ren Shape tooling for prototyping heavy-gauge parts,” notes Geiger. “One of our biggest projects was tooling for sample-part production of sleeper cabs for 2000-model tractor trailers from Kenilworth. Ren Shape molds as large as 5 x 6 ft were used to form everything in the cab, including the dashboard, interior, roof, refrigerator, stove, and sleeper bunk.

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

These injection molding machines are perfect for use at home. Read on to see the best DIY desktop injection molding machines!

The aim of this presentation is to guide you through the factors and the numbers that will help you determine if a robot is a smart investment for your application. Agenda:  Why are you considering automation? What problems are you trying to solve? How and why automation can help Crunch the numbers and determine the ROI

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.

A new rapid manufacturing method for prototype thermoforming tools developed by Vantage Tool and Engineering (VTE) of Fort Wayne, Ind., generates high-quality short-run tooling in half the time and for half the cost of an aluminum production mold. VTE’s low-cost molds have proven useful for up to 500 molding cycles. Previous materials used for prototype or short-run thermoform tooling, such as epoxy or wood, reportedly are less durable and less able to provide highly detailed parts.

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

VTE is apparently the first maker of thermoforming molds to take advantage of Ren Shape modeling boards from Vantico Inc., Ren Shape Tooling Systems (formerly the Performance Polymers Div. of Ciba Specialty Chemicals) in East Lansing, Mich. Made from polyurethane and proprietary fillers, Ren Shape modeling boards have been used in injection molding and metal casting to machine dimensionally stable models, fixtures, foundry patterns, and tooling that have high accuracy and precise part definition.

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.

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.

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.

“Thin-wall parts that run at temperatures up to 450 F are typically the most difficult to form because the Ren Shape mold holds in the heat. When we’re running multiple parts, heat build-up has the potential to damage the mold surface. So we reduce the cycle speed to allow the heat to dissipate,” says Geiger. With thin-gauge products, he says, “We may get only one or two hits off the Ren Shape tool, then we have to let it cool down. With thin gauges we may run only 50 cycles total.”

On the other hand, VTE says it took a lot of experience working with the Ren Shape material to learn how to produce tools properly and to recognize its limitations in certain applications. When making mold blocks of Ren Shape, Geiger says that “accurate measuring and weighing of the adhesive components is the key to attaining strong bond lines and proper joining.” VTE clamps the boards for 48 hr to let the adhesive cure adequately. “During testing, we’ve found that the board shears before the bond line breaks,” Geiger notes.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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