A 360-degree look at resin conveying systems: types, operation, economics, design, installation, components and controls.
This Knowledge Center provides an overview of resin moisture and the drying process, including information on the best drying practices for your manufacturing facility. pvc synthetic leather for sofa
Combat the skilled labor shortage using this comprehensive resource to train your own plastics processing experts.
Deep dive into the basics of blending versus dosing, controls, maintenance, process integration and more.
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.
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.
First quarter was ending up with upward pricing, primarily due to higher feedstock costs and not supply/demand fundamentals.
Despite earlier anticipated rollover in prices for most of the volume commodity resins, prices were generally on the way up for all going into the third month of first quarter.
While price initiatives for PE and PVC were underway, resin prices had rollover potential for first two months of 2024, perhaps with the exception of PET.
Flat-to-downward trajectory for at least this month.
A mixed bag, though prices likely to be down if not flat for all this month.
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.
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.
In this collection of articles, two of the industry’s foremost authorities on screw design — Jim Frankand and Mark Spalding — offer their sage advice on screw design...what works, what doesn’t, and what to look for when things start going wrong.
In this 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
NPE2024: Following the company’s recent partnership buyout, new North American geographic territories are in its sight.
New materials and machinery offer processors the means to run their businesses more efficiently and more inline with the circular economy. But you have to say yes.
Firing up a cold blown-film line after a shutdown involves multiple pieces of equipment that all interact. Here’s a look at those components individually and some best practices on how to get your line up and running as quickly and safely as possible.
NPE2024: Purgex team hosting technical seminars throughout the show with industry pros.
NPE2024: Advancements and forward-thinking initiatives in plastics manufacturing will be highlighted.
Plastics processing activity didn’t make its way into expansion territory in March, but seems headed in that direction.
Beyond Plastic and partners have created a certified biodegradable PHA compound that can be injection molded into 38-mm closures in a sub 6-second cycle from a multicavity hot runner tool.
There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs. In this installment, the focus is on design and placement of sucker/puller pins.
Despite last-minute design changes and other unexpected roadblocks, thermoformer TriEnda works with a key supplier on innovative reusable shipping container.
NPE 2024: Teknor Apex discusses its recyclable thermoplastic elastomers and much more between Tuesday and Thursday
Topping five other entries in voting by fellow molders, the Ultradent team talks about their Hot Shots sweep.
Serendipitous Learning Opportunities at PTXPO Underscore the Value of Being Present.
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.
Ultradent's entry of its Umbrella cheek retractor took home the awards for Technical Sophistication and Achievement in Economics and Efficiency at PTXPO.
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.
Shibaura discusses the upcoming Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) March 28-30
Manufacture of several core products, including specific models and sizes of injection molding machines, automation and auxiliaries have shifted out of Austria and into Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey.
NPE2024: The competition is a collaboration between Hillenbrand, Net Impact and Coca Cola.
The Austrian maker of injection molding machines and automation announced at NPE2024 that it will establish optimized sales, logistics and production structures for its three major regions: Europe, Asia and America.
The Miami-based supplier of various plastics technologies also featured a melt-temperature testing system, closed-loop cooling manifolds and its successful mold crane offering.
The Korean maker of injection molding machines featured eight machines in its nearly 14,000-square-foot booth with additional presses at Yushin and Incoe’s booths, as it targets 20% market share.
Wolfgang Meyer, a German mechanical engineer and industry leader whose contributions to plastics machinery have shaped the industry. Inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2024, Meyer’s work in injection molding, blow molding and sustainability has left an enduring legacy.
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.
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.
Multiple speakers at Molding 2023 will address the ways simulation can impact material substitution decisions, process profitability and simplification of mold design.
When, how, what and why to automate — leading robotics suppliers and forward-thinking moldmakers will share their insights on automating manufacturing at collocated event.
As self-imposed and government-issued sustainability mandates approach, injection molders reimagine their operations.
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.
Get your clicking finger in shape and sign up for all that we have in store for you in 2023.
Molding 2023 to take place Aug. 29-30 in Minnesota; Extrusion 2023 slated for Oct. 10-12 in Indiana.
You likely either know a company who uses dry ice to clean or perhaps you are considering investing in the process. This webinar is your opportunity to gain insight into the science and data behind the process. Cold Jet will share independent testing studies; customer studies, testimonials and case studies; and governmental position statements. It will also review the most common application in plastics — cleaning various types of molds — and why utilizing microparticle dry ice is so popular. Agenda: Dry ice blasting and how to adapt to various applications Insight to the non-abrasive claims of dry ice blasting Where in plastics it is most used: videos and case studies Monitoring the process for data-driven decisions
Cooling time is typically the longest step of the molding process. How can you make it more productive? Learn how cooling time can be turned into production time by running two molding processes simultaneously on a single molding machine. For longer cycles, this can mean twice the productivity. In this webinar, you'll learn more about the Shuttle Mold System and how to calculate its potential productivity impacts for your application. Agenda: Learn how the Shuttle Mold System can deliver value to your business See the recent technical updates made to the system Calculate the potential impact on productivity
Discover possible applications in large format printing including layup tools, transport modules, film fixation devices, design components and enclosures. These are used in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, architecture and many others. Agenda: Possible applications in large format printing: layup tools, transport modules, film fixing devices, design components and enclosures. Process reliability and component quality in component production Pros and cons of the technology Sneak peek into current development projects—What will the large format printing of tomorrow look like?
In this webinar, Cold Jet will discuss some of the ways processors use dry ice such as in-machine mold cleaning at operating temperatures, de-flashing or de-burring parts, improving OEE scores, extending mold life, cleaning parts before painting, post-processing 3D printed parts, lowering GHG emissions, and monitoring and reporting the process. Agenda: Cold Jet Overview & Dry Ice 101 Understanding the Process and Fine-Tuning Techniques Case Studies: Applications in Plastics Monitoring the Process Exploring the Importance of Dry Ice Cleaning in an ESG Era
Finding it hard to get technical talent? Experiencing the pain of a knowledgeable, long-term employee's retirement? Learn how plastics processors are training generative AIs on their operations and unlocking the value from their tribal knowledge. Plastics processors are training generative AI models on their operations — from machine manuals to tools, polymers, procedures, maintenance records and engineering projects. Applying generative AI in the right ways can lower plastics processors' costs, improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and upskill teams. In this webinar, you'll learn how to deploy AI technical assistants to your teams, what works and what doesn't, and how to use AI to build an organization that never loses tribal knowledge and fosters inter-team collaboration. Agenda: What is generative AI and how can its cognitive abilities be applied to plastics? Case study: how an injection molder trained a large language model on manuals and maintenance records to reduce downtime Case study: using generative AI in engineering teams to improve product development Live demonstration of a generative AI deep-trained on plastics knowledge Looking to the future: five predictions for an AI-augmented workforce in plastics
Turnaround time can be as low as 24 hours, although two or three days might be more typical. Rapid prototyping like this is especially useful to quickly identify critical end-use part geometries that will work in the molding process. Key components include material choice, 3D printing technology selected, use of adaptable mold bases for the mold inserts and implementation of appropriate injection molding process conditions. This presentation will review work conducted toward the assessment of a high-stiffness, high-temperature-resistant ceramic modified urethane acrylate for injection molding inserts. Agenda: Guide for 3D-printed injection mold inserts Optimization of digital light processing (DLP) printing Compatibility with various thermoplastics Real-world application success stories
As an annual conference and supportive community, Moms in MFG is designed exclusively to support working parents and caregivers in manufacturing. Moms in MFG is dedicated to empowering and connecting moms and caregivers in manufacturing. In addition, it aims to assist manufacturing companies in discovering how they can provide the necessary support and create a nurturing environment for caregivers in manufacturing. Through valuable content, networking opportunities, and collaboration with fellow industry professionals, Moms in MFG celebrates the unique journey of moms and caregivers in manufacturing.
The Society Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division and the SPE Eastern New England Section will co-host the Screw Design Conference-Topcon on June 19-20, 2024 @ UMass Lowell in Lowell, MA. This highly technical program will focus upon screw design principles for single and twin screw extruders with wide ranging topics relating to screw designs for feeding, melting, mixing, venting and pumping plastics products and parts. Areas of focus will include screw designs for melt temperature and gel management, gel minimization, bioplastics, recycled materials and foaming. In addition to the technical sessions, a tour of the UMass Lowel Plastics Processing Laboratories will be integrated into Day 2 of the event. This program is not just for screw designers, but to help anyone responsible for any type of extrusion operation to evaluate existing extrusion equipment; and also to prepare for future projects. Price to attend: Less than $1000! Registrations will be accepted in early 2024. Call for papers – To be considered to give a presentation, please submit a talk title and abstract on or before December 15 to: Technical Chair: Eldridge M. Mount III, e-mail emmount@msn.com Corporate sponsorships - A limited # of corporate sponsorships (15) are available on a 1st come basis. Included is a 6’ tabletop display (must fit on table), denotation in all promotional activities, and 1 no charge registration. To become a sponsor contact: Charlie Martin, Leistritz Extrusion, e-mail cmartin@leistritz-extrusion.com, cell 973-650 3137 General information: A reception on Day 1 and a tabletop display area will allow the attendees to meet and discuss state-of-the-art screw technologies with industry experts. The SPE Extrusion Division will issue a “Screw Design Certificate” to all participants who have attended the program. Students are encouraged to attend and will receive a discounted rate. For additional information contact: Program Chair: Karen Xiao, Macro Engineering, KXiao@macroeng.com
Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today. Discover all that the 2022 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!
Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop at IMTS 2024 is a chance for job shops to learn the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. First introduced at IMTS 2014, this workshop has helped hundreds of manufacturing professionals expand their additive capabilities.
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).
Generally, a bottoming-out appears to be the projected pricing trajectory.
After further decreases in PE, PP, PS and PVC prices in the June-July time frame, the trajectory for third quarter’s second half was generally expected to be flat. This, barring production disruptions from a hurricane or other major event.
With the exception of PET, suppliers of the other four commodity resins had come out with price increases, a move largely viewed as one aimed at preventing further erosion and also attributed to some forecasts for a strengthening hurricane season. Continued lackluster demand, lower feedstock costs in some cases, generally ample supply despite lowered production rates, and new capacity are contributing factors.
These are the views of purchasing consultants from Resin Technology Inc. (RTi), senior analysts from Houston-based PetroChemWire (PCW), CEO Michael Greenberg of The Plastics Exchange, and Scott Newell, executive v.p. polyolefins at distributor/compounder Spartan Polymers.
Polyethylene prices dropped 3¢/lb in June, had the potential for a similar drop in July, and projected to be generally flat in August-September, according to David Barry, PCW’s associate director for PE, PP and PS, Robin Chesshier, RTi’s v.p. of PE, PS and nylon 6 markets, and The Plastic Exchange’s CEO Michael Greenberg.
These industry insiders did not see the possibility of any increase being implemented. While demand for exports was strong, domestic demand was generally described as flat, with production rates in the low-80s percentile. PCW’s Barry sees some potential for prices dropping a bit more this month, as Nova Chemicals was bringing on major new capacity and Shell was becoming more of a factor.
RTi’s Chesshire notes that for quite some time, there has been a double-digit delta between contract and spot prices. The Plastic Exchange’s Greenberg observes: “Market prices continued to see consolidation. The low end of the spectrum firmed as deeply discounted offers continued to dry up while the topside trimmed as contract buyers have been negotiating nonmarket adjusted deals since the spot vs contract/index disparity remained wide.”
Polypropylene prices dropped 4¢/lb in June in step with propylene monomer contracts for a total of 19¢/lb since March, according to PCW’s Barry, Spartan Polymers’ Newell, and The Plastic Exchange’s Greenberg. They expect prices in July to be a rollover, and potentially trending that way within the August-September period. Meanwhile, at least four major PP suppliers had issued nonmonomer-related increases of 3¢/lb for August, which PCW’s Barry noted was unprecedented for this time of year. And this as new propylene monomer production was coming onstream, adding even more supply to a weak demand market.
Both Barry and Greenberg report that spot PP prices were firming up, but that it was unclear whether this was due to an increase in ‘real’ demand or a temporary restocking phase. Says Spartan Polymers’ Newell, “The industry mood is still bearish and this rebound may not hold as some are forecasting a weak third quarter.” He notes that processors were running their plants in the range of 70-80%, with some as low as 50-60%. PP homopolymer was regarded as well supplied, and was expected to be even more so as Heartland Polymers was bringing on substantial new capacity. PP impact and random copolymer grades were somewhat snug. Demand for construction applications appeared to be trending a bit stronger but remained soft for housewares.
Polystyrene prices dropped by 6¢/lb in July, following a 3¢/lb drop in June, as contract prices for both benzene and ethylene dropped, according to PCW’s Barry and RTi’s Chesshier. Still, styrene monomer prices were rising due to unplanned production outages, leading at least one major supplier to issue an August price hike of 5¢/lb.
However, both sources characterize domestic demand as continued low, with production rates throttled back to the low 50% range. Due to some forecasts of higher feedstock prices, they ventured prices in the August-September time frame could be flat to slightly up. Barry reports that spot prices for both general-purpose PS and HIPS remained flat going into August. The implied styrene cost, based on a 30% ethylene/70% benzene spot formula rose by 2.7¢/lb within July.
PVC prices in June dropped 2¢/lb, with a rollover in July, a potential increase of 1¢/lb to 2¢/lb in August, and another rollover in September, according to Paul Pavlov, RTi’s v.p. of PP and PVC and PCW’s senior editor Donna Todd. The latter noted that fourth-quarter forecasts were for flat prices for October, and a drop of 2¢/lb and 1¢/lb for November and December, respectively. Meanwhile, suppliers were out with an August increase of 2¢/lb.
According to Pavlov, production rates were increased to nearly mid-70s percentile from a low of 61%, owing primarily to higher exports demand, as domestic demand is characterized as lackluster. Todd says suppliers were confident they would get their August increase, but a similar increase for September lacked the support of one leading supplier.
But, she adds that some market participants did not rule out two increases going through. “Between the tightness of the domestic market and rising export prices, they believe there is sufficient justification to make the change. While demand in July dropped and was expected to remain slow through August, converters expect to see demand pick up after Labor Day. They don’t anticipate that demand will return to historical norms in the fall, however.”
PET prices remained flat through June-July, with a potential fractional price drop in August and as much as 1.5¢/lb in September, based on raw material formulation contracts, according to Mark Kallman, RTi’s v.p. of PVC, PET and engineering resins. This, barring higher crude oil prices. He noted there was an uptick in demand in the bottle resin category due to record high temperatures. Despite lower industry production rates, material is readily available as are lower cost imports.
PS prices to see significant drop, with some potential for a modest downward path for others.
Trajectory is generally flat-to-down for all commodity resins.
Exceptions in early March were PP and PS, which moved up solely due to feedstock constraints, along with slight upward movement in PVC and PET.
Major price correction looms for PP, and lower prices are projected for PE, PS, PVC and PET.
Coverage of single-use plastics can be both misleading and demoralizing. Here are 10 tips for changing the perception of the plastics industry at your company and in your community.
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.
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.
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