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‘Ultrafast’ Machine for Large PET Bottles | Plastics Technology

A 360-degree look at resin conveying systems: types, operation, economics, design, installation, components and controls.

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

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.  

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.

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.

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

An integral supplier in the effort to fast-track COVID-19 vaccine deployment, Retractable Technologies turned to Arburg and its PressurePilot technology to help deliver more than 500 million syringes during the pandemic.

With frequent purging, you can minimize serious contamination issues and get both better results and higher profits.

Offerings range from recycled, biobased, biodegradable  and monomaterial structures that enhance recyclability to additives that are more efficient, sustainable and safer to use.  

Understand the differences between distributive and dispersive mixing, and how you can promote one or the other in your screw design.

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.

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

NPE 2024: On May 8, company chairman and CEO Michael Heinz gives keynote session, “Our Plastics Journey: The Road to a Sustainable Future.”

NPE2024: Mechanically actuated gum space adjustment requires only ordinary socket wrench.  

NPE2024: Newest extrusion tool retains benefits of previous design and adds features to boost quality.    

Dr. Walter Kaminsky’s pioneering research on metallocene catalysts at the University of Hamburg sparked a global revolution in plastics production. Inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2024, Kaminsky’s legacy continues to shape the polyolefin industry and plastic recycling technologies.

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. 

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.

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

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

Tony will address common challenges encountered at each stage and provide invaluable insights to effectively navigate these obstacles. Agenda: Bridging the gap between color and appearance: learn how to achieve harmony between the intended color and the final appearance of your plastic products. Importance of using a data-driven color management model: color measurement technology provides valuable insights and analytics that enable plastic manufacturers to optimize color formulations, troubleshoot color inconsistencies, enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement in their production processes. Choosing the right toolset: gain insights into selecting the most suitable technology and processes tailored to your workflow and specific needs.

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).

The EvoBLOW range of rotary reheat stretch blow machines from Sidel formerly was sized for PET bottles up to 3.5 L size. Sidel’s EvoBLOW XL machine extends that range up to 10 L. Described as “ultrafast,” this new model produces up to 18,000 bph with a “proven” 98% Overal Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

The XL machine has 75% of parts in common with the rest of the EvoBLOW range. It has an ergonomic, embedded mold-handling tool that’s said to simplify position of heavy molds and ensure safety. The mobile mold storage unit provides fast and safe access to molds close to the machine. Newly designed blowing circuits and valves help reduce energy consumption. The XL model can integrate with other Sidel solutions such as its latest ultrafast changeover system, Bottle Switch. It also can connect with Sidel’s Evo-ON cloud software for predictive maintenance and monitoring of energy consumption and productivity performance.

With sustainability top-of-mind in the plastics industry, this was a ground-breaking show for builders of recycling equipment. It also prompted new thinking in thinwall injection molding.

PP prices appear on the verge a major downward trajectory, with some potential of a modest downward path for others.

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