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. Cyclopentane Bond Angles
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.
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.
Trajectory is generally flat-to-down for all commodity resins.
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.
There are many fundamental differences between thermosets and thermoplastics, from the way raw materials are furnished to the molder and the process in which parts are molded.
It’s all about sustainability and the circular economy, and it will be on display in Orlando across all the major processes. But there will be plenty to see in automation, AI and machine learning as well.
Polymer Resources responds to sustainability push by upgrading plant with grinding and shredding equipment to take on both postindustrial and postconsumer reclaim.
First quarter was ending up with upward pricing, primarily due to higher feedstock costs and not supply/demand fundamentals.
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.
Megatrends such as sustainability are the driving force behind a slew of new product introductions at the May show. Catch up on what’s in store on the show floor right here.
With frequent purging, you can minimize serious contamination issues and get both better results and higher profits.
Realtime Robotics seeks to get more robots involved in manufacturing by addressing the biggest current barrier: programming costs.
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.
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
NPE2024: Cypet shows off new capabilities for its ISBM machines.
As the government funds infrastructure improvements, a hot topic at NPE2024 – exploration of the role recycled plastics can play in upcoming projects, particularly road development.
NPE2024: Hear from industry experts at the Bottling Stage.
NPE2024: Jomar is showing its 85-S GEN II machine with beefed-up specs, in standard servohydraulic version and brand-new hybrid model.
The Recycling & Sustainability Zone is the place to learn about new technologies and strategies for a greener plastics economy.
Progressive Component’s line of TI Pins now includes 267 standard sizes in new, longer lengths.
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.
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
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
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?
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
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.
Innovative closures at the forefront of this trend have fostered a tooling evolution that enables cost-effective manufacturing of lightweight designs. Find out more about why global beverage brands are switching closures, specific design best practices and the significant merits of a mono-material package solution. Join this webinar to find out how these production changes can enable you to reach your sustainability goals and drive business growth. Agenda: The trend toward lightweight beverage closure designs The advantages of lightweight and tethered closures Why beverage brands are implementing tethered solutions even in the absence of mandates Tooling design best practices to mold today’s ultra-lightweight closure designs The merits of a mono material package solution
Every three years, leaders from almost every major industry gather at NPE to advance their businesses through innovations in plastics. The largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE offers six technology zones, keynote speakers, workshops and opportunities to build partnerships.
The 3D Printing Workshop @ NPE2024 – The Plastics Show, is an immersive, half-day workshop focused on the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop will build upon a successful model first introduced at IMTS 2014. Attendees will benefit from a program focused on practical applications of 3D technologies related to plastics processing. This event will conclude with a 3D Printing Industry Reception sponsored by Additive Manufacturing Media.
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.
HFCs, pentanes, and blends are all in the running for next-generation rigid insulation foams. SPI's PUR Conference provided a status report.
As the deadline for phasing out ozone-depleting HCFCs draws nearer, the polyurethanes industry is stepping up efforts to develop and supply "cleaner" alternatives for rigid foams. This was a central theme of SPI's Polyurethanes Expo '99 in Orlando, Fla. Conference papers highlighted efforts to replace HCFC-141b, the leading blowing agent in North America for PUR thermal insulation. The Montreal Protocol specifies a January 1, 2003 phase-out date for HCFC-141b. Industry has until 2007 to replace HCFCs 22 and 142, which have lower ODP (ozone depletion potential). However, these have limited application in rigid PUR foam and mostly in blends with 141b. HCFC-124, which has even lower ODP, can be used until 2010. HCFC-124 was brought forward as a candidate in the last year by AlliedSignal, which offers it commercially. However, it has not been approved by EPA as a blowing agent for rigid PUR foam and may not turn out to be a serious contender. The presentations in Orlando indicated that the leading candidates to replace HCFC-141b currently include the liquid HFCs 245fa and 365mfc, gaseous HFC-134a, and hydrocarbons (cyclopentane, isopentane, and n-pentane). The latter, which are accepted as zero-ODP blowing agents overseas, have captured the interest of foamers here. Most of the current activity with hydrocarbons in the U.S. is in rigid foam laminations--both boardstock and sandwich panels. However, blends of HFC-245fa with CO2 and other agents are also very much under consideration for insulation uses. The pressure is even greater on the appliance industry, which must meet new Dept. of Energy standards that require 25-35% better energy efficiency by July 2001. Extensive development efforts have centered on new rigid-foam systems for refrigeration. The leading candidates appear to be HFC-245fa, HFC-134a--a commercially available product that is already being used here and in Europe--and cyclopentane. The conference also highlighted advances in PUR foam chemistry and equipment for automotive uses, particularly molded seating. They include a new cold-cure, low-density MDI foam technology; non-fugitive catalysts and low-fogging surfactants for flexible foam; and a low-BHT polymer polyol for cold-cure molding.
The key question a year ago was when would new HFCs become commercially available. Today, that question is getting some answers. In mid-September, AlliedSignal Inc. received U.S. EPA approval of HFC-245fa for use in all foam-blowing end uses. The company has picked its Geismar, La., site for production of the new blowing agent. AlliedSignal plans to make the product commercially available by mid-2002. Capacity has yet to be finalized, as projected demand is still being determined. HFC-245fa's insulation performance has been shown to be superior to other non-ozone depleting products, including hydrocarbons and HFC-134a. Meanwhile, ICI Klea plans to increase capacity for its Klea HFC-134a at St. Gabriel, La., and in the U.K. and Japan. Capacity at the three plants will be increased by 22 million lb/yr initially and by a total of 143 million lb/yr in 2001. A separate project includes plans to boost capacity at St. Gabriel by an additional 44 million lb/yr as required to meet market demand. In September, Belgium's Solvay SA started up a pilot plant for HFC-365mfc. It has plans to start up commercial production sometime in 2002. HFC-365mfc has a higher boiling point than 245fa (104 F vs. 60 F), and Solvay is touting it as more suitable than 245fa for building insulation. However, Solvay cannot supply the product in North America because of patent issues. AlliedSignal has licensed exclusive North American patent rights for both HFC-365mfc and HFC-245fa from Bayer AG. AlliedSignal has no plans to produce HFC-365mfc commercially. Company sources say HFC-245fa is the closest thing to a drop-in replacement for HCFC-141b as it requires only slight formulation changes, and it has been shown to be the best performer even for the more cost-sensitive construction market. In fact, within the last year AlliedSignal has come up with blends of 245fa and water that address both processing and cost limitations of using 245fa in spray foams.
In Orlando, Dow Chemical and Maytag-Galesburg Refrigerator Products, a div. of Maytag Corp. in Galesburg, Ill., discussed development of appliance foams using liquid and gaseous blowing agents. They reported that HFC-245fa, HFC-134a, and HCFC-124 reduce foam surface defects in contact with steel cabinets and plastic liners. This advantage is said to be due to their lower boiling points compared with HCFC-141b and cyclopentane. Moreover, HFC-245fa and HCFC-124 have little or no effect on appliance manufacturing processes or DOE energy-efficiency ratings. In one study, the K-factor of an HFC-245fa-blown foam neared that of ones made with HCFC-141b. While HFC-245fa gave a higher K-factor at 75 F, its foams performed as well as or better than 141b foams at 30 F, where it counts. HCFC-124 performed even better. But Dow and Maytag sources feel that since EPA recently gave the green light to HFC-245fa, it is unlikely to do the same for an HCFC. AlliedSignal's update on HFC-245fa emphasized that the product is non-flammable and has a low order of toxicity. Studies have shown the product to be less aggressive than HCFC-141b to HIPS liner material used in refrigerator cabinets and therefore the barrier layer can be eliminated. In addition, compared with HCFC-141b, HFC-245fa appears to provide equal energy efficiency, while refrigerators foamed with HFC-134a and cyclopentane use 14% and 11% more energy, respectively. HFC-245fa is expected to be about 9% more expensive to use than HCFC-141b. HFC-134a and cyclopentane would be about 38% and 30% more expensive, respectively. Nonetheless, work continues on optimizing use of the two currently available 141b replacements, HFC-134a and cyclopentane. A blend of the two was shown to offer a good compromise between the better insulation value of cyclopentane and the better dimensional stability obtained with 134a. Such a blowing combo is not expected to need a barrier liner over the foam. Bayer Corp. reported at the conference that high-purity cyclopentane produces better K-factors than blends of cyclo- and isopentane. The latter produced neither lower densities nor higher compressive strengths as had been expected. Bayer researchers also noted that increasing the foam's water level reduced the amount of catalyst needed to obtain a given gel time and reduced the foam density obtained with a given amount of auxiliary blowing agent. Bayer says those two factors can reduce costs. Foam with higher water levels also had lower K-factor due to improved foam cell structure.
Huntsman Polyurethanes (formerly ICI Polyurethanes) reported on the first phase of its work on replacing HCFC-141b in rigid spray foams for roofing with water or water/HFC-134a blends. Both formulations reportedly met specifications for density, compressive strength, and dimensional stability, while adhesion and appearance were judged to be acceptable. When a small amount of HFC-134a was added to a water-blown foam, all aspects of dimensional stability improved. This is because the heavier blowing agent molecule does not diffuse from the cells as rapidly as CO2 does. Thermal performance with various foams was in line with what can be expected for water-blown foams. Initial K-factors ranged from 0.18 to 0.21 Btu-in./hr-ft2-¡F, with the variation attributed to processing variables affecting cell size and orientation. Huntsman researchers believe these parameters could be manipulated to keep the K-factor at the low end of the range. Solvay reported on its lab-scale development of formulations based on HFC-365mfc and blends. A key drawback of HFC-365mfc is its low solubility in standard polyols, compared with HCFC-141b. Trials with a non-flammable blend of 93% HFC-365mfc and 7% HFC-134a showed it can be used in applications ranging from discontinuous panel production to spray foams without major problems, once the polyol systems have been optimized for solubility of 365mfc. In addition, field trials showed that the losses of HFC-134a during foam production are very limited, even in spray foam. Trials with a blend of HFC-365mfc and n-pentane in industrial PIR laminate foaming plants showed that it can achieve better insulation value than foams with hydrocarbons.
At the meeting, there were several papers on flexible-foam developments for car seats and mats for sound insulation. The issue of foams' contribution to VOCs and windshield fogging was addressed in two reports. Air Products & Chemicals unveiled a family of proprietary, non-fugitive, cell-opening blowing catalysts. These experimental catalysts chemically bind to the foam matrix, rendering them incapable of migrating afterward. As a result, the new catalysts are said to provide significant improvements in fogging and vinyl staining. They are also said to provide good physical properties (dimensional stability, airflow, compression set, and crushability) equal to or better than industry standards. Goldschmidt AG reported on three new low-fogging (LF) silicone surfactants--Tegostab B 4113 LF, 8715 LF, and 8729 LF--designed to replace currently used products without sacrificing performance in foams based on MDI, TDI, and blends. The new LF products were shown to perform as well as established surfactants in terms of foam structure, density, and other physical properties. Bayer reported on a cold-cure, low-density, MDI-based flexible-foam technology for automotive seating that boasts excellent elongation and tear properties, along with good humid-aged and wet-set performance. The secret is said to be a careful balance of polyol functionality and isocyanate composition and functionality at the elevated water level necessary to reach the lower densities. Core densities below 2.5 pcf can be achieved while maintaining good foam performance, Bayer says. In addition to molded seating, the technology is suitable for foam-in-cover seating, headrests, and sound-deadening carpet underlay. Shell unveiled Caradol MD32-04, a new "BHT-lean" polymer polyol that is said to produce intermediate-hardness, high-resilience, TDI-based foams for auto seating. It reportedly also exhibits a wide processing latitude. This new type of polymer polyol, made with Shell's POSTech technology, contains stably dispersed polystyrene particles. Mechanical properties of foams made with the new polyol include superior tear strengths, leading to shorter demold times, as well as excellent foam durability, which enhances both static and dynamic seating comfort.
Consumer-product brand owners increasingly see advanced chemical recycling as a necessary complement to mechanical recycling if they are to meet ambitious goals for a circular economy in the next decade. Dozens of technology providers are developing new technologies to overcome the limitations of existing pyrolysis methods and to commercialize various alternative approaches to chemical recycling of plastics.
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.
You can better visualize the melting process by “flipping” the observation point so that the barrel appears to be turning clockwise around a stationary screw.
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