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. polypropylene honeycomb sheet
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.
While PE price reductions were not as apparent, they too were following the year-end price trajectory of PP, PS, PVC and PET.
Going into fourth quarter, prices of the five commodity resins were heading downward, barring supply interruptions.
This month’s resin pricing report includes PT’s quarterly check-in on select engineering resins, including nylon 6 and 66.
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.
By most measures, pricing for the five commodity resins appeared to be holding firm going into the third quarter.
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.
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.
Customizable equipment solutions, warm hand-off support, and seamless software integrations highlight Taiwan’s plastics show.
Recycler equips for new business in medical, housewares and carpeting.
Medical device manufacturer Curiteva is producing two families of spinal implants using a proprietary process for 3D printing porous polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
Biopolymers like PLA and PHA are able to meet sustainability goals while also delivering the performance attributes needed in rigid food packaging. Here’s what testing has shown.
The MFI tester enables collection of meaningful pressure data in transducers in a relatively short time, providing realistic measures of the response time of a pressure transducer. This information is critical in the interpretation of pressure data measured in an extrusion process.
Proper end-of-life outcomes for plastics are possible, if we’re willing to put in the work.
Videplast and ExxonMobil collaborated on the development of this cost-effective VSP film solution that contains no ionomers.
Software-defined equipment control systems can be duplicated, transferred and scaled with ease.
The same year it marked its 70th year in business, custom injection molder Hoffer Plastics (South Elgin, Illinois) — which routinely reinvests more than 10% of its annual revenue back into new equipment — prioritized automation in that CapEx with some stunning results.
How much resin is contained within a bucket, gaylord or hopper? That depends on the bulk density — a figure you need to learn how to calculate due to its impact on everything from storage and conveying to drying and molding.
The third iteration of the event takes place March 18-20 in Rosemont, Illinois, providing three days of exhibits, technical education and professional networking.
Plastics Technology’s Hot Shots parts competition is accepting submissions for the 2025 contest, with winners to be announced at PTXPO 2025.
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.
Center will be dedicated to product engineering, materials science and manufacturing technologies.
Südpack’s Multifol Extreme film is well suited for greasy, protein-rich and frozen foods
Across all process types, sustainability was a big theme at NPE2024. But there was plenty to see in automation and artificial intelligence as well.
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.
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.
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.
With the fluctuating costs of materials and the absence of technical staff, it is increasingly important to optimize your workflow and utilize equipment to the best of its ability. This webinar will cover the best blending practices by discussing the characteristics of the best blender, how to use the blender to the best of its ability and how to integrate the blender with other elements of the work cell. Agenda: Characteristics of the best blender How to use the blender to the best of its ability How to integrate the blender into other elements of the work cell
Understanding plastic material compatibility and joint design is critical to achieving optimal weld strength and meeting industry standards. Discover how to optimize joint configurations and manage material properties to enhance weld reliability, minimize defects and boost efficiency. Gain key insights to optimize your laser and ultrasonic plastic welding processes for better results. Agenda: Learn the principles of plastic material compatibility and their impact on weld strength Discover best practices for joint design to ensure optimal welding integrity Explore strategies for optimizing weld joint configurations for enhanced reliability Understand how to manage material behavior to minimize defects during welding Gain insights into achieving compliance with stringent industry standards
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
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
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
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
ANTEC® 2025, SPE's Annual Technical Conference, showcases the latest advances in industrial, laboratory, academic, and international work focused on plastics and polymer science. ANTEC® will address a range of plastics technologies, polymer research, new materials, innovative processes, and more. There will also be a focus on scientific, technical, or industrial problems and their solutions. In addition to a comprehensive program, ANTEC® 2025 will offer exceptional networking opportunities, our prestigious SPE awards, symposiums, and our exclusive ANTEC® All-Access VIP Experience.
The International Conference on Polymers and Composites (ICPC) aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of polymers and composites. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of polymers and composites.
Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD
In its 25th edition, Plastimagen seeks to reaffirm itself as the main gateway to the plastics sector in Mexico and Latin America. This event will bring together a variety of prominent plastics industry leaders, including capital goods producers, raw material suppliers, investors, organization representatives and members of academia. The main objective of the event will be to promote the transformation of the industry towards a more sustainable model. This will be done by seeking to facilitate robust economic development, and providing solutions aimed at achieving a circular economy. PLASTIMAGEN® MEXICO is the biggest international exhibition for the plastics processing industry in Mexico and Latin America. This event brings together the entire production chain with top suppliers to meet the needs of various industries. PLASTIMAGEN® MEXICO 2025 will feature over 870 companies representing 1,600 brands from more than 27 countries, 14 international pavilions, and a specialized pavilion by the National Association of Plastics Industries in Mexico (ANIPAC). You'll see the latest in plastics processing, design innovations, and materials that support the circular economy.
PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities.
Critical Cleaning Hands-on Workshop Do it; learn it! The one-day workshop teaches how cleaning and cleanliness testing work. By participating in hands-on exercises of techniques for cleaning and cleanliness verification, attendees gain the understanding and knowledge to make practical, effective, and sustainable manufacturing decisions. While exercises are supplemented by demonstrations and tutorials, the workshop is not death by PowerPoint! Topics include aqueous, solvent, and “non-chemical” cleaning, including cleaning chemicals and cleaning processes (spray, ultrasonics, cyclic nucleation, in-line, batch). Most manufactured product and product contact surfaces require cleaning during (and sometimes after) manufacture and assembly. Examples of areas where effective cleaning is essential include: metal fabrication, product assembly, optics, electronics, microelectronics, wafer fab, medical devices, aerospace/aeronautics, military, and additive manufacturing. WHAT DO YOU CALL CLEANING? There are many different terms for cleaning. Cleaning Precision Cleaning Critical Cleaning Safety/Critical Cleaning Surface Prep for Finishing Technical Cleanliness Residue Removal WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE WORKSHOP If you or your company fabricates, finishes, maintains or repairs product or product contact surfaces (like reaction vessels), this workshop is time well-spent. If you sell chemicals or cleaning equipment, this workshop will help you better understand and optimize the market for your products. Examples include: Manufacturing Engineers Product Designers Managers Sales and Marketing Managers Facilities Personnel Assemblers, operators Process Technicians Quality Control Personnel Regulatory Affairs Experts (industry, military, and government) Safety/environmental professionals Participants will receive a PDF Certificate of Completion with continuing education credits from Sam Houston State University.
Going into fourth quarter, prices of the five commodity resins were heading downward, barring supply interruptions.
Commodity resin prices were forecast to start the fourth quarter with lower prices. Source: Baerlocher
Prices of the five commodity resins appeared to be heading downward by the start of fourth quarter. PP and PET prices dropped in September, while PE, PS and PVC prices rolled over, despite supplier price hike attempts. Moreover, a buyer’s market had emerged, due to across-the-board lower feedstock costs, rising resin inventories, slowed domestic and exports demand, as well as the impact of new capacity in the case of PE and PVC. Lower prices by year’s end were forecast for all.
PE prices in September rolled over, though suppliers were out with a 5¢/lb increase being pushed up to October. ExxonMobil adjusted its increase to 3¢/lb, which was likely to be supported by others, though it was unlikely that any increase would be implemented. This outlook is according to PCW’s Associate Director for PE, PP and PS David Barry; CEO Michael Greenberg of The Plastics Exchange (TPE); Mike Burns of Plastic Resin Market Advisors; and Kevin Mekaru, RTi’s senior business leader commodity plastics.
As for the October-November time frame, sources indicated that the prevailing industry sentiment was downward, with some consultants projecting a 5¢/lb decrease, according to PCW’s Barry. Based on the decline of PE spot prices, he ventured that a total drop of 5 to 7¢/lb was possible. He noted this is a very competitive marketplace with new supply making an impact and that reduced price negotiations were already taking place ‘behind the scenes.” Barry also said suppliers were entertaining lowering export prices as export activity had been lackluster. Concurring, RTI’s Mekaru noted that demand had softened while supplier inventories were very high.
Reporting for TPE on September’s end, Greenberg said prices of all spot PE commodity grades were flat. “This is bucking producers’ intent to implement a nickel price increase for September contracts,” Greenberg said. “To the contrary, challenging export conditions have led to bulging upstream resin stocks and backups at packaging warehouses, which has shifted the implementation of the current domestic nickel nomination from still possible to unlikely.”
Plastic Resin Market Advisors’ Burns noted that reduced prices and improved resin availability in the secondary market are leading indicators heading into the last quarter of the year. “Processors should expect favorable pricing and additional opportunities to improve prices,” Burns said.
PP prices in September dropped by 4¢/lb in step with propylene monomer, according to PCW’s Barry; Spartan Polymers’ Newell; TPE’s Greenberg; and Paul Pavlov, RTi’s vice president of PP and PVC. Moreover, further decline within the October-November time frame was very possible. Both Barry and Newell saw potential of at least another 5¢/lb decrease, particularly if propylene monomer assets continued to run well.
Barry noted that PP suppliers were losing market share due to higher prices and were running at high operating rates, while spot prices were dropping. Asian PP resin and finished goods continued to add to an already competitive market. Newell noted that for six straight months this year, PP demand was ‘impressive,’ citing an increase in domestic sales of 5.95% through August, compared to year-to-date with 2023’s average. Barry added, however, that 2023 was not a good year for PP overall.
RTi’s Pavlov ventured that PP prices had potential to drop a total of 10 to 12¢/lb by year’s end, including the September decrease. These sources confirm that the strongest sectors have included rigid PP in housewares, as well as packaging, including caps and closures; thermoformed sheet for takeout containers; and BOPP film. They also agree that industry sentiment, which is generally neutral to pessimistic, does not reflect these gains, with processors being very cautious as to how things progress into 2025. While propylene availability was good in the fourth quarter, these sources cautioned that this could change fast in the first quarter of 2025 due to unscheduled shutdowns. “Monomer has had a real history of going up in price within first quarter over the last few years,” Barry said.
At September’s end, TPE’s Greenberg characterized the spot PP market as more active as sellers sensed a downward shift and lowered prices to keep material moving. “While plenty of processors are well stocked with resin, having beefed up their supply buffer during the hurricane season, others welcomed the softer prices and picked away with purchase orders,” Greenberg said. He noted that PP contract prices were cost-pushed by 9¢/lb between June and August, but due to the monomer’s price trajectory reversal, PP contract prices followed suit in September, with potential for further decline in October.
PS prices in September rolled over for the sixth consecutive month, despite lower costs of feedstocks, including benzene and ethylene. A downward trajectory was likely through fourth quarter, according to PCW’s Barry and RTi’s Mekaru. Barry reported the implied styrene price — based on a 30% ethylene/70% benzene spot formula — at September’s end as down more than 3¢/lb over four weeks.
September benzene contracts settled down to $3.61/gal from August’s $3.80. Moreover, spot benzene prices of $3.18/gal going into October were expected to translate to an equal drop in October contract prices — about a 40¢/gal decline. As such, Barry and Mekaru strongly anticipated downward movement for PS resin prices in the 4-to-5¢/lb range before the end of fourth quarter. Still, Barry noted that benzene prices during first quarter have historically climbed due to both scheduled and unscheduled plant shutdowns.
Meanwhile, PS supply remained adequate despite the outages at Chicago area plants operated by Americas Styrenics and Ineos Styrolution, though restart was expected for a general-purpose PS line at Ineos Styrolution’s Channahon, Illinois, plant by early October.
PVC prices in September rolled over after August’s 2¢/lb drop, despite the 3¢/lb increase sought by all four domestic suppliers — a move that was viewed a as “hurricane insurance,” according to RTi’s Pavlov. Moreover, he ventured that another 1-3¢/lb was likely to come off by year’s end. He cited slowed domestic and export demand and high supplier inventories, along with new capacity from Formosa by year’s end. While domestic suppliers saw an 11% increase in demand for the first half of the year — which included an export advantage as global PVC prices were much higher — the trajectory of the latter had reversed to much lower.
Meanwhile, an antitrust class action was underway which alleges that several PVC pipe manufacturers have conspired to artificially inflate, fix or manipulate the price of finished PVC pipes sold in the U.S.
PET prices were on the way down by 5¢/lb within the September-October time frame, based on lower raw material formulation costs, according to RTi’s Mekaru. He saw potential for further downward movement by year’s end, barring unscheduled shutdowns.
Major price correction looms for PP, and lower prices are projected for PE, PS, PVC and PET.
PS prices to see significant drop, with some potential for a modest downward path for others.
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.
PP prices appear on the verge a major downward trajectory, with some potential of a modest downward path for others.
By most measures, pricing for the five commodity resins appeared to be holding firm going into the third quarter.
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.
This month’s resin pricing report includes PT’s quarterly check-in on select engineering resins, including nylon 6 and 66.
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