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. Pond Plastic Sheet
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.
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.
Flat-to-down trajectory underway for fourth quarter for commodity resins.
Generally, a bottoming-out appears to be the projected pricing trajectory.
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.
A unique amorphous PHA has been shown to enhance the mechanical performance and accelerate the biodegradation of other compostable polymers PLA in blown film.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group helps industrial partners tackle the sustainability challenges presented by fiber-reinforced composite materials.
The first task in moisture measurement is to purchase an instrument that is based on sound fundamentals. Then, before it goes into use, method development must be undertaken for all polymers that are going to be processed in the plant.
From pre-show coverage to post-show coverage — with at the show coverage in between — you can rely on Plastics Technology to keep you informed on all things related to NPE2024.
Like December 2022, the December 2023 index represents increased activity following dips in November.
A development and manufacturing service provider is using dissolvable molds to build injection molded silicone prototypes.
If a printed tool only has a finite number of shots in it, why waste any of them on process development?
Follow these best practices to minimize loss of time, material and labor during color changes in molding containers from bottles to jerrycans. The authors explore what this means for each step of the process, from raw-material infeed to handling and reprocessing tails and trim.
I’m looking for a few good molders to help trial a new screw design, and share data and results for a future article to prove the benefits of a melt uniformity screw.
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.
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
Rocheleau adds side-shift option, new controls and diagnostics to its RS-90 unit.
NPE2024: Agr International is showing its newest systems for automated stretch-blow molder control and for measuring thickness distribution of bottles or sheets.
NPE2024 has partnered with Map Your Show to make it easy for you to plan your week.
NPE2024: Graham Engineering’s new 40-lb accumulator press has adjustable-height extruder platform.
Of all the trends you'll see at NPE2024, this one is BIG. Not only is the auto industry transitioning to electrification but there are concerted efforts to modify the materials used, especially polymers, for interior applications.
NPE 2024: ZSK FilCo combines filtration and compounding in a single step.
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.
Key technologies — such as multicolor molding, film molding and PUR overmolding for both exterior and interior applications — are at the forefront of this transformation. Join this webinar to explore the vast potential of eMobility in molding large components — including those with fiber reinforcements — thereby driving the need for large injection molding cells with a clamping force of up to 11,000 tons. You will also gain insight into Engel's innovative two-stage process, a solution for future recycling processes. This webinar will provide an in-depth overview of challenging applications, production concepts and best practices, including: BMW iX front panel production cell Smart rear panels concept based on IMD and 2C molding Sustainability concepts based on two-stage process Large tonnage equipment for battery moldings
In today's manufacturing environment, robust processes that meet strict industry and regulatory standards are essential. With the advent of servo-driven ultrasonic welding technology, enhancing product quality and maintaining consistency has become remarkably effortless. Discover the fundamentals of ultrasonic welding, delve into vital components within these systems, explore how servo-driven ultrasonic welding enhances weld quality via advanced control features and gain insights into optimizing your assemblies for welding in these high-performing machines. Join Dukane to unlock the potential of ultrasonic welding in modern manufacturing for plastic devices and components. Agenda: Fundamentals of ultrasonic welding Key components in an ultrasonic welding system Using servo-driven ultrasonic systems to control your welding process Designing your parts and components for servo-controlled ultrasonic welding
This webinar will help you make informed decisions to confirm the equipment access stairs in your facility are OSHA compliant and meet the highest standards of safety and ergonomics. Agenda: Identifying opportunities to increase safety in the work place Utilizing space saving stairways Ensuring code compliance for equipment access
4.0, EUROMAP, OPC, OLE, QC, DSN, SQL, VNC, MES, ERP, FTP, CMS, SPI — are you confused by all buzzwords being tossed around in the plastics industry? Not convinced the data collection is necessary? Or are you unsure of how it could be implemented and improve your molding processes? Wittmann has been on the cutting edge of the data collection push for nearly 20 years. In this webinar, take a step back from the idea of the manufacturing facility of the future and discuss what you can do today to improve your process. Using readily-available technology, Wittmann can help reduce downtime, limit scrap and wasted material, and predict required maintenance. Let the experts at Wittmann help you understand: what data can be collected, what that data can be used for, what systems are used, and how to implement them. Agenda: Demystifying the terminology Tracking the material flow and lot information through the material handling system The data available from various auxiliary equipment, such as: dryers, blenders, mold temperature controls and robots Automating the process through changes in the data collected at the machines during production Adding visualization to increase productivity
Learn how targeted, modular, dosing and blending solutions — covering powders, granules, regrinds and liquids — provide plastics processors of all kinds with best-in-class accurate dosing while delivering significant raw material savings and ensuring highest quality. Agenda: Introduction to Movacolor Blending in plastics applications Movacolor feeding and dosing technology Hybrid blending to combine high material throughput and dosing accuracy
This presentation will explore the in-situ polyurethane (PU) overmolding of injection-molded and composite parts, allowing for direct out-of-mold class "A" surfaces. KraussMaffei will review the process and equipment required. It will also discuss tooling types currently available for PU systems for this process. KraussMaffei will compare the pros and cons of this technology over currently-available coating and painting systems. Agenda: Introduction and evolution of the ColorForm technology Overview of the ColorForm process Equipment required Tooling and PU systems Benefits of the system compared to typical spray-applied coatings Pros and cons of the technology
The global plastics industry has been navigating through what is arguably the most volatile period in decades. Unprecedented amounts of new production capacity are scheduled to start in North America, Europe, and China in the near term and compete for demand during a period of economic challenges. How will trade flows shift? Will this lead to regional cost disparities and rationalization? Energy transition and sustainability targets continue transforming the plastics market and increasing the competitive landscape. As the market evolves, what impact will new technology, policy, regulation, the growing role of chemicals versus fuel and other factors have on industry restructuring and business models? At GPS 2024, leading global experts will come together to discuss pivotal impacts and initiatives shaping the plastics industry. Join us and participants from across the globe to gain the latest insight and deep analysis as you connect with your peers and industry professionals. This year’s conference will explore the theme Disruptive Global Dynamics Reshaping Plastics and include a full day workshop focused on the Global Plastics Business and Plastics Transition to Circularity, 1.5 days of expert content and numerous networking functions.
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.
Monolayer structures still dominate this market.
This is the second in a series of blogs based on 2019-2020 research conducted by market-research firm Mastio & Co., St. Joseph, Mo. on key markets for processors of polyethylene film. There will be 10 articles in all, two a week. The first five will offer Mastio’s analysis—based on interviews with processors conducted direct by the Missouri firm—with film processors representing the five largest PE film markets. The second batch of five will be focused on the five fast-growing PE film markets.
The first of these blogs analyzed the stretch film market. Here we turn our attention to consumer/industrial product liners.
Check out the video that accompanies each of these articles in which Kevin Huntsman, Mastio’s senior vice president, and I discuss the takeaways of each market highlighted.
Polyethylene consumer and industrial product liners, defined by Mastio, are bags utilized as removable inner linings for boxes, cans, consumer product packaging, gaylord plastic shipping containers, plastic and steel drums, tote bins, and truck beds. Liners are also utilized as inner protective packaging for items that are packaged in additional outer packaging. As outer packaging surrounds most liners, issues such as clarity and printing are typically of lesser importance. In some applications, puncture resistance, tear strength, and barrier properties are of much greater importance for liners.
Rack and counter bags are also included in this market. They are mostly open-ended, perforated PE bags on a roll used to package non-food consumer and industrial products. Rack and counter bags are designed to be filled and sealed with automated filling machines. Other common trade terms for this type of packaging include the following: open-ended bags, pre-opened bags, easy-open bags, and Autobag. The most typical bag construction is a lay-flat bag on a perforated roll with an open bottom for easy filling. Automatic filling equipment opens, fills (by weight or count), seals, imprints or labels, separates, conveys the finished package, and is available in both fully automatic and semi-automatic designs.
Liners (when used as an inner or outer product overwrap) help protect products from moisture, dust, contamination, spoilage, damage, and from becoming lost during shipping and storage. Liners used as inner packaging for boxes, cans, bins, drums, totes and truck beds, offer added protection for the products and facilitate greater ease of removing, cleaning, and reuse of the outer containers.
In 2019, approximately 815 million lb of PE was consumed in the production of liner film and bags, making it North America’s fifth largest film market for PE. With an average annual growth rate of 3.6%, PE resin consumption to produce liner film is anticipated to reach 906.5 million by 2022.
During 2019, Mastio reports the top five contributors to this market were Sigma Plastics Group; Berry Global Group; Novolex; API Industries; and Profile Films. Collectively, these companies processed a total of 401.1 million lb, representing 49.3% of the market.
During 2019, LLDPE resin grades of butene, hexene, super hexene, octene, and metallocene outpaced LDPE resin consumption in this market. LLDPE resin offers greater film strength and improved puncture and tear resistance versus LDPE resins, Mastio’s research found. A few high-clarity grades of LLDPE resin are offered for applications where film clarity and increased film strength are equally important. Greater use of LLDPE resins, which are produced using the metallocene single-site catalyst process (mLLDPE), has been incorporated in the liner market. The mLLDPE resin grades (when utilized in blends or multilayer coextrusion) greatly improves film clarity, puncture resistance, and has good stretch characteristics in thinner gauges versus conventionally produced PE resins.
LDPE-homopolymer resin is still considered a resin of choice in the production of liners as it is easier to process, has high clarity, and is compatible with other PE resins when used in blends or multi-layer coextrusion. LDPE-homopolymer and LDPE-ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (LDPE-EVA copolymer) resin grades are extruded individually, in blends, or coextruded with other PE resins for liner production. LDPE-EVA copolymer resins are often used to increase the liner’s film clarity, low-temperature flexibility, impact resistance, and heat seal properties. LDPE-EVA copolymer resins are well-suited for use in liner film and bags that require printing. As the EVA copolymer percentage content increases, so does the impact strength (especially at lower temperatures), optical clarity, gas permeability, environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR), and COF. Conversely, as the EVA copolymer percentage increases, the stiffness modulus, surface hardness, tensile yield strength, and chemical resistance (generally) decreases.
Most liner film manufacturers produce monolayer PE films for liner applications—nearly 82%, according to Mastio.
HMW-HDPE and MMW-HDPE resins are also utilized in the liner market. HDPE resin is used alone, blended with other PE resins, or in multi-layer coextrusions. Increased film strength at lower gauges, barrier properties, increased bubble stability, and increased film stiffness, helps to improve the film’s ability to process smoothly during the converting process, are all additional benefits of using HDPE resin.
During 2019, blown film extrusion was the only reported film process utilized in the manufacturing of PE liner film. Furthermore, most liner film manufacturers produce monolayer PE films for liner applications—nearly 82%, according to Mastio.
Multi-layer coextruded films are utilized for an application where the end user may specify that the finished bags have different levels of coefficients of friction (COF) on the inside versus the outside of the bags. Producing bags with a high slip level on the inside facilitates greater ease of filling, allowing the components or parts to slide into the bag more easily. Coextruded film for this market also allows film processors the ability to downgauge the film by incorporating the use of a LLDPE resin as a center layer in a three-layer construction.
Approximately half of the processors surveyed by Mastio acknowledge that the liner market will remain flat or experience slow growth over the next few years. This market may not be a primary market for some companies, such as only supplying legacy customers, and liners can be described as a low profit margin market where manufacturers use their post-industrial scrap or waste to produce liners. Competition, both domestic and overseas, has also hindered some growth for a few participants. Furthermore, the most-mentioned reason for slow growth in the plastics liner market is the negative perception that single-use plastic films and bags are enduring, especially if they are not being recycled.
On the contrary, a few companies are experiencing an accelerated growth due to selling through distributors versus direct sales, lower resin prices, the improving economy, the increasing population, the restriction on Chinese imports, their internal expansion, new capital investment, and the fast-growing building and construction market.
Nearly all film and liner manufacturers have been implementing sustainable practices for years and even decades. They do this through reducing the amount of material used in production, using most internally generated waste, producing film from recycled material, and reclaiming film through collection programs for post- consumer and post-industrial recycling.
Furthermore, sustainability has resulted in discussion around biodegradability. The term “biodegradable” refers to the degradation process of plastic waste. However, consumers like the idea of biodegradable products until they learn about the higher price of the material used to produce biodegradable products.
With the big shift to plant based and biodegradable packaging, new bio-based materials are coming online. While starch-based and corn-based materials have been around longer, pea-based and soy-based materials are now being developed. One industry source says that by the year 2023, biodegradable packaging may be the only topic that is discussed in the industry.
Advances in materials, feedblock/die technologies, and winding can help processors develop more sophisticated cast-stretch products.
So-called “ocean plastics” is a global problem, but a wide range of companies across the entire supply chain have put in the time, money and R&D efforts necessary to make capturing and converting the material into a sustainable business. But demand must follow.
Producing plastics parts with undercuts presents distinct challenges for molders.
PET is extremely hygroscopic, highly moisture sensitive, and one of the toughest challenges to dry. Here are the basic principles of doing it right for rigid packaging applications
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.
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.
Extruder screws and barrels will wear over time. If you are seeing a reduction in specific rate and higher discharge temperatures, wear is the likely culprit.
HDPE Liner Plastics Technology covers technical and business Information for Plastics Processors in Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, Plastic Additives, Compounding, Plastic Materials, and Resin Pricing. Learn More