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Best Practices For Plastic Processors

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Knowledge Centers

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

Resin Moisture & Drying
This Knowledge Center provides an overview of resin moisture and the drying process, including information on the best drying practices for your manufacturing facility.

Training
Combat the skilled labor shortage using this comprehensive resource to train your own plastics processing experts.

Blending & Dosing
Deep dive into the basics of blending versus dosing, controls, maintenance, process integration and more.

Process Cooling
This Knowledge Center provides an overview of the considerations needed to understand the purchase, operation, and maintenance of a process cooling system.

Size Reduction
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.
Resin Pricing See All

9 May 2024
Prices for PE, PS, PVC, PET Trending Flat; PP to Drop
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.

15 Mar 2024
Prices Up for All Volume Resins
First quarter was ending up with upward pricing, primarily due to higher feedstock costs and not supply/demand fundamentals.

28 Feb 2024
Prices of All Five Commodity Plastics On the Way Up
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.

24 Jan 2024
Prices of the Five Commodity Resins Largely Flat
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.

18 Dec 2023
Prices for All Volume Resins Head Down at End of 2023
Flat-to-downward trajectory for at least this month.

22 Nov 2023
Prices Flat for PE, PVC, Up for PP and PS, Down for PET
A mixed bag, though prices likely to be down if not flat for all this month.
Collections See All

Resin Drying Done Right
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.

Get Better at Quoting Molded Parts
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.

Screw Design Tips to Boost Productivity
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.

Injection Molding Know How: Best of Bozzelli
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.

Tooling Know How: Best of Fattori
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.

Tooling Know How: Mold Venting
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.

Materials Know How: Best of Sepe
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.

Ultrasonic Welding
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
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.
Find a Supplier See All

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- Latest Issue
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Latest Issue See All

1 May 2024 Recycled Materials
General Polymers Thermoplastics to Further Expand Distribution Business
NPE2024: Following the company’s recent partnership buyout, new North American geographic territories are in its sight.

27 May 2024 editorial
Not Your Grandpa’s Plastics Processing Operation
New materials and machinery offer processors the means to run their businesses more efficiently and more inline with the circular economy. But you have to say yes.

13 May 2024 Film Extrusion
Follow These Tips to Fire Up Your Cold Blown Film Line
Firing up a cold blown-film line after a shutdown involves multiple pieces of equipment that all interact. Here’s a look at those components individually and some best practices on how to get your line up and running as quickly and safely as possible.

1 May 2024 NPE
Purgex Purging Compounds Celebrates Founder's Induction to Plastics Hall of Fame and Holds Technical Seminars
NPE2024: Purgex team hosting technical seminars throughout the show with industry pros.

1 May 2024 Postprocessing
Plasmatreat's Technology is Transforming Manufacturing with Innovation and Sustainability
NPE2024: Advancements and forward-thinking initiatives in plastics manufacturing will be highlighted.

29 Apr 2024 economics
Processing Making Slow, Steady Progress
Plastics processing activity didn’t make its way into expansion territory in March, but seems headed in that direction.

29 May 2024 close up on technology
PHA Compound Molded into “World’s First” Biodegradable Bottle Closures
Beyond Plastic and partners have created a certified biodegradable PHA compound that can be injection molded into 38-mm closures in a sub 6-second cycle from a multicavity hot runner tool.

22 May 2024 Tooling
How to Design Three-Plate Molds: Part 5
There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs. In this installment, the focus is on design and placement of sucker/puller pins.

20 May 2024 processor's edge
Thermoformed Container Keeps Battery Cells Safe
Despite last-minute design changes and other unexpected roadblocks, thermoformer TriEnda works with a key supplier on innovative reusable shipping container.

1 May 2024 Recycled Materials
Teknor Apex Presents Daily Hourly Sessions on Broad Range of Materials for Sustainability and Electrification
NPE 2024: Teknor Apex discusses its recyclable thermoplastic elastomers and much more between Tuesday and Thursday
Archive See All

April 2024

March 2024

February 2024

January 2024

December 2023

November 2023
- PTXPO
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PTXPO See All

24 Apr 2023
Video: Ultradent Bags Both Hot Shots Prizes at PTXPO 2023
Topping five other entries in voting by fellow molders, the Ultradent team talks about their Hot Shots sweep.

3 Apr 2023
In-Person Exposition Provides a Rich Environment for Discovery of Trade Trends and Technology Applications
Serendipitous Learning Opportunities at PTXPO Underscore the Value of Being Present.

3 Apr 2023
Heated Tapered Nozzle Launches
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.

30 Mar 2023
Ultradent Sweeps 2023 Hot Shots Awards
Ultradent's entry of its Umbrella cheek retractor took home the awards for Technical Sophistication and Achievement in Economics and Efficiency at PTXPO.

27 Mar 2023
Temperature Control Units on Display 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.

23 Mar 2023
Shibaura Machine Company PTXPO Spotlight
Shibaura discusses the upcoming Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) March 28-30
NPE See All

17 May 2024
Arburg Eyes Assembly Plant in North America
The 100-year-old German company will continue to manufacture machines from its sprawling operation in the Black Forest, but for the first time, it will add assembly outside of the country.

17 May 2024
Wittmann Shifts Some Production out of Austria
Manufacture of several core products, including specific models and sizes of injection molding machines, automation and auxiliaries have shifted out of Austria and into Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey.

16 May 2024
Boise State Team Wins Circular Plastics Challenge Focused On PET Recovery
NPE2024: The competition is a collaboration between Hillenbrand, Net Impact and Coca Cola.

16 May 2024
Engel Reorients Global Business, Adds Production in Mexico
The Austrian maker of injection molding machines and automation announced at NPE2024 that it will establish optimized sales, logistics and production structures for its three major regions: Europe, Asia and America.

16 May 2024
Globeius Makes NPE Debut With End-Of-Arm-Tooling, Bottle Leak Testing and More
The Miami-based supplier of various plastics technologies also featured a melt-temperature testing system, closed-loop cooling manifolds and its successful mold crane offering.

15 May 2024
LS Mtron’s Outsized NPE2024 Presence Jump-Starts Ambitious North American Market Goals
The Korean maker of injection molding machines featured eight machines in its nearly 14,000-square-foot booth with additional presses at Yushin and Incoe’s booths, as it targets 20% market share.
Molding See All

20 Aug 2023
What Is the Molders’ and Moldmakers’ View?
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.

15 Aug 2023
Leading Molding, Moldmaking Conferences Combine
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.

13 Jul 2023
Getting the Most Out of Injection Molding Simulation
Multiple speakers at Molding 2023 will address the ways simulation can impact material substitution decisions, process profitability and simplification of mold design.

27 Jun 2023
Injection Molding and Moldmaking Automation in Focus
When, how, what and why to automate — leading robotics suppliers and forward-thinking moldmakers will share their insights on automating manufacturing at collocated event.

16 Jun 2023
Pathways to More Sustainable Injection Molding
As self-imposed and government-issued sustainability mandates approach, injection molders reimagine their operations.

29 May 2023
Molding and Moldmaking Conference Agendas Finalized
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.
Extrusion See All

29 Mar 2023
Your Tour Guide to Plastics Technology’s 2023 Events
Get your clicking finger in shape and sign up for all that we have in store for you in 2023.

2 Mar 2023
Robust Molding, Extrusion Conference Programming in the Works
Molding 2023 to take place Aug. 29-30 in Minnesota; Extrusion 2023 slated for Oct. 10-12 in Indiana.
Webinars See All

11 Jun 2024
What Every Plastics Processor Needs to Know About Dry Ice Blasting: The Claims and Science Behind the Process
You likely either know a company who uses dry ice to clean or perhaps you are considering investing in the process. This webinar is your opportunity to gain insight into the science and data behind the process. Cold Jet will share independent testing studies; customer studies, testimonials and case studies; and governmental position statements. It will also review the most common application in plastics — cleaning various types of molds — and why utilizing microparticle dry ice is so popular. Agenda: Dry ice blasting and how to adapt to various applications Insight to the non-abrasive claims of dry ice blasting Where in plastics it is most used: videos and case studies Monitoring the process for data-driven decisions

On Demand
Change How You Think About Cooling Time With the Shuttle Mold System
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

On Demand
Discover the Future of Large Format Printing in powerPrint
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?

On Demand
Impact Your Operations for Profitability and Sustainability: The Power of Dry Ice 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

On Demand
How Plastics Processors Train Generative AI to Boost Labor Productivity
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

On Demand
How to Reduce Tooling Time From Weeks to Days Using 3D-Printed Mold Inserts
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

30 May 2024 New & Upcoming
How AI is Revolutionizing Resin Conveying Register Now
Calendar See All

13 Jun 2024
Moms in MFG
As an annual conference and supportive community, Moms in MFG is designed exclusively to support working parents and caregivers in manufacturing. Moms in MFG is dedicated to empowering and connecting moms and caregivers in manufacturing. In addition, it aims to assist manufacturing companies in discovering how they can provide the necessary support and create a nurturing environment for caregivers in manufacturing. Through valuable content, networking opportunities, and collaboration with fellow industry professionals, Moms in MFG celebrates the unique journey of moms and caregivers in manufacturing.

19 Jun 2024
Screw Design Conference-Topcon
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

10 Sep 2024
Parts Cleaning Conference at IMTS 2024
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!

12 Sep 2024
AM Workshop - 3D Printing for Job Shops
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.

8 Apr 2025
Formnext Chicago 2025
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).
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processor's edge 20 May 2024

Thermoformed Container Keeps Battery Cells Safe
NPE 17 May 2024

Arburg Eyes Assembly Plant in North America
NPE 17 May 2024

Wittmann Shifts Some Production out of Austria
Extrusion 17 May 2024

Choosing the Right Gearbox and Motor for Your Single-Screw Extruder
sustainability 16 May 2024

Boise State Team Wins Circular Plastics Challenge Focused On PET Recovery
Injection Molding 16 May 2024

Engel Reorients Global Business, Adds Production in Mexico
All Electric & Hybrid Machines 15 May 2024

LS Mtron’s Outsized NPE2024 Presence Jump-Starts Ambitious North American Market Goals
Drying 15 May 2024

'Smart,' Moisture-Based Drying Technology Enhanced
Automation 14 May 2024

Scaling New Heights With Vertical Integration
Materials 14 May 2024

In Memoriam: Mike Sepe

industry 4.0

industry 4.0 3 Aug 2022

New Packaging and Industrial Machines Boast Speed, Energy Efficiency, Web Connectivity

Bekum launches two new series of machines with new clamps, extruders, and controls at K 2022 show.

k show 2 Aug 2022

Digital Product Passport for Plastic Products Supports Circularity

As part of a series of interviews leading-up to K 2022 Show, VDMA interviews Dr. Benedikt Brenken, director of R-Cycle.

Biopolymers 1 Aug 2022

50 Years...600 Issues...and Still Counting

Matt Naitove marks his first half-century in plastics reporting, with a few of his favorite headlines.

sustainability 28 Jul 2022

Using Blockchain to Track and Verify Recycling

Supply chain partners assess software for tracking materials.

pet 18 Jul 2022

Advances in PET Bottle & Cap Molding at Drinktec Show

Easier label separation, higher rPET content, Industry 4.0 digitalization options, lighter CSD bottles, and more at German trade fair.

industry 4.0 15 Jul 2022

Machine Monitoring System Adds ‘Hands-Free’ Downtime Analysis

Get automated analysis of downtime amounts and reasons without any operator input.

industry 4.0 6 Jul 2022

Siemens Expands Digital Ecosystem for IoT ‘Transformation’

New open digital business platform aims to make digital transformation for companies of all sizes faster, easier and scalable.

industry 4.0 23 Jun 2022

Seven Automation Opportunities You May Have Overlooked

While not every process is appropriate for automation, the rapid advancement of robotics is allowing a much wider array of businesses access to this technology. Here are some areas where automation makes sense that you might not have considered.

close up on technology 14 Jun 2022

How Production Monitoring Can Make You a Better Processor

Real-time information on all your production equipment not only boosts productivity and profitability, but it encourages proactive vs. reactive thinking and sharing of best practices. See how this approach benefited a blow molder with 19 plants.

industry 4.0 8 Jun 2022

Energy Consumption in Manufacturing: New Data Standard in Development

Industry 4.0 data-communication standards will gain a protocol for sharing information on energy use in production.

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