A new mixing tip suited to both thermoplastics and thermosets, including liquid silicone rubber, was introduced at the IPF show in Japan by the Japanese parent of Fisa Corp., Shelbyville., Tenn.

Liquid silicone rubber is breaking out of its niche into a broader array of applications, helped by new developments in materials, machinery, and processing. Larger parts, micro-parts, foams, and multi-color or multi-material combinations are key areas of innovation.

From complete hot halves to individual nozzles, a host of new products promise smaller gate vestiges, less maintenance, better temperature control, and lower cost.