Tooling innovations at NPE focused primarily on multi-cavity closure and medical applications, though there was also a substantial emphasis on large automotive and appliance parts.

Most of the emphasis is on valve gating and on doing more in less space. Other highlights include standardized mold components, some impressive feats of moldmaking creativity, and advances in mold simulation.

The combined MD&M East and Plastec East shows in N.Y.C. in June presented intriguing developments for medical injection molders.

A U.S. custom injection molder that’s hiring?

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Hot-runner supplier Polyshot Corp., W.

A redesigned hot-runner nozzle targeting small parts in highcavitation molds is new from Polyshot Inc., West Henrietta, N.Y.

Electrically driven valve pins, a low-cost alternative to valve-gating, mold-mounted temperature controllers, and new components for fast color changes are some of a host of new components and systems unveiled at the giant NPE 2006 show in Chicago this past June. (Some brand-new introductions since the show are also included in this report.) The news includes runnerless products aimed at everything from micromolding to shot weights up to 17.4 lb.

Thermal and mechanical testers, color and appearance sensors, vision inspection devices and CMMs—the NPE had them all in more compact, economical, and easy-to-use models.

A new joining technology for hot-runner manifold plates is said to minimize resin hang-up spots, deliver smoother flow paths, and enhance performance of multi-material molds.

Energy-saving all-electric machines will continue to be a big draw at NPE, where new designs or upgraded models will be found in virtually every press maker’s booth.

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