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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

8 Apr 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 See All

29 Apr 2024 Materials
Let's Take a Journey into the World of Molding Thermosets – Part 1
There are many fundamental differences between thermosets and thermoplastics, from the way raw materials are furnished to the molder and the process in which parts are molded.

2 Apr 2024 sustainability
Processing Megatrends Drive New Product Developments at NPE2024
It’s all about sustainability and the circular economy, and it will be on display in Orlando across all the major processes. But there will be plenty to see in automation, AI and machine learning as well.

5 Apr 2024 Compounding
Engineering Resins Compounder Expands to Take on More Scrap
Polymer Resources responds to sustainability push by upgrading plant with grinding and shredding equipment to take on both postindustrial and postconsumer reclaim.

15 Mar 2024 Engineering Resins
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.

15 Apr 2024 All Electric & Hybrid Machines
Consistent Shots for Consistent Shots
An integral supplier in the effort to fast-track COVID-19 vaccine deployment, Retractable Technologies turned to Arburg and its PressurePilot technology to help deliver more than 500 million syringes during the pandemic.

1 Apr 2024 editorial
Welcome to our NPE2024 Show Issue
Megatrends such as sustainability are the driving force behind a slew of new product introductions at the May show. Catch up on what’s in store on the show floor right here.

8 Apr 2024 Purging Compounds
Use Purging Compounds to Mitigate Processing Challenges of PCR and PIR
With frequent purging, you can minimize serious contamination issues and get both better results and higher profits.

22 Apr 2024 Automation
Digital Twin Creates New, Virtual Paths for Robots with Real-World Cycle-Time Impacts
Realtime Robotics seeks to get more robots involved in manufacturing by addressing the biggest current barrier: programming costs.

19 Jan 2024 Commodity Resins
At NPE2024, Follow These Megatrends in Materials and Additives
Offerings range from recycled, biobased, biodegradable and monomaterial structures that enhance recyclability to additives that are more efficient, sustainable and safer to use.

19 Apr 2024 Multiscrew
How to Configure Your Twin-Screw Extruder for Mixing: Part 5
Understand the differences between distributive and dispersive mixing, and how you can promote one or the other in your screw design.
Archive See All

March 2024

February 2024

January 2024

December 2023

November 2023

October 2023
- PTXPO
- NPE
- Molding
- Extrusion
- Webinars
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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 Apr 2024
BASF Highlighting How They 'Make, Use and Recycle Future Solutions'
NPE 2024: On May 8, company chairman and CEO Michael Heinz gives keynote session, “Our Plastics Journey: The Road to a Sustainable Future.”

16 Apr 2024
Crosshead Die for Elastomers Adjusts Easily
NPE2024: Mechanically actuated gum space adjustment requires only ordinary socket wrench.

16 Apr 2024
'Hybrid' Die Design Eliminates Weld Lines, Cuts Stagnation
NPE2024: Newest extrusion tool retains benefits of previous design and adds features to boost quality.

15 Apr 2024
Dr. Walter Kaminsky: Pioneer of Catalysts Revolutionizing Polymer Production and Recycling
Dr. Walter Kaminsky’s pioneering research on metallocene catalysts at the University of Hamburg sparked a global revolution in plastics production. Inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2024, Kaminsky’s legacy continues to shape the polyolefin industry and plastic recycling technologies.

15 Apr 2024
A Lifetime of Innovation in Plastics Machinery: Wolfgang Meyer
Wolfgang Meyer, a German mechanical engineer and industry leader whose contributions to plastics machinery have shaped the industry. Inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 2024, Meyer’s work in injection molding, blow molding and sustainability has left an enduring legacy.

12 Apr 2024
Interactive Training for Injection, Extrusion and Other Processes
Paulson has four in-booth stations demonstrating its various training solutions.
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

24 Apr 2024
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

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
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

On Demand
From Concept to Production: Optimizing Plastic Color for Success
Tony will address common challenges encountered at each stage and provide invaluable insights to effectively navigate these obstacles. Agenda: Bridging the gap between color and appearance: learn how to achieve harmony between the intended color and the final appearance of your plastic products. Importance of using a data-driven color management model: color measurement technology provides valuable insights and analytics that enable plastic manufacturers to optimize color formulations, troubleshoot color inconsistencies, enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement in their production processes. Choosing the right toolset: gain insights into selecting the most suitable technology and processes tailored to your workflow and specific needs.

23 Apr 2024 New & Upcoming
Discover the Future of Large Format Printing in powerPrint Register Now
Calendar See All

6 May 2024
NPE2024: The Plastics Show
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.

8 May 2024
AM Workshop - 3D Printing for Plastic Processors
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.

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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Michael Guckes

Michael Guckes Former Chief Economist & Director of Analytics

Michael has been in the economics and industrial space for 20 years. During the last 5 years he has been with Gardner Intelligence managing and reporting the Gardner Business Index. He has extensive experience in forecasting and modeling using advanced statistical techniques. He has successfully applied his expertise at multi-billion dollar companies in the construction, banking and insurance fields. Michael received his BA in Economics and Political Science from Kenyon College and his MBA from The Ohio State University. PRESS KIT

economics 1 Mar 2022

Plastics Processors Start 2022 with Modest Boost

Expansion accelerates in new orders, production, and backlogs.

economics 19 Jan 2022

Processing Index Ends Year Near Where It Started

2021’s initial burst of expansion tapers by year end.

economics 17 Dec 2021

Processing Activity Still Expanding, But at a Slowing Pace

Supplier delivery activity declines to January 2021 levels, which may bode well for production in 2022.

economics 29 Nov 2021

Rising Employment Lifts Processing Index

October saw broad-based processing expansion, led by employment, and an easing of backlog growth.

economics 1 Nov 2021

Backlogs Surge as Production Deficit Widens

September results show accelerating backlog activity on decelerating production.

economics 29 Sep 2021

Processing Activity Challenged by Production ‘Deficit’

Slowing growth in production and employment activity contrast with strong new orders, resulting in a production activity ‘deficit.’ Custom processors gain.

economics 30 Aug 2021

Processing Index Dips on Slowing Backlogs & New Orders

Processors reports slower expansion in new orders, production, and backlogs.

economics 23 Jul 2021

Processing Expansion Returns to Near All-Time High

Industry smashes records in first half of 2021.

economics 22 Jun 2021

Processing Market Growth Slows in May

Plastics processing reported slowing growth across all measures of activity in May

economics 26 May 2021

Index Moderates After Record Highs

New orders and production show biggest dip.

economics 16 Apr 2021

Index Reaches All-Time High … Again

Index hits record mark for second straight month, with quickening expansion in new orders, backlogs and production.

economics 22 Mar 2021

Processors Record All-Time High Activity Levels

Survey data reveals quickening expansion among both captive and custom operations.

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