Best Practices For Plastic Processors

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Barrier Blow Molding

best practices

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close up on technology

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dies

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Extrusion Know How

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industry 4.0

Injection Know How

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Materials Know How

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PET Processing

PET Processing - Extrusion

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plant tour

polyolefins

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processing tips

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PTXPO

Purging Compounds

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Recycling

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resin pricing

scientific molding

screws

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sustainability

technology in action

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Thermoforming

Tooling

Tooling Know-How

top shops
Knowledge Centers

Resin Drying
Everything you need to know about the importance of proper drying in your production process.

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

Blending & Feeding
Deep dive into the basics of resin blending and feeding, 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

27 Mar 2026
April 2026: Volume Resin Prices Mostly Up; Uncertainty Looms
Middle East conflict, energy costs and new tariffs create uncertainty for global feedstock and resin production, supply chain logistics and price trends.

20 Feb 2026
March 2026: Prices Up for PE, PP, PS, PVC; PET Flat
Upward trajectory in January for four of the five major commodity resins, but overall processors face less volatility.

21 Jan 2026
February 2026: PE, PP, PVC Prices Flat to Up; PS and PET Flat to Down
Three of the five commodity resins are expected to move in a somewhat upward trajectory due to overall supply/demand imbalance strategies.

15 Dec 2025
January 2026: Prices of Volume Resins Mostly Down Entering 2026
Supply/demand imbalances, lower feedstock costs, and plant maintenance in Q1 are expected to keep most resin prices flat to down; however, upticks are likely in certain instances.

17 Nov 2025
December 2025: Lower Prices for PE, PP, PS and PVC; PET Higher
Downward trajectory continues for four of the five commodity resins amid supply/demand imbalances.

21 Oct 2025
November 2025: Prices for PE, PP, PS and PVC Flat to Down; PET an Outlier
Supply/demand imbalance leads to weak Q4 pricing, except in tariff-impacted PET.
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.
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Magazine
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PTXPO See All

25 Mar 2026
Simcon Introduces Injection Molding Simulation Tool With AI
Cadmould AI Solver enables design exploration for injection molding engineers up to 1,000 times faster than numerical solvers.

18 Mar 2026
New Collaboration To Install Plastic Leak-Detection Systems
Plastixs taps Quality Mold Shop and Mobile Manifold Repair to install Airtect technology for detecting material leaks in hot runners and machine nozzles.

17 Mar 2026
Chiller Line Adds 'Remote-Cool' Option
Space-saving “remote-cool” option for AEC’s GPL Series releases heat outdoors by locating the chiller condenser outside while the chiller remains indoors.

16 Mar 2026
PCS Company Adds Machining Capacity, Introduces Products
The supplier of mold components announced the addition of a five-axis Makino A500z to its production site and brought a range of products to PTXPO.

12 Mar 2026
PTXPO Announces Women in Plastics Breakfast
The Women in Plastics panel breakfast at PTXPO will provide all plastics professional with a valuable networking and learning experience.

10 Mar 2026
Latest, Most Advanced Portable Chillers on Display
Thermal Care will display its latest NQ Series Chiller and RQT Series TCU at PTXPO 2026 (March 17-19; Rosemont, Illinois).
PT Tech Days

PT Tech Days 2026
Our inaugural 2026 session spotlights Sustainable Packaging – a critical area under growing scrutiny. With mounting pressure from consumers, regulators, and brand owners, rigid and flexible packaging must minimize its environmental footprint.

PT Tech Days 2025
Plastics processors need solutions. Faced with new challenges, as well as longstanding difficulties, they are on the lookout for new technologies and services that will help them with their day-to-day operations.

PT Tech Days 2024
PT Tech Days is designed to provide a robust, curated, accessible platform through which plastics professionals can explore these trends, have direct access to subject-matter experts and develop strategies for applying solutions in their operations.
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

2 Apr 2025
Extrusion: Live and In Person
Log out from your computer and make plans to join us in Boston this May for Extrusion 2025.

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

On Demand
Producing Class-A Automotive Surfaces Without Paint
Automotive manufacturers are under increasing pressure to deliver premium surface quality while reducing process complexity, cost and environmental impact. Traditional paint booth operations add significant time, capital investment and logistical challenges to production. This webinar explores an integrated manufacturing approach that combines injection molding with polyurethane in-mold coating to produce Class-A, high-gloss automotive surfaces in a single cycle — eliminating the need for downstream painting. Presenters will provide a technical overview of the process, including system integration, material behavior and key design considerations, as well as performance characteristics such as scratch, UV and chemical resistance for interior and exterior components. Drawing on more than 20 years of application experience, the session will also share global and North American market insights, outline the automotive value chain supporting this technology, and discuss available trial capabilities and evaluation environments in Europe and North America. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of where this approach fits today, how it is being applied across regions, and what factors influence successful evaluation and implementation. Agenda: Overview of integrated injection molding and in-mold coating technology System architecture, material behavior, and key design considerations Surface performance characteristics for automotive interior and exterior parts Global and North American market insights and automotive value chain overview

On Demand
Fundamentals and Guidelines for Servo-Controlled Mold Functions
Do you want a deeper understanding of servo-controlled mold functions? Join Husky on this webinar to gain insight into servo control and how you can take advantage of this opportunity to improve your mold functions. This webinar will cover different servo control solutions, benefits of mold electrification and the application review process. Agenda: Why you should make the change to mold electrification How to compare various servo control solutions Motor sizing pitfalls and the application review process Commissioning your servo solution and the importance of global support

On Demand
Choosing the Right Plastic Welding Technologies for Automotive and Beyond
Selecting the right plastic welding technology is essential for achieving high performance, durability and consistent quality for your automotive parts. Learn how various processes, such as ultrasonic, vibration, infrared, hot gas and laser welding, align with different materials, joint designs and production goals in automotive and other demanding industries to ensure strong, precise and repeatable welds that meet today’s manufacturing standards. Agenda: Plastic welding fundamentals: explore how amplitude, pressure and material properties interact to achieve optimal welds in automotive applications Design for success: learn to integrate energy directors, shear joints and spot welds that enhance strength, sealing and consistency Design for success: learn to integrate energy directors, shear joints and spot welds that enhance strength, sealing and consistency Avoiding costly pitfalls: identify common part design and molding errors that compromise joint integrity and performance Advanced techniques and troubleshooting: discover when to apply staking, swaging and spot welding, plus expert tips for fine-tuning parameters and resolving real-world challenges

On Demand
How to Replace Multi-Component Metal Parts With One-Step Composite Solution
Combining KraussMaffei's FiberForm and ColorForm technologies, you can take complex metal parts requiring multi-step, labor-intensive processing and convert them into a single-cell composite solution, including a finish coating solution. This is all achieved in under 120 seconds. Agenda: Introduction to KraussMaffei Review of FiberForm Technology, equipment required and process steps Review of ColorFrom Technology, equipment required and process steps Real world examples in automotive and aerospace Case study featuring aerospace parts

On Demand
rPET Mechanical Recycling to Slash Emissions and Boost Circularity
The push for circularity is reshaping industries through stringent regulations in packaging, automotive or single-use plastic applications. Meras(R) rPET by Sipchem InnoVent transforms 100% post-consumer PET into high-performance, circular, low CO2 footprint materials for automotive, industrial and consumer use. A range of ready-to-use mechanical recycled PET compounds, Meras rPet is designed for a big leap toward carbon reduction and circularity. Redefine plastic responsibly. Agenda: SipChem and SipChem InnoVent Plastic waste, regulations and circularity Meras rPET: SipChem’s contribution to recycled plastic

On Demand
Flexible Automation Systems: Engineered for Quick Change and Future Expansion
In today’s fast-evolving industrial landscape, adaptability is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Flexible automation systems are redefining the way manufacturers respond to market volatility, shifting demands and rapid product evolution. Arburg automation and turnkey systems combine modular design, intelligent control and scalable architecture to deliver unmatched versatility without compromising throughput or precision. This presentation explores the core principles behind flexible automation, including system reconfigurability, rapid changeover and future expansion. Arburg will highlight how flexible systems reduce downtime, shorten product life cycles and future-proof capital investments. Whether scaling up production, integrating new product variants or navigating labor shortages, flexible automation empowers manufacturers to respond with speed, efficiency and confidence. Agenda: Arburg and history in turnkey Types of automation Why flexible automation Flexible vs dedicated automation Summary

On Demand
Making AI Work in Plastics R&D Register Now
Calendar See All

3 Jun 2026
PT Tech Days: Sustainable Packaging
PT Tech Days returns in 2026 with an exciting new single-day format! Join us for three expert-led presentations followed by a dynamic 30-minute Q&A panel. This robust, accessible platform empowers plastics professionals to dive deep into cutting-edge topics and emerging trends.

9 Jun 2026
Plast 2026
PLAST, held in Milan every three years, is one of the most important exhibitions for the plastics and rubber industry worldwide. With 50,000 m2 of exhibition space and 38,000 visitors from 50 countries in the 2023 edition, Plast is a must-attend event for the entire supply chain on a global level.

16 Jun 2026
SPE Extrusion Optimization TopCon
Hosted by the Society Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division the SPE Extrusion Optimization TopCon will focus on screw design principles for single- and twin-screw extruders for any type of extrusion operation in any industry.The SPE Extrusion Optimization TopCon will help you to increase attainable throughput rates and improve product quality for any new or existing single and/or twin screw extrusion operation. Presentations will focus on managing boundary conditions - challenges relating to melt temperature & pressure, volume, torque and mass-transfer related technical issues. In addition to extrusion theory, upstream, die and downstream technologies, as well as controls architecture, system integration, data management and maintenance are integrated into the program to facilitate improved extrusion manufacturing efficiencies.

24 Jun 2026
CONTRAX
CONTRAX events connect buyers and suppliers of American contract manufacturing services. From concept to contract, CONTRAX specializes in showcasing North America’s premier advanced, precision industrial parts producers and service providers — leaders in design engineering, materials selection, prototyping, CNC machining, metal forming and fabricating, injection molding, 3D printing, surface treatment, parts finishing and systems integration.

18 Aug 2026
Extrusion Conference 2026
Extrusion's general sessions cover best practices, troubleshooting and processing solutions that can help you run your operation and maximize the utilization of your existing assets—as efficiently as possible. Extrusion professionals from the shop floor to the front office are represented at the Extrusion Conference. You’ll meet the entire global supply chain: manufacturing managers, supervisors, engineers and technicians, as well as engineers and technical managers at OEMs and other firms.

24 Aug 2026
National Composites Week 2026
Celebrate National Composites Week 2026! The goal of National Composites Week is to celebrate and bring attention to the myriad ways that composite materials and composites manufacturing contributes to the products and structures that shape the American manufacturing landscape today. Learn how you can participate in this year's National Composites Week on NationalCompositesWeek.com.

22 Apr 2026 New & Upcoming
MC Tech Days: Materials & Processes for High-Rate Aerospace Manufacturing Register Now
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