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An updated Scorim process oscillates the melt back and forth inside the mold with more flexibility and fewer machinery modifications. Here's a look at how the 'new' Scorim can enhance [...]

All-electric machines are becoming more popular in the less-than-800-ton injection molding machine class. Electrified machines, products of a decade-long development effort, are touted to be cleaner, faster and more accurate than hydraulic machines. These all-electric machines, however are more expensive. Small machines typically come with price tags that are 40% higher than their hydraulic counterparts, while the price differential for larger machines is between 10% and 15%. Machine builders that offer this novel technology include Cincinatti Milacron and JSW Plastics Machinery Inc.

The new generation of clamp-force injection molding are being designed to save on space and production costs. Japanese machine suppliers started the trend several years ago, resulting in the development of the two-platen hydraulic machine. The recent recession served as the catalyst for the implementation of similar undertakings in Europe.

Everyday workhorses are about to learn some high-tech tricks. Wireless communications and novel energy sources are coming soon to materials-handling, size-reduction, and mold-cooling auxiliaries. Ready or not, the next millennium [...]

They're not just for thermoforming and composites anymore. Lower-cost CNC routers are opening an easy route to automation for blow and injection molders, too. Picture a high-tech plastics-processing plant. Computers [...]

Volumetric and gravimetric feeders and blenders have more sophisticated microprocessor controls that can stay tuned to the process. Higher accuracy at low throughputs suits smaller molding presses and extruders. What [...]

Suppliers of gas-assist injection molding equipment are offering greater degrees of process control to their customers. As use of gas-assist molding grows in more demanding applications, suppliers are coming up with innovations in injection presses designed for the process, control systems, gas handling and computer-aided engineering software. Many suppliers are incorporating statistical process control capabilities in gas intensification units while others offer phased pressure control to give processors more flexibility in the holding phase.

An extended range of large toggle presses, improved fast-cycling machines, and new offerings in vertical presses were among the highlights at NPE not previously reported in our coverage of this [...]

Our pre-NPE look at extrusion may have turned up most of the major equipment developments, but suppliers still had some surprises up their sleeves when the show opened its doors. [...]

Recent developments in FRP composites processing equipment include new software for SMC mold analysis, auxiliaries for automating pre- and post-molding operations, vacuum-assisted RTM technologies, and new or improved equipment for [...]

Novel processes and new resins will be featured among the technical papers at the annual SPI Composites Institute Conference and Expo in Cincinnati, Feb. 8-11. Also evident will be the [...]

Complete overview of the company, its history and the relentless product developments that have made it the leading manufacturer for plastics processors worldwide. Its innovative products include injection molding machines, [...]

In the drive for injection molding quality, the influence of the non-return valve has been largely overlooked. Here are the first data on performance of a novel valve design, which [...]

Look for a horde of new specialty and g-p machines, controls, robots, and hot runners -- many with new SPC/SQC and networking features. While the last NPE in 1988 saw [...]

How Spray-UpWill:Survive the '90s Environmental concerns are forcing FRP open molders to spray new materials with more efficient equipment or switch to closed molding processes. Even more than in most [...]

Budding Technologies for Composites Detailed in SAMPE Papers As a follow up to our SAMPE show news report (PT, June '90), here's a summary of some interesting developments for processors [...]

Blend Trends Compounding Machinery In the '90s Compounders can expect most machinery refinements in the next 10 years to occur in continuous compounding equipment, on which this article will focus. [...]

Injection in the 90's How High Tech? There's plenty of debate on how far and how fast automation will penetrate--but none at all on the crucial role to be played [...]

Expandable polystyrene bead molding equipment has taken on a new look in order to keep up with the need for faster insert molding. Machine builders say insulated concrete forms (ICFs) [...]

The quality of the injection molding (IM) process can be improved by integrating injection molding machines to robotic systems and the Internet. The specific factors in the integration process are robot control with the IM machine control, a help system with the IM machine control, the IM machines with the computer network through a monitoring system, the IM machines into a master manufacturing system and the IM machines into remote maintenance systems and the Internet.

The injection molding machines made by Negri Bossi and Hettinga Technologies are noted for their reliability and precision, two qualities most desired by injection molders. Negri Bossi's new Canbio line incorporates the Canbus communications technology. This technology is different from other systems in that it uses distributed intelligence. Hettinga's products use the Interbus systems technology and features the Hettinga Advanced-Level Control, a PC-based control system.

Plastics machine manufacturers have introduced a number of design and application innovations for hot-runner systems in an effort to fully exploit their benefits. One of the most interesting developments is the use of titanium carbide and abrasion-resistant technology in fabricating hot-runner systems. Madison Heights, for instance, has developed a novel metal injection molding technique for the manufacture of glass-filled polyamide runner systems, which can withstand temperature above 327 degree celsius.

Recent innovations in systems engineering have enabled plastic processors to enhance the precision of screw designs in order to meet their application needs. However, analysts believe that manufacturers may still need to focus on improving the performance, feeding, melting and mixing capabilities of screw design to fully maximize the efficiency of profile extrusion systems. Substantial improvements must also be incorporated with the throughput and resistance of these systems, as well.

Equipment makers are preparing to witness the ecstatic Plast '97, a six-day exhibit showcasing the latest Italian machines, to be held in Milan, Italy from May 5 to 10, 1997. Although the event was cited as untimely by machine manufacturers, it will feature the latest modifications in injection lines and equipment. Sandretto, one of the participants, will present its latest revision of high-speed injection machine, the Mach 200, designed for optimal precision and speed. The exhibit will also feature Bodoni Presse's low-energy consumption prototypes, including the NB480, a robotic molding device and the NB370, a fast-cycling, low energy model.

The demand for blow molded bottles results in production problems related to cost efficient process and machinery optimization. Innovations in design are enabling machines to become flexible and produce different products. Weight reduction and minimal use of raw materials also help lower production costs. Plastics flow analysis programs help minimize the complexity of product design tasks.

All so-called 'servos' are not equal in cost or capabilities. Some suppliers use the term more broadly than others. Don't get tripped up by loose terminology. Despite costing more than [...]

A new way to allocate oil among multiple hydraulic cylinders that greatly increases injection speed at low pressure was demonstrated by three Japanese suppliers of injection machines at NPE '94 [...]

Most of what follows are additional details on new machines reported in our May show preview. These include machines for bottles, large industrial parts, and stretch-blown PET. But at NPE [...]

Although it has become in recent years more narrowly focused on the home processing audience in the United Kingdom, the Birmingham show remains one of the largest international forums for [...]

Manufacturers of industrial equipment are introducing new single-stage machines for the blow molding of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Single-stage systems combine the injection unit and the blow molder so that the bottle preform does not have to be reheated on a stretch-blow molding system for processing. Single-stage machines are used more often than two-stage systems in the manufacture of wide-mouth containers, but they are unable to provide enough strength for carbonated-beverage bottles.