Injection Molding - New Technologies, Efficiency

The technology supporting injection molding is as dynamic as the process itself. Join Plastics Technology and thought leaders in molding to learn about the latest technologies available to molders — as well as some that are pending — and see how they could be applicable to your operations.

Injection Molding — New Technologies, Efficiencies

Agenda

1:00 – Rethinking the Injection Unit
1:30 – Controlled Viscosity Molding
2:00 – Streamlining Overhead Costs with Generative AI: A Processor's Practical How-To Guide
2:30 – Dual-Mold Injection Molding: Unlock New Levels of Efficiency
3:00 – Moderated Q+A

Save the Date!

October 1, 2024 - 1 PM EST

Presentations

 

Rethinking the Injection Unit

Mike Durina, MD Plastics
A new, recently commercialized injection unit design seeks to address the deficiencies of the traditional 70-year-old reciprocating screw. Specifically, it proposes answers to inconsistent shot size due to variable closing of the nonreturn valve and variable plastication due to screw retraction, which causes incoming pellets to experience a constantly changing L/D. Learn how spring-loaded shutoff valves and a screw and inline plunger that reciprocate together can solve these problems.

Controlled Viscosity Molding

Rick Fitzpatrick, X2F
Conventional injection molding uses extreme pressure to induce shearing and lower plastic viscosity to where it can flow into a mold. This works against the non-Newtonian polymer melt and this pressure dictates large machines and molds while damaging polymer chains and reducing flow control. Most polymer and process engineers have a knowledge of plastic only through the lens of this kind of process and is a limiting view of polymers and how they can be molded.

Controlled Viscosity Molding is designed to manipulate non-Newtonian polymer melt to flow and fill mold cavities. Counterintuitive to polymer scientists and process engineers, this is done with far less pressure and a higher degree of control regardless of polymer and part design. This leads to re-writing many of the rules of product design and plastic processing.

Streamlining Overhead Costs with Generative AI: A Processor's Practical How-To Guide

Derek Moeller, CognitionWorks
In this session, you'll explore how generative AI can transform production efficiency in the plastics industry. Learn to preserve valuable "tribal knowledge" with artificial neural memory, identify hidden production efficiencies using AI-driven analysis, and discover cutting-edge advancements in cognitive vision and goal-seeking AI agents. As AI evolves, gain insights into how AI-powered employees may shape the future of manufacturing, helping processors reduce overhead and streamline operations.

Dual-Mold Injection Molding: Unlock New Levels of Efficiency

Wayne Daniel, Canon Virginia
The Shuttle Mold System is an innovative injection molding system that integrates with new or existing molding machines allowing two molds to run simultaneously, greatly enhancing production efficiency. For longer cycle times, leveraging the cooling time of the initial molding cycle to produce parts on a second mold maximizes the use of time and resources. This seamless integration of a second molding process within the first cycle not only speeds up production but also reduces energy consumption. As a result, businesses can achieve higher productivity and significant cost savings, helping make their operations more competitive and profitable.

Speakers

Mike Durina

Owner, Md Plastics

A graduate of Ferris State University with an associate degree in plastics engineering technology, Mike went on to earn his bachelor’s in industrial engineering technology from Kent State University. Mike’s professional career in plastics began at Dico Plastics in 1977 with various molding and tooling roles at various injection molders before a 15-year stint at Spirex Corp., where he designed and manufactured components for injection molding and extrusion plasticating units. In 1999, he founded Md Plastics, Columbiana, Ohio, as a machine shop, product development laboratory and marketing organization. Mike is the holder of nine patents with one pending.

Rick Fitzpatrick

CTO, X2F

Rick Fitzpatrick, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of X2F, is an inventor with over 100 patents in plastic molding technologies. With 40 years of experience, he has pioneered Controlled Viscosity Molding (CVM), enabling innovative processing of non-traditional polymers and thermoplastics with fewer defects, revolutionizing injection molding technology.

Derek Moeller

Founder, President, CognitionWorks

Derek is the co-founder of CognitionWorks, a company that develops internal artificial intelligences to solve tribal knowledge for technical manufacturers, used by companies ranging from the Fortune 100 to family-run operations. He has fourteen years of operational and investment experience in the plastics industry in injection molding, extrusion and thermoforming. Previously, he started a healthcare technology company at a Northwestern University incubator, grew it to nationwide operations, and sold it.

Wayne Daniel

Director of Business Development, Canon Virginia

Wayne Daniel has been engaged in the tooling and molding industry for over 30 years. Wayne has experience in both injection molding and tool manufacturing, including previous roles as Canon Virginia’s director of molding and director of tool manufacturing operations. During this time, he has guided activities in mold processing and production innovation with a focus on cost reduction, efficiency and flow improvements, and personnel development.