PLASTICS EXPO IS BACK IN THE MIDWEST FOR A SECOND YEAR

By Lindsey Munson, editor, The American Mold Builder

Back by popular demand and on the heels of 2022’s inaugural event success, the Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) is gearing up for its second year, connecting processors to the plastics industry community with the goal of helping businesses succeed. A three-day event, PTXPO offers a full experience to attendees including an expansive exhibit hall, education, first looks at the newest plastics machinery and a variety of networking opportunities.

PTXPO is set to take place on March 28-30, 2023, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. The center will open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and open on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The expo will be organized into major process pavilions, featuring over 200 exhibitors. This gives attendees the ability to easily plan their show experience and navigate the exhibitor floor. The pavilion categories include injection and blow molding, extrusion, thermoforming and compounding, auxiliary equipment, 3D printing, materials, recycling and moldmaking.

Mold builders, components providers, texture and engraving specialists, mold repair equipment suppliers, tool builders, hot runner providers, among many others will be at the moldmaking pavilion Examples of the newest machinery and applications that will be showcased are blow molding machines for packaging, extrusion-specific dies, conveying systems and more. Processors in the moldmaking pavilion will be available to provide real-time solutions and valuable insight to attendees regarding their operations.

American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) will be exhibiting at the event, during which it will be promoting a reformatted, interactive version of its 2023 Business Forecast Report, as well as a copy of its recent 2022 Wage and Salary Report. The 2022 AMBA Wage and Salary Report features high, low and average rates of pay across over 50 job functions commonly found in mold building, while the 2023 AMBA Business Forecast Report provides an in-depth analysis of past, current and anticipated business conditions. The reports are available to purchase for AMBA members and nonmembers; and can be viewed by everyone at PTXPO.

The American Mold Builder also will be at the event, and all attendees will be able to pick up the latest issue of the magazine. Attendees are encouraged to stop by AMBA’s Booth #1724 and join the association in honoring its 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated during the show on March 29, 2:30-4:00 p.m. CST.

PTXPO tickets can be purchased online from March 1-27 for the price of $70.

For more information on PTXPO and to find AMBA-member exhibitors, visit www.plasticstechnologyexpo.com.

COME VISIT US:

— PTXPO BOOTH 1721

MARCH 28-30

— EASTEC BOOTH 5558

MAY 16-18

Creative Technology Under New Leadership

Creative Technology, Carol Stream, Illinois, is dedicated to helping US manufacturers through quality media specializing in plastics, mold and die manufacturing, announced Jimmy Renallo as president on Jan. 1. Renallo has been with the Creative team since early 2021 and is looking to ignite the next generation about a career in manufacturing. Todd Schuett, the company founder and former president, will remain part of the team but will be less active in the company. He has dedicated more than 40 years to advancing the mold building trade and the industry. For more information, visit www. creat.com

[1] HEIDENHAIN CREATES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

HEIDENHAIN, Schaumburg, Illinois, created a collection of educational services and products called HEIDENHAIN Education Support Program (HESP), to meet the demands of today’s digitization of data in NC metalworking. This worldwide initiative brings the latest advancements on the shop floor to current classrooms of vocational training centers, universities and corporate trainee programs. With HESP, HEIDENHAIN is making its own important contribution to training the next generation of metalworkers by providing cost-effective, critical resources to educators that can include computer programming stations, software and learning materials for fast and highly accurate milling and turning needs. For more information, visit www.heidenhain.us/about-us

[2] PMG INDUSTRIAL MOLDS EXPANDS CAPACITY

A division of Pyramid Molding Group, Industrial Molds, Rockford, Illinois, specializes in designing, engineering and special machining has purchased two new HAAS VF-2 vertical machining centers. This is the first of three new CNC machines the company will purchase this year to help increase efficiencies on the shop floor. The small but mighty CNC, known as the Workhorse, features 40 tapers, three-axis machining with a high-power, directdrive spindle at up to 8100 rpm max speed and a 20-pocket carousel tool changer. For more information, visit www.industrialmolds.com

[3] WESTMINSTER TOOL CELEBRATES METAL 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

Westminster Tool, Plainfield, Connecticut, is a moldmaking company that specializes in innovative manufacturing solutions for plastics and composites, recently celebrated with politicians, educators, administrators and workforce development organizations to showcase its new metal 3D printing capabilities with Mantle’s beta machine, a first of its kind. Mantle’s machine makes the jump to additive less disruptive and more successful, without sacrificing accuracy. Supported by Governor Ned Lamont’s Additive Manufacturing Adoption Program (AMAP), Westminster Tool was one of six recipients in the state to be awarded this grant that helped take a symbolic step forward for small manufacturers in Connecticut. For more information, visit www.westminstertool.com

[4] OERLIKON RECEIVES FILTREX™ INNOVATION AWARD

The FILTREX™ two-day conference in Berlin was held in early November 2022, where Oerlikon Nonwoven, Neumünster/Germany, received the Innovation Award for its hycuTEC hydrocharging unit. The award is the only of its kind to recognize innovation in the filtration industry and is presented every two years. Hydrocharging using hycuTEC can reduce the pressure loss in typical FFP2 filter media to less than a quarter. Tests at pilot customers manufacturing FFP2 face masks have confirmed quality increases due to the improved filtration, with a simultaneous reduction in material usage of 30%. For more information, visit www.oerlikon.com.

[5] ROLLOMATIC ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS

Rollomatic Inc., a subsidiary of Rollomatic Holding Switzerland, Mundelein, Illinois, announced Jason Hodgin as regional sales manager for several key manufacturing areas in the Southeastern and Central US. Before this, Hodgin spent eight years with a Swiss manufacturer of tool coating equipment and seven years with a global cutting tool manufacturer. Additionally, Rollomatic appointed David Ducsai as North America’s group customer experience manager. Ducsai took over the operational management of the customer service team, field service, hotline and parts and logistics teams for the range of Rollomatic and Strausak CNC tool grinding, peel grinding and laser cutting machines. He also joined the Group Management Team at Rollomatic/ Strausak North America. For more information, visit www.rollomatic.ch/en/contact/usa

[6] INAUGURAL IWARRIORS WEST COAST OUTING

M.R. Mold & Engineering Corp., Brea, California, recently hosted the inaugural West Coast Golf Outing in support of iWarriors™ at Navy Golf Course Seal Beach on Feb. 10, 2023. Partnering with the American Mold Builders Association, MoldMaking Technology and Progressive Components, the golf outing drew over 60 golfers and sponsors, raising over $13K to benefit iWarriors™ veterans in need. The iWarriors™ mission is to assist severely injured veterans of all branches of the Armed Forces by providing them with personalized tablets to aid in their return, recovery and reintegration. For more information or to donate, visit www.iwarriors.org.

PLASTICS NAMES SENIOR DIRECTOR, INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), Washington, D.C., announced that Matthew Glaser is the new senior director, Industry Engagement, effective immediately. In this role, Glaser is the director of the PLASTICS’ Processors Council, responsible for managing all activities of the PLASTICS Processors Council, enhancing member benefits while integrating broader association strategy regarding advocacy, communication, engagement and sustainability into those activities. For more information, visit www.plasticsindustry.org.