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    1. Features

    PMM’s most-read stories in April

    May 6, 2021
    Readers were interested in articles on the resin crunch, plastics in the automotive industry and a thriving apprenticeship program.
    iStock/Getty/MiguelMalo
    Resin shortages and price spikes are putting a strain on processors. Read More
    Resin shortages and price spikes are putting a strain on processors.
    Read More

    The volatile resin market was on readers’ minds in April, topping our list of most popular stories on PlasticsMachineryManufacturing.com. Interest was also high in several stories on the role of plastics in the evolving automotive industry; a look at recycling plastic into pavement; and a report on a new earn-and-learn apprenticeship program. Did you miss anything? 

  • The resin supply is expected to take months to recover after shortages and price spikes caused by the pandemic and the Texas ice storm, said industry expert Esteban Sagel. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21215639/ 

    • Processors were feeling the pinch from the tight resin supply, which put a crimp in production schedules. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21215638/
    Ford Motor Co.
    Evolution in the auto industry is providing new opportunities for plastics processors. Read More
    Evolution in the auto industry is providing new opportunities for plastics processors.
    Read More

  • Changing car designs are creating opportunities for machinery makers, with the transition to electric vehicles and lightweighting efforts. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21211961/

  • OEMs and automotive-industry experts see opportunities for 3-D printing in prototyping, customization and under-the-hood parts. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21211845/

  • Molders are taking on new challenges while maintaining quality and educating new customers as the auto market changes. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21211649/

  • The annual Wohlers Report found the additive manufacturing industry grew in 2020 despite the pandemic, with independent service providers among those who saw an increase in business. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21217007/

    • Kautex debuted its new Skyreef blow molding machine series at Chinaplas. It emphasizes smart production and offers choices among hydraulic, all-electric and hybrid designs. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21216717/

    Plastics Industry Association
    A paving project demonstrates how an emphasis on infrastructure may benefit recycling. Read More
    A paving project demonstrates how an emphasis on infrastructure may benefit recycling.
    Read More
  • Paving projects using recycled resin may get a boost thanks to sustainability and infrastructure efforts coming out of the Biden administration. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21217838/

    • North Carolina molder Bright Plastics has already gained one new employee with the GAP earn-and-learn program, which matches ambitious young people with one of 34 companies in the community. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21216222/
    4ocean
    Commitment to sustainability breathes life into partnership to create face-mask accessory. Read More
    Commitment to sustainability breathes life into partnership to create face-mask accessory.
    Read More
  • Three companies devoted to recycling came together to produce a frame designed to make face masks more comfortable and effective; proceeds from sales benefit ocean cleanups. https://plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/21218179/  

    • PMM
    John McCormick, founder of Proco Machinery, stands with his daughter, Katie, who also works for the company, at their NPE2024 booth.
    sensXpert
    SensXpert's sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning technologies give molders real-time visibilty into the manufacturing process, allowing them to cut energy usage and waste.
    American Plastic Molding
    An American Plastic Molding employee works with a Mega 8K S from Phrozen. The molding shop is experimenting with the printer to learn about the capabilities additive manufacturing might offer for customers.
    APenergy
    Wrapping insulation jacketing around injection molding machines is 'the most cost-effective thing I have ever seen,' APenergy consultant Matt Flanigan says.
    Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
    Charlotte Dreizen, PLASTICS' director of sustainability and environment, speaks at the first OCS CON in Houston.