PMM's top stories in September: Solar energy, AI on the shop floor
September is always a busy month, with summer ending, kids going back to school, businesses ramping back up after vacations to make the final push of the year. If you missed any of PMM’s coverage in the bustle, here’s a roundup of some of our top stories.
Is it time to get smart?
Our series on artificial intelligence (AI) and smart factories asked the question: Has the technology finally reached the tipping point for the plastics industry? Analysts say prices are down, machine connectivity is easier than ever, and the continuing labor shortage is making the case for investment.
Plastics machinery OEMs are ready. They’ve been adding smart controls, AI assistants, data analysis and process optimization, online training, troubleshooting and more.
But all that connectivity comes with risks. You open a new portal for a cyberattack any time you plug a machine into the internet, especially an older one with fewer defenses. Make a plan before you become a victim.
Here comes the sun
Our next deep dive focuses on energy strategies, beginning with a feature on C&K Plastics, which has installed solar systems on the rooftops of all four of its plants. Incentives helped make the projects cost-effective, according to CEO Robert Carrier; these vary from state to state, and an upcoming story will focus on what’s happening at the federal level.
If you’re interested in pursuing a solar solution, here are some tips to get you started.
Ping takes a swing at automation
You might think of golf clubs as being made of metal and wood, but there’s plastic in there too. Club manufacturer Ping has a shop for molding parts such as ferrules, small decorative components that cover the connection between the head and the shaft.
That unassuming part is now being produced by a highly automated “showpiece” cell from Wittmann, with an IMM, a linear robot, a TCU and a granulator, all tied together by a B8 controller. Output has doubled, employees are freed up to do more engaging work, and another Wittmann cell is on the way to automate production of another part.
What’s coming to the Fakuma floor
Fakuma is coming up soon, and we previewed some of the injection molding innovations that will be on display.
Arburg will show off a broad range of its offerings, from the budget-friendly Trend to highly automated turnkey cells for challenging applications such as medical and micromolding. Plus, for fun, some mint-green domino sets.
Engel’s chatbot, EVA, can now communicate with the Inject 4.0 platform to make approved changes to production processes. It’s another step on the path to fully automatic production.
Among Wittmann’s demonstration lines will be a circular cell producing EcoFritz clamps out of recycled material. The clamps are used for attaching lines and cables to corrugated pipes.
New process keeps Omega competitive
In-mold coating of large parts with polyurethane is a growing trend, especially for automotive parts, since it provides a durable, scratch-resistant surface and eliminates the need for painting.
Omega Tool Corp., a mold maker in the tumultuous automotive industry, was looking for additional services to offer its customers — as company president Dave Cecchin said, “How do we maintain our usefulness?”
Omega settled on KraussMaffei’s ColorForm coating technology, installing a 4,500-ton injection molding machine and learning how to adapt to its particular demands, with plenty of help from the OEM.
How PPWR will affect U.S. packaging processors
While we’re in Europe (in our minds at least), let’s talk about PPWR, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that began implementation Aug. 12 for 27 European Union countries.
The fact that there is an ocean between North America and the nearest EU country does not give U.S. processors and brand owners a pass, writes Editor Emeritus Ron Shinn. If you place products in the EU market, you need to plan for documentation and compliance.
Finding his flow, conquering fear
Mahesh Gupta founded Plastic Flow, which makes simulation software for extrusion dies. But that’s not the only line on his list of accomplishments and interests. He’s proud of his teaching career, which came to a close in August. He’s looking forward to doing more traveling and singing in the future.
And he’s a swimmer, which is extraordinary considering he nearly drowned as a five-year-old and suffered from a fear of water for years.
Learn more about his life and career.
Epson enters cobot market
Epson Robots, best known for SCARA and six-axis industrial robots, is getting into the cobot market.
The AX6 is designed for easy programming and an ISO Class 5 rating for operation in controlled environments such as cleanrooms. For plastics processors, likely uses are machine tending and palletizing.
Perspectives on the industry from PLASTICS
September was a busy month for the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). Read their roundup of the National Plastics Conference, which took place in Houston the week of Sept. 14.
At the conference, the association released the annual Size and Impact Report, which details employment and economic footprint of the industry in the U.S.
Earlier in the month, the Committee on Equipment Statistics issued machinery shipment figures for the second quarter of 2026 — they were down, but new orders are up, as is optimism for the next 12 months.
In the news
Engel is adding a manufacturing site in Serbia, shortening the supply chain for IMMs for the European and American markets.
Registration is open for NPE2027. Yes, already.
Bay Plastics Machinery is opening up more routes for its regional repair services.
LS Mtron has a new Northeast regional sales manager and is expanding its sales network in Latin America.
MotionTech, a Stockholm-based manufacturer of automation and packaging systems, is moving into the North American market.
Okuma America has a new president and COO.
About the Author
Lynne Sherwin
Managing Editor
Managing editor Lynne Sherwin handles day-to-day operations and coordinates production of Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing’s print magazine, website and social media presence, as well as Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. She also writes features, including the annual machinery buying survey. She has more than 30 years of experience in daily and magazine journalism.