February 2024 Injection Molding Blog
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February 7, 2024
KRAIBURG TPE Introduced New Optical Measuring Device for More Precise Mold Dimensioning
KRAIBURG TPE has been using a new contactless optical measuring device that provides shrinkage values for more accurate molds. Determining the processing shrinkage and post shrinkage of thermoplastics is essential for mold construction. To provide exceptionally accurate data KRAIBURG TPE has been using an optical measuring device since August 2023. This device takes distance measurements that allow calculation engineers and mold manufacturers to run specific calculations to determine the most accurate dimensioning for their molds. The shrinkage values are determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 294-4. The measurements used to determine the processing shrinkage and post shrinkage of thermoplastics are based test specimens that are 60 x 60 x 2 in size and that are injection molded in accordance with the DIN standard, for which the values are determined. When taking the measurements, shrinkages are determined both along the direction of flow and transverse to it. The device can benefit the manufacture of new molds and it can also aid in adjusting existing molds for planned material changes or other changes. Material shrinkage persists for up to 48 hours after processing and thus the cavity must be designed in such a way that this shrinkage is considered in relation to the finished plastic part. Grit Müller application engineering team member at KRAIBURG TPE mentioned that “The use of contactless measuring devices has proved to be advantageous, particularly for measuring the shrinkage of soft and very soft materials.” Learn more about this topic here 
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February 17, 2024
StatLab Medical Products Establishes New Facility in Arlington 
StatLab Medical Products, a manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment, based in McKinney, TX recently started injection molding operations at its new facility in Arlington. StatLab’s 2022 Acquisition of Wales-based CellPath Ltd was the driving force that led to the company’s expansion into Arlington. CellPath produced histology supplies through injection molding, and now thanks to the acquisition StatLab can add this capability to its list of competencies. StatLab CEO Sung-Dae Hong commented “As we expand sales of PiSmart Cassette printers here in the U.S. market, giving customers confidence in a readily available supply of the consumable cassettes used with the printer is imperative”. The company’s operational and technical teams in Newtown, Wales played an important part in the development of the expansion plan. As of the acquisition StatLab is now operating six facilities across the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. The company has mentioned that this expansion has made the supply chain shorter, more reliable, and increasingly effective. In addition to histology cassette manufacturing the injection molding capabilities at the Arlington facility will also support the production of additional components and packaging materials. There is also a plan to deploy other capabilities at the facility such as blow molding and glass slide manufacturing. Learn more about this topic here.

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February 29, 2024
Avient Uses Ocean Bound Plastic Provided by Plastic Bank to Produce Luxury Caps and Closures 

Plastic Bank works with underdeveloped coastal communities around the world to exchange ocean bound plastic for currency and other life-improving benefits. Recently, the Vancouver based social enterprise partnered with Avient Corp to supply ocean bound plastic material. The material will help Avient grow its Gravi-Tech REC recycled formulations portfolio, allowing them to produce a grade with 60 percent ocean bound plastic in addition to plastic fillers, which could increase the recycled material content up to 98 percent. The new grade is called Gravi-Tech REC GT5200-5089 C I natural, and it will be used to produce luxury bottle caps and closures. When compared to the metals that are traditionally used in luxury bottle caps, the new recycled plastic grade offers greater design flexibility and more efficient processing through standard injection molding methods. The new material also supports a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) reduction of >70 percent when compared to similar virgin material. Plastic Bank developed an exchange system that allows the trading of plastic for currency and life-improving benefits such as health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity, grocery vouchers, school supplies, fintech services, and more. Thanks to the founding of this social enterprise over a decade ago people in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Egypt, and Cameroon have been able turn plastic waste into value for their communities. Learn more about this topic here.