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Date Archive - May 2023

The Plastics Industry Is Undergoing a Global Shift

The global technology race is well underway in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space technology, but, in many cases, it would still be at the starting line without polymers. Plastics are ubiquitous and often foundational in the production process. Yet, the petrochemicals and plastics industries are experiencing their own tectonic changes. It’s time to talk about a new technology race — the polymer race — and what will separate the winners from the…

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Stratasys, Desktop Metal Merger Creates Industrial 3D-Printing ‘Powerhouse’

3D printing companies Stratasys Ltd. and Desktop Metal Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine the companies via an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.8 billion. Described by Desktop Metal co-founder and CEO Ric Fulop as a “turning point in the next phase of additive manufacturing for mass production,” the deal brings together the polymer-based 3D printing expertise of Stratasys with the industrial mass production…

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Molding and Moldmaking Conference Agendas Finalized

Collocating for the second time, the long-running Molding and all new Moldmaking conferences will provide attendees dedicated injection molding and moldmaking tracks in the morning, with combined sessions bringing the groups together in the afternoon to learn about big picture topics. Attendees can move freely between the two events, taking in the tracks and presentations that resonate most with their businesses and the challenges they face. More than 40 presentations…

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US Plastics Processing Equipment Shipments Post Slight Year-Over-Year Increase

Shipments of injection molding and extrusion equipment in Q1 2023 contracted just over 20% compared with the previous quarter, according to the Plastics Industry Association’s Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES). The $345.8 million preliminary estimate for the quarter, however, represents a 1.6% increase in value compared with the same period last year. Image courtesy of PLASTICS/CES “Despite a weaker economic outlook, plastics machinery shipments managed to show year-on-year growth,” said…

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Digital Inkjet Printing Powers Packaging Personalization, Possibilities

Digital printing is opening new customization options for brands through unique designs, personalized messages, and variable data printing for exciting and, literally, one-of-a-kind packaged products. In short, the power of print-on-demand enables a brand’s packaging to stand out from the pack while enhancing consumer engagement. One of the players driving adaption of digital printing is HP, for example for digital printing presses for flexible packaging applications such as stand-up pouches…

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Resin Price Report: Resin Prices Continue to Slide

Spot resin trading improved substantially, such that the PlasticsExchange trading desk reported its best week so far this year. Completed volumes were above the 2023 average and activity was even pretty good by historical benchmarks, said the resin clearinghouse in its Market Update for the week of May 15. Although some materials remained a challenge to source, spot availability was ample and deals were easier to conclude than in recent…

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