PMM Insight: A Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing Podcast

Extrusion innovations from K 2025

On this episode of PMM Insight, Editor Ron Shinn and Managing Editor Lynne Sherwin discuss new extrusion machinery introduced at the K Show.
Labor shortage solutions take center stage: New extrusion systems focus on automation, guided workflows and smarter controls to support less-experienced operators.
Reifenhäuser Everex flat film line: Automated PAM (Precise, Autonomous Mechatronic) die and adapter adjustment for time savings, improved safety and reduced operator intervention
KraussMaffei Pioneer ProcessControl (ppC): Dashboard- and widget-based data visualization; role-based interfaces for all skill levels; smart guided workflows to simplify complex production steps
Milacron MosaicX control system: Faster processing and expanded data reporting; controls multiple extruders and auxiliary systems; enhanced self-diagnostics and fault detection
Coperion Lifecycle Manager (C-Beyond platform): Predictive maintenance based on real operating hours; automated service notifications; improved OEE through bundled, scheduled maintenance
Breakthrough degassing technology from Battenfeld-Cincinnati: The BC-120-40 DVT, the first single-screw extruder with dual, independent degassing zones for Superior moisture and volatile removal, minimized bubble formation, reduced pre-drying
Recycling-ready extrusion: Coperion STS 35 Mc 11 optimized for recycled resin, with nitride-hardened steel process section, brass heater shells with water flash cooling
Industrial AI enters extrusion operations: Reifenhäuser NEXT system includes AI chatbot for real-time troubleshooting (NEXT.AI), digital and on-site training platform (NEXT.Learning), production dashboards and data aggregation (NEXT.Data)
Listen now to hear PMM’s Ron Shinn break down the most impactful extrusion innovations from K 2025 — and what they mean for your plant floor.

Changes at Husky, glass fiber dosing, rocking out with Glenn Frohring: Machinery Minutes

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly roundup of news and features with PMM Editor Ron Shinn:
Three top executives are departing Husky Technologies in the wake of its acquisition. 
KraussMaffei has developed a process to dose glass fibers directly into a molding machine. 
Absolute Haitian co-owner Glenn Frohring talks about his love for rock ‘n’ roll, birds, his career and what comes next. 

Wilmington Machinery expanding, robot orders for plastics lag: Machinery Minutes

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly roundup of news and features with PMM Editor Ron Shinn: 
Linda and Yousry Sayed, new owners of Wilmington Machinery, are planning to expand the business. 
North American robot orders increased in 2025, but orders in the plastics and rubber sector declined. 
German Machinery manufacturer Reifenhäuser rolled out new lines for flat film and blown film at K 2025, as well as an upgraded automation system and AI-powered chatbot. 

Why should plastics processors and equipment makers care about recyclers' troubles?

On this episode of PMM Insight, a commentary with Editor Ron Shinn: Business seems to be in a downward spiral for plastics recyclers. There is no national support or incentives for collection or recycling infrastructure, and state-of-the-art plants are closing.
Why should processors and machinery manufacturers care? Because recyclers are a foundational building block for plastics circularity, which is essential for the industry's future.

Wages and benefits on the rise; new thermoformers from WM and Gabler: Machinery Minutes

On this episode of PMM’s Machinery Minutes, our weekly look at significant stories from the past week, with Editor Ron Shinn: 
Total cost of wages and benefits are likely to go up this year for plastics processors, according to a report from The Plastics Industry Association. 
WM Thermoforming unveiled two new machines designed for energy efficiency, quick set-up and easy maintenance, at the recent K Show. 
Gabler Thermoform demonstrated the M100 Evo, capable of up to 43 cycles per minute and production of 250,000 items per hour. 

AI preserves and shares thermoforming know-how: Machinery Minutes

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly news podcast with PMM editor Ron Shinn rounding up some of the top stories of the past week: 
Thermoforming experts Conor Carlin and Mark Strachan have developed an AI-powered tool to help thermoforming companies struggling to find and keep skilled operators. 
Pat Farrey, former head of SPE and now executive VP of PLASTICS, talks about the merger of the two organizations, leadership and improving the image of the plastics industry. 
A new high-tech Kiefel thermoformer boosts production by 50 percent and uses 10 percent less energy. 

What plastics processors and OEMs are telling us about 2026

This episode is a discussion about the annual PMM Machinery Buying Survey, with editor Ron Shinn, managing editor Lynne Sherwin and senior staff reporter Karen Hanna.
Here are some key points: 
Survey respondents were surprisingly positive, with 73 percent saying they plan to buy primary processing equipment in 2026. Some machinery OEMs and analysts aren't quite so optimistic.
Tariffs are having a mixed effect and are still causing confusion. 
Manufacturing wages across the board are rising, and processors are going to have to pay more for workers, even as the lack of skilled labor is driving more automation.
The trend to keep machinery running longer is continuing, and machinery OEMs are responding by beefing up their service departments. 

Robot gets quick ROI; Dr. Boy goes electric at K: Machinery Minutes

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly news podcast with PMM editor Ron Shinn rounding up some of the top stories of the past week:
Dr. Boy went big at K 2025 by introducing an entirely new line of all-electric injection molding machines. 
An Ohio injection molder invested $50,000 in robots and saw a $75,000 annual savings. 
Paul Caprio was named president of LS Mtron for the U.S. and Canada. It is his third stint as president of a North American plastics machinery company.

What will 2026 bring for the plastics industry?

In this PMM Insight commentary, Editor Ron Shinn gives you his list of what the plastics industry needs for 2026, including: 
Significant improvement in the U.S. manufacturing sector. 
Training and workforce development on a national level. 
Stabilization of U.S. tariff policy. 
An overhaul of the plastics recycling system. 
Take a listen and tell us what's on your wish list.

New top executives at Netstal Americas, Arburg, Hasco: Machinery Minutes

On this episode of Machinery Minutes, our weekly news podcast with PMM editor Ron Shinn rounding up some of the top stories of the past week: 
We look at new injection molding machinery introduced by Engel, Arburg and Sumitomo (SHI) Demag at K 2025. 
Netstal Americas, Arburg and Hasco all announced new top executives. 
The Plastics Industry Association has launched Positives of Plastic, a website designed to provide fact-based information about plastics for industry professionals and the general public.