PMM Insight: A Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing Podcast

The benefits of harnessing your machine data: PMM Insight

Key points from this podcast episode:
Collecting operational data has become easy. Using it effectively is the difficult part. For our recent cover story, three consultants talked about the competitive price processors pay when they don’t effectively use their data. Editor Ron Shinn discusses.  
The IT director at a Pennsylvania thermoformer has seen spectacular on-time-delivery results pulling data from the company’s ERP system and displaying it in real-time for plant-floor operators and decision makers. 

Putting your machine data to work; recycled plastic noise walls: Machinery Minutes

Key points in this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast:  
Modern processing machinery collects plenty of data, but using it can be problematic. Three experts explain how it can help your molding business and the high cost of ignoring it.  
Bobby May, the IT director at Pennsylvania thermoformer SAY Plastics, has built 120 dashboards that puts the right ERP data in front of decision-makers at the right time. Results have been impressive.  
An Australian manufacturer is bringing plastic noise walls to North America. The wall panels are made from post-consumer resin. 

Molding bioresins; 3D printing machinery market; covering tariffs: Machinery Minutes

Key points in this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast: 
Molding bioresins takes patience, skill and determination. Having a good partner helps too, as Refork found in Mold-Masters. 
The 3D printing equipment market is struggling under the weight of high interest rates. But big-name OEMs are still embracing the technology. Are we at a turning point for the 3D printing industry? 
Endeavor Business Media publications continue to follow the frequently changing Trump tariff story, and you can find all their reporting on the PMM homepage. We also have a new poll giving you the chance to tell us how tariffs are impacting your business. 

Auto industry, suppliers need support: Commentary

The domestic auto industry is in big trouble, with no sign that things will get better anytime soon. The industry was making progress in transitioning to electric vehicles, but at a critical time when it needs support, it is not getting it. 
While domestic EV production is being slowed by tariffs and automakers are trying to figure out how to move forward, other countries are racing ahead. What does it mean for the plastics industry? Editor Ron Shinn has one discouraging outcome in this PMM Insight commentary. 

Trump's tariffs and plastics; reshoring's future; Stork's new IMM: Machinery Minutes

In this episode of Machinery Minutes:
President Trump’s latest round of tariffs were condemned by industry trade groups, including PLASTICS, VDMA and the Recycled Materials Association. 
Reshoring guru Harry Moser thinks Trump’s tariffs will cause short-term pain but could lead to long-term gain for the economy. 
Dutch machinery maker Stork launches a new line of all-electric injection molding machines. 

Trash becomes resin; thermoforming PET caps; state of the plastics treaty: Machinery Minutes

UBQ Materials has developed a process to turn organic waste into biobased composite materials. Think banana peels, dirty diapers, chicken bones, greasy pizza boxes or even unrecyclable plastic. Now they want to build a U.S. plant.
A new thermoforming technology from Origin Materials can produce PET and recycled PET caps at a speed that’s competitive with other processes.  
Talks on a global treaty to end plastic pollution drag on. If there's no meaningful resolution, the plastics industry itself could be the biggest loser. 

Is the 3D printing market slowing down? Commentary

A new market study says that high interest rates are causing processors to delay buying 3D printing equipment. Some resin makers and equipment manufacturers have exited the business. 
But there are big-name OEMs, such as the BMW Group, pushing ahead with groundbreaking new projects. It appears automation may be important to the future of 3D printing, Editor Ron Shinn reports in this PMM Insight commentary. 

Equipment sales slump; biopolymers on the rise; a rockin' career: Machinery Minutes

Plastics machinery sales are down — again. On this episode of Machinery Minutes, hear more about the latest figures from PLASTICS' Committee on Equipment Statistics and the outlook for the rest of the year. 
Bioresins are growing in popularity as companies emphasize sustainability, but they pose processing challenges. Hear how extrusion and blow molding equipment makers are adapting. 
Artie Riegger, who is 40 years into a career in KraussMaffei's extrusion business, has another talent: he was a drummer in a rock and roll band for 55 years. He told us about his dual careers for this month's "In Other Words" interview.

Engel in Mexico, Husky's new acquisition, expansion at PRI: Machinery Minutes

In this episode of the Machinery Minutes podcast, you'll hear about the new production facility Engel has opened in Mexico, aimed at providing faster delivery times and increased availability of injection molding machines in the Americas.   
Also, Husky Technologies has acquired secondary injection unit and rotary platen technologies from MGS Healthcare Manufacturing to complement its multi-material and multicolor solutions. And Plastics Recycling Inc. has invested $10 million in two state-of-the-art extruder systems and lab equipment at its Indianapolis headquarters plant. 

Building a data-savvy workforce for the future: PMM Insight

Manufacturing jobs are evolving, and your hiring practices need to change as well if you want to be prepared for the future. 
Modern equipment generates rivers of data that, used and interpreted properly, can make your processes more efficient, reliable and profitable. But you need workers who know how to put that data to work.
In this episode, PMM senior reporter Karen Hanna and editor Ron Shinn discuss her stories detailing the kinds of skills you should be looking for and how to get those data-savvy employees onto your shop floor.