Best Plastic Injection Molding Podcasts (2024)

1
Injection molding embraces Industry 4.0 at NPE2024 11:47

24d ago11:47

11:47

From trimming cycle times to optimizing the use of recycled materials, the ability to collect data and tweak production based on it offers molders many benefits, said representatives of injection molding machine makers — and molders are beginning to embrace Industry 4.0. In this episode of PMM Insight, Senior Reporter Karen Hanna shares what she le…

1
Sales staff know where economic winds are blowing 7:18

3d ago7:18

7:18

If you want to know the state of the plastics machinery business, don't look to pundits or economists; ask a salesperson. Good ones listen closely to their customers and often defy conventional wisdom, says Editor Ron Shinn, and we are wise to listen to what they had to say recently.By Endeavor Business Media

1
Five things to know in July 5:24

10d ago5:24

5:24

Editor Ron Shinn rounds up five top stories from Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, including a look at Industry 4.0 technology in injection molding, comments from OEMs on the state of the economy and their businesses, and equipment debuts from Dri-Air, Conair and Athena.By Endeavor Business Media

1
The promise and perils of AI for plastics processors 8:26

19d ago8:26

8:26

Artificial intelligence can be hard to define, but it's coming to plastics processing. Doug Anger, engineering manager for training provider RJG Inc., says processors should look beyond the headlines and buzzwords and start viewing AI as another innovation to add to their toolboxes. Part quality, efficiency and profit margins can be improved by tec…

1
NPE2024: A view from the show floor 8:37

1M ago8:37

8:37

PMM Managing Editor Lynne Sherwin attended NPE2024 as a first-timer. Editor Ron Shinn talks with her about her experiences, what she and other PMM staffers heard from participants, and what it might foretell for plastics machinery makers and processors.By Endeavor Business Media

1
Industry 5.0 incorporates a human touch: Commentary 6:18

1M ago6:18

6:18

When we think of the factory of the future, we often picture a fully automated facility with few workers. But manufacturing gurus are beginning to talk about Industry 5.0, a human-centric, sustainable and resilient approach, in which robots and humans do what they do best in tandem, rather than having machines replace people. PMM Editor Ron Shinn e…

1
What's ahead for the Global Plastics Treaty? 8:33

2M ago8:33

8:33

The recently concluded fourth round of UN talks on a global plastics treaty made some progress in narrowing down the issues still facing delegates, according to Stewart Harris, senior director for global plastics policy in the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council. But there is still crucial work to be done before the fifth and final …

1
Get smarter, or get left behind 12:33

2M ago12:33

12:33

Processors who reject smart manufacturing technologies are putting their future at risk, says industry expert Alaa Elwany of Texas A&M. The government is mulling ways to help manufacturers unlock Industry 4.0 innovations, while surveys indicate growing interest among manufacturers. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman looks at the state of smart manufac…

1
Industry 4.0: Start small, but think big 7:21

2M ago7:21

7:21

Manufacturing technologies are evolving quickly, and those who don’t implement Industry 4.0 risk being left behind. Start small, but in a way that allows your company to scale up, says Editor Ron Shinn.By Endeavor Business Media

1
How Industry 4.0 will improve manufacturing: Mo Abuali, Wipfli 21:37

3M ago21:37

21:37

A survey of more than 300 manufacturers found that 99 percent say they plan to increase spending in technology and Industry 4.0 in 2024. At the same time, the cost of sensors, hardware and computing services are coming down. In this episode of PMM Insight, Mo Abuali, digital director for manufacturing, retail and distribution at Wipfli LLP, told Ed…

1
10 innovations to check out at NPE: PMM Insight 8:47

3M ago8:47

8:47

PMM Editor Ron Shinn has been to every NPE since 1991. In this episode of PMM Insight, he chooses 10 of the 111 Product Innovations featured in our April show preview issue that he's most excited to see.By Endeavor Business Media

1
Why you need to go to NPE2024: Commentary 5:46

3M ago5:46

5:46

Editor Ron Shinn, a veteran of dozens of plastics trade shows, looks forward to NPE2024 in May. It's been six years since the last one, and at the rate technology is advancing, there'll be many revelations to enjoy on the show floor.By Endeavor Business Media

1
Smart technology for auxiliary equipment 26:22

4M ago26:22

26:22

Auxiliary plastics processing equipment such as blenders, dryers and feeders can now collect and analyze data, make production adjustments on the fly, predict maintenance and more. These intelligent upgrades also help processors manage the lack of skilled labor in their plants. Senior reporter Bruce Geiselman spoke with representatives of several m…

1
Competing interests threaten Global Plastics Treaty: Commentary 5:47

4M ago5:47

5:47

The need to address the plastics pollution problem is universally acknowledged, but progress has been slow and parties are often working at cross-purposes. PMM Editor Ron Shinn gives his perspective on the struggle to find common ground for the sake of the earth.By Endeavor Business Media

1
How private equity is changing the plastics industry, with John Hart, PMCF: PMM In Person 33:51

4M ago33:51

33:51

Private equity investors are having an impact on the plastics industry. The results are bigger, more sophisticated plastics companies with deeper pockets that are willing to invest in technology to accelerate growth. John Hart, managing director of P&M Corporate Finance, speaks with PMM Editor Ron Shinn about the trend.…

1
Hiring slows, but labor shortage in plastics persists: PMM Perspective 17:29

5M ago17:29

17:29

Inflation, high interest rates and supply chain disruptions have created uncertainty throughout the economy, but whatever the short-term outlook, one constant is clear: Finding workers will remain a challenge. Senior reporter Karen Hanna looks at the employment outlook for the plastics industry in this episode of PMM Perspective.…

1
Leveraging your data with Kate Brown of Wipfli: PMM In Person 17:04

5M ago17:04

17:04

Your manufacturing data is a valuable asset. Find out how to use this information to increase productivity and serve your customers better.By Endeavor Business Media

1
Do we need standards for recyclable bales? PMM Commentary 5:24

5M ago5:24

5:24

Every recycler has horror stories about contaminated bales of recyclable materials, and knowing what's in a bale is essential to meet standards for recycled pellets or flake. Transparency in the marketplace would benefit everyone, but there are problems with the model that might actually discourage use of PCR, according to one industry expert. Edit…

1
Processors and equipment OEMs look ahead to 2024: PMM Perspective 28:41

6M ago28:41

28:41

Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing recently conducted its fifth annual survey of machinery investment plans for the upcoming year. The results, and follow-up interviews with processors, equipment OEMs and plastics industry experts, make the case for "cautious optimism" in 2024. In this episode of PMM Perspective, we look into the crystal ball to se…

1
Plastics plant leaders must embrace sustainability: PMM Commentary 6:39

6M ago6:39

6:39

Emissions that come from the manufacturing and transport of plastic parts can and should be controlled. When plastics processors commitment to greener practices, it benefits the environment, customers, workers and the business. Explore the use of digital technology to monitor processes, and sustainable energy sources. Hear more in this commentary f…

1
Arlene Davis on educational opportunities at NPE2024: PMM In Person 26:53

6M ago26:53

26:53

Arlene Davis, director of NPE content and experience for the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), talks with Editor Ron Shinn about the extensive conference and educational programs that will be available at NPE2024 in May, significantly enhancing the NPE experience.By Endeavor Business Media

1
Growing leaders from within your workforce: PMM Insight 12:47

7M ago12:47

12:47

How companies handle promotions and professional development can go a long way toward easing challenges they might otherwise face filling job openings. While employers might have once been able to rely on trade schools and a deep labor pool to fill roles ranging from entry-level to supervisory positions, human-resources (HR) experts say that’s no l…

1
Laurie Harbour, manufacturing consultant, Harbour Results: PMM In Person 17:19

7M ago17:19

17:19

Wages and other costs for the new contract won by the United Auto Workers will trickle down to Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 auto suppliers, including plastics processors, according to industry analyst Laurie Harbour. The automotive supply chain was already vulnerable before the UAW strike because of COVID, labor shortages and lower automotive volumes.…

1
How artificial intelligence can help plastics processors: PMM Perspective 9:50

8M ago9:50

9:50

From plant design to part quality, artificial intelligence offers manufacturers efficiency advantages. Jimmy Asher, managing director and Smart Factory CTO, Deloitte Consulting LLP, detailed the ways AI is applicable to the plastics industry in this article by Bruce Geiselman. Read more about AI:IMM makers integrate artificial intelligence to impro…

1
Exploring the Use of Recycled Plastics in the Automotive Industry: Challenges and Insights 21:12

8M ago21:12

21:12

What really happens when we use recycled plastics for injection molded parts? This question has sparked much debate, and in this enlightening episode, we take you on a journey through the life cycle of injection molding plastics. We'll expose the reasons behind the industry's mistrust of recycled materials, the quality inconsistencies, and the envi…

1
Tim Shestek and Robert Simon, American Chemistry Council: PMM In Person 13:52

8M ago13:52

13:52

Representatives from the American Chemistry Council discuss two issues of growing importance to plastics processors — extended producer responsibility programs, commonly referred to as EPR programs, and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS. Tim Shestek, senior director for state affairs in the Western Region, and Robert Simon, vice president for Che…

1
Training your workforce for the future: PMM Perspective 10:06

9M ago10:06

10:06

Plastics processors are facing challenges in their workforces as experienced operators retire and new employees need to level up their skills. Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna details the efforts of OEMs, training programs and companies to educate their staffs and prepare them for the future. Read more from our package, on how training can be tail…

1
Matt Seaholm, Plastics Industry Association: PMM In Person 13:09

9M ago13:09

13:09

PMM Editor Ron Shinn speaks with Matt Seaholm, CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), about the global effort to solve the problem of plastics in the environment, and the organization's role in those initiatives.By Endeavor Business Media

1
How to assess your cybersecurity risk and take action: PMM Perspective 19:39

9M ago19:39

19:39

Every plastics processor should take the threat of cybercrime seriously. Senior Staff Reporter Bruce Geiselman details steps you can take to make sure your data is safe, your employees are aware and your company has a plan if the worst happens. Read more stories from our report, about cyber insurance and about ransomware.…

1
Lean manufacturing for plastics processors: PMM Perspective 16:31

9M ago16:31

16:31

Consultants, company leaders and employees tout lean manufacturing as an approach that empowers employees while helping companies run more productively. Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna relates how two processors, Comco and Mercury Plastics, have improved their operations. Read more from our series on lean manufacturing here.…

1
Introducing PMM Insight 2:24

9M ago2:24

2:24

From Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing and plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com, we bring you our podcast! Each month we will provide interviews with plastics industry professionals; these episodes are referred to as PMM in Person. Each month we also deliver an audio article, referred to as PMM Perspective.…

1
Scientific Molding 18:40

2+ y ago18:40

18:40

In this episode we get into the actual manufacturing process and discuss scientific molding with our guest, Kyle Staffhorst. Named by Plastics News as a "Rising Star" within the plastics industry, Kyle is a process engineer trainee at PTI. Using the scientific injection molding (SIM) workbook as a guide, a series of mold, machine, and material test…

1
Right-Sizing your Injection Mold Tooling — Part 2 18:02

2+ y ago18:02

18:02

In this episode we continue our discussion regarding the tool build with our guest Chris Behring, tooling operations manager at PTI. Tool construction is the primary focus here, and as Chris points out, the sooner you can define the project, in terms of quantity of parts needed and materials being used, the better.…

1
Right-Sizing your Injection Mold Tooling – Part 1 23:17

2+ y ago23:17

23:17

In this episode we discuss elements of the tool build with Chris Behring, tooling operations manager at PTI. During our discussion, we touch on subjects such as prototype tooling versus bridge tooling, and what to consider when determining the material used for a mold to ensure that it provides a custom fit for your program.…

1
Design for Manufacturing 26:00

2+ y ago26:00

26:00

From uniform wall thickness to gate location to applying proper draft to your part model, many details are important when designing a plastic part. In this episode of the Mind to Manufacturing podcast, we talk with PTI's Lead Program Manager, Jonathan Cottrell, about the main aspects a designer should consider when developing a part that will be in…

1
Mind to Manufacturing Series Trailer 1:00

3y ago1:00

1:00

Welcome to the Mind to Manufacturing podcast, brought to you by PTI Engineered Plastics, an industry leader in custom plastic injection molding. My name is Kelley Riley, and I’ll be hosting the show. Each month we’ll be releasing a new episode where we talk to an industry expert about topics ranging from product development and ideation, to tooling…

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Plastic Injection Molding Podcasts

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