industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 and AI in the Spotlight for Shibaura

Shibaura is deploying its exclusive industrial IoT service machiNetCloud at NPE2024 and launching the all-new S-Concept AI system for making real-time process adjustments.

Tony Deligio
Executive Editor, Plastics Technology

Four Industry 4.0 Tech Adoption Insights from Indiana Plastics Manufacturers

As more plastics manufacturers step into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, insights have emerged about how best to approach the digital transformation journey.

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Mold Monitor Adds Wireless Connectivity

NPE2024: Progressive’s CVe OnDemand software now offers wireless connectivity.

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IMM Cells Display Communications, Energy Measurement and Energy Recovery

NPE2024: Wittmann is featuring five injection molding machines incorporating its range of robotics and auxiliaries, with all products employing industry 4.0 communications, energy measurement and a brand-new red color.

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Bollegraaf and Greyparrot Team Up in AI Vision Deal

Recycling facilities builder Bollegraaf invests in AI vision technology.

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Adding Remote Service Functions for PET Bottle Blowing

KHS has added features to its internet machine communications portal for PET stretch-blow molding.

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Go Beyond Blending
Guill - World Leader in Extrusion Tooling
Uway LLC
HAIDLMAIR NPE2024

Automation in Winding, Coiling and Cutting for Reduced Labor and Increased Safety and Consistency

Reel Power will demonstrate how its automatic winding system works in concert with extrusion and automated pick and place.

Matt Stonecash
Associate Editor, Plastics Technology Magazine

LSR Advances in Dispensing, Tooling and Automation

At Fakuma 2023, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s LSR injection molding machines showcased advances from itself and partners Reinhardt-Technik, Rico and Sepro.

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Cloud-Based Platform Monitors Machine and Plant Health

SACMI says Smart Care is a cloud-based platform designed to help customers optimize plant control and maintenance via new assistance services and proactive problem-solving.

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Ensuring Repeatability: The Key to Effective Injection Molding Automation

One of automation’s key promises is repeatability: the same movement to the same location, time and time again. But to achieve that, all elements involved — robot, machine, EOAT, mold — must be in and stay in alignment.

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The Future of Automation in Injection Molding

Are you automating enough? At #PTXPO23 we spoke with leaders in automation and injection molding about the current state of automation and what’s in store for the future.

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Expanded In-Plant Monitoring Capabilities

ACS expands MiVue plant-monitoring system across a wide range of auxiliaires.  

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Industry 4.0 Without Fear: Modular MES Software Lets You ‘Start Simple’ and Add on Later

‘Don’t be afraid of MES.’ App-based platform can start with monitoring just downtime and cycle time on a few machines and add machines and functionality later.

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See FasTie at NPE2024 in Smartflow Booth W3071
Shuttle Mold System
Maguire Ultra
Dover Clear

Molding Solutions for Flexibility and Monitoring

NPE2024: Ewikon highlighting new hot runner nozzle and Smart Control system.

Matt Stonecash
Associate Editor, Plastics Technology Magazine

Manufacturers’ Superpower: ‘X-Ray Vision’ into Your Processes

Meet a ‘new’ name (to North American processors) in MES software, which provides a simple, modular way to achieve visibility into your production operations.

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Smart Systems Illuminate Material Recovery for Enhanced Plastics Recycling

Data collection and machine learning can give MRF operators and brand owners an enhanced view of the fate of recyclable materials.

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Automation in Thermoforming on the Rise

Equipment suppliers’ latest innovations exemplify this trend driven by factors such as labor shortages, higher-speed thermoformers and tighter quality control.

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Digital Watermarks Initiative Moves to Pilot Market Phase in France

Digimarc announces expansion of the Holygrail 2.0 Watermarking Initiative.

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More Automation Comes to Blown Film Processing

New system for cuts in half the time to move from one product format to another.

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‘Get the Right Information to the Right People at the Right Time’

Scott Rogers at Noble Plastics is working on production-monitoring software to empower his shop-floor personnel.

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New Tinius Olsen VectorExtensometer testing
New Micro Twin Screw Feeder NPE2024 - W8183
Advantage temperature control units
ColorStream

Connectivity for Material Handling Offers Greater Visibility

NPE2024: Motan solutions integrate data connectivity.

Matt Stonecash
Associate Editor, Plastics Technology Magazine

‘Digitalization’ – Awkward Term for a Vital Concept

At K 2022, 85 machines from 40 companies showed off their Industry 4.0 capabilities via OPC-UA interface. A new universal interface for Material Supply Systems was revealed at the show.

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MAC Automation Concepts Completes Expansion

The supplier of auxiliary equipment and parts-handling products has expanded its building and the land its located on in Woodstock, Ill.

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Automation Evolution: From Robots to Work Cells, Solo Devices to Integrated Systems

Injection molding automation has progressed from devices to systems, from simplicity to more complex capabilities. The author traces this development through various levels of automation – all still available choices today – and analyzes the costs and capabilities for each level.

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AlphaMAC All-Electric Extrusion Blow Molders Come to U.S.

Italian-built machines for containers up to 30 L are offered with built-in robot, quality-control station, and Industry 4.0 features.

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Film Processor Automates Complex Resin Management, Blending & Distribution System

Polipak of Poland moves to BlendSave system to support sustainability and Industry 4.0 objectives.  

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AI-Based Injection Molding Assistant Launched

LS Mtron’s new AI Molding Assistant and Smart Weight Control technologies can help molders reduce costs while achieving higher quality and productivity.

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Inspect 100% of your plastics inline.
Vacuum conveying powders to extruders compounding
Dover Clear
New Tinius Olsen VectorExtensometer testing