Published 3/21/2022

Learn About Industry Topics and Emerging Technologies at PTXPO

Aside from being a great opportunity to network with other industry professionals, PTXPO will have numerous educational sessions about hot topics and emerging technologies.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Hasco Loc Check for GSM Tracking of Your Injection Molds

Presented by PTXPO sponsor Hasco

Tuesday, March 29 | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.

This presentation will discuss a tracking system for injection molding tools. Because these tools are used often at different locations, production of plastic parts can be moved around or the molds are loaned to different injection molders.

Speaker: Brenda Clark, engineering manager, Hasco

Untapping the Potential of Untapped Resources to Fill the Skills Gap

Presented by Anova Innovations

Tuesday, March 29 | 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

In this presentation, the president of Anova Innovations explains how he recruited a local network of manufacturing and educational professionals to launch a mold design apprenticeship program to share industry wide.

Speaker: Jeff Mertz, president, Anova Innovations

Advanced Hot Runner Technologies that Enable Reduction in Plastic Consumption and Waste

Presented by Westfall Technik Inc.

Tuesday, March 29 | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.

In this presentation, Westfall Technik will discuss how advanced hot runner technology can be used to significantly reduce the amount of resin used and scrap produced to mold plastic parts. Case studies will be presented showing how innovative technology was used to direct valve gate parts in locations where no one had been able to direct valve gate in the past.

Speaker: Vijay Kudchadkar, director of advanced engineering, Westfall Technik Inc.

Approaching Application Challenges with Engineered Solutions: An Examination of Three Hot Runner Case Studies

Presented by Oerlikon HRSflow USA

Tuesday, March 29 | 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Oerlikon HRSflow will present three case studies of hot runner challenges and their process for evaluating and analyzing the challenges and engineering and designing the solutions.

Speaker: Matt Tingley, key account manager, Oerlikon HRSflow USA

Recent Successes in 3D Metal Printing of Tooling

Presented by Xact Metal Inc.

Wednesday, March 30 | 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

The recent introduction of affordable metal 3D printers that use powder-bed fusion has increased access to this key additive manufacturing (AM) technology for tooling, fixturing and prototyping. This presentation will review recent case studies for printing of tooling and mold components.

Speaker: Dave Jankowski, vice president of commercial operations, Xact Metal Inc.

Additive Manufacturing: The Next Generation of Standard Mold Components

Presented by Next Chapter Manufacturing

Wednesday, March 30 | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Conformal cool sprue bushings bring a competitive advantage to a standardized tool component. Additionally, conformal cooled inserts can increase productivity where conventional cooling has manufacturing limitations, which gives molders the competitive advantage to eliminate defects and increase part quality.

Speaker: Chip Netzel, key account manager, Next Chapter Manufacturing

Using System and Hot Runner Balance in the Mold Qualification Process

Presented by Husky Technologies

Wednesday, March 30 | 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.

In this presentation, Husky will present the process fundamentals of system and hot runner balance and its impact on mold qualification. Attendees will learn about the factors that influence short shot balance, how to measure system balance and how to set system balance expectations based on specific applications.

Speaker: Sheldon Alexander, business manager, hot runners and controllers, Husky Technologies

Extend the Life of Your Mold and Mold Components

Presented by Bales Metal Surface Solutions

Thursday, March 31 | 10:00 – 10:30 p.m.

In this session, learn how an engineered coating can protect your investment and extend its life.

Speaker: Rich Wozniak, technical services manager, Bales Metal Surface Solutions

Precision Metal 3D Printing: a New Opportunity for Moldmakers and Molders

Presented by Mantle Inc.

Thursday, March 31 | 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

3D printing has established a niche in the tooling industry with conformally cooled inserts, but has not gained widespread adoption. This session will discuss why this is and what new technologies could unlock greater adoption by offering faster lead times, lower cost, and improved cycle times.

Speaker: Scott Kraemer, senior application engineer, Mantle Inc.