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The Cost of High Employee Turnover in Injection Molding: Why Retention Matters | Plastics Technology

A 360-degree look at resin conveying systems: types, operation, economics, design, installation, components and controls.

This Knowledge Center provides an overview of resin moisture and the drying process, including information on the best drying practices for your manufacturing facility. Short Run Injection Molding Cost

The Cost of High Employee Turnover in Injection Molding: Why Retention Matters | Plastics Technology

Everything you need to know about plastics compounding technology—from feeding solutions to application profiles and expert advice.

Combat the skilled labor shortage using this comprehensive resource to train your own plastics processing experts.

Deep dive into the basics of blending versus dosing, controls, maintenance, process integration and more.

This Knowledge Center provides an overview of the considerations needed to understand the purchase, operation, and maintenance of a process cooling system.

Learn about sustainable scrap reprocessing—this resource offers a deep dive into everything from granulator types and options, to service tips, videos and technical articles.

Flat-to-downward trajectory for at least this month.

A mixed bag, though prices likely to be down if not flat for all this month.

Trajectory is generally flat-to-down for all commodity resins.

Flat-to-down trajectory underway for fourth quarter for commodity resins.  

Generally, a bottoming-out appears to be the projected pricing trajectory.

PS prices to see significant drop, with some potential for a modest downward path for others. 

Resin drying is a crucial, but often-misunderstood area. This collection includes details on why and what you need to dry, how to specify a dryer, and best practices.

Take a deep dive into all of the various aspects of part quoting to ensure you’ve got all the bases—as in costs—covered before preparing your customer’s quote for services.

In this collection of articles, two of the industry’s foremost authorities on screw design — Jim Frankand and Mark Spalding — offer their sage advice on screw design...what works, what doesn’t, and what to look for when things start going wrong.

In this collection, which is part one of a series representing some of John’s finest work, we present you with five articles that we think you will refer to time and again as you look to solve problems, cut cycle times and improve the quality of the parts you mold.

Gifted with extraordinary technical know how and an authoritative yet plain English writing style, in this collection of articles Fattori offers his insights on a variety of molding-related topics that are bound to make your days on the production floor go a little bit better.

In this three-part collection, veteran molder and moldmaker Jim Fattori brings to bear his 40+ years of on-the-job experience and provides molders his “from the trenches” perspective on on the why, where and how of venting injection molds. Take the trial-and-error out of the molding venting process.

Mike Sepe has authored more than 25 ANTEC papers and more than 250 articles illustrating the importance of this interdisciplanary approach. In this collection, we present some of his best work during the years he has been contributing for Plastics Technology Magazine.

In this collection of content, we provide expert advice on welding from some of the leading authorities in the field, with tips on such matters as controls, as well as insights on how to solve common problems in welding.

Mold maintenance is critical, and with this collection of content we’ve bundled some of the very best advice we’ve published on repairing, maintaining, evaluating and even hanging molds on injection molding machines.

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

The global plastics industry has been navigating through what is arguably the most volatile period in decades. Unprecedented amounts of new production capacity are scheduled to start in North America, Europe, and China in the near term and compete for demand during a period of economic challenges. How will trade flows shift? Will this lead to regional cost disparities and rationalization? Energy transition and sustainability targets continue transforming the plastics market and increasing the competitive landscape. As the market evolves, what impact will new technology, policy, regulation, the growing role of chemicals versus fuel and other factors have on industry restructuring and business models? At GPS 2024, leading global experts will come together to discuss pivotal impacts and initiatives shaping the plastics industry. Join us and participants from across the globe to gain the latest insight and deep analysis as you connect with your peers and industry professionals. This year’s conference will explore the theme Disruptive Global Dynamics Reshaping Plastics and include a full day workshop focused on the Global Plastics Business and Plastics Transition to Circularity, 1.5 days of expert content and numerous networking functions.

Every three years, leaders from almost every major industry gather at NPE to advance their businesses through innovations in plastics. The largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE offers six technology zones, keynote speakers, workshops and opportunities to build partnerships. 

The 3D Printing Workshop @ NPE2024 – The Plastics Show, is an immersive, half-day workshop focused on the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop will build upon a successful model first introduced at IMTS 2014. Attendees will benefit from a program focused on practical applications of 3D technologies related to plastics processing. This event will conclude with a 3D Printing Industry Reception sponsored by Additive Manufacturing Media.

The Society Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division and the SPE Eastern New England Section will co-host the Screw Design Conference-Topcon on June 19-20, 2024 @ UMass Lowell in Lowell, MA.  This highly technical program will focus upon screw design principles for single and twin screw extruders with wide ranging topics relating to screw designs for feeding, melting, mixing, venting and pumping plastics products and parts.   Areas of focus will include screw designs for melt temperature and gel management, gel minimization, bioplastics, recycled materials and foaming.   In addition to the technical sessions, a tour of the UMass Lowel Plastics Processing Laboratories will be integrated into Day 2 of the event.    This program is not just for screw designers, but to help anyone responsible for any type of extrusion operation to evaluate existing extrusion equipment; and also to prepare for future projects. Price to attend:  Less than $1000!  Registrations will be accepted in early 2024. Call for papers – To be considered to give a presentation, please submit a talk title and abstract on or before December 15 to:   Technical Chair: Eldridge M. Mount III, e-mail emmount@msn.com Corporate sponsorships - A limited # of corporate sponsorships (15) are available on a 1st come basis.  Included is a 6’ tabletop display (must fit on table), denotation in all promotional activities, and 1 no charge registration.  To become a sponsor contact: Charlie Martin, Leistritz Extrusion, e-mail cmartin@leistritz-extrusion.com, cell 973-650 3137 General information:   A reception on Day 1 and a tabletop display area will allow the attendees to meet and discuss state-of-the-art screw technologies with industry experts.  The SPE Extrusion Division will issue a “Screw Design Certificate” to all participants who have attended the program.  Students are encouraged to attend and will receive a discounted rate.   For additional information contact:  Program Chair:  Karen Xiao, Macro Engineering, KXiao@macroeng.com

Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today.  Discover all that the 2022 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!

Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop at IMTS 2024 is a chance for job shops to learn the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. First introduced at IMTS 2014, this workshop has helped hundreds of manufacturing professionals expand their additive capabilities.  

In today's manufacturing environment, robust processes that meet strict industry and regulatory standards are essential. With the advent of servo-driven ultrasonic welding technology, enhancing product quality and maintaining consistency has become remarkably effortless. Discover the fundamentals of ultrasonic welding, delve into vital components within these systems, explore how servo-driven ultrasonic welding enhances weld quality via advanced control features and gain insights into optimizing your assemblies for welding in these high-performing machines. Join Dukane to unlock the potential of ultrasonic welding in modern manufacturing for plastic devices and components. Agenda: Fundamentals of ultrasonic welding Key components in an ultrasonic welding system Using servo-driven ultrasonic systems to control your welding process Designing your parts and components for servo-controlled ultrasonic welding

This webinar will help you make informed decisions to confirm the equipment access stairs in your facility are OSHA compliant and meet the highest standards of safety and ergonomics. Agenda:  Identifying opportunities to increase safety in the work place Utilizing space saving stairways Ensuring code compliance for equipment access

4.0, EUROMAP, OPC, OLE, QC, DSN, SQL, VNC, MES, ERP, FTP, CMS, SPI — are you confused by all buzzwords being tossed around in the plastics industry? Not convinced the data collection is necessary? Or are you unsure of how it could be implemented and improve your molding processes? Wittmann has been on the cutting edge of the data collection push for nearly 20 years. In this webinar, take a step back from the idea of the manufacturing facility of the future and discuss what you can do today to improve your process. Using readily-available technology, Wittmann can help reduce downtime, limit scrap and wasted material, and predict required maintenance. Let the experts at Wittmann help you understand: what data can be collected, what that data can be used for, what systems are used, and how to implement them. Agenda: Demystifying the terminology Tracking the material flow and lot information through the material handling system The data available from various auxiliary equipment, such as: dryers, blenders, mold temperature controls and robots Automating the process through changes in the data collected at the machines during production Adding visualization to increase productivity

Learn how targeted, modular, dosing and blending solutions — covering powders, granules, regrinds and liquids — provide plastics processors of all kinds with best-in-class accurate dosing while delivering significant raw material savings and ensuring highest quality.  Agenda:  Introduction to Movacolor Blending in plastics applications Movacolor feeding and dosing technology Hybrid blending to combine high material throughput and dosing accuracy

This presentation will explore the in-situ polyurethane (PU) overmolding of injection-molded and composite parts, allowing for direct out-of-mold class "A" surfaces. KraussMaffei will review the process and equipment required. It will also discuss tooling types currently available for PU systems for this process. KraussMaffei will compare the pros and cons of this technology over currently-available coating and painting systems. Agenda: Introduction and evolution of the ColorForm technology Overview of the ColorForm process Equipment required Tooling and PU systems Benefits of the system compared to typical spray-applied coatings Pros and cons of the technology

Consistent quality is paramount within the production of pipe and tubing applications. Additionally, significant material savings can be obtained by tightly controlling product dimensions with the correct process equipment. In this webinar, Conair will cover gravimetric control of an extruder and production line speed to ensure optimal quality and cost savings are achieved in your product run. A detailed discussion of the upstream material handling system includes: blending resins upstream of the feed throat, detection of the extruder rate at the throat, control of the extruder rpm and control of the product itself in feet per min — all accomplished with a simple recipe configuration which includes product weight per length desired and production line speed.

Medical-component specialist LightningCath has carved a niche meeting the needs of small to medium-sized entrepreneurs with complex catheter designs … quickly.

Fast Track service from BPM can repair every brand of rotor in two weeks or fewer.  

Adds 52,000 square feet to Lebanon plant.

Nextpoint announced a $2 million investment, part of a $7.7 million raise for PlantSwitch, which uses agricultural waste to manufacture plastic.

Life cycle analysis of production at four plants in Mexico and Germany was conducted by C7-consult.

Tahara’s new eight-head, double-sided coex machine has many new mechanical and electronic features.

Topping five other entries in voting by fellow molders, the Ultradent team talks about their Hot Shots sweep.

Serendipitous Learning Opportunities at PTXPO Underscore the Value of Being Present.

Introduced by Zeiger and Spark Industries at the PTXPO, the nozzle is designed for maximum heat transfer and uniformity with a continuous taper for self cleaning.

Ultradent's entry of its Umbrella cheek retractor took home the awards for Technical Sophistication and Achievement in Economics and Efficiency at PTXPO. 

technotrans says climate protection, energy efficiency and customization will be key discussion topics at PTXPO as it displays its protemp flow 6 ultrasonic eco and the teco cs 90t 9.1 TCUs.

Shibaura discusses the upcoming Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) March 28-30

Ahead of the first NPE since 2018, PLASTICS announced that its triennial show will stay in Orlando and early May for ’27, ’30 and ’33.

New features of NPE2024 aim to “bring the whole plastics ecosystem together to innovate, collaborate and share findings.”  

Hundreds of tons of demonstration products will be created at NPE2024 next spring. Commercial Plastics Recycling strives to recycle all of it.

After what will be a 6-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, registration is open for the triennial show, which will take place May 6-10, 2023, in Orlando, Florida.

The Plastics Industry Association has hired from within, elevating Matt Seaholm to CEO and Glenn Anderson to COO.

Long-time leaders hailing from the U.S., Japan, Germany and Austria and across the entire supply chain, from machinery and materials to training and moldmaking, will be inducted.

Mixed in among thought leaders from leading suppliers to injection molders and mold makers at the 2023 Molding and MoldMaking conferences will be molders and toolmakers themselves. 

After successfully introducing a combined conference for moldmakers and injection molders in 2022, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology are once again joining forces for a tooling/molding two-for-one.

Multiple speakers at Molding 2023 will address the ways simulation can impact material substitution decisions, process profitability and simplification of mold design.

When, how, what and why to automate — leading robotics suppliers and forward-thinking moldmakers will share their insights on automating manufacturing at collocated event.

As self-imposed and government-issued sustainability mandates approach, injection molders reimagine their operations.

August 29-30 in Minneapolis all things injection molding and moldmaking will be happening at the Hyatt Regency — check out who’s speaking on what topics today.

Get your clicking finger in shape and sign up for all that we have in store for you in 2023.  

Molding 2023 to take place Aug. 29-30 in Minnesota; Extrusion 2023 slated for Oct. 10-12 in Indiana.

Key technologies — such as multicolor molding, film molding and PUR overmolding for both exterior and interior applications — are at the forefront of this transformation. Join this webinar to explore the vast potential of eMobility in molding large components — including those with fiber reinforcements — thereby driving the need for large injection molding cells with a clamping force of up to 11,000 tons. You will also gain insight into Engel's innovative two-stage process, a solution for future recycling processes. This webinar will provide an in-depth overview of challenging applications, production concepts and best practices, including:       BMW iX front panel production cell Smart rear panels concept based on IMD and 2C molding Sustainability concepts based on two-stage process Large tonnage equipment for battery moldings

In today's manufacturing environment, robust processes that meet strict industry and regulatory standards are essential. With the advent of servo-driven ultrasonic welding technology, enhancing product quality and maintaining consistency has become remarkably effortless. Discover the fundamentals of ultrasonic welding, delve into vital components within these systems, explore how servo-driven ultrasonic welding enhances weld quality via advanced control features and gain insights into optimizing your assemblies for welding in these high-performing machines. Join Dukane to unlock the potential of ultrasonic welding in modern manufacturing for plastic devices and components. Agenda: Fundamentals of ultrasonic welding Key components in an ultrasonic welding system Using servo-driven ultrasonic systems to control your welding process Designing your parts and components for servo-controlled ultrasonic welding

This webinar will help you make informed decisions to confirm the equipment access stairs in your facility are OSHA compliant and meet the highest standards of safety and ergonomics. Agenda:  Identifying opportunities to increase safety in the work place Utilizing space saving stairways Ensuring code compliance for equipment access

4.0, EUROMAP, OPC, OLE, QC, DSN, SQL, VNC, MES, ERP, FTP, CMS, SPI — are you confused by all buzzwords being tossed around in the plastics industry? Not convinced the data collection is necessary? Or are you unsure of how it could be implemented and improve your molding processes? Wittmann has been on the cutting edge of the data collection push for nearly 20 years. In this webinar, take a step back from the idea of the manufacturing facility of the future and discuss what you can do today to improve your process. Using readily-available technology, Wittmann can help reduce downtime, limit scrap and wasted material, and predict required maintenance. Let the experts at Wittmann help you understand: what data can be collected, what that data can be used for, what systems are used, and how to implement them. Agenda: Demystifying the terminology Tracking the material flow and lot information through the material handling system The data available from various auxiliary equipment, such as: dryers, blenders, mold temperature controls and robots Automating the process through changes in the data collected at the machines during production Adding visualization to increase productivity

Learn how targeted, modular, dosing and blending solutions — covering powders, granules, regrinds and liquids — provide plastics processors of all kinds with best-in-class accurate dosing while delivering significant raw material savings and ensuring highest quality.  Agenda:  Introduction to Movacolor Blending in plastics applications Movacolor feeding and dosing technology Hybrid blending to combine high material throughput and dosing accuracy

This presentation will explore the in-situ polyurethane (PU) overmolding of injection-molded and composite parts, allowing for direct out-of-mold class "A" surfaces. KraussMaffei will review the process and equipment required. It will also discuss tooling types currently available for PU systems for this process. KraussMaffei will compare the pros and cons of this technology over currently-available coating and painting systems. Agenda: Introduction and evolution of the ColorForm technology Overview of the ColorForm process Equipment required Tooling and PU systems Benefits of the system compared to typical spray-applied coatings Pros and cons of the technology

Fast facts SPE International Polyolefins Conference 2024: The Preeminent Polymer Conference in the World dedicated to Polyolefins since 1975 The conference will in-person and virtual The powerful software platform for the conference will allow access to all papers on-demand, even several months after the conference, access to the program, access to virtual exhibitor/sponsor booths, and easy communication with speakers and other participants In-person participants can download a mobile or web app for the conference to access all the features of the software platform for the conference We anticipate over 900 people from around the globe to participate in-person or virtually The improved layout of the exhibit floor offers easy access and flow for the 60+ companies that we anticipate to exhibit Over 20 sponsors expected 150+ Technical papers, Sunday afternoon Tutorial Student Poster Competition 2 Networking Socials Meeting rooms available for rent to meet with customers and suppliers Exhibits from Monday through Wednesday until noon The Conference is organized by the SPE South Texas Section, the SPE Polymer Modifiers and Additives Division, the Thermoplastic Materials and Foams Division, the Engineering Properties and Structures Division, the Building and Infrastructure Division, and the Flexible Packaging Division.

The global plastics industry has been navigating through what is arguably the most volatile period in decades. Unprecedented amounts of new production capacity are scheduled to start in North America, Europe, and China in the near term and compete for demand during a period of economic challenges. How will trade flows shift? Will this lead to regional cost disparities and rationalization? Energy transition and sustainability targets continue transforming the plastics market and increasing the competitive landscape. As the market evolves, what impact will new technology, policy, regulation, the growing role of chemicals versus fuel and other factors have on industry restructuring and business models? At GPS 2024, leading global experts will come together to discuss pivotal impacts and initiatives shaping the plastics industry. Join us and participants from across the globe to gain the latest insight and deep analysis as you connect with your peers and industry professionals. This year’s conference will explore the theme Disruptive Global Dynamics Reshaping Plastics and include a full day workshop focused on the Global Plastics Business and Plastics Transition to Circularity, 1.5 days of expert content and numerous networking functions.

Every three years, leaders from almost every major industry gather at NPE to advance their businesses through innovations in plastics. The largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE offers six technology zones, keynote speakers, workshops and opportunities to build partnerships. 

The 3D Printing Workshop @ NPE2024 – The Plastics Show, is an immersive, half-day workshop focused on the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop will build upon a successful model first introduced at IMTS 2014. Attendees will benefit from a program focused on practical applications of 3D technologies related to plastics processing. This event will conclude with a 3D Printing Industry Reception sponsored by Additive Manufacturing Media.

The Society Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division and the SPE Eastern New England Section will co-host the Screw Design Conference-Topcon on June 19-20, 2024 @ UMass Lowell in Lowell, MA.  This highly technical program will focus upon screw design principles for single and twin screw extruders with wide ranging topics relating to screw designs for feeding, melting, mixing, venting and pumping plastics products and parts.   Areas of focus will include screw designs for melt temperature and gel management, gel minimization, bioplastics, recycled materials and foaming.   In addition to the technical sessions, a tour of the UMass Lowel Plastics Processing Laboratories will be integrated into Day 2 of the event.    This program is not just for screw designers, but to help anyone responsible for any type of extrusion operation to evaluate existing extrusion equipment; and also to prepare for future projects. Price to attend:  Less than $1000!  Registrations will be accepted in early 2024. Call for papers – To be considered to give a presentation, please submit a talk title and abstract on or before December 15 to:   Technical Chair: Eldridge M. Mount III, e-mail emmount@msn.com Corporate sponsorships - A limited # of corporate sponsorships (15) are available on a 1st come basis.  Included is a 6’ tabletop display (must fit on table), denotation in all promotional activities, and 1 no charge registration.  To become a sponsor contact: Charlie Martin, Leistritz Extrusion, e-mail cmartin@leistritz-extrusion.com, cell 973-650 3137 General information:   A reception on Day 1 and a tabletop display area will allow the attendees to meet and discuss state-of-the-art screw technologies with industry experts.  The SPE Extrusion Division will issue a “Screw Design Certificate” to all participants who have attended the program.  Students are encouraged to attend and will receive a discounted rate.   For additional information contact:  Program Chair:  Karen Xiao, Macro Engineering, KXiao@macroeng.com

Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today.  Discover all that the 2022 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!

Starting in molding in 1993 and clocking in for nearly every job on the floor over the intervening decades, I’ve seen all sides of the hiring, training and retention process in the industry. Here are my thoughts on how to keep your most important asset — your people.

Have you ever worked in a company where employees come and go like the wind? It can be frustrating, right? High employee turnover is not just annoying; it’s also expensive. In the injection molding industry, retaining your key talent is critical to success. The cost of high employee turnover in injection molding cannot be ignored. From training new hires to lost productivity, every aspect of your business will suffer if you don't prioritize retention. So why does retention matter so much, and how can you keep top talent engaged? Let's dive into this crucial topic together.

Injection molding is a critical process in the manufacturing industry, and retaining experienced and qualified personnel is essential to maintaining a high level of quality and productivity. Unfortunately, the injection molding industry faces significant challenges in retaining employees.

One of the biggest challenges is the nature of the work itself. Injection molding can be repetitive and physically demanding, which can lead to boredom and burnout. Additionally, many injection molding facilities are located in remote or rural areas, which can make it difficult to attract and retain workers.

When employees feel like they have a say in how things are done at the company, they are more likely to be invested in its success.

Another challenge is the low wages often associated with injection molding jobs. While some companies are able to offer competitive salaries, others may not be able to afford to do so. This can lead to high employee turnover as workers move to other industries in search of better pay and working conditions.

The highly technical nature of injection molding can make it difficult to find qualified workers. Many positions require specialized training and experience, which can limit the pool of potential applicants. As a result, companies may have difficulty filling vacant positions, leading to extended downtime and lost production.

The cost of high employee turnover in injection molding can be significant. Not only does it lead to lost productivity and lower quality products, but it also increases costs associated with recruiting and training new employees. For these reasons, it is essential for companies in the industry to focus on retention strategies that will help them keep their best workers for the long term.

The high cost of employee turnover is a huge problem for injection molding businesses. Not only does it cost money to replace employees, but it also disrupts production and can lead to lower quality products.

There are a number of reasons why employees may leave an injection molding business, but the most common is dissatisfaction with their job. This can be due to a number of factors, including low pay, long hours, poor working conditions or a lack of opportunity for advancement.

When an employee leaves, it costs the business money in a number of ways. First, there is the direct cost of recruiting and training a new employee. Second, there is the indirect cost of lost productivity while the new employee gets up to speed. And, finally, there is the opportunity cost of not having an experienced employee on staff.

The best way to reduce the cost of employee turnover is to focus on retention. This means creating a work environment that employees enjoy and providing opportunities for them to grow within the company. By doing this, you’ll keep your best employees around longer and save yourself a lot of money in the process.

Injection molding is a complex and demanding process that requires skilled workers. Unfortunately, the turnover rate in this industry is notoriously high, which can be costly for employers. There are a number of reasons for this high turnover, including:

There are a number of strategies that employers can use to decrease turnover in their injection molding businesses. Some of these include:

From training new hires to lost productivity, every aspect of your business will suffer if you don't prioritize retention.

It is clear that employee turnover in injection molding can be costly to both the company and the broader industry. Companies should focus on creating a positive workplace environment, offering competitive salaries and benefits, providing extensive training opportunities, and engaging with their employees through effective communication. By doing so, companies will be able to reduce employee turnover rates while increasing efficiency and profitability in the long run. With these strategies in place, employers can ensure they are retaining their most valuable asset — their employees!

About the Author: Rodney Davenport is vice president at CH3 Solutions, an injection molding company in Dalton, Ga. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Rodney grew up in Michigan, moved to Florida and started his career in injection molding there. Rising through the ranks through hard work and a helpful attitude, his passion for technology helped propel him further as he learned new processes and technologies throughout his career. In April 2015, Davenport helped establish CH3 Solutions as a brand new injection molding company.

Retaining employees who’ve completed the application, onboarding and training processes is key to an injection molder’s commercial success. Photo: iStock

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Weld or knit lines are perhaps the most common and difficult injection molding defect to eliminate.

When a sprue or part sticks, the result of trying to unstick it is often more scratches or undercuts, making the problem worse and the fix more costly. Here’s how to set up a proper procedure for this sticky wicket.

Need to figure out your mold-cooling energy requirements for the various polymers you run? What about sizing cooling circuits so they provide adequate cooling capacity? Learn the tricks of the trade here.

After more than two decades in the industry, Rodney Davenport was given the opportunity to create an injection molding operation in his own vision, and — in keeping with the product he was making — to do so from the ground up.

Two blow molders with long-standing programs of hiring formerly incarcerated low-level offenders have helped these individuals re-enter their communities and have benefited from an additional resource during chronic labor shortages.

Coverage of single-use plastics can be both misleading and demoralizing. Here are 10 tips for changing the perception of the plastics industry at your company and in your community.

The Cost of High Employee Turnover in Injection Molding: Why Retention Matters | Plastics Technology

Semi Automatic Pet Blowing Machine Plastics Technology covers technical and business Information for Plastics Processors in Injection Molding, Extrusion, Blow Molding, Plastic Additives, Compounding, Plastic Materials, and Resin Pricing. Learn More