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Plastics Processing Efficiency in Spotlight at MD&M WestPlastics Processing Efficiency in Spotlight at MD&M West

MD&M West celebrates 40 years with an added emphasis on adaptability, collaboration, and future-focused strategies.

David Hutton

January 16, 2025

8 Min Read
Arburg's electric Allrounder 470 A
An electric Allrounder 470 A that processes solid silicone rubber will be on display at MD&M West. Arburg

Processing efficiency will be a key focus for some exhibitors at MD&M West, set for Feb. 4 to 6, 2025, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.

The event is North America's largest annual manufacturing trade show, covering the medtech, plastics, automation, and design and manufacturing sectors.

Formerly known as Informa Markets Engineering (IME) West, MD&M West celebrates 40 years with a new overarching brand name and an added emphasis on adaptability, collaboration, and future-focused strategies, according to IME Vice President Melissa Magestro.

“With advances in AI, design, evolving care delivery models, and sustainability reshaping the industry, MD&M West unites leaders across the manufacturing, medical device, and plastics sectors for meaningful conversations and exchange,“ Magestro said. 

The event will feature more than 1,700 exhibitors, more than 40 conference sessions, five workshops, and more than 30 free educational sessions. Here is a small selection of exhibitors of particular relevance to the plastics processing sector.

Arburg demonstrates Allrounder 470 A

At booth 4229 in hall B, Arburg will showcase its silicone injection molding and digitalization and automation options, with the electric Allrounder 470 A, an automated machine with a linear robotic system Multilift Select 6.

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Medical technology is one of MD&M West’s key areas. This sector relies on the use of silicones, particularly in applications involving high-consistency rubber. 

In addition to NPE, which is held every three years, Martin Baumann, managing director of Arburg Inc. in the United States, said he considers MD&M as one of the most significant trade shows in the United States.

“We are delighted to be demonstrating the processing of solid silicone rubber with a continuous Turnmix dosing system for the first time in the North American market,” Baumann said. 

Baumann added the company will showcase numerous digital products and services. 

Arburg will demonstrate the automated processing of solid silicone rubber with its electric Allrounder 470 A Comfort with a clamping force of 1,000 kN. The machine is equipped with an ACH Turnmix for continuous bubble-free material feed. 

The dosing system is offered in small, medium, and large sizes, and can be used to produce silicone parts with a range of Shore hardnesses based on small- to large-shot capacities. 

Consistently uniform, the Allrounder 470 A’s feeding conditions can be ensured by pressure measurement. Users can add a second flow volume to add color or other additives. 

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The Turnmix offers optimal control of the gas release when mixing silicone and dyes. Other advantages are an easier application compared with liquid silicone (LSR), processing of pre-mixed compounds that can be stored, as well as ongoing production even when material is being replenished. The energy- and production-efficient injection molding of cable ties will also be demonstrated at the company’s MD&M West booth.

The equipment, matched to HCR processing, makes the electric Allrounder 470 A Comfort an economical injection molding solution, said Arburg. The silicone equipment package includes an injection unit with adapted screw geometry, cylinder temperature control, and nozzle technology. The material to be processed is Addisil from Momentive. A 2+2-cavity mold from ACH Solution will be used. The cycle time is around 30 seconds. A Multilift Select 6 linear robot system performs the handling tasks.

“We believe our target groups for HCR applications are increasingly in the medical, automotive, and aerospace sectors," Baumann added. 

Baumann said he has noticed an increasing demand in the US market for “soft-touch products” that can be used reliably even under extreme temperature conditions.

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Circor International showcases Zenith precision metering pumps

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Circor International Inc., a manufacturer of differentiated technology products and sub-systems, will highlight its Zenith precision metering pumps and other advanced solutions that enhance precision, efficiency, and innovation in medical device manufacturing in booth 616.

Zenith precision metering pumps are designed to handle high-pressure and viscous materials with the reliability and accuracy required by medical device manufacturers. These pumps support critical processes such as extrusion (tubes, sheets, profiles), coatings (pills, tubes, sheets), transdermal adhesives, bandages, foam production, and suture manufacturing.

Among the showcased products are the Zenith Series PEP and BBPEP melt pumps, which are known for their precision metering capabilities. These pumps ensure uniform material flow in extrusion and coating processes, delivering consistent results while optimizing quality and throughput.

The Zenith 9000 Series, with an optional advanced MagDrive configuration, offers precise control and eliminates leakage risks, making it ideal for demanding manufacturing environments.

Circor will also feature its Thin-Film Separator Melt Pumps, engineered to provide uniform material flow in extrusion processes, ensuring optimal quality and throughput. 

Additionally, the company will highlight its 2K Complete Packaged Systems and Controllers, which integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing workflows, along with mounting carts and instrumentation for enhanced flexibility and mobility in diverse operational settings.

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Kistler and Evco Plastics partner to advance zero-defect production

At MD&M West in Anaheim, Kistler and Evco Plastics will highlight their partnership focused on achieving zero-defect production in injection molding.

Evco Plastics said it aims to add value for its customers by ensuring consistent excellence in plastics processing. To achieve this, the company has partnered with Kistler, a leader in process measurement tools for advanced plastic injection molding, assembly, and testing applications.

Kistler supports the medtech industry by providing cutting-edge sensors and systems that record force, torque, pressure, and temperature directly within the injection molding tool and throughout the assembly process. 

This real-time data helps identify even the smallest defects, enabling zero-defect production, which is critical in medical device manufacturing, including autoinjectors.

Kistler will showcase a range of solutions at booth 2286, including:

  • Charge Amplifier 5073B, which offers a wide measuring range combined with high performance.

  • SlimLine 9132CD Force Sensor, a highly sensitive piezoelectric force transducer for measuring very small tensile and compression forces.

  • Handheld Charge Amplifier 5811A, which integrates data acquisition for use in situ with piezoelectric sensors that measure mechanical properties.

  • ComoNeo Transparent Process Monitoring for Injection Molding, updated to include viscosity monitoring.

  • Servopress Joining Systems, featuring integrated process monitoring.

  • MaXYmos TL/ML, FDA- and MDR-compliant monitoring for assembly and testing processes.

  • Kistler Vision Inspection System, providing 100% part testing across sizes and materials.

  • AkvisIO IME (Injection Molding Edition), data-analysis software that steps up the digitalization of injection molding. It visualizes and analyzes data from machines and process monitoring systems like ComoNeo and ComoScout across processes.

For a current medical sector project, Evco has selected cavity pressure sensors from Kistler, paired with the ComoNeo process monitoring system. The Multiflowfeature of ComoNeo plays a critical role in this application.

Technological advances and rising customer expectations are driving the shift toward zero-defect production across industries. Evco Plastics, a contract manufacturer specializing in injection molding, is committed to this goal. Founded in Wisconsin in 1964, Evco is a family-run business with more than 1,800 employees across 11 facilities in the United States, China, and Mexico.

Anna Bartz, director of communications at EVCO, emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing plastics processing through partnerships with companies like Kistler.

“Following recent growth, we now operate more than 260 molding machines," Bartz said. "But we don’t just offer excellence in injection molding, in terms of state-of-the-art technology, close cooperation, tight tolerances, and high-quality standards. We also provide technologies and services across the entire value chain, including automation, packaging, labeling, and more.”

Precision molding at Evco

Precision molding is one of Evco’s four main divisions, with products serving industries ranging from agriculture and powersports to packaging and consumer goods.

“We’re involved in nearly every sector except automotive parts and implantable devices, but medical technology is a key business for us, accounting for roughly 20% of our annual sales,” Bartz added.

Two Evco sites are equipped with ISO Class 8 cleanrooms: The company’s headquarters in DeForest, WI, and its facility in Dongguan, China.

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NovationSi to supply custom colorant for Arburg’s injection molding cell at MD&M West 2025

NovationSi, the manufacturing subsidiary of RDAbbott, will provide custom colorants for Arburg’s injection molding cell at MD&M West 2025 in booth 4229, hall B.

The special NovaSperse color dispersion will match Arburg's teal logo, a highly visible feature of the German manufacturer’s injection molding machines.

The silicone part that Arburg will mold is the “Tighty” cable tie, made from high-consistency rubber (HCR) for medical devices used during sterilization. The cycle time is 45 seconds, with a part weight of 3.45 grams.

ACH Solution GmbH, based in Fischlham, Austria, designs and manufactures the four-cavity mold, featuring their mechanical valve gate balancing system. The TURNMIX HTV (high-temperature vulcanized) dosing system will be used for continuous material feeding. Handling tasks will be performed by Arburg’s Multilift Select 6 linear robot system, along with a 3D-printed end-of-arm tool (EOAT) produced by ACH Solution. 

This custom EOAT was designed to be lightweight yet durable enough to handle the finished parts.

NovationSi supplies NovaSperse color dispersions for HTV, liquid silicone rubber, and room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone. The company offers three-day turnarounds for most silicone dispersions and provides NovaSperse Healthcare dispersions, which are free of heavy metals.

About the Author

David Hutton

David Hutton is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer with daily newspapers and trade publications. 

A Kent State University graduate, he was born in Canton, Ohio, and is a lifelong writer. David started his professional career as a reporter and page designer with the Parkersburg Sentinel in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He returned to his hometown, taking a role with the Massillon Independent, where he rose to the position of managing editor.

David’s career next took him to October Research Corp., where he worked for trade publications in the real estate settlement services industry before returning to daily newspapers as news editor for The Times-Reporter in Dover-New Philadelphia, Ohio. While there, he oversaw design of the newspaper and won an Associated Press award for Best Page 1 Design. 

In 2012, David joined the staff of Plastics News as research analyst. He was responsible for the production of data research reports providing analysis of various segments and end markets of the plastics industry. He also produced content for the publication. 

In 2019, David joined Ophthalmology Times, serving as managing editor of the publication covering the latest advancements in the ophthalmology industry for physicians and clinicians. 

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