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Intelligent Models for the Process Set-up of Injection Molding

Plastics Industry 4.0Machine learning is a way to facilitate the process set-up on an injection molding machine and, in the longer term, to automate it. How can a production system autonomously optimize itself with regard to the pre-defined quality characteristics of the manufactured parts?Optimization of the setting-up process for injection molding has been a research topic at Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Gernany, for some years now. One approach is that of machine learning, which draws up relationships from complex data and uses them specifically for tuning the process. One condition, however, is that the algorithms used – for example artificial neuronal networks – are first trained with the help of complex injection molding tests. Although the algorithms are becoming ever more efficient, machine learning has not yet become established due to the amount of work involved. One solution to reduce this is to use numerical simulations that can be performed automatically.▲ Concept for a combined learning process on the basis of simulation data (© IKV)Injection molding simulations are used in order to learn, without complex, time-consuming trials, the relationships between setting parameters and resultant quality data. With model assumptions, however, simulations have so far been unable to reliably simulate the injection molding process without deviations from reality. Established models and process data serve as the starting point for the machine set-up and in most cases have to be readjusted in several iteration steps.In a new approach, IKV is now trying to find suitable machine-learning models for setting up the process by using simulations in combination with real test data (cf. diagram). With the data combination, the aim is to minimize the necessary trials on the machine and consequently make the use of machine-learning processes economically viable. As a result, the process set-up can be carried out systematically and independently of the intuition and experience of the operator. At the same time, a precise knowledge of the relationships and optimized parameters ensures a higher quality of the molded part and greater economic efficiency of the overall process.The methods were presented during the IKV Colloquium on February 28, 2018 and explained as part of IKV 360° in IKV's pilot plants and laboratories.Source: Kunststoffe
Aeyoung Park 2018-03-29
기사제목

Exploiting the Possibilities of Industry 4.0

Digitalized and Connected Manufacturing EnvironmentToday, the individual processing of components or the optimization of manufacturing during the production process are often not feasible or only in part at best. A fully connected production environment which is suitable for different industrial sectors – from biomedicine to mechanical engineering – is what Industry 4.0 or the smart factory stands for and researchers all over the world are trying hard to achieve this goal.Researchers from three Aachen, Germany-based Fraunhofer Institutes are working together to realize the complete connectivity of machines and sensors with the goal of evaluating all recorded production data with intelligent algorithms in real time and flexibly adapting processes accordingly. In the High Performance Center for Networked, Adaptive Production, they want to fully exploit the possibilities of Industy 4.0 for particularly challenging production tasks.“With our approach, we are bringing digitalization and connectivity into a real-life manufacturing environment,” says Thomas Bergs, Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen. “We fit out the production systems out with numerous sensors, which continuously transmit measurement data from the machines to a central database. Moreover, they send the data wirelessly, via 5th generation mobile networks (5G).” The collected data is stored in a specially developed cloud called Virtual Fort Knox and processed and analyzed there with specially designed algorithms and technology apps. This analysis helps to unravel new and surprising correlations, such as vibration patterns which indicate that the tool in a milling machine is worn. When the information is then fed back to the machine control unit, the circle closes: for example, with a warning that the tool has to be replaced.▲ The goal of the High Performance Center for Networked, Adaptive Production isa completely digitalized and connected manufacturing Environment (© Fraunhofer IPT)Six Apparatuses for Pilot ApplicationsTo illustrate the various application possibilities for the digitalization and connectivity of production facilities, experts at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT have teamed up with colleagues at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME to build six different apparatuses for pilot applications, including process chains for manufacturing turbine blades, for producing medicines in plants, and for manufacturing battery modules for electric cars.When manufacturing turbine components for aircraft engines, precision and safety are of paramount importance. Currently, the blades are mostly milled from a solid block of titanium using machine tools. This can cause vibrations that lead to inaccuracies during machining. To solve this problem, sensors capable of precisely recording vibrations down to hundredths of a millimeter and a few milliseconds were installed in the pilot apparatus. In the future, the huge volumes of data collected during this procedure will be transmitted via the 5G network into the secure cloud, the above-mentioned Virtual Fort Knox. “Only wireless data transmission with 5G creates the conditions needed for sending control commands to the machine in real time, and preventing such vibrations by quickly adjusting the machine before they even arise,” explains Bergs.A special feature of the new High Performance Center is that all production and sensor data is stored individually for each product – in a “digital twin” containing the entire production history. If damage arises later, one can rewind to earlier in the process and use the data to pinpoint where the fault originated in order to optimize the process.The strength of the High Performance Center in Aachen consists in the suitability of the digitalization and connectivity technologies for various fields of application. At Fraunhofer ILT, for example, researchers have tailored the concept to the manufacture of battery modules. These modules are made up of hundreds or even thousands of individual cells, which have to be welded and bonded to each other using a laser. This is a laborious process that requires high levels of reliability, because if only a single weld is compromised during battery operation, then the whole module can fail. To solve this problem, the experts in Aachen decided to use sensors to monitor the welding. “As a result, we’re able to control the quality of the laser welding in real time or trace it in the product history,” says ILT engineer Alexander Olowinsky.Source: Kunststoffe
Aeyoung Park 2018-03-29
기사제목

The development trends of modified plastics in China

The development trends of modified plastics in ChinaPlastics filler modification is the fastest-growing new sector in the plastics industry. In China, sectors such as automobile, household appliances, communications and high-end tools exhibit a growing demand for modified plastics.With higher consumer requirements, more market demands, fast growth in national economy as well as the emerging of new materials and technologies, plastic modification shows a full range of advantages from functionality, lightweight to environmental friendliness, thus leading to a great demand for modified plastics.Plastics filler modification is the fastest-growing new sector in the plastics industry. With the rapid development of the plastics industry, filling masterbatch is no longer just used as filling material.Great demand from applications1. To reduce car weight while meeting application requirements, just use single resin cannot meet application requirements. Plastic modification has become an indispensable technology. Hollow glass beads from Sinosteel Maanshan New Material feature 0.28g/cm3~0.6g/cm3in density. Adding these to PA, PP, PC and ABS can substantially reduce the density while improving physical property.2. For various types of household appliances today, many plastic components are substituting metal components. Annual demand for various types of plastics and modified plastics is exhibiting two-digit growth and growing year by year. CECEP Jiangxi New Material developed fine quartz powder successfully. When used in plastics and rubber, they can reduce abrasion and wear by 10% and improve impact density, insulating property and chemical stability.3. Application of modified plastics in the communications sector exhibits great advantages. Casing and substrate for laptop computers and mobile phone components mostly use modified plastics. Li Zhigang, senior engineer of Ningbo Bolilong Composite Material Technology developed multiple carbon fiber/resin materials for use in such sectors as notebook, automobile and intelligent machines, is known as the “hidden champion”.4. Electric tools are requiring higher electric insulation, fire retardancy and more lightweight. Use of modifiers from Nanjing Jinlaiwang Plastic Technology can reduce the oil absorption of inorganic powder by more than 10% and improve the glossiness, tenacity and impact strength of plastic products.5. Modified plastics are finding extensive applications in railway, military, medical and aerospace sectors. Artificial organs and artificial bone joints as well as thermal stable, aging resistant and high-strength functional modified plastics are also playing an active role in propelling the rapid development of high technology. PP, PA, ABS, PS, talc, wollastonite, mica and multiple types of composite modified materials such as silicone powder and carbon fiber produced from Kingfa are applicable to automotive, medical and military sectors.6. Bio-based plastics leverage modification, filling and foaming techniques to improve material performance, reduce production cost and expand applications. Zhu Jin, research fellow of CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) Ningbo Material Research Institute, has completed extensive research of polylactide (PLA) modification and application.Development status of modified plasticsFilling modificationHeavy calcium carbonate filler masterbatch is a filler modifier extensively used in the plastics industry. Relevant manufacturers are located all around the country, exceeding 5 million tons in annual output. Tianjin Yuquan Industrial & Trading Ltd. produces granular masterbatches using environment-friendly production techniques such as blending, extruding and pelletizing.The products are mainly for use in injection molded and calender olefin plastic products, which has become an important approach to reduce production cost, improve product performance and expand applications. PLA/CaCO3packaging films from Fujian Dongnan New Material Co., Ltd. include over 50% of calcium powder, thus reducing raw material cost and promoting natural degradation of discarded products.Light calcium carbonate is extensively used in many products such as PVC pipes, profiles and panels. When used in PVC products, functional modifiers from Dongguan Aoda Chemical Ltd. can improve impact strength by 60% and elongation by 200%.Modifying masterbatchModifying masterbatch is a new modifier developed on the basis of filling masterbatch. Adding inorganic materials such as fiberglass, talc, mica, wollastonite, barium sulfate and kaolin to resin, or adding synthetic resin or additives with specific functions in the processing process, these composite materials can provide functional features of different materials in specific applications.When used in plastic parts such as automobile engine surroundings and headlamp holders, the resin/wollastonite/silicone powder modifying masterbatch from Dalian Global Technology can improve physical property and improve heat deflection temperature for plastic products by 40%~60%. When used in metal/wood flour/mineral material/plastic composite materials, the steel/plastic melt adhesive and compatilizer products from Hebei Jintian Plastic & Rubber New Material can improve the mechanical property and compatibility for different materials.Function modificationAdding different materials such as graphene, silicone powder, tombarthite, magnesium hydrate and fine metal powder (silver, copper, zinc, etc.) to plastics can improve physical performance such as flame retardancy, aging resistance and heat resistance, and provide special functions such as electric conductivity, antibiosis, electric insulation and reinforcement. This has become an important player in the market of durable plastic products.CGN JUNER New Material is a prestigious enterprise in China engaged in research, development and production of high-performance modified engineering plastics, mainly including modified nylon, modified polycarbonate, modified polyester, modified polyolefin, thermoplastic continuous fiber composites and special engineering plastics for use in a full range of sectors from industrial electric equipment, automobile, electronics, building material, new energy to aviation and nuclear power. Some of their products are exported to the USA and European countries.Multiple compound modificationMultiple compound modified materials developed by Yuyao Huihe Plasticizing using carbon fiber/synthetic resin/functional agents are used as components for oil drilling, aerospace and household appliances. Multiple compound modification mainly leverages plastics “alloying” approach to arrange plastics with one or more inorganic materials, polymers and additives via blending, grafting and blocking so that individual components supplement each other in performance and shape a plastic material with multiple outstanding performances and accomplish the purpose of higher performance and diversified functions.NUC (North University of China) School of Materials Science and Engineering is specialized in the research of high-performance functional plastics. Their nylon flame retardant composite material is modified using nylon/ inorganic material/ magnesium hydrate, sodium antimonate and zinc borate compounds to accomplish V-0 flame retardant performance, high heat resistance and excellent environmental effect.Special modificationSpecial modification is to add different functional materials or additives in special plastics for specific market applications so that expensive special plastics retain their original characteristics and special functions. The nylon/liquid crystal polymer, nylon/PC compound modified materials developed and mass produced by Chongqing Keyiying New Material have been used in automotive and military sectors with satisfactory effect.Development trend of modified plasticsPlastics modified using inorganic nanometer powder have a full range of unique performances, providing new opportunities and application potential for the development of the plastics industry. For example, modifying PA6 using 5% organic montmorillonite can improve heat deflection temperature by 1.5 folds; adding nanoclay to PET can substantially reduce gas transmission rate by 100 times lower than pure PET.With ever-growing awareness of environmental protection and rigid environmental regulations, environmental concepts such as recyclable, environment digestible, biodegradable, nontoxic, odorless and pollution-free plastics have been integrated into the modified plastics development and manufacturing process. It has become a new focus to develop energy-saving, pollution-free, fully degradable, recyclable and environmental-friendly modified plastic products.Source: China Plastic & Rubber Journal
Aeyoung Park 2018-03-16
기사제목

Smart manufacturing gathering pace in China

Smart manufacturing gathering pace in ChinaAs next-generation information technology has gained pace in its penetration into the manufacturing sector, modern industry is knocking on the door of smart manufacturing. To seize this opportunity, Chinese enterprises of various fields have speeded up integration and innovation, promoting major changes in such aspects as manufacturing management methods and business models. As a result, a series of new models and new forms of businesses have emerged.Top level design of Made in China 2025 initiative completedChina’s philosophy in manufacturing and informationization has been gradually advancing over the years from the 10th Five-Year plan period (2001-2005) through to the 13th Five-year Plan period (2016-2020).According to Ma Zhongyu, Deputy Director of the State Information Center (SIC) of China, China’s intelligent manufacturing industry has a huge potential, with its output value expected to exceed RMB 3 trillion by 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20%.Made in China 2025 is the central government’s first 10-year action plan to turn the country into a manufacturing giant. Formally issued in 2015 by the State Council, it plays a significant role in stabilizing China’s industrial growth and accelerates the transformation and upgrading of its manufacturing industry.Luo Wen, Director of the Planning Department of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), said that the initiative’s top level design has largely been completed, and a rise can be seen in building up innovation and basic capacities of the manufacturing industry.“In the future, it is necessary to continue to keep the focus on intelligent manufacturing on one hand; on the other hand, priorities have to be put on developing next-generation information technology and new material industries, in order to enhance the strength of China’s core basic industries,” he said.So far, China has begun 226 projects to run comprehensive, standardized tests on intelligent manufacturing technologies and apply new manufacturing models. In addition, 109 pilot demonstration projects in intelligent manufacturing have been selected and a total of 47 directions and 61 projects to strengthen the foundations of industry have been arranged.On August 15, MIIT released the 2017 list of “Sino-German Intelligent Manufacturing Pilot Demonstration Projects”. Involving 17 projects covering four aspects: industrial cooperation, cooperation on standardization, establishment of demonstration parks, and cultivation of talents, the list gives another boost to the in-depth development of cooperation between China and Germany on intelligent manufacturing. Germany is where Industry 4.0 originates; therefore, it is significant to strategically align MIC 2025 with Germany’s Industry 4.0.From robots to networked, smart manufacturingIndustry 4.0, or smart manufacturing is influencing China’s manufacturing industry. In a recent interview with CPRJ China Plastic & Rubber Journal, Zeng Yubo, Secretary General of International Smart Manufacturing Industry Alliance (ISMIA), told us that in the past few years, he was most impressed by the gradual change of people’s perception of Industry 4.0 or smart manufacturing, from craving for robots initially, to pursuing network- and intelligence-based manufacturing.Currently, the manufacturing sector is actively investing not only in advanced equipment but also in upgrading with automation technology. It also shows a higher degree of acceptance towards Management Execution System (MES).Secondly, thanks to China’s well-developed internet, innovations in business model brought by internet are driving innovation in manufacturing technology. For instance, the popularity of the bike sharing model has given birth to airless tires, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled enterprises to strengthen their industry chain management.“In this revolution, robots are no more than the most fundamental step, and supply chain management and product lifecycle management are the real focus and challenges for Industry 4.0,” said Zeng.Leading household products producers plan for intelligent manufacturingChina’s leading plastic consumer goods company Beijing Citylong opened a new, highly intelligent factory in Tianjin in June 2016. According to insiders, more than 100 injection molding machines from Haitian and Engel, and Piovan automatic feeding system from Italy are installed. Moreover, it is also a pioneer in the use of “discrete manufacturing intelligent factory system” and intelligent 3D warehouse.According to Citylong President Pan Shibing, the intelligent 3D warehouse offers five times as much space as general 3D warehouses, and reduces management and logistics staff by 90%. Leveraging intelligent stock matching and retrieval functions, it improves internal warehousing logistics efficiency by over 70%. Its intelligent order distribution function with custom logics contributes to the realization of inventory safety, quality tracking and the best dispatching of goods.And the introduction of Warehouse Management System (WMS) for intelligent 3D warehouses is revolutionizing the informationization of factory warehouses by providing enormous support to a sales network across the country.In addition to Citylong, leading furniture enterprises such as Guangdong Haixing Plastic & Rubber Co. Ltd. and Chahua Modern Housewares Co. Ltd. are also promoting the application of automatic and intelligent technology.Panjin Haixing Technology Co. Ltd. is an investment project of Guangdong Haixing in Liaoning province. With the use of a kind of 3D production line with joint stacking robots and digital warehousing systems, the company has improved its production efficiency by 2.5 times while reducing its warehouse and logistics staff by 60%, according to Li Gangmin, an expert from the Committee of Plastic Household Products of the China Plastics Processing Industry Association (CPPIA) who took part in the project.“Basically, household products manufacturers that use injection molding as their core production means, have included automation technology in their new projects in recent years,” remarked Liang Jiajie, Secretary General of the Committee of Plastic Household Products of the CPPIA.He further said, “In the aspect of informationization, enterprises are actively introducing more digital management platforms, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management), MES, and WMS systems, based on their ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation. Moreover, more enterprises also begin to establish their own information engineering departments and recruit professionals in the intelligent manufacturing field.”Wahaha achieves automation from materials to finished productsWahaha is one of the leaders in automated production in China.As an enterprise chosen to be a “Retrofit Pilot for Food and Beverage Manufacturing Process Intelligence”, Hangzhou Wahaha Group is actively promoting relevant projects.Talking to CPRJ in an exclusive interview, Yang Lin, Director of Wahaha’s Equipment Department, said, “For our production systems, Wahaha adopts an engineering design that connects up the preform and cap manufacturing systems and the filling and packaging systems. This reduces the number of intermediate processes and hence further improves the production efficiency.”Wahaha is a leader in automated production and has accomplished complete automation of the entire process, from raw materials to finished products, at the production lines of almost all of its factories. In fact, as a flow manufacturing industry, food and beverage manufacturing has a better foundation in mechanization and automation when compared with other industries.Meanwhile, Wahaha is also engaged in the application of highly integrated information technology. Transversely speaking, Wahaha has established a comprehensive enterprise information management system that is built with SAP as the core and leverages the Internet and big data technologies in combination with such analytic tools as business intelligence to analyze its business lines of production, supply and marketing.Vertically speaking, Wahaha has preliminarily completed the architecture of the middle level, i.e. MES. The system that captures fundamental data from plant floor sensors, equipment and production lines has also been put into implementation. As for the future, the group strives to achieve comprehensive integration of information starting from sensors to the ERP system.Gree turns to intelligent equipment manufacturingGree has stepped into the production intelligent equipment.Gree Electric Appliances has been insisting on independently develop and grasp core technology in order to lead China to leapfrog from “Made in China” to “Created in China” and “Intelligently Made in China”.In recent years, Gree has been gradually moving forward to technology-related diversification and therefore it is crucial for the company to be able to take the lead in the area of intelligent equipment.As early as in 2012, Gree established technical units including an office of automation, department of automation equipment manufacturing, and R&D centers for automation technology and intelligent equipment, with focus locked on two areas: intelligent equipment and precision dies and molds.Following five years of development, Gree accomplished the automation of its internal production lines and improved its overall production efficiency by 10.5% through the use of intelligent equipment independently developed and built by the company.Meanwhile, Gree has also realized the integrated application of customized industrial robots, and large automated production line solutions, which are both oriented towards the market. The company’s offering of intelligent equipment products covers more than 100 specifications of products in 10+ areas, including CNC machining centers, industrial robots, servo robots, intelligent warehouse equipment, and intelligent inspection equipment.Gree has also accomplished the independent development and production of four critical components of industrial robots, namely controllers, actuators, servo motors and reducers. By implementing China’s national development strategy through corporate transformation and upgrading, Gree is injecting fresh blood into this revolution.“Made in China” has been changing over time, from copying to creating, and from learning the forms to innovating the essence. Following the further optimization of the policy for intelligent manufacturing, the continuous breakthrough in critical common technology and core equipment, the gradual improvement in intelligent manufacturing standards, and the integration of new-generation Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with production processes, management process, equipment, and products, “Made in China” will move faster in its transformation and upgrading to “Intelligently Made in China”.Source: China Plastic & Rubber Journal
Aeyoung Park 2018-03-13
기사제목

Worldwide spending on 3D printing to reach US$12 billion in 2018

Worldwide spending on 3D printing to reach US$12 billion in 2018 The global spending on 3D printing (including hardware, materials, software, and services) will be nearly US$12.0 billion in 2018, an increase of 19.9% over 2017, according to the new update to the Worldwide Semiannual 3D Printing Spending Guide from International Data Corporation (IDC).By 2021, IDC expects worldwide spending to be nearly US$20.0 billion with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%. Together, 3D printers and materials will account for roughly two thirds of the worldwide spending total throughout the forecast, reaching $6.9 billion and $6.7 billion respectively in 2021. Services spending will trail slightly behind, reaching $5.5 billion in 2021 and led by on-demand parts services and systems integration services. Purchases of 3DP software will grow more slowly than the overall market with a five-year CAGR of 18.6%. As said, discrete manufacturing will be the dominant industry for 3D printing, delivering more than half of all worldwide spending throughout the 2017-2021 forecast. Healthcare providers will be the second largest industry with a spending total of nearly US$1.3 billion in 2018. "Parts for new products, aftermarket parts, dental objects, and medical support objects will continue to see significant growth opportunities over the next five years as 3D printing goes more mainstream. The healthcare industry is also poised to double its share of spend through 2021 as the benefits of cost-effective customized printing continue to be realized," said Marianne D'Aquila, research manager, Customer Insights and Analysis at IDC. According to the report, the US will be the region with the largest spending total in 2018 (US$4.1 billion) followed by Western Europe (US$3.5 billion). Together, these two regions will provide nearly two thirds of all 3D printing spending throughout the forecast.China will be the third largest region with more than US$1.5 billion in spending this year, followed by Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and the rest of Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan). Source: China Plastic & Rubber Journal International
관리자 2018-01-26
기사제목

World’s top 10 companies exporting injection molding machines to the US

World’s top 10 companies exporting injection molding machines to the US ▲ Top 10 companies exporting injection molding machines to the US in 2016. (Source: Plastics Insight)Injection molding machines imports in the US has been growing since 2012, and the number of units imported in 2016 was about the same as in 2015, according to the market intelligence platform Plastics Insight.The Plastics Insight’s findings based on customs data saw Engel as the biggest exporter of machines to the US, as Engel Austria GmbH and Engel de Mexico S.A. de C.V. shipped 706 and 245 injection molding machines respectively to the US in 2016.The second biggest exporter was Japan Steel Works Ltd with 568 units shipped, while Arburg shipped 404 units to the US, followed by Japan’s Nissei Plastics Industrial Co. Ltd. with 391 units.The top exporters from China include Riyue Heavy Industrial Co. Ltd., Haitian Huayuan Hong Kong Ltd. and Borch Machinery Co. Ltd. Source: China Plastic & Rubber Journal International
Aeyoung Park 2018-01-24
기사제목

Latest figures: the US a booming market for Chinese plastics machinery

Exports of Chinese plastics processing machinery remain strong with remarkable increase in volumes and value for January to November, 2017 when compared to the same period of previous year.▲ Chinese plastics processing machinery recorded remarkable increase in export volumes and value for January to November, 2017.Higher export volumes and valueA total of 737,021 units of plastics machinery were exported with value of US$1.991 billion in the first eleven months of 2017, according to the report of China Plastics Machinery Industry Association (CPMIA).This represents an increase of 33% and 11% YoY (Year over Year) on export volumes and export value respectively. Meanwhile, the per unit export price was US$3,000.Injection molding machines, extruders, blow molding machines, bridge-die-forming machines and calendar forming machines were the major types of machines being exported. In total, 87,813 units were exported at US$1.717 billion from January to November, representing 11.91% of the total export volume and 86.23% of the export values.As a result, China recorded a favorable balance of US$386 million in plastics machinery trading.Of the 10 major export destinations of Chinese plastics machinery, the US, India, Mexico, Bangladesh and Malaysia experienced a faster growth. In particular, 259,455 units were exported to the US through January to November, up 79.21% when compared to previous year's same period. The Chinese 3D printers comprised 83.93% of the total export volumes, continuing to take the US market by storm.China importing pricier machine unitsFrom January to November, China imported 19,717 units of plastics processing machinery, a drop of 27% YoY. However, import values increased by 31% to US$1.605 billion. The per unit import price was US$80,000 (US$50,000 in previous year).Machines from other Asian countries constituted the major portion of China's imports, in which 15,624 units were shipped to China at US$936 million. They represent 79.28% and 58.09% of the total import volumes and values respectively.In particular, imports from Japan grew by 49.96% and 43.20% in volumes and values compared with the same period of previous year.Imports from Europe amounted to 2,368 units at US$592 million, representing 12.02% of the total volume and 36.73% of the total values. Germany's import volumes dropped 36.36%, but values were increased by 16.36%, while import volumes from Italy grew 47.15%, but values dropped 0.65%.There are 402 enterprises above designated size in the Chinese plastics machinery industry. In November, both income from major operations and profit increased more than 12% YoY.2017 Top 10 import destinations of Chinese plastics machinery(Jan – Nov, 2017):2017 Top 10 Chinese plastics machinery export destinations(Jan – Nov, 2017):Source: China Plastic & Rubber Journal International
Aeyoung Park 2018-01-24
기사제목

US Plastics Machinery Shipments Jumped 20 Percent

US Plastics Machinery Shipments Jumped 20 PercentNorth American shipments of primary plastics machinery posted a strong year-over-year increase in Q3 of 2017 according to statistics compiled and reported by the Plastics Industry Association’s (Plastics) Committee on Equipment Statistics (CES). This marked the second consecutive quarterly Y/Y increase in this data.The preliminary estimate for shipments of primary plastics equipment (injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding equipment) for reporting companies totaled USD 350.8 million in the third quarter. This was 20.4% higher than the total of USD 291.3 million in Q3 of 2016, and it was 4% stronger than the revised USD 337.2 million from Q2 of 2017. This Y/Y gain in Q2 followed a revised 6.5% Y/Y increase in the quarterly total from Q2.“After hitting a plateau in the second half of 2016, the upward trend in the shipments data for plastics equipment re-emerged in the third quarter of 2017. Quarterly gains of 20 percent will not be sustained going forward, but the plastics industry is entering the New Year with more momentum than it did a year ago. I still expect the underlying economic fundamentals in the U.S. to push higher, and global demand will also improve in 2018,” according to Bill Wood, of Mountaintop Economics & Research, Inc. The shipments value of injection molding machinery increased 21% in Q3 when compared with last year. The shipments value of single-screw extruders declined by 2 percent. The shipments value of twin-screw extruders (which includes both co-rotating and counter-rotating machines) jumped 61 percent. The shipments value of blow molding machines was not reported in Q3.Demand for auxiliary equipment also appeared to be strong in the third quarter according to the latest estimate for total bookings. Actual comparisons in this year’s quarterly auxiliary data to last year’s quarterly totals are unavailable due to a change in the number of reporting companies.The strong results in the CES machinery data in the third quarter were matched by solid gains in two other data series that track the U.S. industrial machinery sector. According to data compiled by the Census Bureau, the total value for new orders of US industrial machinery escalated 8% in Q3 of 2017 when compared with last year. And according to data compiled and reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), business investment in industrial equipment increased 7.6% (seasonally-adjusted, annualized rate) in Q3 of 2017 when compared with the previous year.The CES also conducts a quarterly survey of plastics machinery suppliers that asks about their future expectations. According to the Q3 survey, 87% of respondents expect market conditions to either hold steady or get better during the next year. This is up slightly from 86% in Q2.Global market conditions in the coming year are expected to come in steady-to-better. This is a bit more optimistic than the outlook in Q2. Expectations for North America improved slightly. Expectations for Latin America and Europe were little changed. Expectations for Mexico declined, but there was a big increase in positive sentiment for Asia in the coming year.The respondents to the Q3 survey currently expect that packaging will be the strongest end-market in the coming year. The outlook for demand from the electronics sector also improved. The outlook for all other major end-markets called for steady-to-better conditions.Source: https://www.kunststoffe.de/en/news/overview/artikel/us-plastics-machinery-shipments-jumped-20-percent-yy-in-q3-of-2017-4994662.html
Aeyoung Park 2017-12-27