Society of Plastics Engineers - Cleveland Chapter

AMI Compounding World Expo 2024
2024-11-13 09:30 - 2024-11-14 16:30 (America/New_York) | Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH, 44113, United States
AMI Compounding World Expo 2024
November 13-14th
Cleveland, OH
We are also pleased to participate in this major show at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland. The conference will feature four key sectors: Plastic Extrusion, Plastic Recycling, Plastic Testing and Plastic Compounding. In addition to technical presentations and exciting industry innovations, this two-day event provides ample networking opportunities. We encourage you to stop by the SPE Cleveland exhibit at location C-1319 to connect with us and explore how membership can enhance your career. This event is free to attend, making it an excellent opportunity for all.

To register, please visit: https://na.compoundingworldexpo.com/

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING: PRINTING THE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
2024-10-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Corporate College Conference Center, 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, 44128
Cleveland SPE is pleased to present:
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING:
PRINTING THE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024
WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH
Hosted by the SPE Cleveland Section and SPE International
MORE INFORMATION To Register for the Conference: CLICK HERE

2024 Akron & Cleveland ACS Joint Meeting
2024-09-18 16:30 - 20:30
The Baker Electric Motor Car. Tour of original showroom building and talk of the history of this innovative vehicle from Cleveland. More detail below.

Speaker: Eric Rivet, Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the Western Reserve Historical Society

Tentative Schedule:
4:30 – 5:30 — Cleveland section executive committee meeting
5:30 – 6:30 — social time with appetizers and tour of building
6:30 – 7:00 — dinner (buffet style with meat and vegetarian option)
7:00 – 8:00 — presentation by invited speaker

Note early RSVP needed by 9/3/24. Registration will close early if we hit our maximum for the space.

At the event, we take credit cards, checks made out to “Cleveland ACS,” or cash. The cost is $20 for employed members and guests, $10 for retirees or unemployed, and FREE for undergrad or grad students.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE

Thank you to our Section sponsors!

Akrochem – http://www.akrochem.com
David Industrial Sales – http://www.davidindustrialsales.com
DoubleTree Hilton Inn – http://www.akronfairlawn.hilton.com
Dover Chemical – http://www.doverchem.com
Harwick Standard – http://www.harwick.com
Struktol – http://www.4struktol.com
TSR – http://www.tsrc.com.tw

Future Proofing NEO Manufacturing: Preparing Supply Chains for the Green Economy Shift
2024-08-28 08:00 - 12:00
Cleveland SPE
Invites you to attend:

Join industry leaders and sustainability experts as we explore cutting-edge solutions and actionable insights to future-proof your supply chain. Network with like-minded professionals, showcase your commitment to sustainability and gain valuable partnerships to drive positive change in Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing landscape. The event will explore strategies, innovations, and collaborations for creating a resilient future for Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing sector.
When: August 28, 2024 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Corporate College East | 4400 Richmond Rd, Warrensville Heights, OH 44128

For more Information and to Register for this event: CLICK HERE
Please Visit our Sponsors
Click the Links below:
Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Revolutionizing the Plastics Industry: Innovation in Rigid Foam Technology for Sustainable Lightweight Parts
2024-04-23 17:30 - 20:30
JOIN SPE CLEVELAND ON
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024

SPEAKER: DR. ABOLFAZL MOHEBBI

“REVOLUTIONIZING THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY: INNOVATIONS IN RIGID FOAM TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE LIGHTWEIGHT PARTS”

Dr. Abolfazl Mohebbi is a distinguished expert in Polymer Engineering, holding a Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering having completed a Post-doctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto. With extensive experience in research, development, and innovation, Dr. Mohebbi has made significant contributions to advancing the field of polymer foam and composites, as evidenced by his publications in reputable scientific journals and conferences. Currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Moxietec, Dr. Mohebbi leads the company’s technological advancements in the plastics industry. Moxietec has become a pioneer in rigid foam technology, developing innovative methods to produce thick foamed parts that are lighter, faster, stronger, and more eco-friendly.
Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub
8870 Darrow Road
Twinsburg, OH 44087
Dinner Choices: Grilled Salmon, Corned Beef Boxty, Fish and Chips, or Shepherd’s Pie
Dinner includes entrée, salad and bread, non- alcoholic beverages and dessert. Cash Bar
Dinner: 5:30PM
Program: 6:30PM
$35 per person

Please email Dennis Meade at: speclecomm@gmail.com with your meal selection by April 19th.
To Register and Pay in advance, click below.
Register Early since seating is limited! You can pay in advance below or pay at arrival.

VINYL PERSPECTIVES ON THE ANTI-PLASTICS MOVEMENT
2024-03-11 17:30 | Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub, 8870 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, OH, 44087, United States
Joining the Vinyl Institute in 2019, Domenic is currently serving as Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs. A chemical engineer by education, Domenic is currently helping the Vinyl Institute to navigate the EPA TSCA process, as well as the United Nations negotiations to establish an international treaty to end plastic waste. He also serves on various committees developing board member of a Cleveland-based water stewardship organization, Drink Local – Drink Tap.”

Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub Dinner Choices (choose one):
8870 Darrow Road
Twinsburg, OH 44087
Stuffed Cabbage, Corned Beef Boxty, Fish and Chips, or Shepherd’s Pie
Dinner includes entrée, salad and bread, non- alcoholic beverages and dessert
Dinner: 5:30PM
Program: 6:30PM
$35 per person
Cash Bar

Please email Dennis Meade at: speclecomm@gmail.com with your meal selection by March 4th.
To Register and Pay in advance, click below.
Register Early since seating is limited! You can pay in advance below or pay at arrival.

Plastics and Sustainability: is this a contradiction in terms?
2024-02-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Virtual Meeting
Our Speaker will be Mr. Conor Carlin, Managing Director of ILLIG North America LP and current President of SPE.

His presentation will be on plastics sustainability – Plastics are either the devil incarnate, the source of humanity’s woes, an environmental scourge… or they are miracle materials, life-saving materials, inert, GHG-saving materials. We will explore this debate and attempt to find some common ground across competing narratives, impersonal algorithms, impending legislation and material science.
To request entry details for virtual event please email Dennis Meade at speclecomm@gmail.com.

MAGNET TOUR: NE OH MANUFACTURING PARTNERSHIP
2023-03-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Magnet NE OH Manufacturing Partnership, 1800 East 63rd Street, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
Cleveland / Akron Section Joint Event
MAGNET’s industry-specific engineering, strategic growth, and go-to-market expertise help manufacturers achieve
excellence in products and processes. From market research and product introductions to lean operations and sales
management, their Growth Advisors work hand-in-hand with organizations to achieve growth goals.
Janet Yellen, US Treasury Secretary, was present for the dedication of this facility in 2022. To view some of this amazing
technical facility, see:
https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2022/10/27/treasury-secretary-janet-yellen-tours-new-manufacturing-hub-in-cleveland

MARCH 20, 2023
MAGNET FACILITY TOUR
5:30-6:30 PM TOUR
6:30- 7:30PM BUFFET DINNER
$25 PER PERSON
MAGNET Cleveland
1800 East 63rd Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44103

Sustainability: Challenges Incorporating Recyclate
2023-02-28 17:30 - 19:00
Melissa Kurtz, Managing Engineer at The Madison Group

As of 2019, Global plastics production totaled 368 million metric tons. Over the years plastics have enabled numerous
industries. In the automotive industry, plastics play a critical role in safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Plastic
packaging helps to protect and preserve goods, while reducing weight in transportation. The use of single-use plastics in
hospitals effectively prevent a considerable number of healthcare-acquired infections every year. But with all their popularity
come concerns surrounding end of life. As the desire for sustainable products grow, so does confusion on what
sustainability means as well as how to successfully introduce these sustainable materials into products.
In this webinar we will:
• Define the language surrounding sustainability and plastics
• Take a look at a variety of approaches to sustainability
• Discuss the challenges with incorporating recyclate into a successful product
Melissa Kurtz is a Managing Engineer at The Madison Group. Melissa holds an M.S. degree in Material Science and
Engineering from Wayne State University. She has over 20 years of experience serving the global product development
community across several industries including transportation, medical, and consumer products. She is an expert in material
selection, test method development, and failure analysis. Melissa is passionate about sustainability, especially within the
plastics industry, and is eager to educate others on possible solutions and their challenge.

This is a Free Webinar Sponsored by Cleveland SPE.
TO REGISTER Email: speclecomm@gmail.com

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grants
2022-11-21 17:30 - 20:00 | The Galaxy Restaurant, 201 Park Center Dr, Wadsworth, OH, 44281, United States
Speaker
Dan Gisser from Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI)
Joint Meeting with Akron SPE.

Cost
Professional $30
Retired $25
Student $10
Non-Member $30

Reservations
Reservations must be in by noon on Fri., Nov. 18 and can be made to Bob Weiler at 330-283-9024 or akronspe1@gmail.com. Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

“SUSTAINABILITY ROCKS”: Part Two
2022-10-13 08:00 - 18:00 | Corporate College East, 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, OH, 44128, United States
Helping Molders Tune In to the Circular Economy

IN- PERSON Event Sponsored by the SPE Injection Molding Division and the Cleveland and Akron SPE Sections
• Technical and Practical Presentations by Sustainability Experts
• Panel Discussions
• Networking Reception
Registration Fees:
SPE Injection Molding Division Members: FREE
Cleveland SPE Chapter Members: Free (Contact Dennis Meade at speclecomm@gmail.com to get registration Code)
SPE Members: $25 (non – Cleveland Chapter or IM Div. Members)
Non-SPE Members: $99

Sponsorships:

Engage with injection molders from the tri-state area (OH, MI, PA) to highlight your company’s new technologies. Interact with decision makers
regarding materials, design, tooling, machinery, auxiliary equipment and their manufacturing related needs for the sustainable future of the
injection molding industry.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS AVAILABLE:

PREMIUM: $2,400 (includes exhibition table, 1⁄2 page ad, 4 passes, company logo in all event promo)
BASIC: $1,400 (includes exhibition table, 1⁄4 page ad, 2 passes, company logo in all event promotion)
BREAKS, BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND NETWORKING RECEPTION SPONSORS: $850 – $1,400 levels (includes one pass, signage at the event, opportunity for 10 minute company overview between presentations)

FOR REGISTRATION, SPONSORSHIP AND SPEAKER OPPORTUNITIES
Contact: SPECleComm@gmail.com

Program:
KEYNOTE: “A Resin Supplier’s Perspective on Partnerships for the Circular Economy”
Dr. Kim McLoughlin, Senior Research Engineer, Global Materials Science, Braskem
ABSTRACT: The plastics industry is experiencing a time of unprecedented change, challenge, and opportunity related to environmental sustainability.
Companies across our supply chain, from material suppliers to brand owners, have made bold public commitments to achieve ambitious Circular Economy targets. Mold the supply chain to achieve those targets.
I will discuss Circular Economy targets, implications for molders, and resources available to molders as they help drive this transition. I will focus on the ways in which pa initiatives. Finally, I will share my experience coordinating an industry-academic recycling collaboration, which is facilitated and funded by the REMADE institute.
BIO: Dr. Kim McCoughlin drives technology programs at Braskem to develop advanced polyolefins with improved recyclability and sustainability. As Principal Investigato diverse industry-academic team that is developing a process to recycle elastomers as secondary feedstock. Kim has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cornell. She is an for novel polyolefin technologies. Kim is on the Board of Directors of SPE’s Thermoplastic Materials & Foams Division, where she has served as Education Chair and Coun

“Recovery of High Purity Polypropylene from Mixed Plastic Waste”
Dr. Joseph Lawrence, Senior Director and Research Professor, University of Toledo
ABSTRACT: Despite being widely utilized, only about 1% of the polypropylene (PP) produced globally are recycled. A particular challenge is to recover PP from mixed pol commercial plastic waste recycling. In this talk, we present a sustainable approach to selectively dissolve and recover PP from mixed plastic waste using a biodegradable Among all the major polymers, PP alone dissolved in this Green Solvent while other plastics remain insoluble. The dissolved PP is then re-precipitated with an anti-solve demonstrated PP separation and recovery from a variety of feedstocks, including PP-PE pellets mixtures, melt blended PP and PE pellets, post-consumer polyolefin wast commercial PET recycling, discarded face masks, and multilayer flexible food packaging. Peak temperature for degradation, melting point, melt flow index (MFI), and ma This environment friendly process can recover PP from mixed plastic waste and separate PP and PE from a mixture without significant loss of polymeric material propert
BIO: Dr. Joseph Lawrence is a Research Professor and Senior Director of the Polymer Institute and the Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization at the University after working in the process industry, he has been engaged in polymers and composites research for 18+ years. In the Polymer Institute he leads research on renewably manufacturing. He is also the lead investigator of the Polyesters and Barrier Materials Research Consortium funded by industry. Dr. Lawrence has advised 20 graduate st undergraduate students. He is a peer reviewer in several journals, has authored 30+ peer-reviewed publications and serves on the board of the Injection Molding Divisio

“Design Strategies and Mechanical Properties of Thick & Recyclable Thermoplastic Foams”
Dr. Alicyn Rhoades, Associate Professor in Engineering, Plastics Engineering Technology and Polymer and Engineering Science, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
ABSTRACT: Moxietec injection molded thick thermoplastic foams routinely challenge and exceed longstanding industrial expectations in part design and physical proper solid equivalent. This talk will describe injection molded thick foam samples of up to 9” in thickness that are realistic alternatives to rigid thermoset urethane foam syst options.
BIO: Dr. Alicyn Rhoades is an Associate Professor in Engineering in both the Plastics Engineering Technology and the Polymer Engineering & Science Departments at Pen Director for Moxietec, LLC and currently leads the Scientific Advisory Board for the company. Prior to joining Penn State, Alicyn spent 5 years in the polymer industry, m in Pittsburgh, PA. She has numerous awards including an NSF CAREER Award, and was named one of the 2018 Top 20 Under 40 Engineering Professors in the US by the

“Developing Circular Solutions in the Petrochemical Industry”
Mr.Tom Giovannetti, Technical Service Engineer, Injection and Rotational Molding and CAE, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
ABSTRACT: Since the development of the polymers industry, plastics have become a widely accepted packaging option worldwide for good reason – these materials are extraordinary flexibility, low energy usage and low toxicity. But these same materials that offer so many societal advantages are also under increasing environmental sc required to handle post use materials.
Industry is engaged in an unprecedented effort to create and deploy sustainable circular approaches that address end of life innovations designed to reclaim valuable hy – that is, developing a circular economy.
In this seminar, we will explore the innovations that have made synthetic polymers the material of choice for so many applications, the drivers behind the growth of this development and the collaborative efforts needed to responsibly repurpose post use plastics to circular solutions that meet societal needs.
BIO: Mr. Tom Giovannetti holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Tulsa and for the last 26 years has worked for Chevron Phillips Chemical Com various injection molded products for the chemical industry including explosion proof plugs and receptacles, panel boards and detonation arrestors for 24 inch pipelines polyphenylene sulfide sleeve in a nylon coolant cross-over of an air intake manifold and is a Certified Plastic Technologist through the Society of Plastic Engineers. Tom s is also the past president of the local Oklahoma SPE Section, and as well serves on the SPE Injection Molding Division board.

“Circularity Through Redesign: Creating New Polymer Systems that are 100% Biobased and Recyclable”
Mr. James Sternberg, Senior Scientist and Research Assistant Professor, Department of Automotive Engineering, Clemson University
ABSTRACT: Polyurethanes rank among the 6th most produced plastic globally and carry significant risks to health and safety due to the use of isocyanates in the polyme of the least recycled materials due to their crosslinked nature precluding typical thermal processing techniques. To address these issues and enable a sustainable and ci and non-isocyanate route has been innovated that introduces chemical linkages capable of dissociation post-synthesis for chemical recycling. Lignin, as a highly abunda utilized as an alternative feedstock to create the non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). While only a few examples of NIPU foams can be found in the scientific literatu lightweight, flexible and 100% biobased nature. As lignin is typically used in the formulation of rigid polymers and foams, the foams presented here are the first to dem commercial materials. The raw materials of the composition can be recovered after chemical recycling of the foams using a high-pressure hydrolysis technique. The rec in second generation foams enabling a circular lifecycle.
BIO: Mr. James Sternberg is a Senior Scientist at the Clemson Composites Center in Greenville, SC and a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Automotive E from a chemistry background having completed his B.S. and M.S. in chemistry before studying biobased polymers under Srikanth Pilla at Clemson. James’s work focusse and chemically recyclable. His projects have included recycling and/or redesigning polyurethane foams, nylons, composites, and 3D printing materials. He is currently t group at the Clemson Composites Center.

KEYNOTE: “The Future of Plastics Molding”
Dr. Gamini Mendis, Assistant Professor in Plastics Engineering Technology, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
ABSTRACT: The plastics industry is changing. Consumers are more worried about sustainability and environmental challenges and the U.S. government is paying attentio on the horizon for the plastics industry and discuss a variety of upcoming technological solutions to address these challenges. These solutions include new materials syst smart and sustainable manufacturing methods, and changes to end-of-life materials management. I will also discuss how the industry can come together to adapt to a c
BIO: Dr. Gamini Mendis has a BS and PhD from Purdue University in Materials Engineering and Sustainability. He joined Penn State as a Post Doctorate Scholar in 2020 p closely with PA plastics manufacturers to implement sustainability programs in their plants.

“Enabling Circular Economy for Plastics and Composites Industry via Networked Manufacturing
Dr. Saeed Farahani, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Cleveland State University
ABSTRACT: The circular economy is an economic system that aims at reducing resource consumption and eliminating waste while promising economic development con areas of digitalization and data analytics, which are known as Industry 4.0 technologies, can provide a breeding ground for circular economy targets. In this context, the taking a slightly longer time to visibly adopt these technologies. The main reason is that plastics and composites manufacturing is more challenging than other industries inherent complexity. The extensive possible combinations of fibers, fillers, and polymers; the multi-physics nature of their manufacturing processes; their complex toolin in some sections complicate every aspect of their design and manufacture. To mitigate these complexities and address the need for modernizing the conventional produ industrial IoT and data analytics, we have worked on the concept of networked manufacturing – broadly refers to the connection of multiple manufacturing equipment individual components communicate with each other and transfer actionable data to improve their processes. In this presentation, the implementation route map of ne and its potential challenges and opportunities will be highlighted. Subsequently, several case studies will be presented to demonstrate the capabilities of such connecte process control, and predictive maintenance systems for injection molding plant.
BIO: Dr. Saeed Farahani is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Cleveland State University. He has B.S. and M.S. d University and Ph.D. in Automotive Engineering (manufacturing field) from Clemson University. His research is primarily in the field of plastics and composites manufact networked production system involving integrated analytical models, numerical simulations, statistical and machine learning methods, sensors, and industrial IoT soluti and composites. Dr. Farahani has more than 10 years of working in industry in the Design Strategies and Mechanical Properties of Thick & Recyclable Thermoplastic Foa

“Loc Check for GSM Tracking of Injection Molds”
Mr. Matt Hammernik, Northeast Account Manager, Hasco America
ABSTRACT: The HASCO Loc Check allows you to monitor the location of a tool easily and quickly at any time with your cellular device. This HASCO component also allow shipment process all the way to the press. Whether it is being shipped after the completion of the tool to their facility. Or, possibly transported to another injection mo sustainability in the mold industry by reducing waste/loss. Loss that could be your mold at the building phase or a fully assembled mold ready for trial. This component keep tabs on your valuable tools in this global market. This rechargeable device travels with your molds to make sure they end up where you need them most.
BIO: Mr. Matt Hammernik serves as Hasco America’s Northeast Area Account Manager covering the states Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. He started with Hasc started in the Injection Mold Industry roughly 10 years ago as an estimator quoting injection mold base steel, components and machining. He advanced into outside sale mold makers for about 7 years.

“MAGNET: Manufacturing Partnerships in NE OH”
Ms. Darlyn McDermott, Director of Client Engagement, MAGNET
BIO: Ms. Darlyn McDermott is a Market Leader and Director of Client Engagement responsible for the Northern and Eastern Region of MAGNET of NE Ohio. She is specia Manufacturing and Tech Services sector barriers to growth for the manufacturing community. As a Market Leader her current responsibilities include new business deve strategic partner relationships, Smart Factory implementation strategic and operations topics. MAGNET ‘s state of the art manufacturing facility is located in downtown Ohio. Darlyn holds BA and Master’s Degrees from Malone College and is a Six Sigma Green Belt.

“SUTAINABLE MANUFACTURING”
Mr. David Leff, Vice President, Team Leader,Risk Control, The Huntington Bank
BIO: Mr. David Leff holds a strong professional background helping colleagues and clients understand risk, improving safety performance, and implementing programs to create a positive safety culture. He began his career at Worthington Industries as a Plant Engineer
where he was responsible for managing all facets of engineering, maintenance, and supervision of multiple projects and different
disciplines. He went on to hold positions with Worthington Industries including Supervisor, Environmental, Health and Safety
Manager, and Corporate Manager of Environmental, Health, Safety and Security (EHSS). He has been with Huntington Insurance since 2017. David earned his Bachelors Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH and his Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Ohio State University in Columbus, OH.

TOPCON 2022 - TPEs Unmasked
2022-09-20 - 2022-09-22 | Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W Market St, Akron, OH, 44333, United States
Click here for registration, sponsorship, lodging, etc.
Whether they are the soft covering on your pen or on the dashboard of your car, medical tubing and IV bags, building products, sportswear, appliances or used in 3-D printing, a broad class of materials known as Thermoplastic Elastomers or TPEs have found numerous applications in everyday life. Projections are that their use will continue to grow.
The term “Thermoplastic Elastomers” applies to a large family of plastic materials that behave like conventional vulcanized rubber compounds yet can be processed like thermoplastics by means of
melt processes such as extrusion, injection molding or blow molding.
The Akron Section of the Society of Plastics Engineers, along with the TPE Technical Interest Group of the SPE, will be hosting a conference this fall that highlights these unique polymeric materials. A full day primer on TPE basics, taught by industry experts, will take place as a prequel to the main conference.
This conference will focus on linking the needs of today with the technology of the future. Focused segments on TPE include: Current trends in Markets and Technology; Material innovation and New
Application Development; Process innovation (Compounding, Extrusion, Molding, 3D Printing); Healthcare and Medical; Automotive and Transportation; Sustainability
There will be two exciting keynote addresses. Dr. Robert Savinell, distinguished professor and internationally recognized scholar from Case Western, will be sharing his experience in the highly
relevant area of energy storage and Dr. Krishna Venkataswamy, a long-time industry professional who is currently the President and CEO of Innovation Development Insights, will share his insights
on the history and future of TPEs.
There will be exhibitor booths and two evening networking socials.

Sustainability Talk
2022-05-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual Meeting
Presenter:
Conor Carlin, SPE VP of Sustainability
Virtual, Details upcoming

Akron U. Polymer Engineering Laboratories - Biomimicry Lab Tour
2022-04-11 05:30 - 19:30 | Goodyear Polymer Center, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325-3909, United States
In person only – Details upcoming
Dinner will be provided.

Cybersecurity Talk
2022-03-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W Market St, Akron, OH, 44333, United States
Presenter:
Todd Riley, Goodyear

In person – Details upcoming

”SUSTAINABILITY ROCKS”: Part One*, Helping Molders Navigate the Sustainability Journey
2022-02-24 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Meeting
Presenters:
“Molding-In Sustainability: Your Business. Our Industry’s Future”
Debbie Prenatt, Market Manager-Sustainability, M. Holland Company
Debbie’s passion is enabling manufacturers to integrate sustainable material and polymer solutions into their components to drive a more balanced product life cycle. She joined M Holland in December 2020 as an Application Development Engineer/Market Manager-Sustainability and holds a BS Degree from The Ohio State University and two master’s degrees from Colorado State University Global.
“Packaging Solutions for the Circular Economy”
Tim Ponrathnam, Director of Sustainability for Health, Hygiene and Specialties, Berry Global
Tim drives programs at Berry to include the use of recycled and sustainable materials in their products. He manages Berry’s life cycle assessment data for quantifying the Carbon footprint of Berry’s products. Tim has a PhD in Plastics Engineering from University of Massachusetts Lowell.
“Industry 4.0 Partnerships: Data Driven Sustainability Initiatives for Molders”
Gamini Mendis, Assistant Professor in Plastics Engineering Technology, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Gamini has a BS and PhD from Purdue University in Materials Engineering and Sustainability. He joined Penn State as a Post Doctorate Scholar in 2020 prior to his professorship appointment. He works closely with PA plastics manufacturers to implement sustainability programs in their plants.
Panel Discussion: Moderated by Alicyn Rhoades, PhD, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College: Interim Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, Associate Professor Plastics Engineering Technology, Director,AREC -USA (Advanced Engineering Resource Center)

Virtual Plant Tour: IC3D
2022-02-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual Meeting
IC3D, located in Columbus, OH, is revolutionizing the product design and manufacturing process by developing new processes using 3D printing to create tooling, jigs, and fixtures used to make high-level functional prototypes and low-volume mass production parts. With partners such as various OEM’s and Tier 1’s, IC3D is maturing these technologies to design and manufacturer products with significant cost and lead-time reductions.
IC3D’s founder and CEO, Michael Cao, is passionate about building great things. Whether it’s a 3D print for a client or 3D printing tooling of his company, IC3D, he is committed to creating next-generation solutions that can be fully utilized and enjoyed by the customer.
Michael is a forward thinker, and possesses a Mechanical Engineering degree. He developed IC3D to provide high-quality, affordable 3D printers and materials to the public and secured crowd funding resources for startup operations. In a short timeframe, he built and sold over a hundred 3D printers and built a commercial plastic extrusion operation with multiple production lines while concurrently holding a full-time R&D engineering and leadership role at Honda.
For more information, visit IC3D at www.ic3dprinters.com

Presenters:
MICHAEL CAO, FOUNDER AND CEO
LUKE DEBRUIN, FILAMENT PRODUCTION ENGINEER

To Register and Receive a meeting link, Send your contact information to : SPECleComm@gmail.com

ATTENDANCE IS FREE

AMI’s Compounding World Expo
2021-11-03 - 2021-11-04 | Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH, 44113, United States
Come join SPE exhibiting at AMI’s Compounding World Expo, located in downtown Cleveland at the Huntington Convention Center. This expo takes place November 3- 4, 2021 alongside 3 other co-located expos: Plastics Extrusion World Expo, Plastics Recycling World Expo and Polymer Testing World as well as five conference theaters. Altogether, visitors will have access to 200+ exhibitors and 100+ speakers.
Registration to the entire show is free! Register here:
https://registration.gesevent.com/survey/1w1duxyy0hsn6?actioncode=US1038

October Meeting - Team NEO
2021-10-21 17:00 - 18:30 | Virtual Meeting
Team NEO
Jay Foran, Sr. VP with Paul Boulier
This Meeting is Free to Join.

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Joint Technical Meeting with Akron Section
2021-09-21 18:00 - 2021-10-19 19:30
Speaker: Jay Foran
Manager, Team NEO Additive Manufacturing Cluster
Joint virtual meeting with SPE Akron Section

Speaker: Conor Carlin, Managing Director; Intl SPE- VP of Sustainability
2021-04-19 17:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Meeting
Meeting details TBA.

Speaker: Jeff Hoffman, Entrepreneur
2021-03-08 17:30 - 2021-04-15 20:00 | Virtual Meeting

Speaker: Michael Durina, Md Plastics, Inc.
2021-02-22 05:30 - 2021-03-18 20:00 | Virtual Meeting
Hosted by Cleveland
In order to make improvements to any process one must fully understand the deficiencies of the existing state of the art, in our case there are major deficiencies of the 70 year old reciprocating screw process used on 95% of Injection Molding machines utilized in the world. Melt Monitoring includes reading plastic melt temperature measured directly from the nozzle, applying advanced models to calculate the thermodynamic (P-V) work for development of a thermal viscosity template. Melt Preparation includes advanced plasticating screw designs to replace the aging GP screw and Melt Delivery includes modern innovative screw tip designs and shutoff nozzles to quickly/precisely displace the polymer melt.
Agenda:

Better melt homogenization from optimized melt preparation
Better melt delivery from controlling the melt pool
Better process transparency and control from melt temperature sensor measurements

Meeting Information

Check In : 5:30 p.m.
Presentation : 6:45 p.m.

Cost
All attendees: $10

Reservations
Reservations must be in by noon on Thursday, Feb. 18 and can be made clicking this link or scanning the QR Code. You will receive a receipt directly from Square and an email with the Zoom link.

NASA Presentation
2020-03-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W Market St, Akron, OH, 44333, United States
Bryan K. Smith
Director of the Space Flight Systems Directorate
Bryan K. Smith is director of the Space Flight Systems Directorate at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He assumed this position in 2011 and is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the space missions assigned to the center with an annual budget of approximately $425 million.
Glenn is engaged in research, technology and flight systems development in support of the nation’s space propulsion, space power, space communications, microgravity sciences and materials development programs.
Prior to this appointment, Smith served as chief of Glenn’s Systems Engineering and Analysis Division, which provides systems engineering expertise for Glenn projects, and Chief Engineer for the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, which provides independent testing and analysis of NASA’s high-risk projects.

Agenda
5:30 pm Social
6:00 pm Dinner
6:45 pm Program

Cost
Professional/Guest $30
Retired $25
Student $10
New Member – first meeting Free

Reservations
Reservations must be in by noon on Fri., March 6 and can be made to Gary Taylor at 330-419-4380 or akronspe1@gmail.com
Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Detectable Plastic and Rubber, Food Contamination Control
2020-02-10 17:30 - 20:00 | Hilton Garden Inn, 1307 E. Market Street, Akron, Ohio, 44305, United States
Our next program will be Monday evening February 10, 2020 and will be hosted by the Cleveland Section. The program will be a presentation by John Collins, Product Manager, Eriez Magnetics PolyMag.
Mr. Collins joined Eriez Magnetics in 2005 as Manager of the PolyMag business and he was the Plastics & Rubber Industry Market Manager. He is now focused solely on PolyMag Additives which impart Metal Detectability, Magnetic Susceptibility and X-Ray contrast into polymers, used by food processors worldwide, to prevent plastic contaminated foods from entering the marketplace.

John Collins
Product Manager, Eriez Magnetics PolyMag
John Collins joined Eriez Magnetics in 2005 as Manager of the PolyMag business and was the Plastics & Rubber Industry Market Manger. John is now focused solely on PolyMag Additives which impart Metal Detectability, Magnetic Susceptibility and X-Ray contrast into polymers, used by food processors worldwide, to prevent plastic contaminated foods from entering the marketplace.
He earned his Batchelor of Arts degree in Economics and History from Denison University, with additional education in Statistical Process Control, QS9000, ISO 9001, Project Management and Value Analysis.
Mr. Collins has spent over 40 years in the plastics industry, most notably with Premix in North Kingsville, Ohio where he served in various capacities including Sales Management, VP Product Engineering, VP Corporate Purchasing, and VP Manufacturing & Operations. Since 1976 he has been an active member of the Society of Plastics Engineers.

Location
Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Drive
Twinsburg, OH
5:30 pm Check In
6:00 pm Dinner
6:45 pm Presentation
8:00 pm Adjourn
Cost
Professional/Guest $30
Retired $25
Student $10
Non-Member $35
New Member – first meeting Free

Reservations
Reservations must be in by noon on Wednesday, Feb. 5 to Dan Crist at 440-227-5424 or mail@cmd-tip.com Please be sure to include the company affiliation of each attendee and any dietary restrictions.

Technical Recruiting Roundtable / ACESS
2020-01-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W Market St, Akron, OH, 44333, United States
Technical Recruiting Roundtable
The event will be centered around where the technical jobs and industries are trending and what will be required, or what has changed in the job search process. This event should be especially beneficial to students and adults in the technical fields that fall under the ACESS umbrella of scientific and engineering societies.

Mike Gerst
Management Recruiters of Akron
Mike has been recruiting professionals for over 19 years in the polymer processing arena. During his tenure, Mike has established relationships with leading companies primarily in the plastic molding, color, rubber mixing and processing sectors. He also specializes in rubber and plastics manufacturing management, engineering and production, with a strength in the rubber industry. Mike operates with a high level of integrity and ethics and offers a deep understanding of the issues and trends affecting the polymer industry.
Dave Sevel
Marvel Consultants
Dave has been with Marvel Consultants, Inc. since January, 1980. He has established long-term relationships with numerous Industrial Manufacturers. Dave’s forte is in recruiting Engineers from Vice Presidents to staff positions nationwide and has established a significant presence in Ohio. His specialty is with design professionals who typically have degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering or their equivalent. He earned his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University.

Location
Hilton Inn
3180 West Market Street
Akron, Ohio 44333
5:30 pm Social / Meet-Greet Speakers
6:00 pm Speaker and Company Intro
6:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Open Discussion/Questions

Cost
Professional $30
Retired $25
Student $10
Non-Member $30
New Member – first meeting Free

Reservations
Reservations must be in by noon on Fri., Jan. 10 and can be made to Gary Taylor at 330.419.4380 or akronspe1@gmail.com. Be sure to include your company affiliation and dietary restrictions.

Entec Ravago Americas Plant Tour
2019-11-11 17:00 - 20:00 | Entec Ravago Americas, 5192 Lake Rd, Medina, OH, 44256, United States
Tour of Entec Ravago Americas new polymer distribution, recycling and compounding building in Medina, Ohio. The 500,000 square foot building includes a large warehouse, plant and office space. The new sixteen by sixty feet high silos provide storage for the plastic pellets that will be shipped around the world to meet their client’s demands.
Ravago Manufacturing produces a wide range of plastic and rubber materials from high performance engineered resins to recycled post-consumer materials. The facility will include pulverizing equipment to make rotational molding grades of plastic resin. The state of the art facility also includes extensive material testing capabilities along with 17-20 silos, railway sidings, and boxing and bagging equipment.

Cost
Professional $tbd
Retired $tbd
Student $tbd
Non-Member $tbd
New Member – first meeting Free

Reservations
Reservations must be in by noon on Fri., Nov. 8 and can be made to Gary Taylor at 330-419-4380 or akronspe1@gmail.com. Be sure to include your company affiliation and any dietary restrictions.

Plant Tour : Tymex Plastics
2019-10-14 17:30 - 20:30 | Tymex Plastics Inc., 5300 Harvard Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44105, United States
The October program will be a plant tour hosted by Tymex Plastics in Cleveland. They are located at 5300 Harvard Ave, Cleveland OH. (see note below regarding construction at Harvard Rd) The tour will be conducted by the owners of Tymex Plastics – Eric Yarabenetz, Mark Simonitis and Michael Turkovich.
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Tymex Plastics is a privately held company that was established in 2001 to primarily serve the rotational molding industry with state-of-the-art compounding and pulverizing capabilities. While pursuing this market, many opportunities arose that set the stage for the full-service plastic compounder and recycler they have now become.

Tymex has a management team with over 85 years of plastics sales, operations, and production experience. They specialize in the implementation of cost saving thermoplastic recycling and color compounding programs that provide our customers with various options what will conform to their needs and abilities. With a production facility of nearly 160,000 square feet, Tymex has the capabilities to handle a wide range of compounding programs.

Dinner will follow the tour at Slyman’s Tavern at 6901 Rockside Rd, Independence OH.
Their menu also includes sandwiches, soups, salads and entrees.
Each attendee will be responsible for their own meal costs. See below for detailed driving instructions due to construction in the area.

Directions to Tymex Plastics due to closure of the Harvard Ave bridge over I-77:
Heading north on I-77, exit on Harvard and head east to E 53rd St and Tymex
Heading south on I-77, you cannot exit at Harvard but there are 2 alternate routes:
Exit on Fleet Ave, east on Fleet to E-55th, south on E-55th, then west to 5300 Harvard, or
Exit on Grant Ave, east to E-71st St, north on E-71st and finally west to 5300 Harvard.

Directions Slyman’s Tavern due to closure of the Harvard Ave bridge over I-77:
Head east on Harvard Ave until E-71st street, then south on E-71st until Grant Ave, then west on Grant, back to I-77 south, then take the next exit for Hwy 21/Brecksville Road south. Stay on 21/Brecksville. The turn right (west) on Rockside Rd and then turn right at Plaza Dr. You’ll see Slyman’s past the Starbucks.
Be aware that this is a fluid situation and road closures may change prior to Oct 14.

Agenda
5:30 pm arrival at Tymex Plastics
6:00 pm plant tours start
7:30 pm dinner to start at Slyman’s tavern

Cost
Professional $10
Retired $10
Student $10
Non-Member 15$
New Member – first meeting Free

Reservations
Reservations are due to Craig Potter at SPECLEComm@gmail.com or 440-725-5214 by noon Wednesday 9, 2019.

SPE Student Section Event at Case Western University
2019-10-11 15:15 - 16:15
Guest speaker Todd Waddle, MHolland, “3D Open Source Movement – a Catalyst for Growth”

Vinyltech
2019-10-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W Market St, Akron, OH, 44333, United States
