The medical plastics market is an industry that relies on comprehensive manufacturing solutions to meet precise production requirements. Milacron’s cutting-edge Roboshot solutions are designed to meet these high demands with clean-room-ready machines and processes that produce consistent part quality.
The Roboshot’s gold-standard features, like configurable core sequence, flexible I/O, unmatched pressure control, and industry-leading artificial intelligence (AI) keep processors in the medical industry running with tight tolerances and precision year after year.
Milacron’s Roboshot customers are often loyal, as the machine is known worldwide for best-in-class reliability. Elite Biomedical Solutions, a Milacron customer for more than a decade, produces replacement components for infusion and telemetry assets for hospital biomed departments across the United States. Being in healthcare, Elite requires a machine solution that consistently produces with precision, day-in-and-day-out.
“Typically we run low volumes, but very tight tolerances, and that’s healthcare,” explains Elite CEO and Founder, Jeff Smith. “As a result of that, with the Roboshot solution, we’re guaranteed that process to be consistent with every part we make, and we make thousands and thousands of parts weekly.”
Elite Biomedical is a Milacron-only house of five Roboshots that are flanked with various pieces of Milacron auxiliary equipment to support. A company that got its start in the basement of CEO, Jeff Smith’s home nearly a decade ago, Elite has grown to a multi-million-dollar business in a short period of time. The growth has even allowed the company to branch off with its own custom contract manufacturing segment, Elite Precision Plastics.
Smith attributes the success of his dynamic business to not just the reliability of his Roboshot fleet, but the ease of working with Milacron through the years for all his company’s plastics processing needs.
“We do all of our shopping with Milacron and get all our accessory equipment through them and their partnerships,” he said. “They’ve been very consistent. Their training is all the same. And, who’s going to take care of us is all the same. It brings a sense of security and peace of mind, which is important to me as CEO.”
Learn more about Elite Biomedical’s fleet of Roboshots and the partnership they’ve come to rely upon with Milacron over the last decade in this short Partner With Possibility success story video . For a deeper product dive on the Roboshot machine, check out the Roboshot landing page, where a full product brochure can be downloaded. And, for additional product expertise, Milacron’s Kent Royer, Sr. Product Manager for the Roboshot, can be found on LinkedIn, as well as in-person at NPE 2024 at the Milacron booth, W1601, next May.
The product of a decades-long partnership with Milacron, the Fanuc Roboshot offers the most available injection unit sizes on a single frame found in the injection molding industry.
OEM continues its digital transformation as a world-class solutions provider in the plastics processing space.
[BATAVIA, OH] November 3, 2023 – Cincinnati-based Milacron®, a leading manufacturer in the global plastics technology and processing industry, recently launched a new website. The site, which features a user-friendly interface, digital product brochures, and smart form interaction, is another step in the company’s strategical evolution from machine provider to world-class solutions partner.
The new Milacron.com is an integrated responsive design that is easy to navigate, and functional for current and potential customers, as well as the general public just inquiring a bit more about plastics processing. The makeover focused on creating a product-centric, user-focused site for Milacron customers. With updated product pages, relevant industry content, career opportunities, the latest Milacron news, and much more.
“From a fresh responsive design and easy navigation to product and service function access, the new Milacron.com is a one-stop plastics processing solutions shop for anyone looking to learn more about plastics processing,” said Bunlim Ly, Director of Strategic Marketing & Innovation for the company.
Milacron has provided solutions, technology and service for plastic manufacturers around the world since 1968. The industries served by the OEM include automotive, construction, consumer goods, electronics, medical, packaging and telecommunications.
In addition to providing machine systems and auxiliary equipment, Milacron also integrates digital advancements through innovative IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) controls technology. For instance, Milacron’s M-Powered digital controls platform leverages IIoT technology and runs sophisticated algorithms that utilize machine data to monitor machine operations, alerting customers about any potential issues and providing a clear picture of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
“We constantly monitor and improve our digital applications, systems, and processes to provide a robust and secure solution,” said Ly. “As an innovative world leader in plastic processing, Milacron’s continuous evolution delivers the next generation of manufacturing technology to processors around the globe.”
About Milacron
Milacron (www.milacron.com) is a global industry and technology leader in the manufacturing of injection molding and extrusion systems. Milacron also produces and provides machinery, auxiliaries and components that complement its plastics processing machines and systems. The company’s 1,900 associates worldwide collaborate to provide a diverse range of products across various plastics applications in industries such as automotive, construction, medical, telecommunications, material handling, packaging, and much more. Milacron holds longstanding relationships with more than 27,000 global customers across North America and India, as well as coverage in Europe and in many emerging markets, including Central/South America. Milacron is an Operating Company of Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI), an industrial company operating in over 100 countries serving a wide variety of industries across the world. www.hillenbrand.com
CONTACT
Brian Miller, Marketing Manager
[email protected] / 513.536.2461
New program at vocational school in Ohio so far involves 14 high school seniors; with successful completion, they can secure jobs at plastics processing equipment maker.
Capstone project for high school seniors marks first company-sponsored hands-on program of its kind in the state of Ohio aims to increase the skilled manufacturing labor pool in neighboring counties.
[BATAVIA, OH] October 25, 2023 – Cincinnati-based Milacron®, a leading manufacturer in the global plastics technology and processing industry, has joined forces with Grant Career Center to establish the Advanced Manufacturing Academy (AMA), a groundbreaking work-based learning placement that provides high school seniors with comprehensive training in advanced manufacturing.
This unique academy, located at the technical school in Bethel, OH is specifically designed to create an employee pipeline, offering students the opportunity to secure future employment in advanced manufacturing, without the need for them to leave campus. According to the Clermont Country Chamber of Commerce, no other technical school in the state of Ohio has an in-house company-sponsored program of this kind.
The Grant Career Center team of educators manages the AMA student selection process that begins the Spring before senior year. Junior-year students within the school’s relevant existing programs of Information Technology, Engineering, Metal Fabrication, Construction, and Auto Technology with an interest in advanced plastics manufacturing are encouraged to apply for the senior-year AMA capstone project.
“The ultimate goal of this academy program is to provide hands-on manufacturing experience for students that delivers relevant real-world support for their future career decisions,” said Lindsay Niedzwiedski, Lean Enterprise Leader for Milacron. “Students have an opportunity for work placement that can lead to full-time employment within Milacron’s manufacturing operations function upon graduation.”
By integrating classroom instruction with hands-on training, this work-based learning experience equips students with the technical expertise and industry-specific competencies required for success in the field. Grant students follow a curriculum in their core program of study, core studies requirements for graduation, as well as the manufacturing-based classwork and hands-on lab with the machine. “It’s rigorous, but fulfilling, and very functional for post-graduate application,” said Niedzwiedski.
Milacron’s partnership with Grant commenced nearly a decade ago with the goal of educating area students in manufacturing and the trades through plant tours at the company, job shadowing opportunities, and much more. Then, last year the opportunity to advance their partnership through a yearlong capstone project was agreed upon when the program/lab space became vacant.
Given the importance of critical skilled workforce experience in the trade industry and manufacturing more specifically, Milacron moved quickly to get the necessary specifics for the program placed in the pipeline for Grant, including the Q-Series plastics processing machine for training in the lab space, as well as other equipment the students would need for a well-rounded curriculum build.
Milacron has a legacy in the Greater Cincinnati area of being a lifelong employer. Between its Batavia headquarters facility and the Mount Orab manufacturing site, the plastics processing solutions leader employs nearly 1,000 associates in the Tristate area that range from construction and welding tradespeople to machining experts and engineers. Many of these employees are approaching retirement, some after upwards of 40 or even 50 years of service to the company. In fact, just two months ago the Batavia headquarters facility celebrated the retirement of three employees who had a collective tenure of more than 150 years of manufacturing service. The AMA is just one example of how Milacron has adopted non-traditional initiatives to help offset gaps with qualified skilled labor.
“Our purpose at Milacron, to shape what matters for tomorrow, is executed with intention through our Grant Career Center partnership,” said Mac Jones, President of Milacron, at the recent ribbon-cutting celebration of the new lab space at Grant Career Center. “You, the AMA students, are the Milacron employees that will shape our plastics processing of the future.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Friday, October 20th brought together the inaugural AMA class, educators, representatives from Milacron, Clermont County Chamber of Commerce, representatives of local and state government, and other relevant members of the community. This partnership signifies Milacron’s and Grant Career Center’s shared dedication to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers. Together, they will strive to provide a seamless pathway for high school seniors interested in the manufacturing industry.
About Milacron
Milacron (www.milacron.com) is a global industry and technology leader in the manufacturing of injection molding and extrusion systems. Milacron also produces and provides machinery, auxiliaries and components that complement its plastics processing machines and systems. The company’s 1,900 associates worldwide collaborate to provide a diverse range of products across various plastics applications in industries such as automotive, construction, medical, telecommunications, material handling, packaging, and much more. Milacron holds longstanding relationships with more than 27,000 global customers across North America and India, as well as coverage in Europe and in many emerging markets, including Central/South America. Milacron is an Operating Company of Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI), an industrial company operating in over 100 countries serving a wide variety of industries across the world. www.hillenbrand.com
About Grant Career Center
Grant Career Center, located in Bethel, Ohio, is a leading educational institution that prepares students for success in the workforce and for further education in college. With a rich history of over 50 years, Grant Career Center has been providing high-quality training to students from Clermont County. Grant Career Center takes pride in its innovative partnerships with prominent organizations such as Milacron, Child-Focus, University of Cincinnati, and the Brown Clermont Adult Career Campus. These partnerships provide students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and real-world experience in their chosen fields. By combining academic rigor with practical skills training, Grant Career Center equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for success in today’s ever-changing job market. Graduates of Grant Career Center are well-prepared for both immediate employment and continued education at the college level. Grant Career Center is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Through its comprehensive programs, partnerships, and dedication to excellence, Grant Career Center continues to shape the future of Clermont County’s workforce. Grant Career Center, where Clermont County’s Students “Choose to be Great!”
The inaugural Milacron Advanced Manufacturing Academy class will visit the Milacron global headquarters site in Batavia, OH multiple times throughout the course of their yearlong capstone project at Grant Career Center.
AMA student, Jhace Pryor, receives direction from program instructor, Daryll Martin on the Milacron Q-Series machine located in the lab space at Grant Career Center.
Fourteen Grant Career Center seniors are members of the inaugural Milacron Advanced Manufacturing Academy from various existing core programs at the school, including Engineering & Design, Industrial Academy, Information Technology and Auto Fabrication.
Milacron President, Mac Jones, enjoys conversation and collaboration with AMA students that he hopes will one day be full-time employees at either Clermont or Brown Country Milacron locations upon their graduation in May 2024.
Employees from Milacron, Grant Career Center, the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce, and the students from the inaugural AMA capstone project class conducted a ribbon cutting in the new lab space at the career center on Friday, October 20th.
Derek Chancellor, Southwest Ohio Regional Liaison for the Office of Lt. Governor Jon Husted (pictured center) helped Milacron President, Mac Jones (left), and Grant Career Center Superintendent, Mike Parry (right) dedicate the new lab space on Friday, October 20th.
Milacron President, Mac Jones, declares continued commitment to increasing manufacturing skilled workforce knowledge with the Milacron Advanced Manufacturing Academy at neighboring Grant Career Center.
CONTACT
Melanie Murray, Communications Specialist
[email protected] / 513.300.6020
Long-time plastics processing solutions partner, 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics, recently expanded its Milacron-only fleet with the addition of an 8,000-ton press.
Milacron recently installed the largest injection molding machine ever manufactured by a North American-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for its decades-long customer, 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics, LLC of Holiday City, Ohio.
Known as the “big brother” to Milacron’s C-6750 machine, also produced for 20/20 in 2021, the C-8000’s platen design, as well as its functional size-to-fit multiple molds, give this machine a leg up in the plastics manufacturing space. It features a clamping force of 8,000 U.S. tons, and total shot weight of 325 pounds, that’s received from two -130,000 injection units with a 260 mm feed screw providing a 5-inch-per-second injection velocity.
The C8000 weighs 1.8 million pounds, excluding the mold. The moving platen cast weight comes in at 152 tons, and the guts of this machine contain nearly 38 miles of wire.
“The sheer size of this machine is hard to put into words, but its unique design and processing stats speak volumes,” said Mac Jones, President of Milacron. “The C8000 is a large-part powerhouse designed by some of the best plastics processing engineers in the world that delivers the highest performance, functionality and flexibility possible in the large-tonnage space. Partnering with customers like 20/20 by providing cutting-edge solutions remains our focus, as well as our commitment, to the plastics processing industry.”
Ron Ernsberger, Owner and President of 20/20, says his company has always been a fan of Milacron’s clamp technology and reliability. “Their machines are workhorses,” says Ernsberger, who emphasizes that reliability and redundancy are of critical importance to his operation. “We want machines we can not only rely on for maximum repeatable output, but that make our employees’ lives easier with software control platforms and processing technology they are familiar with, as well as machines that are easy for them to transition between while servicing a variety of customer needs.”
The massive C8000 and its smaller counterpart, the C6750, are the latest in a long line of large-tonnage machines produced for the northwestern Ohio company. The Milacron-only 20/20 fleet consists of 45 machines comprised of a combination of 28 low-pressure injection molding (LPIM) machines, and 17 high-pressure injection molding (HPIM) machines. The partnership continues to flourish as Milacron evolves in the plastics processing solutions space.
“As a custom molder, we always want a plan for what doesn’t quite yet exist,” said Mike Gepfert, Chief Operating Officer at 20/20. “In order to be competitive, we can’t be constrained. Milacron understands this about us and has always been willing to take it to the next level. The capacity of these two large-tonnage machines thrusts us into a unique niche of custom molders.”
MilacRON: The ‘next big thing’
The Milacron C-8000 results from a decades-long vision and organic collaboration. Ron Hertzer, Milacron’s Director of New Product Development for many years (and, 40-year veteran of the injection molding industry), and 20/20’s Ernsberger, laid the foundation for these cutting-edge machines that would be in demand by large-part plastic processors before they even reached completion.
“The Milacron C-6750 and C-8000 came to be due in large part to two experts in the industry who never settle for the status quo,” explains Jones. “Ron Ernsberger’s vision conceived the prototypes from market demand he saw coming through the pipeline. And, our Milacron team was the brains behind the custom design and development of both monster machines, with our Ron Hertzer at the helm.”
The magnitude of production the Milacron machines offer is now 20/20’s “claim to fame,” according to Ernsberger. “The capacity these large-tonnage machines provide thrusts us into a unique position within the marketplace that’s unsurpassed,” he said.
Serving a variety of ‘tier one’ industries, Ernsberger says 20/20 must remain relevant and be willing to “push the envelope in a competitive economic climate.” That’s where he says Milacron has always stepped up to the table with next-generation technology. “Our plastics manufacturing at 20/20 requires a great deal of redundancy, ‘same as,’ ease of transition and reliability, and Milacron has met these expectations repeatedly, which is why we continue to turn to them when we’re ready for the next big thing,” said Ernsberger.
The C6750 machine had a full docket of customers slated for production by the time it went live on 20/20’s production floor in 2019, according to Ernsberger. “The C6750 was already sold out by the time we actually started running it,“ he said. “Another larger-tonnage option was needed as a back-up. Shortly thereafter the C-8000 was conceived. With Milacron, it’s been a true partnership.”
The markets driving the increased level of activity in the large-tonnage machine space are material handling (large plastic pallets), underground enclosures for telecommunications and utilities, drainage and irrigation products, commercial/institutional, and industrial and safety products. Milacron continues to answer the market demand with two more large-tonnage injection units scheduled in the pipeline for a 2024 install at 20/20.
“Our decades-long solutions-based partnership with 20/20 elevates Milacron’s drive-to-deliver performance model,” says Jones of Milacron. “It’s our intention to set the standards, drive innovation and lead the industry in the plastics processing space. Loyal partnerships with customers like 20/20 help us pave the way.”
CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WKRC) – A career center in Clermont County is giving high school seniors new opportunities in the world of manufacturing.
Milacron’s product innovation can be seen at Fakuma in Hall B3, Booth 3302. The M650-6610 injection moulding machine with a screw diameter of 110 mm will be on display in practical use. With tooling from Allit, the machine will produce a storage container with a shot weight of 935 g.
One of the largest injection molding machines ever built in North America— an 8,000-ton Milacron press that’s 94 feet long with 38 miles of wiring — is now installed at 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics LLC in Holiday City, Ohio.
Ohio original equipment manufacturer supplies 8,000-ton injection molding press to neighboring Ohio-based custom molder.
Milacron, a leading manufacturer in the global plastics technology and processing industry, creates the largest injection molding machine ever manufactured by a North American-based OEM for long-time customer, 20/20 Custom Molded Plastics, LLC of Holiday City, Ohio.
Known as the “big brother” to Milacron’s C-6750 machine, also produced for 20/20 in 2021, the C-8000’s platen design, as well as its functional size-to-fit multiple molds, give this machine a leg up in the plastics manufacturing space. It features a clamping force of 8,000 U.S. tons, and total shot weight of 325 pounds, that’s received from two -130,000 injection units with a 260 mm feed screw providing a 5-inch-per-second injection velocity.
The C8000 weighs 1.8 million pounds, excluding the mold. The moving platen cast weight comes in at 152 tons, and the guts of this machine contain nearly 38 miles of wire.
“The sheer size of this machine is hard to put into words, but its unique design and processing stats speak volumes,” said Mac Jones, President of Milacron. “The C8000 is a large-part powerhouse designed by some of the best plastics processing engineers in the world that delivers the highest performance, functionality and flexibility possible in the large-tonnage space. Partnering with customers like 20/20 by providing cutting-edge solutions remains our focus, as well as our commitment, to the plastics processing industry.”
The new four-tie bar design enables more versatile access and overhead part retrieval than the eight tie-bar retrieval systems other OEMs provide on their large-tonnage machines. In addition, the machine’s four massive tie bars reach nearly 38 feet in length and 1.75 feet in diameter.
Its sprawling length of 94 feet allows the C8000 to provide an ample amount of a resource that’s often sought after in the plastics processing space – daylight. The greater the extended daylight a machine possesses, the larger the mold the machine can handle, and the larger plastic part it can produce. The C-8000 provides a bit more than 28 feet of daylight from its 24-feet clamp-stroke capacity. The maximum mold size this dynamic machine can produce clears 21 feet, while the minimum mold size is just under 4 feet.
Ron Ernsberger, Owner and President of 20/20, says his company has always been a fan of Milacron’s clamp technology and reliability. “Their machines are workhorses,” says Ernsberger, who emphasizes that reliability and redundancy are of critical importance to his operation. “We want machines we can not only rely on for maximum repeatable output, but that make our employees’ lives easier with software control platforms and processing technology they are familiar with, as well as machines that are easy for them to transition between while servicing a variety of customer needs.”
The massive C8000 and its smaller counterpart, the C6750, are the latest in a long line of large-tonnage machines produced for the northwestern Ohio company. The Milacron-only 20/20 fleet consists of 45 machines comprised of a combination of 28 low-pressure injection molding (LPIM) machines, and 17 high-pressure injection molding (HPIM) machines. The partnership continues to flourish as Milacron evolves in the plastics processing solutions space.
“As a custom molder, we always want a plan for what doesn’t quite yet exist,” said Mike Gepfert, Chief Operating Officer at 20/20. “In order to be competitive, we can’t be constrained. Milacron understands this about us and has always been willing to take it to the next level. The capacity of these two large-tonnage machines thrusts us into a unique niche of custom molders.”
MilacRON: The ‘next big thing’
The Milacron C-8000 results from a decades-long vision and organic collaboration. Ron Hertzer, Milacron’s Director of New Product Development for many years (and, 40-year veteran of the injection molding industry), and 20/20’s Ernsberger, laid the foundation for these cutting-edge machines that would be in demand by large-part plastic processors before they even reached completion.
“The Milacron C-6750 and C-8000 came to be due in large part to two experts in the industry who never settle for the status quo,” explains Jones. “Ron Ernsberger’s vision conceived the prototypes from market demand he saw coming through the pipeline. And, our Milacron team was the brains behind the custom design and development of both monster machines, with our Ron Hertzer at the helm.”
The magnitude of production the Milacron machines offer is now 20/20’s “claim to fame,” according to Ernsberger. “The capacity these large-tonnage machines provide thrusts us into a unique position within the marketplace that’s unsurpassed,” he said.
Serving a variety of ‘tier one’ industries, Ernsberger says 20/20 must remain relevant and be willing to “push the envelope in a competitive economic climate.” That’s where he says Milacron has always stepped up to the table with next-generation technology. “Our plastics manufacturing at 20/20 requires a great deal of redundancy, ‘same as,’ ease of transition and reliability, and Milacron has met these expectations repeatedly, which is why we continue to turn to them when we’re ready for the next big thing,” said Ernsberger.
The C6750 machine had a full docket of customers slated for production by the time it went live on 20/20’s production floor in 2019, according to Ernsberger. “The C6750 was already sold out by the time we actually started running it,“ he said. “Another larger-tonnage option was needed as a back-up. Shortly thereafter the C-8000 was conceived. With Milacron, it’s been a true partnership.”
The markets driving the increased level of activity in the large-tonnage machine space are material handling (large plastic pallets), underground enclosures for telecommunications and utilities, drainage and irrigation products, commercial/institutional, and industrial and safety products. Milacron continues to answer the market demand with two more large-tonnage injection units scheduled in the pipeline for a 2024 install at 20/20.
“Our decades-long solutions-based partnership with 20/20 elevates Milacron’s drive-to-deliver performance model,” says Jones of Milacron. “It’s our intention to set the standards, drive innovation and lead the industry in the plastics processing space. Loyal partnerships with customers like 20/20 help us pave the way.”
About Milacron
Milacron (www.milacron.com) is a global industry and technology leader in the manufacturing of injection molding and extrusion systems. Milacron also produces and provides machinery, auxiliaries and components that complement its plastics processing machines and systems. The company’s 1,900 associates worldwide collaborate to provide a diverse range of products across various plastics applications in industries such as automotive, construction, medical, telecommunications, material handling, packaging, and much more. Milacron holds longstanding relationships with more than 27,000 global customers across North America and India, as well as coverage in Europe and in many emerging markets, including Central/South America. Milacron is an Operating Company of Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI), an industrial company operating in over 100 countries serving a wide variety of industries across the world. www.hillenbrand.com
Contact
Brian Miller, Marketing Manager
[email protected] / 513.536.2461