Education
PTXPO Main Stage
Materials Symposium
Acknowledging their incredibly important but oft misunderstood role in injection molding, PTXPO has created the Materials Symposium for 2026. Featuring 12 presentations from 11 speakers over the three days of the show, each of the symposium’s four sessions will conclude with a panel discussion and Q&A lead by a Plastics Technology editor with expert presenters. From choosing a material for a wholly new project to shepherding the switch to a different plastic, the symposium will help plastics professionals move beyond the vagaries of resin suppliers’ datasheets to concrete material strategies and a better fundamental understanding of polymers.​
Integrating Additive Manufacturing:
A New Era of Pellet-to-Part Production
Building on the foundation of MoldMaking Technology’s 2015 Pellet to Part print series, this updated 2026 workshop explores how additive manufacturing and 3D printing are reshaping moldmaking and injection molding.
Through four in-depth technical sessions, attendees will learn practical frameworks, materials considerations and process innovations that bridge traditional injection molding with advanced additive methods. The focus: how to apply additive technologies to improve tooling performance, speed production and expand design possibilities—from printed cavity inserts to surface treatments that extend tool life. ​
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Scientific Additive Injection Molding: Bridging Additive Manufacturing and Traditional Tooling
How using additive-created inserts for injection molding requires a re-evaluation of what we think we know about injection molding using AM-created cavity sets with real-world comparisons. -
Piece Parts: Choosing Between 3D Printing and Injection Molding
A decision-making framework for OEMs, molders and designers balancing cost, speed and quality. -
Case Study Showcase: Additive Manufacturing in Action
Multi-year data collection used when comparing conventional molding to new additive technologies we’ve learned. -
Surface Treatments for Increased Lubricity and Process Improvement with Injection Molding: Enhancing Performance with RF85 Technology
Nanotechnology that reduces wear, friction and maintenance for both conventional and additive ferrous tooling.
Women in Plastics
Breakfast
The plastics industry, particularly at the executive level, is a male-dominated field, but that does not mean there are not women present blazing a new trail to female leadership roles. This moderated panel discussion will bring together five women leading companies in plastics, sharing their insights and experiences in heading injection molding companies and a research and development consultancy. Separate registration required.
LIMITED CAPACITY | $50
Master of Assembly
VR Showdown
Step Into the “Master of Assembly” VR Showdown at PTXPO!
MMT and Kruse Training are teaming up to bring you an all-new, high-energy experience in the St. Plastics Pavilion. Test your skills in a 10-minute virtual mold assembly challenge and see how far you can go before the clock runs out. We’re pitting 30 Under 30 rising talent against Leadtime Leader pros in a friendly, high-impact competition that blends learning, excitement and community.
Training demos run daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. — then jump in, compete and get your name on the leaderboard. Top performer earns the title Master of Assembly and a prize from MMT and Kruse. Don’t miss the most immersive moldmaking experience at PTXPO!
PRESENTED BY
2026 PTXPO SPONSORS
