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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T120000
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DTSTAMP:20260403T134933
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UID:1308-1764849600-1764853200@pd3.4spe.org
SUMMARY:Design for... Optimize Product Design for Successful Thermoforming
DESCRIPTION:Come listen to Profile Plastics\, Inc.’s Dan Cruz talk about the unique opportunities in thermoforming! Discover how design choices can unlock the potential of thermoforming for successful product launches. Explore this cost-effective process and see how it compares to other plastic manufacturing methods. Our discussion will provide you with practical insights and proven strategies that touch on material selection\, tooling\, and other design considerations. \nSpeaker Bio: Dan Cruz is a manufacturing engineer with 10+ years of plastics tooling and product design experience. His work spans thin-gauge packaging\, injection molding\, and heavy-gauge thermoforming. Dan earned his Manufacturing Engineering degree from Northern Illinois University in 2014. He applies practical expertise to advance efficient thermoform design.
URL:https://pd3.4spe.org/event/design-for-optimize-product-design-for-successful-thermoforming/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T134933
CREATED:20260216T032402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T032402Z
UID:1339-1771412400-1772024400@pd3.4spe.org
SUMMARY:SPE Workshop--Failure in Plastics
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever looked at a cracked plastic part and thought:  “Wow… I definitely did not see that coming.”\nYeah—same. \nThis is why I’m excited about the upcoming SPE Workshop: Failure in Plastics—a 4‑part online series where we take a deep dive into why plastic parts fail\, and more importantly\, how to stop them from doing that at the worst possible moment. \n Feb 18\, 19\, 23 & 25\n 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET\n Online\n Intermediate • 8 Total Hours \nLed by Jeffrey A. Jansen (a man who has probably seen more broken plastic than anyone not working in recycling)\, we’ll tackle:\n How to actually investigate those failures (beyond staring intensely)\n All the classic failure mechanisms\n Ductile-to-brittle transitions (the plot twist no one asked for)\n Case studies that make you say “Ahhhh… so that’s why it exploded.” \nWhether you’re in automotive\, medical\, consumer goods\, aerospace\, electronics\, or you just want to stop plastic parts from ruining your day—this workshop is for you.\n Can’t attend live? No worries—recordings will be available after each session.\n SPE members get discounted rates (and yes\, this is your sign to join SPE).\nIf you have questions\, I’m your guy—just reach out!\n Register\, learn\, and help your plastic parts make better life choices \n 
URL:https://pd3.4spe.org/event/spe-workshop-failure-in-plastics/
LOCATION:Online
ORGANIZER;CN="SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals":MAILTO:spe@4spe.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T134933
CREATED:20260216T033558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T033558Z
UID:1341-1773043200-1773334800@pd3.4spe.org
SUMMARY:SPE ANTEC
DESCRIPTION:ANTEC® 2026 is where you will find the latest breakthroughs in plastics technology\, advanced polymer research\, and next-generation processing solutions. This is more than a conference—it’s a launchpad for solving real-world challenges in science\, engineering\, and industry. \nJoin a dynamic community of global thought leaders\, researchers\, and professionals driving progress in plastics. Whether you’re looking to elevate your expertise through learning about the latest advancements and innovations in the plastics industry\, inspire innovation within your organization\, or make powerful connections\, ANTEC® 2026 delivers.
URL:https://pd3.4spe.org/event/spe-antec/
LOCATION:Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown\, 600 Commonwealth Place\, Pittsburgh\, PA\, 15222-1003\, United States
ORGANIZER;CN="SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals":MAILTO:spe@4spe.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260503T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T134933
CREATED:20260318T151317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T151956Z
UID:1359-1773820800-1777827600@pd3.4spe.org
SUMMARY:Registration OPEN for 2026 Plastics Seminars
DESCRIPTION:Registration is now OPEN for UMass Lowell’s \nPlastics Engineering Seminars!. \nLearn More and Register \nWhether you are in engineering\, sales and marketing\, or research and development\, join us for a seminar on various topics. \nRegister soon to secure your spot! Click the date to learn more and enroll. \nPROCESSING \nRobust Processing Development and Scientific Molding \nSuhas Kulkarni | Offered June 3-5 \nInjection Molding \nDr. Stephen Johnston | Offered June 8-12 and July 13-17 \nLiquid Silicone Rubber Injection Molding  \nDr. Matthew Bont | Offered July 8-9 \nExtrusion \nDrs. Carol Barry & Anne Soucy | Offered July 20-22 \nPlastics Twin-Screw Extrusion and Compounding NEW! \nDr. Meg Sobkowicz Kline | Offered July 23-24 \nDESIGN \nPlastic Part Design for Injection Molding \nDr. Stephen Johnston | Offered June 1-4 and July 7-10 \nMATERIALS \nPlastics in Medical Devices \nDrs. Meg Sobkowicz Kline & Amy Peterson | Offered June 29-July 1 \nPlastics Materials \nDr. Akshay Kokil | Offered June 15-18 and August 24-27 \nThermoplastic Elastomers NEW! \nDrs. Joey Mead & Jinde Zhang | Offered June 1-2
URL:https://pd3.4spe.org/event/registration-open-for-2026-plastics-seminars/
CATEGORIES:Seminar,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260323T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T134933
CREATED:20260318T152222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T152222Z
UID:1364-1774252800-1774458000@pd3.4spe.org
SUMMARY:National Week of Flame Retardants 2026
DESCRIPTION:Are you navigating increasing regulatory pressure around flame retardant (FR) use and chemical safety? Do you struggle to evaluate new FR technologies\, alternatives\, and additive packages with confidence? Are you looking for clearer guidance on testing requirements\, compliance expectations\, and material performance across industries? \nIf you’re responsible for evaluating FR technologies\, selecting additives\, or ensuring compliance across industries\, then you need to be at SPE’s National Week of Flame Retardants 2026\, taking place online March 23-25 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET each day. \nThis three-day program delivers a focused\, technical overview of: \n\nHalogen-free flame retardant innovations and material performance tradeoffs\nThe evolving regulatory landscape impacting FR use and chemical safety\nCurrent testing standards and compliance expectations across key industries\n\nAt SPE’s National Week of Flame Retardants\, you’ll hear directly from flame retardant technical experts\, regulatory specialists\, and major suppliers—and gain practical insights that you can apply to your processes immediately. \nMore Info Here 
URL:https://pd3.4spe.org/event/national-week-of-flame-retardants-2026/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T134933
CREATED:20260218T045000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T045000Z
UID:1356-1774522800-1774960200@pd3.4spe.org
SUMMARY:SPE WORKSHOP Introduction to Polymer Rheology: Fundamentals of Viscoelasticity and Time-Temperature Superposition
DESCRIPTION:Are you responsible for predicting how plastic parts will behave months or years into service? Do you want to use rheology as an engineering tool—not just a test result—to understand molecular structure\, formulation choices\, and performance limits? \nSPE’s 4.5-hour online workshop\, Introduction to Polymer Rheology: Fundamentals of Viscoelasticity and Time-Temperature Superposition\, taking place March 26th\, 30th\, and 31st\, provides a practical introduction to polymer rheology with a focus on viscoelastic behavior and time-temperature superposition (TTS). \nWhat the Workshop Covers: \n\nLinear viscoelasticity and key rheological functions\nHow oscillatory and transient measurements are performed and interpreted\nClassical viscoelastic models and what they reveal about molecular architecture and morphology\nConstruction and interpretation of TTS master curves\nWhen to apply WLF vs. Arrhenius shifting\nUsing rheology to predict long-term creep\, stress relaxation\, and processing-relevant behavior\n\nBy the end of the workshop\, you will be able to interpret core rheological quantities and understand what they indicate about polymer behavior. You’ll be able to apply simple viscoelastic models to rationalize relaxation\, creep\, and instability\, as well as build and evaluate TTS master curves to extend laboratory data into long-term predictions.
URL:https://pd3.4spe.org/event/spe-workshop-introduction-to-polymer-rheology-fundamentals-of-viscoelasticity-and-time-temperature-superposition/
LOCATION:Online
ORGANIZER;CN="SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals":MAILTO:spe@4spe.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T134933
CREATED:20260318T153607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T153607Z
UID:1368-1775548800-1775754000@pd3.4spe.org
SUMMARY:SPE WORKSHOP: The Science & Technology of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics
DESCRIPTION:Are you being asked to distinguish science-based biodegradability from unsupported claims? \nLearn More Here  \nDo you need to verify compostability against ASTM and ISO standards? \nCan you confidently interpret biodegradation curves\, estimate t₉₀\, and assess performance beyond controlled lab conditions? \nIf you’re responsible for evaluating\, specifying\, or defending biodegradable and compostable plastics\, you need more than marketing language—you need data. \nSPE Online Workshop: The Science & Technology of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics\nApril 7–9\, 2026\n11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET (each day) \nThis workshop provides a rigorous\, standards-based examination of polymer biodegradation and compostability\, grounded in measurable end-of-life outcomes. \nYou will gain: \n\nClear understanding of biochemical and physicochemical mechanisms governing polymer biodegradation\nDirect insight into ASTM and ISO test methods\, including the >90% carbon-to-CO₂ conversion requirement\nPractical tools to interpret biodegradation data and model t₉₀ values for soil and marine environments\nEvidence-based analysis of common misconceptions\, including unsupported claims around oxo-additives and enzyme-modified polyolefins\nQuantified perspective on how certified compostable polymers contribute to organics diversion and greenhouse gas mitigation\nExposure to emerging technologies\, including instrumented bioreactor composting systems\n\nIf your organization is making sustainability claims\, developing materials\, advising customers\, or evaluating regulatory compliance\, this workshop equips you with defensible\, technically sound answers. \n 
URL:https://pd3.4spe.org/event/spe-workshop-the-science-technology-of-biodegradable-and-compostable-plastics/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T134933
CREATED:20260318T154203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T154301Z
UID:1372-1776153600-1776445200@pd3.4spe.org
SUMMARY:SPE WORKSHOP - Smart Injection Molding: Hands-on Design of Experiments (DOE) for Success and Competitiveness
DESCRIPTION:April 14\, 15 & 17\, 2026 | Online\n11:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET (each day) \nLearn More \nDo you struggle to identify the real root cause of molding defects? Are you tired of relying on guesswork\, intuition\, or tribal knowledge? \nDo you want to reduce scrap\, stabilize processes\, shorten startups\, and justify process settings with data instead of trial‑and‑error? \nIf you’re troubleshooting molding defects by trial-and-error\, you’re losing time and margin. This three-day\, practice-oriented workshop delivers a structured\, repeatable approach to process optimization—built specifically for injection molding professionals. \nThis program is for you if you need to: \n\nIdentify the true root causes of defects\nReduce scrap and stabilize processes\nShorten start-ups\nReplace guesswork with data\nJustify process settings with measurable ROI\n\nRather than theory-heavy lectures\, this workshop focuses on machine-side Design of Experiments (DoE)—practical tools you can apply immediately. Across three focused 90-minute sessions\, you will learn how to plan\, execute\, and interpret efficient experiments that deliver meaningful insight into part quality\, process robustness\, and optimization opportunities. \nYou’ll leave with a practical DoE toolkit that strengthens decision-making\, improves consistency\, and enhances competitiveness.
URL:https://pd3.4spe.org/event/spe-workshop-smart-injection-molding-hands-on-design-of-experiments-doe-for-success-and-competitiveness/
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals":MAILTO:spe@4spe.org
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