Hosted by the Society Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division the SPE Extrusion Optimization TopCon will focus on extrusion theory and principles for single- and twin-screw extruders to improve quality, increase rates and achieve a more consistent and repeatable process - for any type of extrusion operation in any industry.

The SPE Extrusion Optimization TopCon will help you to increase attainable throughput rates and improve product quality for any new or existing single and/or twin screw extrusion operation. Presentations will focus on managing boundary conditions - challenges relating to melt temperature & pressure, volume, torque and mass-transfer related technical issues. In addition to extrusion theory, upstream, die and downstream technologies, as well as controls architecture, system integration, data management and maintenance are integrated into the program to facilitate improved extrusion manufacturing efficiencies.

Anyone involved with extrusion will benefit from attending the SPE Extrusion Optimization TopCon. Space is limited and available on a 1^st come basis.

Program Agenda

This program is subject to change.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Day One

Keynote: "Troubleshooting and Optimizing Extrusion Operations Using an Advanced Real-Time Monitoring System," John Christiano, Davis-Standard
“Mixing and Melt Temperature Management in a Twin Screw Extruder,” Brian Haight, Leistritz Extrusion
“Functionality and Process Advantages of Intermeshing Counter-rotating Twin Screw Extruders,” Doug Alexander, Krauss-Maffei
“Melt Pressure Management for Extrusion Systems,” Dave Anzini, Macro Engineering
“A Methodology to Optimize Single Screw Extrusion Processing and Die Design,” Steve Schick, Teel Plastics
“Optimizing Extrusion Equipment with Advanced CAE Tools (and how to use them),” John Perdikoulias, Compuplast
“Bi-metallic Barrels: “What’s Inside” and How it Effects the Extrusion Process,” Tim Womer, TWWomer & Assoc.
“Improving Process Performance by Optimizing Single Screw Tube and Profile Design,” Kevin Slusarz, US Extruders
“Optimizing Screw Design – Considerations for Physical Gas Foam Extrusion,” Michael Thompson, McMaster University
“Biochar Pathways: Extrusion Innovation for Sustainable Polymers,” María del Pilar Noriega, Daabon
“Fast and Accurate Balancing of the Flow in Extrusion Dies using a Die Optimization Software," Mahesh Gupta, Plastic Flow

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Day Two

Keynote: “Optimization of Mass Transfer Processes in Twin Screw Extrusion,” Rob Jerman, Extrusion Technology & Innovations Inc.
“Counter-Rotating Twin Screw Extruder Selection: Parallel vs Conical,” Mike Puhalla, Milacron
“New Concepts to Optimize Melting in Single Screw Extruders," Aaron Spalding, Barr Inc.
“Choosing the Proper Auxiliary Equipment for your Extrusion Process," Peter Hachey & Joe Platek, ACS
“Machine Direction Orientation of Polymeric Films, Maximizing Recovery Width and Producing Films with Uniform Properties,” Steve Post, Windmoeller & Hoelscher
“Smart production: Analytics, Monitoring, Control with inline spectroscopy for automated polymer extrusion,” Andreas Berghaus, Colvistech
“Getting Your Sheet Roll Stack Output and Reliability Like New - Or Better,” Mike Mitchell, Extrusion Systems
“Melt Filtration for Challenging Extrusion Applications,” Monika Gneuss, Gneuss Inc.
“Vision Inspection & Yield Optimization for Pellets, Sheet and Film," David Citron, Inspection Technologies
“Process Optimization Study Through Wear Mapping in Twin-Screw Extrusion," Prasanna Kumar, SteerAmerica
“Retrofitting Extrusion Lines with Melt Pumps," Pablo Vaca, Maag

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Day Three

Panel discussion: topics to include troubleshooting, identifying and overcoming boundary conditions, and process realities for REX, bioplastics and recycling

Program Chair
Karen Xiao, Macro Engineering, KXiao@macroeng.com

Technical Chair
Eldridge M Mount III, EMMOUNT Technologies, emmount@msn.com
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‍Corporate Sponsorships
Charlie Martin of Leistritz Extrusion at cmartin@leistritz-extrusion.com or cell (973) 650-3137.

A limited number of corporate sponsorships are available on a first-come basis for $2,000 which includes a six-foot tabletop display area, denotation in all promotional activities and one no-charge registration. ‍

SPE Extrusion Optimization TopCon

Program Agenda

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Register Now!

Corporate Sponsors

SPE Extrusion
Optimization TopCon