Latest Issue : Plastics Technology

Article Archive

March 2012

Past Issues

Close-Up on Technology

Tightening the Screws on Precision Molding Of Thermoplastics & LSR
Fairly consistent focus of annual conference was how to get better control of the molding process.

Now You Can Measure Pellet Moisture In the Hopper, in Real Time
Take the guesswork out of drying with new technology.

Features

Custom Profile House ‘Flexes’ Processing Muscle
Specialty house avoids commodity markets and has entered the proprietary processing business with new product offering.

Secrets of Success in Micro Molding
Medical-device, electronics, and biopharmaceutical manufacturers need new micro-molded products to create tinier, less invasive, and/or space-saving micro devices.

Introduction to Cooling Water Energy Management
A reliable and consistent source of cooling is essential in plastics processing.

Strategies

Composites Fabricator Chooses Thermoforming for Bus Part
Amtech LLC considers itself a composite specialist and engages in thermoset resin transfer molding and vacuum-assist RTM, plus finishing, assembly, and custom packaging from a 220,000 ft² plant in Wapato, Wash.

Keeping Up With

EXTRUSION: Low-Volume Crosshead Die
Designed for micro-extrusion applications.

AUXILIARIES: Conveyor Keeps Material Dry
Hopper adapters use pure dry compressed air to convey up to 900 lb/hr

MATERIALS: High-Heat Purging Compound
Independent study confirms effectiveness of purging compound.

ADDITIVES: ‘Drop In’ Alternatives to Montan Wax
Aimed primarily at calendered PVC sheet for blister packaging.

Know How

Working with Color Concentrates
Perhaps the greatest difficulty involving the use of color concentrates is specifying them appropriately for the material to which they are being added.

Improve Profits by Graphing Injection Pressure
Graphing is a powerful aid in optimizing the process and troubleshooting both process and machine issues.

Well, It Worked on Brand X
You need to give your designer a lot more data than that to make sure you get a screw that's right for you.

Review Mold Requirements Before Buying a Press
If you are in the market for a new blow molding press, best to first review all the different types of molds you might be running in that machine.

Insights & Strategies

Euro Crisis Hovers Over Medical Forecast
Our outlook for U.S. output of medical equipment and supplies in 2012 calls for a gain of 5%. This follows an expansion of just a little less than 5% in 2011.

Resin Prices

PP Prices Spike; Other Prices Up, Too
Prices of commodity resins all moved up in the first quarter.

Column

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