July 2001 Issue
July 2001
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Plastics Technology
Demand Surge Tightens PEEK Supply
The pace at which polyketone materials are replacing metals shows no sign of abating. Indeed, PEEK's potential in fuel cells, plus accelerated applications development in existing markets, suggest that supply tightness could persist through 2003, when more new PEEK capacity is expected to bring relief.
Read MorePolymers as Additives
A pinch of one resin can teach another one new tricks. Take a look at the promising results with four novel property enhancers for thermoplastics and thermosets.
Read MoreFoaming Expands Possibilities for Wood-Fiber Composites
Over a dozen processors already foam wood-fiber composites and an equal number are experimenting with it. Foaming with wood cuts resin cost and weight in half and brings design advantages. But it also requires particular know-how in materials formulation and extrusion hardware.
Read MoreNew Compounding Options Strengthen Pull of Molded Magnets
Thermoplastic polymer-bonded magnets are exerting a stronger pull on designers of motors, valves, sensors, and other electronic devices used in cars, telecommunications devices, and large appliances. The attraction is strongest in applications demanding greater design freedom than is offered by conventional magnets sintered from 100% metal powder.
Read MoreResin Broker/Reclaimer Uses Internet To Match Up Buyers & Sellers
Dale Schiff, president of Exchange Plastics Corp., has been with the Akron, Ohio, firm for 17 of its 27 years as a broker of industrial plastics scrap. In just the last five years, Exchange Plastics has grown into a major reclaimer as well, taking more control over the plastic it sells. Five years ago, 90% of the company's sales came from brokering plastic, 10% from grinding and hand separating of parts. Now the ratio is 60% brokering, 40% value-added reclaim.
Read MoreYour Business in Brief - July 2001
Dow Buys Into New BiocompositesDow Pipeline Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow Chemical Co., has agreed to purchase most of the assets of Isobord Enterprises Inc. in Elie, Manitoba.
Read MoreMagnetic Platens Catch On for Giant Presses
Molders are overcoming their doubts and choosing magnetic clamping systems for quick mold changes. What's really new is the growing use of magnetic platens on high-tonnage presses.
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