December 2014 Issue
November 2014
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Plastics Technology
Automa Acquired Out of Liquidation By Fellow Italian Firm
The Italian manufacturer of blow molding machinery has been acquired by a fellow Italian company, which services, rebuilds and sells used blow molding machines.
Read MoreServo Welder Gives Molder More Control
Applications that require near-hermetic seals are now easily achieved by this electronic contract manufacturer.
Read MoreItalian Compounder Starts Up U.S. Production
The So.F.Ter Group has brought on line its first U.S. plant to produce a broad range of compounds.
Read MoreTwo New Alliances in Microcellular Foams
Trexel has licensed Milacron to supply turnkey MuCell systems for injection and blow molding, and joined with Lubrizol to develop a new TPU foam technology.
Read MoreDSM to Build New High-Viscosity Nylon 6 Plant
DSM's first North American high-viscosity nylon 6 plant to planned for start-up in mid-2016.
Read MoreThe Mystery of Physical Aging, Part 2: Slow Down Aging
Dimensional and property changes depend on the size of the part, molecular weight of the resin, and processing conditions.
Read MoreOvercome Typical Challenges in LSR Molding
Here’s a quick overview of basic mold and machine factors behind common LSR molding headaches and how to avoid them.
Read MoreOn Site: 140 Years…And Growing Stronger
Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, this sheet extruder isn’t all about output. Its focus is on creating solutions in highly customized markets that aren’t immediately associated with sheet.
Read MoreIllig Expands U.S. Presence
Adds space in Midwest plant for spare parts, training and a showroom.
Read MoreThe Importance of Gate Geometry
Gate size and shape—unlike gate location—don’t often get the attention they deserve. Many common assumptions about gate geometry deserve to be challenged
Read MoreHigh-Pressure Water: A New Concept for Screw Cleaning
Everyone in a molding plant is on the same page for screw cleaning: Avoid pulling it until there is no alternative. Here are ways for dealing with the inevitable, including an altogether new technique.
Read MoreMack Molding Still Working To Bridge ‘Skills Gap’
Progressive molder hosts another National Manufacturing Day, develops intern program.
Read MoreCommodity Resin Prices Heading Down
Falling global feedstock costs and demand destruction concerns are forcing prices downward.
Read MoreWhy Processors Are Rediscovering Liquid Colorants
In extrusion, injection, and blow molding, liquid color is enjoying something of a renaissance. Cost is one reason, but advances in pigments, carriers, delivery systems, and innovative service programs have played a role too.
Read MoreHow Characterizing and Modeling Chemical Foaming Agents Can Help Your Process
Knowing ahead of time what will happen when your CFA produces gas can help you design or improve your process to boost quality and cost effectiveness.
Read MoreHow to Dry PET for Container Applications
PET is extremely hygroscopic, highly moisture sensitive, and one of the toughest challenges to dry. Here are the basic principles of doing it right for rigid packaging applications
Read MoreTaiwan’s ‘Time is Coming’ For All-Electric Machines
Taiwan’s plastics machinery market is a player on the global stage, except for one segment—all-electric machines. The recent Taipei Plas show suggests that’s about to change.
Read MoreUnderstanding Solids-Bed Breakup in Barrier Screws
Barrier screws all but eliminate problems associated with solids-bed breakup. But if they do occur, tremendous pressures can develop, causing screw wear.
Read MorePlastics Pioneers Association Adds Four Members
Founded in 1944, PPA is a non-profit organization with a roster about 200 members, all of whom have at least 25 years of experience in plastics.
Read MoreTPEI Adds Laser Alignment to Service Offerings
Proper alignment of equipment should increase its overall lifespan.
Read MoreOmega Plastics Acquires Vinylex
Custom profile processor Omega continues its expansion plans with purchase of 62-year-old profile maker.
Read MoreDynisco Extends Machinery Directive Compliance to 4-20mA Pressure Sensors
Billed as 'ideal choice. for extrusion OEMs and processors that need to comply with the European standard.
Read MoreKey Themes from the Fakuma Show
Servo-hydraulics, servo sprue pickers, electronic water-flow monitoring/control, and exotic multi-process cells were the headliners in Friedrichshafen.
Read MoreHow to Mold Long Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics
Here’s the machinery, tooling, and process know how you need to get the most out of these high-performance materials.
Read MoreUptick in Hourly Rates in First Half of 2014
Mold orders and optimism are strong, though capacity utilization is slightly lower.
Read MoreLaser Design Now North American Distribution Partner For Industrial CT 3D Scanner
A distribution partnership between France's Rx Solutions and Laser Design brings cost-effective industrial CT 3D scanner to North America.
Read MoreBloomer Expands to Barrier Blown Film
Custom processor of cast embossed film buy barrier blown film leader Optimum.
Read MoreNew Extrusion Equipment Combines U.S. Management with Chinese Production
Starting up in 2011, Uway Extrusion has begun its commercial push this year, with plans to exhibit at NPE2015 next March.
Read MoreNew Name, Brand Structure for Hilex Poly
Film and bagmaker and three sister companies will now be brands under Novolex umbrella.
Read MoreBergen International Opens New Plant
New facility houses new extrusion line and lab to support company's line of chemical foaming agents.
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