July 2011 Issue
June 2011
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Plastics Technology
Dead Screw Talking
There's a lot you can learn by conducting a post-mortum examination of your screw.
Read MoreMold Filling Simulation: What, When, Why, How
Mold-filling analysis is the right direction to go, but if you want to arrive at your destination—good parts and an efficient process—you’ll need to pay attention to all the details and select an experienced professional to do the analysis.
Read MoreLower Prices Expected
Some of softness is the result of pressure from sagging virgin prices. The economic outlook is a factor too.
Read MoreLook Before You Leap: When Direct Extrusion Makes Sense
The process offers great opportunities to extrude a better product at less cost, but it’s not for everyone. The formulation, product mix, and anticipated volumes must be carefully assessed to determine whether DE is the preferred manufacturing methodology.
Read MoreCommodity & Engineering Resin Prices Heading Lower
Entering the third quarter, prices of the four commodity thermoplastics are expected to be flat or lower. The outlook is similar for “commodity” engineering resins—ABS, PC, and nylon 6 and 66. Reasons include lower feedstock costs, slowed demand, improved supply, and low exports.
Read MoreOptimize Plug Shape for Thermoforming
Software will adjust the shape to provide more uniform material thickness in the formed part
Read MoreNovel Device Boosts Feed Rate & Throughput
Feed enhancement unit is aimed at low-bulk density materials.
Read MoreInvite a Second-Grader to Your Plant
Currier Plastics' event aims at inspiring kids to pursue manufacturing career.
Read MoreEnergy Miser: Reducing Compressed-Air Usage
Many manufacturing sites operate on the assumption that compressed air is free. Usage is totally uncontrolled, and open air lines cost real money.
Read MoreDuPont Honors Packaging Innovators
Sixteen winners honored in 23rd annual awards ceremony.
Read MoreNovel Fuel Systems Power Blow Molder’s Growth
Nano technology gives The Plastics Group a leg up on developing fuel systems for non-automotive applications
Read MoreDetermining the Maximum Machine Direction Orientation (MDO) Possible for Sheet
Given a set film thickness, width and material, how to you determine how much machine-direction orientation (MDO) is possible for a sheet.
Read MoreThe Tools of Tool Maintenance
The root cause of many mold and part issues are ultimately determined by the ability to measure something within one or two tenths of a mil. Readings with precision measuring tools can determine whether a tooling component is to be reused, reworked, or scrapped out.
Read MoreBiopolymers Add Something to Acrylics
Arkema blend consisting of 20% biopolymer doubles the melt flow of straight acrylic; 30% triples it.
Read MoreEconomical Toughener for PC/ABS Also Boosts Flow of PC
Impact modifier addresses three key needs.
Read MoreWhat’s New in Mold Simulation
Seamless integration with CAD and FEA structural analysis is a common theme among the major software products.
Read MoreA Pioneer in ‘Clean Compounding’
When Plastics Color Corp., based in Calumet City, Ill., established a new compounding plant in Southern California, the firm decided this couldn’t be an ordinary color/additive masterbatch facility.
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