January 2013 Issue
January 2013
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Plastics Technology
Why I Still Like Analog Meters
They may not look as slick as their digital cousins, but I find them more helpful in identifying and troubleshooting extrusion problems.
Read MoreOptimize Resin Management in Extrusion Blow Molding
In the EBM process, profits depend greatly on how judiciously you use resin.
Read MoreOptimize Cooling Water Supply To Reduce Costs
In the last three articles (March, May, Sept. 2012), we introduced the problem of wasted energy in cooling-water systems and presented two types of solutions—minimizing “parasitic” heat gains and raising water temperatures to minimize demand.
Read MoreBiobased PHA Enhances PVC Processing & Performance
Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has developed a series of biobased PHA copolymers that act as impact modifiers, flexibilizers, and processing aids for rigid and flexible PVC.
Read MoreLots More Choices in PHA Biopolymers
One factor limiting growth of biopolymers has been relatively few sources of supply.
Read MorePallets, Pellets Use Old Tires as Feedstock
Custom injection and compression molder CTC Plastics, Dayton, Ohio, recently rolled out a line of pallets and will be supplying the resin compounds used to make them as well.
Read MoreWhich Winder’s for You?
It's time to apply more science to the process of selecting the right kind of winder for your operation.
Read MoreTwo-Shot PC Glazing/Spoiler Combo in New Fiat Car
WEB EXCLUSIVE: The new Fiat MPV (multi-purpose vehicle),already launched in Europe and set to debut here early in 2013, has what are said to be the first fixed rear side windows in the U.S. to use two-shot injection compression molding, which allows for the seamless integration of an aerodynamic spoiler.
Read MorePC/PBT in Larger Shore Power Connector for Boats
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Following the success of it 30-amp SmartPlug system in marine, RV, and EMS vehicle markets, Seattle-based SmartPlug Systems decided to develop a 50-amp version of its shore power connector system.
Read MoreLow Prices Won’t Last
2012 brought lower prices across the board to buyers of recycled materials.
Read MoreLiquid CO2 Spot Cooling Gets Into Tight Spots in Molds
Cooling of long, thin cores, fillets, slides, ejectors, or other hard-to-reach spots in injection molds can present difficult challenges.
Read MoreMore Effective Mold Maintenance: It’s All About the Data
When tooling issues are shutting down presses daily and you can’t muster the mold maintenance and operating records to figure out why, then like the song says, “Who ya gonna call?” The answer to that question proved crucial to Cosmetic Specialties International (CSI), LLC in Oxnard, Calif.
Read More‘Expansion Molding’: New Method For LSR Micro-Molding
X-melt or expansion molding technology was originally developed by Engel to fill thin-wall parts that require extremely fast injection.
Read MoreDimensional Stability After Molding: Part 1
The degree to which molded parts shrink as they cool is largely dependent upon the composition of the material being processed.
Read MoreMaintenance Training? Show Me the Money
Training works best if a goals are set and a plan is established to meet them.
Read MoreWorld’s Largest Window Profile Maker Grows Even Larger
Wuhu Conch Profiles and Science Ltd. in Anhui, China, believed to be the world’s largest processor of vinyl window lineals, is now even more potent.
Read MoreNew Division Helps Film/Sheet Processors Boost Production
Macro Engineering & Technology Inc., Mississauga, Ont., has launched a new Technology Division dedicated to helping processors improve their film and sheet extrusion operations through a range of consultation and services.
Read MoreMinimize Screw Recovery & Cycle Times
There are hundreds of details you must identify and control to run a successful molding plant. One that is almost always at the top of the list is optimizing cycle time. Shorter cycles that make acceptable parts improve profits.
Read MoreReifenhauser Buys Westland, Enters U.S. Screw & Barrel Market
In a move to give its Reiloy Metall screws and barrels operation a stronger position in North America, Reifenhauser of Troisdorf, Germany, has purchased Westland Corp., Wichita, Kans.
Read MoreMaking the Value Connection In Proprietary Molding
“We make components that go into other devices.
Read More