November 2007 Issue
November 2007
Features
Featured articles from the latest issue of Plastics Technology
Injection Molding LSR: Three 'M's of Innovation: Mega, Micro, and Multi
Liquid silicone rubber is breaking out of its niche into a broader array of applications, helped by new developments in materials, machinery, and processing. Larger parts, micro-parts, foams, and multi-color or multi-material combinations are key areas of innovation.
Read MoreCarbon Nanotubes Improve In Properties, Purity and Price
ew suppliers and manufacturing technologies continue to emerge in the burgeoning field of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Recent news includes North American availability of CNFs from Austria’s Electrovac Group.
Read MoreExtruders Made in China: They're Coming Here Now
Low-priced Chinese-built extruders have arrived in North America to make pipe, sheet, film, and profiles. Some customers find them a good buy; others don’t. Here’s what you need to know.
Read MoreTeeny-Tiny PET Vial Is Injection-Blow Molded
Sabel Plastechs Inc. doesn’t flinch at challenging development projects that stretch the limits of blow molding.
Read MoreMachine and Material Innovations Highlight SPE Thermoforming Conference
The industry’s largest twin-sheet thermoformer and the first North American source of halogen heaters were among the machinery and equipment developments at the recent 17th Annual SPE Thermoforming Conference in Cincinnati.
Read MoreNew Starch-Based Bioplastics Arrive
Two new families of starch-based bioplastics are coming to the U.S. market.
Read MoreA Whole New Meaning For Plastic/Metal ‘Hybrid’
My vote for one of the most intriguing innovations announced at last month’s K 2007 show in Dusseldorf goes to MetaFuse “nanometal/polymer hybrids.” This is a new use of the term “hybrid,” which up to now has meant selective overmolding of plastic onto sheet metal.
Read More'Green' and Growing
AERT (Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies) Inc. in Springdale, Ark., maker of ChoiceDek wood/plastic composite deck boards, has always had a “green” strategy.
Read MoreCreating a Mold-Repair Plan-Part II: The Last Shot Inspection Report
Last month, we discussed how to collect accurate mold performance data at the press through the use of an IML (injection mold layout) sheet.
Read MoreMonomers Drive Up Polyolefin Prices
Polyolefin prices were on the way up in October, as resin suppliers pointed to rising monomer costs to justify their previously announced resin hikes.
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