From polymer characterization to on-line bottle or preform inspection, coordinate measuring, and color sensing, new testing and measuring instruments at the NPE show in Chicago were easier to use and more compact, yet often packed higher performance than earlier versions—and sometimes with a more attractive price tag.

This NPE show won’t have a lot of extruders on the floor, either running or static. Instead, look for videos and announcements of new technology. You will also find lots of ingenious peripheral devices to improve output and quality and save resin. Some will do all three, and cost less into the bargain.

New Windows Vista-compatible software is said to extend the capabilities of viscometers and rheometers.

The new Haake PolyLab QC measuring mixer & extruder system from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, Mass., is specifically designed for QC needs.