processing tips

processing tips 23 Jan 2018

A Processor’s Most Important Job, Part 2: Crystallinity

Process conditions help determine the difference between the maximum degree of crystallinity that can be achieved in a polymer and the degree that is present in a molded part.

Heating & Cooling 2 Jan 2018

Air-Ring Upgrade Pumps Up the Output

Film processor Dallas Plastics boosts throughput by as much as 40% by retrofitting a new air ring—without the need for IBC.

technology in action 2 Jan 2018

Why Drying Polyolefins Might Be Right for Your Process

From a technical standpoint, drying non-hygroscopic materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene may not be necessary. However, doing so may be advantageous to your process. Here are details.

Injection Molding 2 Jan 2018

Determining Vent Depths in Injection Molding

Experiments reveal the relationship between vent depths and part thickness, allowing molders and moldmakers to more precisely determine vent dimensions.

business 2 Jan 2018

A Processor’s Most Important Job, Part 1: Molecular Weight

Many processors don’t realize that preserving material characteristics is crucial to product success and failure. The focus here is on molecular weight.

Compounding 1 Dec 2017

What You Can Learn From Pharma Compounders

Twin-screw extrusion has been a standard in plastics compounding for decades but has only recently been embraced by the pharmaceutical industry. Here’s what plastics compounders might learn from the ‘newbies’ to help make a better, more consistent product.

Extrusion Know How 1 Dec 2017

Extrusion: How Hopper Crammers Can Help Feeding

A crammer can assist the flow of certain polymers into the extruder. But the design is not universal and very material dependent. Here’s what you need to know.

scientific molding 1 Dec 2017

Injection Molding: New Mold Trial—Will It Run 24/7?

Use this nine-step process to make sure you’ll be making good parts after a successful trial. But even then, be prepared for some hiccups.

best practices 1 Dec 2017

Materials: Cycle Time—Science vs. Rules of Thumb, Part 6

This installment—on elastomers—completes a series, whose theme is to bring more science to the discipline of molding. The overall message: Ask a lot of questions whenever someone posits this or that ‘rule of thumb’ about processing.