economics 20 Nov 2024

Plastics Processing Index Remains Virtually Unchanged

Future business indicators rose again this month, but other inputs changed only slightly.

Your Business

resin pricing 23 Oct 2024

Prices of PP, PET Drop; PE, PS and PVC to Follow

Going into fourth quarter, prices of the five commodity resins were heading downward, barring supply interruptions.

best practices 21 Oct 2024

Fighting Dust and Noise in Regrind Operations

Mayhew Basque Plastics implemented lower speed granulators to deal with challenging materials.

Injection Molding 4 Oct 2024

Annual Benchmarking Survey of Injection Molders Released

Plastics Technology Top Shops Benchmarking Survey provided both unanimous responses and divided results, but pervasive throughout is the sense of an industry still grappling with the aftermath of 2020’s global pandemic.

Sheet Extrusion 1 Nov 2024

Making Gains in the Drain Game

AWD blends extrusion and thermoforming technologies with plenty of home-brewed equipment and processes to keep water away from where it isn’t supposed to be.

Automation 7 Oct 2024

Injection Molder Amplifies Automation for Optimized Production

AIM Processing has parlayed small part molding expertise and aggressive automation, even for short run production, into a highly successful custom molding business.

Compounding 20 Aug 2024

Sirmax Adapts Integrated Recycling Approach to US Supply Conditions

Integrating compounding and recycling to leverage untapped postindustrial recycling feedstocks.

Precision Processing Requires Precision Equipment

Moretto offers plastics processors and micromolders for a broad suite of auxiliary solutions targeted specifically for precision processing.

close up on technology 13 Nov 2024

Materials Suppliers Team on PFAS-Free Solutions

Baerlocher PFAS-fee process aid passes muster in resin manufacturer’s testing on production-sized blown film line.

close up on technology 8 Nov 2024

Research Deems Bioplastics, Wood Pulp a Sustainable, Economic Alternative for Rigid Packaging

Farrel Pomini and FPInnovations produce biodegradable compound for molding, extrusion and thermoforming applications.

KNOWLEDGE CENTERS

Gain in-depth knowledge in processes, products and technology from industry experts

Training

Combat the skilled labor shortage using this comprehensive resource to train your own plastics processing experts.

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Blending & Dosing

Deep dive into the basics of blending versus dosing, controls, maintenance, process integration and more.

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Process Cooling

This Knowledge Center provides an overview of the considerations needed to understand the purchase, operation, and maintenance of a process cooling system.

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Size Reduction

Learn about sustainable scrap reprocessing—this resource offers a deep dive into everything from granulator types and options, to service tips, videos and technical articles.

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Solutions

Injection Molding 30 Oct 2024

A Systematic Approach to Process Development

The path to a no-baby-sitting injection molding process is paved with data and can be found by following certain steps.

Tooling 28 Oct 2024

What You Need to Know About Leader Pins and Bushings

There’s a lot more to these humble but essential mold components than you might suspect. Following the author’s tips could save much time, money and frustration.

best practices 22 Oct 2024

Part 2 Medical Tubing: Use Simulation to Troubleshoot, Optimize Processing & Dies

Simulation can determine whether a die has regions of low shear rate and shear stress on the metal surface where the polymer would ultimately degrade, and can help processors design dies better suited for their projects.

Essential Reading

Pipe, Profile & Tubing Extrusion 15 Oct 2024

Medical Tubing: Use Simulation to Troubleshoot, Optimize Processing & Dies

Extrusion simulations can be useful in anticipating issues and running “what-if” scenarios to size extruders and design dies for extrusion projects. It should be used at early stages of any project to avoid trial and error and remaking tooling.

Extrusion 24 Sep 2024

Why Are There No 'Universal' Screws for All Polymers?

There’s a simple answer: Because all plastics are not the same.

Injection Molding 17 Sep 2024

Three Key Decisions for an Optimal Ejection System

When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.

best practices 16 Sep 2024

Ensuring Repeatability: The Key to Effective Injection Molding Automation

One of automation’s key promises is repeatability: the same movement to the same location, time and time again. But to achieve that, all elements involved — robot, machine, EOAT, mold — must be in and stay in alignment.

Extrusion 10 Sep 2024

In Single Screw Extruders, Mixing Starts in the Melting Process

While the melting process does not provide perfect mixing, this study shows that mixing is indeed initiated during melting.

best practices 9 Sep 2024

Starting or Restarting an Injection Molding Machine — What Works Best?

Successfully starting or restarting an injection molding machine is less about ticking boxes on a rote checklist and more about individually assessing each processing scenario and its unique variables.