Virtual Mold Qualifications Become Reality
You might be able to add mold qualifications to the list of things forever changed by the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s how NyproMold responded.
Introducing the Plastics Technology Expo
New trade show for all plastics processing to launch in the Chicago area in 2022.
#editorial
Pre-Engineered Vs. Custom Vacuum Conveying Systems for Compounding and Extrusion
When it comes to vacuum conveying systems for plastics processing, custom powder handling solutions are not always required. Pre-engineered, turnkey solutions can be a perfect option for powders and bulk solids in a wide range of industries.
Technology News
Haartz Buys Minority Stake in Peak
Automotive supplier Haartz invests in compounder in a move to facilitate growth for both.
Flow Controller Series Updated
A new control valve for more precise management of the flow rate is one update to the flow controller line Wittmann Battenfeld started its business with more than 40 years and 500,000 units ago.
System Targets Large-Diameter Pipe
Downstream line is packaged with mono- or multi-layer die for PVC or polyolefin pipe up to nearly 25-in. diam.
Temperature Control Units Updated
Included in the new Thermalotor TCUs from Conair are the first units available with the company’s new “common control”—a company wide initiative to standardize HMIs.
Booster Unit Amplifies Microcellular Foaming
Trexel’s NC-Series Nitrogen Booster can reliably supply nitrogen supercritical fluid (SCF) to multiple satellite dosing units, creating a low-cost option to equip multiple molding machines with MuCell microcellular foaming.
KNOWLEDGE CENTERS
Gain in-depth knowledge in processes, products and technology from industry experts
Drying
Our Plastics Drying Knowledge Center is a complete multimedia resource on all things resin drying – from system configurations to install and maintenance.
Power Quality
Learn about one of the most serious issues in industrial facilities – and how you can optimize your facility for cost reduction and economic advantage.
Injection Molding
Explore articles and videos on the fundamentals of injection molding—everything from machine types to troubleshooting and sustainability.
Blending & Dosing
Deep dive into the basics of blending versus dosing, controls, maintenance, process integration and more.
Danimer Receives Innovation Research Grant to Support Biodegradable PHA Plastic Solutions
Project to be conducted with University of Minnesota’s ForeverGreen Initiative to investigate pennycress oil in production of PHA for single-use products.
#Elastomers
PET Base Tooling for Oval Bottles Boosts Stability, Trims Weight
Sidel’s new StarLITE HPC base design boosts bottle stability by up to 25%, cuts weight, and enables faster blowing and lower blowing pressure.
Antimicrobial-Containing TPEs for High-Touch Plastic Surfaces
Avient’s three proprietary TPE formulations inhibit bacterial growth by +99.9% and resist fungal and mold growth.
#Elastomers
YOUR BUSINESS
Commodity Resin Prices Rise, But PP Falls
Supply constraints continue to be a key factor in further resin price increases.
#resinpricing #Elastomers #polyolefins
Index Reaches All-Time High … Again
Index hits record mark for second straight month, with quickening expansion in new orders, backlogs and production.
#economics
Calculators
Use these tools to help guide you through the part design and injection molding process.
Unimodal HDPE for Blow Molded Bottles Boasts a 'Step Change' in ESCR
ExxonMobil’s new unimodal HDPE is said to represent a big leap in ESCR performance without compromising other properties.
#closeupontechnology #polyolefins
Conventus Moves Toward Industry Collaborations as COVID-19 Vaccines Surge
The distributor/formulator of high-performance plastics has started to in-person parts development collaborations as restrictions are loosened.
#Elastomers
Surface Analyzer with Smart Analytics for Quantifying Material Surface Quality
BTG Lab’s Surface Analyst 5001 and IoT drive zero defect manufacturing.
Oxygen Permeation Analyzer for Bottles, Pods, and Other Whole Package Forms
Ametek Mocon’s Ox-Tran 2/48 measures the oxygen transmission rate of whole packages at ambient conditions.
KNOW HOW - EXPERT ADVICE
How to Select the Right Cooling Stack for Sheet
First, remember there is no universal cooling-roll stack. And be sure to take into account the specific heat of the polymer you are processing.
What You Need to Know About Blade Ejectors: Part 1
Follow these guidelines to prevent premature wear, flash and galling.
The Difference Between Knit and Meld Lines--and Why It Matters
In many part designs, flow fronts will inevitably be split, but how and where they come back together is hugely important to the molded part’s finished strength.
Biopolymer Compounding on a Twin-Screw Extruder: Four Things You Need to Know
Global bioplastic production capacity is expected to increase to 4.8 billion lb by 2024, driven by OEMs and brand owners steadily converting applications to these “green” materials. If you’re looking to supply compounds to meet this demand, here are some key processing considerations you need to know.
SABIC and KraussMaffei Collaborate on Development of Innovative Thin-Wall Packaging
The partners launched their collaboration at the newly expanded Thin-Wall Packaging Applications Center at KraussMaffei’s Swiss subsidiary and manufacturer of Netstal injection molding machines
Falcon Plastics Expands Tennessee Facility
The South Dakota headquartered custom molder has broken ground on a 20,000-ft2 expansion at its site in Lexington, Tenn., allowing it to add new processing equipment.
Pelletized Concentrates for Additive Manufacturing
Chroma Color can provide small lots to large production orders in a wide range of standard and custom colors.
#color
CASE STUDIES
Molder Eliminates Line Blowouts with Deflection Elbow
Parker Chomerics eliminated chronic elbow failures since switching to Hammertek conveying elbow more than two-and-a-half years ago.
#processorsedge #technologyinaction
ERP Platform Keeps Molders Connected in the Pandemic
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software offers its users many tools and modules with manufacturing and plastics specific platforms like DELMIAworks touching everything from inventory and quality to bookkeeping and process and machine monitoring.
#technologyinaction
Overmolding Overhaul
An articulating mold and versatile auxiliary injection unit helped this molder rethink its tried-and-true approach to insert molding.
#technologyinaction
