Use Rheology and Flow Simulation to Troubleshoot Extrusion Processes
Let’s take the mystery out of rheology by showing how the wealth of information it provides can be used by processors to solve real-world production problems.
#bestpractices
New Technology Combines 3D Printing with Injection Molding
This new concept 3D prints a metallic endoskeleton, and then injection molds a polymer around that skeleton.
#closeupontechnology
Performance Modifier Additives Make Standard Polypropylene Resins Perform Like Premium Grades
Polypropylene (PP) shortages have forced many processors to move to lower grade resins at the cost of lower performance and processability. Milliken’s DeltaMax Performance Modifiers upgrade these materials to enhance impact resistance, melt flow rates, and sustainability through the use of more recycled material. #sustainability #polyolefins
Technology News
Remote Service Added to Machine Line
BOY says its Smart Remote Service establishes a connection between its service personnel and its molding machines via what “an integrated gateway.”
#industry4-0
PlastiCert Adds Two Molding Machines
The Lewiston, Maine custom molder has added two new Cincinnati Milacron injection molding machines as it pursues its capital investment plan.
Small but Fast-Growing Distributor Circumnavigates Through Pandemic
With a focus on compounded and engineering resins, General Polymers aligns it market strategy to compliment the supplier and support the needs of processors.
Cosmetics Packaging Made with Eastman Cristal Renew
Axilone is producing luxury packaging with 50% certified recycled content in the U.S., Europe and China.
#sustainability
Emerson Opens New Global Headquarters for Welding & Assembly
Emerson’s new Branson welding & assembly technologies facility features several technological capabilities.
KNOWLEDGE CENTERS
Gain in-depth knowledge in processes, products and technology from industry experts
Profile Extrusion
Technical articles, videos and troubleshooting take our Profile Extrusion Knowledge Center far beyond the fundamentals.
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.
Resin Conveying
A 360-degree look at resin conveying systems: types, operation, economics, design, installation, components and controls.
Borealis and Tomra Open Mechanical Recycling Demo Plant
The new plant will produce ready-for-market fully formulated polymer pellets.
#sustainability
First-of-a-Kind Nanotechnology-Based PET Compound Enables Differentiated Foams
SABIC’s new Colorcomp WQ117945 is based on an advanced nanotechnology additive masterbatch that can be adapted to other resins.
One of the First Portfolios of Sustainable TPEs Commercially Launched
Audia Elastomers’ new AudiaFlex TPEs are produced from post-consumer, post-industrial, biobased, and marine waste based sources.
YOUR BUSINESS
Volume Resin Prices Keep Rising
Constrained supplies, higher feedstock costs, and continued strong demand fuel ongoing price hikes.
#resinpricing
Processors End 2020 on a High Note
December’s Plastics Processing Index clocked in near 55, in line with the best readings since early 2019.
#economics
Calculators
Use these tools to help guide you through the part design and injection molding process.
20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020
In the year’s waning days, it’s not hard to index the many, many negative aspects of the pandemic and the last 365 days, but some good outcomes can also be cataloged.
Licensee of EconCore's Thermoplastic Honeycomb Technology Gets Two New Automotive Contracts
Mexico’s Fynotej secures two major contracts to supply automotive trunk load floors using Fynocore continuous honeycomb panel technology licensed from EconCore
Polyplastics' PBT and PPS Targeted to Autonomous Driving Applications
Polyplastics sees its Duranex PBT and Durafide PPS as particularly suited to sensors used in radar and camera bracket systems.
Injection Molding: Store, Manage & Analyze Mold Simulation Data in the Cloud
Moldex3D iSLM helps manage, share and easily analyze large volumes of mold simulation data.
KNOW HOW - EXPERT ADVICE
Improve Quality & Productivity With Advanced Screw Design
Most molders are still running with screw designs that haven’t changed much in 30 years. But they don’t need to.
#scientificmolding #processingtips #screws
Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials, Part 3
In this series we delve into a discerning look back into the history of our industry and how we all got here.
Get Better at Quoting Injection Molded Parts: Part 2
Follow these detailed tips to get you the jobs you want. Here we factor in the costs of scrap and regrind, along with energy and certain additives.
Penn State Behrend to Offer New Polymer Engineering and Science Major
Students in the college’s new Polymer Engineering and Science program will learn polymer behavior and use that knowledge to design new, specialized and more sustainable materials.
#business
Medical Assembly Automation Supplier Adopts New Name for U.S. Operation
TechnoMed is now Tecnoideal America.
Ineos R&D Project Develops Styrenic Polymer for 3D Printing that Boasts 67% Energy Savings
The purpose of the PolySLS project was to develop and test a new styrene based polymer compound for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
Volume Resin Prices Keep Rising
Constrained supplies, higher feedstock costs, and continued strong demand fuel ongoing price hikes.
#resinpricing
CASE STUDIES
Betting Big on Recycled PET
Distributor of virgin PET resins PolyQuest is also a growing manufacturer of recycled PET resins.
#sustainability #technologyinaction #planttour
Film Processor Boosts Line Performance with Air-Ring Retrofit
Air-ring upgrade results in output gains up to 23% for leading film processor in Indonesia. Gauge uniformity also improved.
#planttour #technologyinaction #processorsedge
Materials Knowledge Pays Off at Teel Plastics
Well-equipped and well-staffed testing lab elevates competence of custom processor.
#technologyinaction #bestpractices
