February 2021 ISSUE

How Covid-19 Did (and Didn’t) Change Automation in Plastics
The global pandemic exacerbated longstanding trends and new market forces to push broad-based adoption of automation and robotics from the incremental to the inexorable.
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FEATURES
RecyclingFollow These Tips to Give Your Granulator Blades the Edge
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions—and troubleshooting advice—to help you maintain your granulator blades.
Automation
How Covid-19 Did (and Didn’t) Change Automation in Plastics
The global pandemic exacerbated longstanding trends and new market forces to push broad-based adoption of automation and robotics from the incremental to the inexorable.
Extrusion
Profile Processor Combines People & Technology to Fuel Growth
Custom Profile started almost 30 years ago with one employee and one extruder, and has evolved into an international processing business with three plants serving a variety of markets. And plans are in the works to expand further.
Hot Runners
Running Cold to Hot: Tipping Point to Convert to a Hot Runner System
As the original melt-delivery system, cold runners still have their place in injection molding, but when demand for a plastic part—and required production—rise, the move to a hot runner can unlock myriad benefits.
Closed-Loop Recycling Makes Old Printer Cartridges New Again
New Player, Different Approach to Automation
New Technology Opens a Predictive Window Onto Screw Wear
Mike Sepe: Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials, Part 4
Jim Fattori: Get Better at Quoting Injection Molded Parts: Part 3
Robert Gattshall: Process Monitoring or Production Monitoring—Why Not Both?
Resin Prices: Volume Resin Prices Keep Rising
Plastics Processing Index: Processors End 2020 on a High Note
Plastics Processing Index: Ineos Styrolution Partners with Polystyvert to Advance Circular Economy for PS