Take the Guesswork Out of Determining Screw, Barrel Wear
By: Jim Callari
New technology from Glycon takes real-time measurements of screw and barrel wear and provides data to guide processors as to when the time may be right to swap out these components.
#closeupontechnology #screws #industry4-0
Slowed—but not Stopped—by the Pandemic, Custom Molder Catches Up with Its Plans for Growth
By: Tony Deligio
No one’s 2020 plans survived the pandemic unscathed, including those of Plastic Molding Technology Inc. But this injection molder’s vision of how it would continue to thrive as it approaches its fifth decade was simply deferred, not denied.
#planttour
Extrusion: Follow These Tips to Get Profile Die Design Just Right
By: Jim Frankland
Calculating polymer flow is fairly straightforward when designing a die for a simple round profile, but as the shapes get more complicated these calculations can get extremely challenging. Here’s what you need to consider.
#dies
Three Key Decisions for an Optimal Ejection System
By: Paul Thal, general manager, Thal Precision
When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.
#bestpractices
Take These Steps to Optimize Your MFR Data
By: Harry Yohn, Tinius Olsen
Make your life easier by paying close attention to the procedural steps detailed in the test standards.
#bestpractices
Processors Extend 2020 Expansion into New Year
By: Michael Guckes
Survey data report quickening expansion in plastics, notably in custom processing.
#economics
Prices Still Rising for Volume Resins.
By: Lilli Manolis Sherman
Global supply constraints on feedstocks and some resins, along with strong demand, are driving continued increases.
#resinpricing #Elastomers
Meet Me in Chicago
By: Jim Callari
In Rosemont, to be more specific. Join us September 21-23 for a first-of-its-kind, in-person event that brings under one roof our annual Molding and Extrusion 2021 Conferences, together with our Amerimold tradeshow.
#editorial
Follow These Tips to Maintain the Life of Your Thermoformer
By: Alexx Strobridge, Brown Machine
Just a small number of regular adjustments can make a major difference in how your machine performs. Here are some tips and troubleshooting advice.
Accelerating New Product Development with Quick Turn Tools: Raising the Bar of 3D Printed Tool Performance
By: Jim Callari
This demo will showcase Fortify's methods used at their in-house molding center to back up these claims - including competitive benchmarking.
New Player, Different Approach to Automation
By: Tony Deligio
Rapid Robotics is a new automation supplier that offers manufacturers an affordable rental model for “ready-to-work robotic machine operators.”
#closeupontechnology
One Last Look at 2020
By: Tony Deligio
Before you turn over a new leaf to 2021, take a full accounting of 2020 with Plastics Technology’s Top Shops survey.
#topshops
New Central Blending System Offers Greater Accuracy, Flexibility
By: Jim Callari
Developed by Israel’s LIAD and available from Ampacet, system features dedicated ingredient weighing hoppers conveyed to specific machines to eliminate the risk of batch contamination.
#closeupontechnology
Plastiblow Re-Enters U.S. Market With Advanced All-Electric Machines
By: Matthew Naitove
A major Italian machinery brand, already well established in Latin America, is back in North America with service and spare parts support and a number of distinctive features on its all-electric blow molders.
#closeupontechnology
Technology Never Sleeps
By: Jim Callari
Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology team up on a special print and digital May supplement that focuses on new products and technology drivers and trends to help keep you ahead of the competition.
How Covid-19 Did (and Didn’t) Change Automation in Plastics
By: Tony Deligio
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.
#business