Processors End 2020 on a High Note
By: Michael Guckes
December’s Plastics Processing Index clocked in near 55, in line with the best readings since early 2019.
#economics
Most-Viewed Stories of December 2020
Advanced screw design; clear, recycled bottles and new PCR packaging; polymer history; polyolefins for smart surfaces; new die-cleaning tech and more garnered reader interest as 2020 drew to a close.
Will You Be Ready for the Next Disruption?
By: Jim Callari
Lessons learned from ongoing coronavirus pandemic should help business navigate through the next disruption.
#sustainability #business #editorial
20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020—Part 5
By: Heather Caliendo
Additive manufacturing has emerged as the supply chain hero in many ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the recycling industry continues its push for a Circular Economy.
#sustainability
20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020—Part 4
By: Matthew Naitove
Good news was there if you knew where to look for it—in the pages of Plastics Technology magazine or right here on our website. Here’s a review of headlines you can feel good about.
#industry4-0
20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020—Part 3
By: Lilli Manolis Sherman
Processors and resin makers step up; biobased/renewable PP makes commercial strides; BOPE makes inroads as monolayer contender; and, performance PP for engineering applications & sustainability 'shines'.
#sustainability #polyolefins
20 Good Things to Come out of 2020—Part 2
By: Jim Callari
Business durability, online learning, value-added compounding, PPE reshoring and new barrier sheet tech/player—five more positive stories to come out of 2020.
20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020
By: Tony Deligio
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.
Busting Myths: How Additive Polymers Affect Builds
With advances in additive polymers, it may be time to consider moving a traditionally manufactured part to 3D printing.
#npe
Improve Quality & Productivity With Advanced Screw Design
By: John Bozzelli
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
By: Michael Sepe
In this series we delve into a discerning look back into the history of our industry and how we all got here.
Plastics Processors Waking Up to the Digital World
By: Pierre Maillet, CyFrame
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic could force plastics processors to revisit technologies previously overlooked, many of which will be on display at May’s NPE2021 show. In part one of a series on emerging trends and technologies to explore during the triennial event, we look at digital manufacturing.
#npe #industry4-0
Keeping It in the Family: Medical Molder Grows with Second Generation at the Helm
By: Tony Deligio
Evolving from a two-man moldmaking company in a rented garage to three unique businesses, including a new medical injection molding unit, with 185 full-time employees, Micro Mold, Plastikos and Plastikos Medical enter their fourth decade family-led and poised for growth.
#planttour
Get Better at Quoting Injection Molded Parts: Part 2
By: Jim Fattori
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.
Prices Up for Major Volume Resins
By: Lilli Manolis Sherman
Blame global plant outages leading to tighter feedstock and resin supplies and higher feedstock costs. Add in some ‘catch-up’ resin demand.
#resinpricing #Elastomers
Processing Expansion Cools in November
By: Michael Guckes
Industry growth slows after quickening expansion over the prior four months.
#economics