Chinaplas 2021 Kicks Off In Person
Postponed, rescheduled and ultimately cancelled in 2020, Chinaplas has returned this week with an in-person event featuring 3600 exhibitors in Shenzhen.
3D Printing ‘Veteran’ Materialise Acquires Option to Buy Link3D
Materialise’s potential acquisition to accelerate roadmap to offer cloud-based access to integrated software platform
Antimicrobial Fluoropolymer Compounds for Extruded Film Applications
AGC’s new Fluon+ EM-20010 ETFE antimicrobial compounds said to reduce growth of COVID-19 and dangerous bacteria.
Antimicrobial Based on Elemental Zinc Reduces Coronavirus on Surfaces by Up to 99%
Parx Materials’ Saniconcentrate expected to be a strong and safe tool in preventing the future spread of viruses.
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.
Slowed—but not Stopped—by the Pandemic, Custom Molder Catches Up with Its Plans for Growth
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.
Growing Interest in TPEs for COVID-19 Related Medical Applications
United Soft Plastics reports on a surging intereste for TPEs for face masks, ventilators, and face shields due to their elasticity, resilience, and FDA compliance.
Weak Links in the Supply Chain
From pandemic shutdowns to blocked shipping canals, overseas sourcing headaches are forcing many OEMs to rethink far-flung supply chains, particularly when it comes to tooling.
Tony Deligio
Executive Editor, Plastics Technology
How COVID-19 Did (and Didn’t) Change Automation in Plastics
The global pandemic invigorated longstanding trends and new market forces to push broad-based adoption of automation and robotics from the incremental to the inexorable.
Small but Fast-Growing Distributor Unhindered by the 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.
Volume Resin Prices Keep Rising
Constrained supplies, higher feedstock costs, and continued strong demand fuel ongoing price hikes.
Will You Be Ready for the Next Disruption?
Lessons learned from ongoing coronavirus pandemic should help business navigate through the next disruption.
20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020—Part 5
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.
20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020—Part 4
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.
Growing Through the Pandemic
Westec Plastics is just one example of an injection molder that actually expanded in 2020 despite the business and logistical challenges of the pandemic.
Tony Deligio
Executive Editor, Plastics Technology
20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020—Part 3
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'.
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.
Plastics Processors Waking Up to the Digital World
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.
Protolabs Accelerates Development Time for Covid-19 Contract Tracing Device
Protolabs helped a contact tracing and social distancing system move from idea to finished product in six weeks, permitting its manufacturer to get back to work and make thousands more of the devices that have subsequently allowed other businesses to come back online.
Gearing Up for the Old Normal
With 2020 in a rear-view mirror, likely adorned with a face mask, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve learned and what’s in store.
Antiviral Additive Reportedly Kills Coronavirus on Plastics in Auto Interiors
In response to COVID-19, automotive Tier 1 molder and compounder CpK has developed an antiviral additive for auto interiors and other applications.
New Technology Adoption as a Business Strategy
As a company, is your adoption of new technology passive and by accident or strategic and planned?
Tony Deligio
Executive Editor, Plastics Technology
Antifog PC Film for Visors, Lenses and Goggles
SABIC’s Lexan HP92AF film shown to have excellent performance in high-humidity frontline work environments.
Tolsa's Biocidal Additives Demonstrate Viricidal Activity
Tolsa’s Adins Protection additives are powerful biocides active against bacterial, algae and fungi with new viricide performance including Coronavirus types.
Prent to Open New Rigid Thermoform Medical Packaging Plant in New Mexico
Prent aims to start up new rigid thermoform facility by Fall 2021 in southern New Mexico.
Cadillac Products Debuts New Brand Line of Medical Gowns
As PPE demand rises, automotive supplier and packaging manufacturer Cadillac Products steps-up with new line of extruded medical gowns.
Despite COVID-19, ERP Software Keeps Molder Working—Even from Home
ERP platform’s remote access, real-time operations overview, and transparency into production output and customer demand help custom molder weather coronavirus.
'10 Things We’re Seeing in Machine Shops Right Now'
Metalworking shops and plastics plants make for interesting comparisons of their responses to the COVID-19 challenge.