Plastics Use in the Automotive Industry

Plastics in automotive enable lightweighting via numerous applications including under-the-hood, instrument panels, gas tanks, fuel lines, lenses, bumpers, display screens, gears, and housings.

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Impacts of Auto’s Switch to Sustainability

Of all the trends you'll see at NPE2024, this one is BIG. Not only is the auto industry transitioning to electrification but there are concerted efforts to modify the materials used, especially polymers, for interior applications.

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Packaging 21 Oct 2020

Protolabs Addresses How to Survive a Pandemic with Digital Manufacturing

Protolabs survey results examine product development and the supply chain.

Injection Molding 15 Jun 2020

How to Properly Maintain Aluminum Injection Molds

Aluminum and steel tools have some important differences, but also one key similarity: Routine maintenance will extend the mold’s life and boost the quality of its output.

Hot Runners 1 Jun 2019

How to Manage Pressure Loss in Injection Molding

Achieving a process window wide enough to ensure consistent part quality depends on achieving sufficient pressure at end of fill.

Packaging 23 Jul 2018

What Plastics Processors Need to Know about Tax Reform and Equipment Acquisition

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 (TCJA) is positioning plastics processors for more growth and profitability following the most recent Plastics Processing Index showing the best quarter since 2013 when the index began.

Stretch Blow Molding 19 Oct 2016

What Blow Molders Say About All-Electric Machines

They are well established in Europe, but molders in North America are just beginning to come around to all-electrics’ improved performance, maintenance, cleanliness, and—yes— energy efficiency. Here’s first-hand testimony, from the U.S. and abroad.

Automotive 19 Jan 2016

What’s the True Cost of Buying A ‘Low-Cost’ Mold Overseas?

The head of a Canadian moldmaking company exposes the limitations of focusing solely on initial purchase cost when considering mold sourcing in China.