Postprocessing

All Electric & Hybrid Machines 1 Apr 2007

Thermoforming: Ready for In-Mold Labeling?

After several fits and starts over the last decade, thermoforming IML appears ready for prime time, thanks to improvements in output and labeling technology. For now, the action is mostly in European packaging.

Postconsumer 29 Jan 2007

Bruckner Buys Kiefel

A merger in Germany creates a new force in plastics machinery.

Postprocessing 1 Jan 2007

Rigid Packaging Goes Lighter, Thinner With Microcellular Foam

Molding higher volumes of a rigid thin-wall part typically means going to a larger press for increased injection and clamping capacity.

Postconsumer 1 Dec 2006

Adhesion Promotion: Now Plasma-Treat the Resin, Not the Molded Part

A new approach to plasma treating applies the treatment to resin pellets or powder in order to achieve enhanced adhesion of paints, glues, or foamed-in-place urethanes to the molded part.

Postprocessing 1 Nov 2006

Micro-Thermoforming Makes Its Debut

Manufacturers of micro-size components that until now relied exclusively on injection molding may have another option to consider.

Postprocessing 1 Nov 2006

Solve Ultrasonic Horn Problems With Finite-Element Analysis

Computer modeling with 3D finite-element analysis (FEA) is used in the plastics industry because it can identify stresses, predict performance, and analyze part failures that can often be missed by traditional 2D modeling methods.

Postprocessing 1 Oct 2006

NPE 2006 News Wrap-Up: New Materials and Equipment for Decorating In and Out of the Mold

Among the latest developments in decorating and printing at the NPE show in Chicago were digital printers, flexographic printers for bags, and scratch-resistant heat-transfer foils for hot stamping and in-mold decoration (IMD). Also featured was new equipment for laser marking and engraving and an electrostatic charger for in-mold labeling (IML). News in stamping foilsSolidBrush metallic finishes are the latest heat-transfer foils from Kurz Transfer Products.