Know-How

A Systematic Approach to Process Development
Injection Molding

A Systematic Approach to Process Development

The path to a no-baby-sitting injection molding process is paved with data and can be found by following certain steps.

READ MORE

Latest Know-How Articles

VIEW ALL
Tooling Know-How

What You Need to Know About Leader Pins and Bushings

There’s a lot more to these humble but essential mold components than you might suspect. Following the author’s tips could save much time, money and frustration.

Read More

How to Decrease the Extrudate Temperature in Single-Screw Extruders

In many cases, decreasing the discharge temperature will improve product quality and perhaps even boost rate. Here are ways to do it.

Read More

Get the Most From Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites Parts

There are five specific areas that designers and manufacturers need to consider to realize the potential of these unique materials.

Read More

Polymer Science for Those Who Work With Plastic — Part 1: The Repeat Unit

What are the basic building blocks of plastics and how do they affect the processing of that material and its potential applications in the real world? Meet the repeat unit.

Read More
Extrusion

Why Are There No 'Universal' Screws for All Polymers?

There’s a simple answer: Because all plastics are not the same. 

Read More

Three Key Decisions for an Optimal Ejection System

When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.

Read More

Latest Know-How News And Updates

best practices

Solving Issues with Gloss

Your problem may be related to tooling, material, processing, or combinations thereof. Here’s how to find the root cause.

Read More

EXTRUSION: Melting 101

Learn the basics on how polymer melts in a single screw. Barrel temperature plays less of a role than you might think.

Read More
Materials

Is It Glass Filled or Glass Reinforced?

Here is how to tell the difference.

Read More

Featured Posts

In Single Screw Extruders, Mixing Starts in the Melting Process

While the melting process does not provide perfect mixing, this study shows that mixing is indeed initiated during melting.  

Read More

Starting or Restarting an Injection Molding Machine — What Works Best?

Successfully starting or restarting an injection molding machine is less about ticking boxes on a rote checklist and more about individually assessing each processing scenario and its unique variables.

Read More
Extrusion

Troubleshooting Flow Surging in Single-Screw Extruders

Surging can cause lower production rates, higher scrap rates, material degradation and higher labor costs. Here is a guide to troubleshooting this problem.

Read More

Home In on These Six Variables to Monitor Molding

There are hundreds of variables in molding, but focusing on these six will help you make consistent parts.  

Read More

Injection Molding: Focus on these Seven Areas to Set a Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Performing fundamental maintenance inspections frequently assures press longevity and process stability. Here’s a checklist to help you stay on top of seven key systems.

Read More

Understanding the Incumbent Resin Effect

When you are looking to replace an existing resin with a new one, in trials sometimes the “incumbent” resin will cause gels and other defects. Here’s what to look for.  

Read More