Postprocessing

Post-processing and secondary operations are key to boosting value added functions for plastics processors. Learn new technologies and best practices for assembly, decoration, packaging, labeling, in-mold labeling, printing, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, vibration welding and more.

Film Extrusion

Vastex Industrial Infrared Tunnel Oven Manages Airflow for High-Volume Curing

ERVP Series infrared tunnel oven is a modular three-chamber unit designed for high-volume curing of film, sheet, adhesives, coatings and parts.

ESSENTIAL READING

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Injection Molding 11 Nov 2025

Small Shops, Big Gains: How To Know If You’re Ready for Automation

In injection molding, automation is often seen as a tool for large companies with complex processes and high-volume production, but that mindset misses a broader truth: Automation can benefit molders of all sizes — even those running low-volume or straightforward jobs.

processing tips 9 Mar 2023

A Guide to Ultrasonic Welding Controls

Ultrasonic welding today is a sophisticated process that offers numerous features for precise control. Choosing from among all these options can be daunting; but this guide will help you make sense of your control features so you can approach your next welding project with the confidence of getting good results.

best practices 9 Mar 2023

How to Solve Common Ultrasonic Welding Problems

Understand and address the likely origins of welding problems to keep production on track.

best practices 23 Sep 2014

Understanding the Effects of Paint On Plastics

Paint can have significant effects on mechanical properties of plastic parts. As illustrated by this OEM’s procedure in developing new-generation outboard-motor covers, there’s no substitute for thorough testing.

Postprocessing 26 Feb 2013

How to Select a Plastics Assembly Process

To make the proper choice, each application must be considered on its own. Each has its own particular characteristics and requirements.

Postprocessing 30 Sep 2011

How to Keep Your Conveyor Running Smoothly

Low-profile conveyors are ubiquitous in industry, typically used in 24/7 applications in packaging, assembly, labeling, inspection, and sorting. Here's how to keep them up and running.

Latest Postprocessing News And Updates

Stretch Blow Molding 5 Jun 2025

Cobot Automates Label Reel Loading for High-Volume PET Beverage Bottles

Sidel’s new CoboREEL system uses a cobot to automate a shift’s worth of label reel loading.

Postprocessing 2 Jun 2025

Second-Generation Plasma Surface Treater

New units built with new materials for system components that have proven to be more resilient.

Automation 26 May 2025

Cobot Line Increases Top Speed

Universal Robots says for pick-and-place applications, the new UR15 delivers up to 30% cycle time improvements compared to prior UR models.

Postprocessing 14 Feb 2025

Norwalt Automation Expands Tampa Footprint, Capacity

The new 28,000-square-foot site in Tampa, Florida, will focus on machine and system integration activities for various sectors.

Postprocessing 30 Jan 2025

Mouldpro Mold Maintenance Tools, Gate Cutters Enable Improved Productivity

Mouldpro offers a variety of soft tools and gate cutters that are constructed to ensure molders can safely work on mold tools without damaging the mold surface.

polyolefins 21 Jan 2025

Polyfuze Polymer Fusion Labeling for Extruded Products

Polymer Fusion technology enables permanent labeling of polyolefins.

Featured Posts

NPE 6 May 2024

Athena Controls Emphasizes Customization: Buy Just What You Need

At NPE, 60-year-old Athena reintroduces itself as a vendor of standard control platforms customized for maximum utility and economy.

Postprocessing 1 May 2024

Plasmatreat's Technology is Transforming Manufacturing with Innovation and Sustainability

NPE2024: Advancements and forward-thinking initiatives in plastics manufacturing will be highlighted.

Postprocessing 23 Oct 2023

Ultrasonic Welding: Tips, Techniques, and Troubleshooting

In this collection of content, we provide expert advice on welding from some of the leading authorities in the field, with tips on such matters as controls, as well as insights on how to solve common problems in welding.

Postprocessing 5 Apr 2023

X-Ray Vision Inside Parts Gets More Affordable for Processors

Shimadzu’s new benchtop x-ray CT scanner provides internal and external metrology and flaw detection at a fraction of the previous cost.

Postprocessing 9 Mar 2023

A Guide to Ultrasonic Welding Controls

Postprocessing 9 Mar 2023

Can Plastic Recyclates be Welded Ultrasonically?

What is possible with ultrasound? Will the result with recycled plastics material actually be worse than with standard material? Do we have to adapt our technology?

FAQ: Postprocessing

What is Ultrasonic Welding?

In ultrasonic welding, high-frequency vibrations are applied to the surfaces of two parts by a vibrating tool, commonly called a “horn” or “sonotrode.” Welding occurs as the result of frictional heat generated at the interface between the parts. The ultrasonic vibrations are created by a series of components—the power supply, converter, booster, and horn—that deliver mechanical vibration to the parts.

Further Reading About Ultrasonic Welding:
A Step-by-Step Guide to Ultrasonic Welding

How to Solve Common Ultrasonic Welding Problems

Can Plastic Recyclates be Welded Ultrasonically?

What Happened to Your Ultrasonic Weld Quality?

Can Plasma Treatment be Used in Plastics?

In plastics, the most common plasma application is improving the bonding power of chemical adhesives; this can involve bonding metal to plastic, silicone to glass, polymers to other polymers, biological content to polymeric microtiter plates, and even bonding to fluoropolymers like PTFE.

How Does Paint Affect Plastic?

Paint can have significant effects on mechanical properties of plastic parts. First, paint solvents may attack the plastic. In fact, it is often desirable for the paint solvents to attack (etch) the plastic to a certain extent, since this improves adhesion. However, solvents can also cause surface crazing, or even environmental stress cracking. In addition, paint solvents may cause swelling, softening, or dissolution of the polymer. Once again, a certain amount of this may help to promote adhesion, but taken to an extreme, it can degrade the properties of the plastic to unacceptable levels.

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