Thermoforming
Plastic Pallets Gain Ground In an Eco-Conscious World
Low-cost wood is still king, but plastics’ reusability is a growing attraction among manufacturers looking for sustainable material-handling options. The one major hurdle is today’s high resin prices.
Read MorePlug-Assist Coating Improves Surface Quality and Formability
Manufacturers and users of plug-assist tooling have a new technique to improve the surface finish and cycle time of thermoformed parts.
Read MoreBlow Molders and Thermoformers Try Plastic Rapid Tooling
Rapid prototyping (RP) equipment is increasingly being used to manufacture prototype and short-run production molds for blow molded and thermoformed parts.
Read MoreCoatings Give Aluminum Molds Cost/Performance Edge Over Steel
New cost-effective technologies are designed to make aluminum an attractive alternative to tool steels in a range of plastics molding processes. One method uses a plasma technique to convert the aluminum surface into a hard, dense, wear-resistant ceramic. Another approach uses electro-deposition to apply a surface coating with high hardness, corrosion resistance, and chemical resistance.
Read MoreK 2007 Thermoforming: Packaging Lines Grow Bigger and Faster
There was plenty of news in thermoforming at K 2007 as suppliers rolled out continuous roll-fed packaging systems with greater output, enhanced cooling, reduced air consumption, and more automation.
Read MoreBranched PVDF Gains Melt Strength For Film, Blow Molding, Thermoforming
Chain branching opens up lots of new processing opportunities for these fluoropolymers.
Read MoreWhat's New at the Show in THERMOFORMING
Continuous in-line packaging systems will be the main emphasis in thermoforming at K 2007.
Read MoreDual-Cure PUR Coatings Boost Performance Of In-Mold Decorating Films
A new version of in-mold decorating technology, developed initially for exterior auto body components, uses dual-cure coating technology to provide a paint film that is both stretchable for good thermoformability and also provides the high gloss and durability of conventional paints.
Read MoreThermoforming: 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.
Read MoreExtruding Biopolymers: Packaging Reaps Cost Benefit of Going 'Green'
Plastics made from renewable carbon chains, not fossil carbon from oil or gas, are suddenly a solid commercial reality. The draw isn’t just “green” marketing, but the “green” of stable prices not linked to petrochemicals.
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