Articles

Biopolymers 25 Dec 2020

20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020—Part 3

Processors and resin makers step up; biobased/renewable PP makes commercial strides; BOPE makes inroads as monolayer contender; and, performance PP for engineering applications & sustainability 'shines'.

Extrusion 23 Dec 2020

20 Good Things to Come out of 2020—Part 2

Business durability, online learning, value-added compounding, PPE reshoring and new barrier sheet tech/player—five more positive stories to come out of 2020.

Busting Myths: How Additive Polymers Affect Builds

With advances in additive polymers, it may be time to consider moving a traditionally manufactured part to 3D printing.

21 Dec 2020

20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020

In the year’s waning days, it’s not hard to index the many, many negative aspects of the pandemic and the last 365 days, but some good outcomes can also be cataloged.

Materials Know How 18 Dec 2020

Tracing the History of Polymeric Materials: Celluloid & Film Stock

In this series we delve into a discerning look back into the history of our industry and how we all got here.

NPE 17 Dec 2020

Plastics Processors Waking Up to the Digital World

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic could force plastics processors to revisit technologies previously overlooked, many of which will be on display at May’s NPE2021 show. In part one of a series on emerging trends and technologies to explore during the triennial event, we look at digital manufacturing.

Medical 17 Dec 2020

Keeping It in the Family: Medical Molder Grows with Second Generation at the Helm

Evolving from a two-man moldmaking company in a rented garage to three unique businesses, including a new medical injection molding unit, with 185 full-time employees, Micro Mold, Plastikos and Plastikos Medical enter their fourth decade family-led and poised for growth.

Injection Molding 17 Dec 2020

Get Better at Quoting Injection Molded Parts: Part 2

Follow these detailed tips to get you the injection molding jobs you want. Here we factor in the costs of scrap and regrind, along with energy and certain additives.

Commodity Resins 17 Dec 2020

Prices Up for Major Volume Resins

Blame global plant outages leading to tighter feedstock and resin supplies and higher feedstock costs. Add in some ‘catch-up’ resin demand.

economics 17 Dec 2020

Processing Expansion Cools in November

Industry growth slows after quickening expansion over the prior four months.

Medical 17 Dec 2020

Is Your Ultrasonic Welder Up to the Challenge of Medical Processing?

New technology meets the industry’s requirements for repeatable, consistent welds in smaller and more intricate medical components. Follow these tips to make sure your equipment meets these market demands.