Articles

Automation 26 Jul 2017

Sepro America Expands To Assemble Big Robots

Sepro America celebrated its 10th anniversary last week. showing off new space that will more than double its manufacturing area in Warrendale, Pa., including room for its first U.S. assembly of large robots.

Molds & Tooling 25 Jul 2017

Tooling: Critical Design Considerations for Sprue Bushings

Among them are good cooling, proper orientation, solid retention, structural integrity, generous radii, and an appropriately polished bore.

Extrusion Know How 25 Jul 2017

Extrusion: The Importance of Proper Barrel Supports

Supports that allow the barrel to expand and contract easily will prevent alignment issues. Examine them periodically for proper operation, particularly if you’re experiencing excessive wear.

Injection Molding 25 Jul 2017

Injection Molding: Time for Another Look at Non-Return Valves

First and foremost, they must seal properly, and check valves with stepped angles or radiused seats perform the best.

Heating & Cooling 25 Jul 2017

Materials: Cycle Time: Science vs. Rules of Thumb—Part 2

Understanding cooling—how a given material develops modulus as it solidifies—requires access to data that provides some insight into the relationship between modulus and temperature. Dynamic mechanical analysis is a helpful tool.

Medical 25 Jul 2017

So You Want to Be in Medical Plastics? Ask Yourself These Questions First

A medical custom processor cautions those in the field, or wanting to get into it, about regulatory trends that add complexity and risks to an already demanding market sector. Understanding the answers to four key questions can help clarify the issues.

Resin Conveying 25 Jul 2017

New Source for Silo Loaders and Resin-Cleaning Systems

ADG Solutions now offers silo-loading and resin-cleaning systems—built by Italy’s Lorandi Silos—to plastics processors that purchase resin in gaylords or super sacks.