Articles

Consumer Products 27 Jan 2017

New Resins & Additives Galore at K 2016

A wide range of interesting developments in materials technologies were sprinkled in with some intriguing announcements of new ventures at K 2016.

industry 4.0 27 Jan 2017

Industry 4.0 on the Molding Shop Floor

To explain to a consumer the Internet of Things—Industry 4.0’s preferred U.S. name—experts talk about refrigerators that order milk when the current bottle is out. So what’s the practical-impact equivalent in injection molding?

Hot Runners 26 Jan 2017

Hot Runners & 3D-Printed Molds Headlined at K Show

Automotive was a key focus for hot-runner developments. 3D-printed plastic prototype tools were another highlight.

Heating & Cooling 26 Jan 2017

Augmented Auxiliaries At K 2016

Incremental improvements to existing technologies combined with altogether new advances at the giant show.

best practices 26 Jan 2017

Extrusion Powerhouse Does It All

Tekni-Plex has evolved into a technically diverse global supplier of a wide range of extrusions for a host of markets, many of which are regulated.

Tooling Know-How 26 Jan 2017

Hitting the Numbers, Part 2: The Shrinkage Factor

The shrinkage factor is one of the most critical numbers to hit.

Pipe, Profile & Tubing Extrusion 26 Jan 2017

Don’t Build In Melt-Temperature Variations

It’s not unusual for polymer to exit the extruder with a uniform melt temperature, only to be fouled up by downstream flow pipes and the like. Here’s how to avoid this.

best practices 26 Jan 2017

The Need for Generalists, Part 2

Problem-solving requires a team that combines people having academic credentials with others who have hands-on experience.

Automotive 26 Jan 2017

K 2016 Proves Additive Manufacturing Has Staying Power

K 2016 made clear that additive manufacturing is establishing a prominent position at the triennial show among long-running mainstays like injection molding, extrusion, blowmolding and thermoforming.