Articles

Film Extrusion 23 Feb 2015

EXTRUSION AND COMPOUNDING AT NPE: The Word Is ‘More’

As in speed, power, quality, flexibility, layers, and efficiency. Those are the trends across all extrusion processes.

best practices 22 Feb 2015

Make Water Treatment Part of Your Process-Cooling Program

Dirty, rusty, smelly water can wreak havoc with even the most meticulous process-cooling program. Here’s how to make sure your water is up to the task.

processing tips 22 Feb 2015

For Better Warpage Simulation, Consider the Whole Molding Process

Which way will it warp, and how much? To get an accurate prediction, you have to look at the whole mold and the whole process, over several cycles.

technology in action 22 Feb 2015

Recreational-Products Firm ‘FLOEs’ into Forming

FLOE International got started making products for boaters. It still does. But now it also thermoforms extremely large parts, both for captive products and to support other thermoformers who need big-part capabilities.

Injection Molding 22 Feb 2015

TOOLING: What You Can Do About Mold Buildup

It depends on the materials and additives you use, and the kinds of mold detail, but adequate venting, not overheating the material, and mold coatings are your best defenses.

best practices 22 Feb 2015

EXTRUSION: Are Grooved-Feed Extruders Right for You?

In specific circumstances, this design can increase output and reduce melt temperature. But grooved feed throats are not for every application.

Injection Molding 22 Feb 2015

INJECTION MOLDING: The Trouble with Mismatched Nozzle Tips & Sprue Bushings

It happens more than most molders realize and can cause a host of molding problems. Here’s what to look for and how to fix it.

processing tips 22 Feb 2015

MATERIALS: Analysis Gone Wrong: Part 2

But even misinterpreted tests can yield an approximation of the real composition of the material.

All Electric & Hybrid Machines 20 Feb 2015

Why Five-Axis Cartesian Robots Are a Hit with Molders

Five-axis linear robots are proving to be a cost-effective alternative to six-axis articulated robots in many applications.

Packaging 20 Feb 2015

A Challenger Tackles Coinjection For Barrier PET Preforms

Barrier PET containers for beverages, sauces, and other sensitive products become more cost-effective through more efficient use of expensive barrier resins.