Matthew Naitove Contributing Editor

Postconsumer 23 Nov 2016

Modular Drying Hopper Is Expandable And Convertible to a Crystallizer

Unlike typical welded construction, bolt-on sections provide flexibility and easier transport and installation.

All Electric & Hybrid Machines 21 Nov 2016

The Universal Setup and the Six Key Process Variables

One setup sheet for one mold on any machine.

Automation 8 Nov 2016

Now That’s “Collaborative”!

Pick-and-place product handling … simple assembly tasks … sure, or why not serving a cold beer?

7 Nov 2016

All Work & No Play at the K

I had sore feet at the end of every day—all eight of them—at the K 2016 show. But there were chances to relax at numerous hospitality events.

Micromolding 2 Nov 2016

Wittmann Opens Simulated Clean-Room Demo Facility

White walls, sticky floor tape, and even a startlingly realistic manikin gowned in a “bunny suit”—all intended to simulate the look and feel of a clean room in one alcove of the U.S. headquarters plant of Wittmann Battenfeld, Inc. in Torrington, Conn.

Packaging 19 Oct 2016

What Blow Molders Say About All-Electric Machines

They are well established in Europe, but molders in North America are just beginning to come around to all-electrics’ improved performance, maintenance, cleanliness, and—yes— energy efficiency. Here’s first-hand testimony, from the U.S. and abroad.

Postprocessing 18 Oct 2016

New Cure for the Headaches of In-Mold Labeling/Decorating

New IML/IMD method combines the best aspects of precut label stacks and labels on a roll with none of their drawbacks.

monitoring 13 Oct 2016

‘Predictive Maintenance’ Is Key to Optimum Machine Utilization

I wrote here recently that this month’s K 2016 show in Dusseldorf (where I and the whole staff of Plastics Technology are headed next week) is evidence that the wave of “Industry 4.0” activity is building toward a crest.

Stretch Blow Molding 5 Oct 2016

U.S. Molders Warming Up to All-Electric Blow Molding

When I set out to research a feature on “What Molders Think About All-Electric Blow Molding Machines,” I thought it would be no big deal to get interviews with a handful of shops.