Southern California can be a challenging environment for manufacturers, not least because of concerns about the cost and availability of electrical power.
Extended cure times for thick parts and temperature sensitivity of pharmaceutical additives are two challenges for silicone molding and extrusion that can be overcome with new low-temperature UV curing technology.
Most of the emphasis is on valve gating and on doing more in less space. Other highlights include standardized mold components, some impressive feats of moldmaking creativity, and advances in mold simulation.
Hot buttons at the show will be multi-component molding, in-mold labeling/decorating (IML/IMD), in-mold assembly, medical molding, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), micro-molding, and high-speed packaging.
Branson Ultrasonics Corp., Danbury, Conn., has just introduced its first “global” series of ultrasonic welding power supplies for automated assembly systems, which are said to incorporate several “first-in-the-world” capabilities.