best practices
EXTRUSION: How Slow Can You Go?
Larger screws designed for high outputs will generate a variety of problems if run too slowly. Here’s why.
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INJECTION MOLDING: Processing Nylon…and Other Problems
As moisture content in this and other hygroscopic resins varies, so will your viscosity and process. Here’s how to deal with these issues
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MATERIALS: Thermoplastic Urethanes: Why Annealing Makes a Big Difference
Under the right conditions, annealing can drive TPU performance to a greater level than can be achieved at room temperature.
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Custom Molder Expands in ‘Leaps of Faith’
Who would embark on an $8.8 million plant expansion without new orders in hand? Someone who knows his customers very well.
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Hot/Cold Injection Molding: Which Approach Is Best for You?
The hot-and-cold molding process gives molders a new tool to achieve top-quality esthetics or to fill challenging thin-wall parts. There are a number of options in heating methods, and this article discusses the ins and outs of each.
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Is Your Granulator Helping You Maximize Your Profit?
It’s easy to take a scrap granulator for granted. Many people do. But getting the most value out of your production scrap requires both a granulator design and a preventive-maintenance program that are appropriate to the way you use the granulator.
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Put Your Dryers on a Preventive Maintenance Program
No one likes to do them. Many avoid them altogether. But a periodic “PM” program for your dryers pays off in the long run.
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EXTRUSION: Finding the Sweet Spot in Screw Design
The compression ratio of a screw does not provide enough detail on how it will perform. Screw design is a balancing act that takes many variables into account.
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INJECTION MOLDING: Gate Freeze Study: Danger in a Name?
The test actually determines the hold time needed to mold repeatable parts, and it should be done regardless of whether the gate freezes or not.
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Are You Getting Maximum Value From Your Plastic Scrap?
If not, you’re throwing away money. The solution comes from knowing the difference between a scrap materials reprocessor and a recycler, and how to evaluate what a reprocessor can do for you.
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