Processes

Postconsumer 1 Oct 2005

50 Ideas That Changed Plastics

Very few readers of this issue can remember, or even imagine, what it was like when an injection molding machine did not have a screw, but only a smooth-bore plunger.

Postprocessing 1 Sep 2005

Dye Sublimation Printing: Durable Color Decoration for 3D Parts

Dye sublimation, a dye-transfer process that got its start in the 1960s for use in textiles, has advanced in recent years to provide wear-resistant, full-color surface decoration of flat objects like mouse pads and tiles.

Postprocessing 9 Mar 2023

Graphical Analysis Helps Find and Fix Ultrasonic Welding Problems

Using Real-Time Weld Graphs to Achieve Process Repeatability and Control Limits in Ultrasonic Welding

Postprocessing 1 Aug 2005

Composite Coating Makes Glass Fibers Less Aggressive in Sliding, Turning Parts

Fiber-reinforced and mineral-filled compounds are not always compatible with use in dynamic applications, where parts slide, rotate, pivot, or move across each other. "When a glass-filled part rubs against a metal surface or even a similar glass-filled surface, rapid abrasion takes place," says George Osterhout, v.p. of Dimension Bond, a Chicago-based supplier of a specialized coating service that can address this problem."The reason for the abrasion is minute ends of the fiber reinforcing materials protruding from the surface of the filled part," adds Osterhout.

Postconsumer 1 Oct 2004

Plastics Welding: Laser and Infrared Systems Expand Capabilities

A breakthrough in laser welding of three-dimensional parts that eliminates traditional clamping systems was among several innovations in welding and joining highlighted at two recent shows—last month’s Plastics USA in Chicago and this month’s K 2004 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

sustainability 1 Jul 2004

Lasers Now Clean Molds and Parts

They drill, cut, weld, polish, engrave, and print.

Postconsumer 1 Apr 2004

New Approach to IR Welding Bonds More Engineering Plastics

Kubota Research Associates (KRA), a U.S.-based research and development firm, has introduced an advanced method for through-transmission infrared (TTIR) welding of sensitive plastic parts.

Postprocessing 1 Apr 2004

In-Mold Labeling: Electrostatics Are the Way to Go

Applying a static charge to hold the label in the injection mold eliminates the need for vacuum ports that addsignificantly to the cost of making and maintaining the tool.

Postconsumer 31 Mar 2004

How to Use Those Fancy Ultrasonic Welding Controls

You know how to set a timer, but newer ultrasonic welders also offer control by energy, collapse distance, and absolute distance. Do you know when and how to exploit these options to make better welds?