Matthew Naitove Contributing Editor
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New Plasticizer Chemistry for PVC Excels in Cold & Heat
It’s rare that an entirely new plasticizer chemistry comes along for flexible PVC—especially when it comes with an established health and safety record.
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On-Site: Green Business Is Good Business for Fabri-Kal
Learning to deal with the particular characteristics of PLA biopolymer has opened up a promising ´óÏó´«Ã½ in “green” plastics for thermoformer Fabri-Kal.
Read MoreColloidal Silica Cuts Cycle Times in Molding Engineering Plastics
A year ago, we reported research showing that very small amounts of ultra-fine silica can reduce injection molding cycle times 20% to 30% in PP, nylons, PBT, and ABS (see Learn More). These results have since been confirmed in numerous commercial applications, according to Dr.
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Process Cooling Goes for Performance Plus Affordability
At the NPE 2009 show in Chicago, half a dozen exhibitors showed new cooling equipment that emphasized improved performance at about the same or lower cost.
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Materials Handling: New Equipment Emphasizes Efficiency & Value
Visitors to the recent NPE 2009 show in Chicago were looking for materials handling equipment that could do more than dry, blend, or convey resins. It had to do those things while saving energy, providing faster and easier maintenance, speeding product changeovers, reducing labor cost, minimizing waste, and providing better value for money. The new products cited below addressed those needs and more.
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Cooling in Tough Times: How to Save Energy and Maintenance
In today’s down market, plastics processors are discovering a whole new set of problems related to operating at reduced capacity.
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NPE News in Additives
Colorants were the most numerous class of additives making news at the huge triennial plastics exhibition last month in Chicago. Some of the new colorants were aimed at specialized applications, from natural-fiber composites to laser marking, while others were for aesthetic special effects, such as color shifts and diamond-like sparkle.
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First Microlayered Commodity Films
Advanced microlayer feedblock technology, used for over a decade to put dozens or hundreds of alternating layers into specialty films, has passed a new milestone.
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ERP Software: New Ways to Find Your Data, Lower-Cost Entry for Small Plants
The past year has seen several product upgrades and new features in the EnterpriseIQ enterprise resource planning (ERP) software system from IQMS, Paso Robles, Calif.
Read MoreWhat Kind of a Show Will It Be?
NPE 2009 in Chicago next month will be like previous triennial shows—but it will be different, too.
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Energy-Saving Dryer Pays Off In an Uncertain Economy
Plastics processors struggling through the recession need to save energy costs where they can, they need an affordable means to do so, and they could use energy-saving technology that pays for itself during times when plant throughputs are variable and below optimum capacity utilization.
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Survival of the Most Efficient
After preparing our latest Custom Injection Molders’ Hourly Rates Survey report, with its grim picture for custom molders, I became curious about long-term trends in molding economics.
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