best practices
Screw Bounce — What Causes It and Why You Should Care
There are a lot of theories about screw bounce in injection molding it, but what’s the actual cause? Through a series of experiments, and some good old-fashioned math, the author found out.
AIM Institute Continues to Grow Plastics Education and Training on 10th Anniversary
The AIM institute was created in response to the rising need for skilled injection molding professionals, providing individuals with a fundamental understanding of plastic rheology and plastic flow through a mold.
Read MoreHigh Quality PCR With Mechanical Recycling Is Within Reach
Successful mechanical recycling of postconsumer materials requires market analysis, understanding requirements and building relationships across the value chain.
Read MoreTo Cushion or Not To Cushion: That Is the Question
Whether or not your process setup includes adding cushion depends on multiple factors, including the part being molded. Learn when and how to effectively apply cushion in your process.
Read MoreProcessors: Gear Up to Handle More Regrind
Plastics auxiliary and primary processing equipment was optimized for running pellets; here’s how you can adjust to the bulk density differences of flake and regrind in drying, conveying, mixing, feeding and processing.
Read MorePlastics Technology Year in Review: Your Favorite Reads of 2024
A year-end review of the top stories showcasing industry trends, advancements and expert insights. Revisit the articles that captured the attention of the plastics community.
Read MoreOptimizing Pack & Hold Times for Hot-Runner & Valve-Gated Molds
Using scientific procedures will help you put an end to all that time-consuming trial and error. Part 1 of 2.
Read MoreICYMI: March Roundup
Still catching up post-PTXPO? Whether you attended the show or not, there were bound to be some must-read articles that may have slipped past you. Catch up on what you missed.
Sarah Barnett
Senior Digital Content Manager, Plastics Technology, MoldMaking Technology
How to Configure Your Twin-Screw Barrel Layout
In twin-screw compounding, most engineers recognize the benefits of being able to configure screw elements. Here’s what you need to know about sequencing barrel sections.
Read MoreImportant Factors and Approaches to Estimating Residence Time in Injection Molding
Residence time can have a dramatic impact on part quality and production efficiency but determining its value can be tricky. Use these methods and formulas to accurately measure residence time and enable it to inform everything from scheduling jobs to optimizing a process.
Read MorePart 2 Medical Tubing: Use Simulation to Troubleshoot, Optimize Processing & Dies
Simulation can determine whether a die has regions of low shear rate and shear stress on the metal surface where the polymer would ultimately degrade, and can help processors design dies better suited for their projects.
Read MoreFighting Dust and Noise in Regrind Operations
Mayhew Basque Plastics implemented lower speed granulators to deal with challenging materials.
Read MoreMedical Tubing: Use Simulation to Troubleshoot, Optimize Processing & Dies
Extrusion simulations can be useful in anticipating issues and running “what-if” scenarios to size extruders and design dies for extrusion projects. It should be used at early stages of any project to avoid trial and error and remaking tooling.
Read MoreGet the Most From Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites Parts
There are five specific areas that designers and manufacturers need to consider to realize the potential of these unique materials.
Read MoreICYMI: February Roundup
While February was short on days, there was no shortage in insightful content from our editors and contributors! Take a look at what you might have missed.
Sarah Barnett
Senior Digital Content Manager, Plastics Technology, MoldMaking Technology
Annual Benchmarking Survey of Injection Molders Released
Plastics Technology Top Shops Benchmarking Survey provided both unanimous responses and divided results, but pervasive throughout is the sense of an industry still grappling with the aftermath of 2020’s global pandemic.
Read MoreThree Key Decisions for an Optimal Ejection System
When determining the best ejection option for a tool, molders must consider the ejector’s surface area, location and style.
Read MoreEnsuring Repeatability: The Key to Effective Injection Molding Automation
One of automation’s key promises is repeatability: the same movement to the same location, time and time again. But to achieve that, all elements involved — robot, machine, EOAT, mold — must be in and stay in alignment.
Read MoreStarting or Restarting an Injection Molding Machine — What Works Best?
Successfully starting or restarting an injection molding machine is less about ticking boxes on a rote checklist and more about individually assessing each processing scenario and its unique variables.
Read MoreWhat to Look for in High-Speed Automation for Pipette Production
Automation is a must-have for molders of pipettes. Make sure your supplier provides assurances of throughput and output, manpower utilization, floor space consumption and payback period.
Read MoreWhat to Know About Your Materials When Choosing a Feeder
Feeder performance is crucial to operating extrusion and compounding lines. And consistent, reliable feeding depends in large part on selecting a feeder compatible with the materials and additives you intend to process. Follow these tips to analyze your feeder requirements.
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ICYMI: January Roundup
In case you missed it, here’s a short recap of the articles that our readers are taking note of.
Sarah Barnett
Senior Digital Content Manager, Plastics Technology, MoldMaking Technology
Running Hot: Solutions for High-Temperature Injection Molding Cells
Here are some best practices for setting up and maintaining high-temperature injection molding processes, including sourcing and maintaining suitable water- and oil-circulating systems.
Read MoreInjection Molding: Focus on these Seven Areas to Set a Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Performing fundamental maintenance inspections frequently assures press longevity and process stability. Here’s a checklist to help you stay on top of seven key systems.
Read MoreUsing Data to Pinpoint Cosmetic Defect Causes in Injection Molded Parts
Taking a step back and identifying the root cause of a cosmetic flaw can help molders focus on what corrective actions need to be taken.
Read MoreRevisiting the '5 M's' of Molding
All injection molding ultimately comes down to the “Man, Mold, Machine, Material and Method.” But those key aspects can be viewed differently if you’re auditing mold changes before startup or troubleshooting changes for an already validated process.
Read MoreUse These 7 Parameters to Unravel the Melt Temperature Mystery
Despite its integral role in a stable process and consistent parts, true melt temperature in injection molding can be an enigma. Learning more about these seven parameters may help you solve the puzzle.
Read MoreDiagnosing Defects: Determine True Root Cause Before Adjusting a Process
Common defects can have common causes — flash equals worn mold shutoffs, right? Except when they don’t. Trust your eyes, but verify the root cause before adjusting a process.
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