best practices

Injection Molding: Sliding vs. Locking Ring—Which Non-Return Valve Is Right for You?

The locking-ring style appears to dominate the market, as most believe it makes a make a better seal and leaks less. But is this really so?

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A Processor's Most Important Job, Part 9: Avoid Molded-In Stress

How to establish molding conditions that minimize internal stress in a part.

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processing tips

Up to Snuff on Scientific Molding? Then it’s Time to Mold ‘Systematically’

Scientific molding is centered around learning about key molding principles and theories. The strategic application of those principles and theories is what’s known as systematic molding.

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best practices

Conveyor Upgrade Keeps Currier on Track

Processor’s switch to modular plastic belt conveyors increased efficiency in bottle making by eliminating downtime.

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processing tips

How to Improve Production of Catheters and Stents

Advances in downstream extrusion equipment have boosted production control.

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Resin Conveying

Switch to Centralized Vacuum Supply Saves Molder Energy, Boosts Production

Less maintenance means more time for processing, thanks to elimination of vacuum pumps at each press.

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processing tips

Reducing Low-Level Background Gels in PE Film

While considered acceptable in many cases, they need not be tolerated and are usually attributable to minor screw-design flaws. Here’s some advice on what to do about them.

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best practices

Pellet to Gate Control: The Value of a Holistic View of Melt Management

Molders tend to think about the elements of a melt-delivery system, from screw to hot-runner gate, in isolation from each other. But taking an integrated view of the whole system can have big consequences for cycle time, part quality, scrap rates, and energy consumption.

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Packaging

Accredo’s Credo: Designed for Sustainability, Built for Success

In fewer than 10 years, Accredo Packaging has developed innovative packaging solutions—including the first-ever all-PE barrier standup pouch—while maintaining its commitment to being ‘green.’

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best practices

Tooling: Why Ejector Pins Break And How to Prevent It, Part 2

Here’s the when and how to reduce the unsupported length of pins.

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Plastics Size Reduction
Process Cooling