best practices

best practices 27 Jul 2017

Mold Performance: Tap Into the Power of Data Collection

Collecting core data in a transparent way allows molders to drill into the true cost of tooling issues and develop real goals to keep production flowing.

Testing 27 Jul 2017

Polymer Resources: Compounding's 'Small Big Guy'

This compounder combines a service-first, small-company mindset with the technical might of larger companies to carve a niche in engineering plastics.

color 27 Jul 2017

Polyolefin Discoloration: New Additive Solutions Solve Common Problems

There’s a growing demand for PE films with lower initial color and improved color stability, as well as better retention of physical properties. New stabilizer systems address these and similar concerns for molded PE and PP parts.

Tooling Know-How 25 Jul 2017

Tooling: Critical Design Considerations for Sprue Bushings

Among them are good cooling, proper orientation, solid retention, structural integrity, generous radii, and an appropriately polished bore.

best practices 25 Jul 2017

Extrusion: The Importance of Proper Barrel Supports

Supports that allow the barrel to expand and contract easily will prevent alignment issues. Examine them periodically for proper operation, particularly if you’re experiencing excessive wear.

best practices 25 Jul 2017

Injection Molding: Time for Another Look at Non-Return Valves

First and foremost, they must seal properly, and check valves with stepped angles or radiused seats perform the best.

processing tips 25 Jul 2017

Materials: Cycle Time: Science vs. Rules of Thumb—Part 2

Understanding cooling—how a given material develops modulus as it solidifies—requires access to data that provides some insight into the relationship between modulus and temperature. Dynamic mechanical analysis is a helpful tool.

best practices 27 Jun 2017

Understanding Low-Rate Feeding for Continuous and Batch Processes

Molders and extruders that need to feed tiny amounts of material to their process require precision in both the material being fed and the equipment doing the dosing. When a shot size consists of three pellets, there is no margin for error.

Extrusion Know How 27 Jun 2017

How to Collect and Interpret Extrusion Process Data; Part 3

In this final installment, learn how process data can be used to identify and fix extrusion issues.

best practices 27 Jun 2017

Medical Molder Sweats the Small Stuff to Deliver Big Results

Embracing lean manufacturing and scientific molding keeps Freudenberg Medical on top of customer demands for defect-free deliveries as it expands into full device manufacturing, 100% automated inspection, and 3D-printed tooling for quicker product launches.