best practices

Materials

MATERIALS: The Problems with Single-Point Data, Part 8

DTUL tests may have made sense in the 1940s and 1950s, before the advent of dynamic mechanical analysis. But designers and engineers today need better tools.

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best practices

TOOLING: Designing Molds for Easy Maintenance in the Press, Part 1

Attention to design of cooling, ejection, and slides can save downtime and maintenance headaches.

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EXTRUSION: Melting 101

Learn the basics on how polymer melts in a single screw. Barrel temperature plays less of a role than you might think.

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INJECTION MOLDING: Develop Guidelines—Not Strict Procedures— For a Robust Molding Process

‘Fool-proof’ dos and don’ts will prove foolhardy in a process with so many variables. You aren’t slinging burgers.

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best practices

MATERIALS: The Problems with Single-Point Data, Part 7

The industry can choose between continuing to perform DTUL tests that provide single points that are part of a curve never seen, or perform the test that provides the entire curve.

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Automation

Molder Expands Plant, But That’s Just the Beginning

Wescon cuts ribbon on a new addition and adds presses as part of a strategic plan to double its ´óÏó´«Ã½.

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plant tour

Pellet Production Is a Blast For This Processor

Maxi-Blast opens a plant with brand-new equipment to produce its own pellet blasting media.

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processing tips

Get Back to Basics On Water-Cooling Equipment

Neglecting your plant water systems can result in inefficiencies and downtime. Follow these tips when you get new equipment on stream or to maintain what you’re already running.

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plant tour

Down in the Valley, Profiles Grow

Valley Extrusions carves niche in tight-tolerance, short-run tubing and profiles.

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processing tips

Solve Venting Problems on Twin-Screw Compounding Extruders

Compounds must be free of voids and volatiles or else the material will cause subsequent processing problems. Here’s how to ensure your venting is effective.

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Blending & Dosing
Process Cooling