Compounding

Additives

Long-Fiber PP Can Be Colored, FR and Tough

Start-up company developing rooftop solar panels based on PP long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) composites.

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sustainability

Biopolymers Add Something to Acrylics

Arkema blend consisting of 20% biopolymer doubles the melt flow of straight acrylic; 30% triples it.

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Multiscrew

A Pioneer in ‘Clean Compounding’

When Plastics Color Corp., based in Calumet City, Ill., established a new compounding plant in Southern California, the firm decided this couldn’t be an ordinary color/additive masterbatch facility.

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Blow Molding

Energy Miser: Reducing Compressed-Air Usage

Many manufacturing sites operate on the assumption that compressed air is free. Usage is totally uncontrolled, and open air lines cost real money.

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processing tips

Look Before You Leap: When Direct Extrusion Makes Sense

The process offers great opportunities to extrude a better product at less cost, but it’s not for everyone. The formulation, product mix, and anticipated volumes must be carefully assessed to determine whether DE is the preferred manufacturing methodology.

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Multiscrew

Novel Device Boosts Feed Rate & Throughput

Feed enhancement unit is aimed at low-bulk density materials.

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Compounding

Economical Toughener for PC/ABS Also Boosts Flow of PC

Impact modifier addresses three key needs.

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sustainability

Rotary Batch Mixers Help Boost In-House Recycling

While sustainability is a relatively new term in plastics, rotary batch mixing is an old warhorse in many processing operations.

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On Site: Tailoring Medical Solutions… Sometimes in 50-lb Lots

Smaller volumes teams with higher quality and value as keys to the success of this growing medical compounder.

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best practices

Look Upstream to Avoid ‘GIGO’ Pitfalls in Extrusion

You may think you have a feeding issue when in reality your problem may be upstream.

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Process Cooling
Plastics Size Reduction