Know-How

best practices

Injection Molding: Are You Using More Than 65% Of Your Barrel Capacity?

If you are, you are inviting Murphy—as in trouble—to the party.

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processing tips

Sharper Dies Make for Smoother Extrusions

Dies that have a radius at the exit will result in poorer surface finish.

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Clamp Tonnage: More Is Better...Right?

Determining the correct tonnage provides a foundation that must be rock-solid to avoid flash and damage. But applying excessive force can create problems with the part, mold, and machine.

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Cycle Time: Science vs. Rules of Thumb, Part 1

What temperature must the polymer reach so the part can be ejected from the mold? Here, more than for any other variable, ‘rules of thumb’ unfortunately prevail.

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Tooling Know-How

Locating Rings, Platen Damage, and the Center of Gravity: Part 3

Selecting the right locating ring and putting it to good use takes careful consideration.

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best practices

Sizing the Barrier Gap

Here’s a less complex way to properly size the barrier gap for barrier screws.

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How to Duplicate a Process From Press to Press

To adopt the right approach you must distinguish between machine and plastic parameters.

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Materials

The Need for Generalists: Part 4

Solving problems generally requires distinguishing good samples from bad ones. But that can become clumsy when one person runs the test while another analyzes the data.

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Optimize Feeding to Get More Money in Twin-Screw Compounding

Follow these practical examples to improve the feeding efficiency and productivity of your process.

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best practices

Locating Rings and Platen Damage: Part 2

Selecting the right locating ring and putting it to good use takes careful consideration.

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Blending & Dosing