Know-How
What Output Can I Expect?
Processors ask screw designers this question a lot. But neither output nor melt temperature can be predicted without details on the polymer and head pressure.
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Unraveling the Mysteries of Melt Temperature
Infrared technology can provide consistent and accurate readings of melt temperature. Here’s how to use it.
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Finding Root Causes of a Material Problem
Tools and methods for determining oxidative stability can be useful, but even more useful if constructed to yield the information you really need.
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What Blow Molders Say About All-Electric Machines
They are well established in Europe, but molders in North America are just beginning to come around to all-electrics’ improved performance, maintenance, cleanliness, and—yes— energy efficiency. Here’s first-hand testimony, from the U.S. and abroad.
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Two-Shot Molding and Tool Design
There are a few variations of the two-shot molding process, and each has implications for tool design.
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Extruding Very High-Flow Polymers
Screw designs not suited to process lower-viscosity materials will result in poor melt quality and lower outputs.
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Faster Is Not Always Better—Optimize Your Molding Cycle
It is possible for machines to run too fast, so find the sweet spot where maximum output overlaps with good parts.
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The Importance of Oxidative Stability in Polyolefins, Part 3
Tools and methods for determining oxidative stability can be useful, but even more useful if constructed to yield the information you really need.
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Solving Issues with Gloss
Your problem may be related to tooling, material, processing, or combinations thereof. Here’s how to find the root cause.
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Do You Have Screw Wear?
It’s generally caused by metal-to-metal contact, and your first indicator will be poor melt quality.
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