Know-How
Attending NPE2024 From the Perspective of a Molder
NPE2024 has come and gone, but before it’s completely in our collective rearview, Plastics Technology asked Rodney Davenport, vice president at injection molder CH3 Solutions, for a processor’s perspective on the big show.
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Understanding Melting in Single-Screw Extruders
You can better visualize the melting process by “flipping” the observation point so the barrel appears to be turning clockwise around a stationary screw.
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Use These 7 Parameters to Unravel the Melt Temperature Mystery
Despite its integral role in a stable process and consistent parts, true melt temperature in injection molding can be an enigma. Learning more about these seven parameters may help you solve the puzzle.
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A Guide to Single-Screw Mixers
To design the best mixers for single screws, you must completely understand how polymer moves through a mixer channel or groove.
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Part 3: The World of Molding Thermosets
Thermosets were the prevalent material in the early history of plastics, but were soon overtaken by thermoplastics in injection molding applications.
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How to Design Three-Plate Molds: Part 5
There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs. In this installment, the focus is on design and placement of sucker/puller pins.
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Let's Take a Journey Into the World of Thermosets: Part 2
Most thermoset molding processes still treat the mold like a black box where the curing process is invisible and mysterious, and nobody knows what is happening to the material until the mold opens. That just isn’t so.
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Diagnosing Defects: Determine True Root Cause Before Adjusting a Process
Common defects can have common causes — flash equals worn mold shutoffs, right? Except when they don’t. Trust your eyes, but verify the root cause before adjusting a process.
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Choosing the Right Gearbox and Motor for Your Single-Screw Extruder
Extruder OEMs are typically very good at sizing motors and gear boxes for extrusion applications. But you have the final decision on the acceptance of the design. Here’s what you should consider.
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The Role Barrel Temperatures Play in Melting
You need to understand the basics of how plastic melts in an extruder to properly set your process and troubleshoot any issues. Hint: it’s not about the barrel temperature settings.
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