Know-How

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best practices 2 Nov 2023

Where and How to Vent Injection Molds: Part 3

Questioning several “rules of thumb” about venting injection molds.

Multiscrew 1 Nov 2023

Configuring the Twin Screw Extruder: Part 4

For many compounding operations, material is fed to the extruder at the feed throat. This is the case when feeding a single polymer or a blend of polymers mixed with solid additives. Some ingredients, however, present a challenge in feeding. Here’s how to solve to them.

Injection Molding 26 Oct 2023

Back to Basics on Mold Venting (Part 2: Shape, Dimensions, Details)

Here’s how to get the most out of your stationary mold vents.

Extrusion 18 Oct 2023

Single vs. Twin-Screw Extruders: Why Mixing is Different

There have been many attempts to provide twin-screw-like mixing in singles, but except at very limited outputs none have been adequate. The odds of future success are long due to the inherent differences in the equipment types.

Injection Molding 12 Oct 2023

Back to Basics on Mold Venting (Part 1)

Here’s what you need to know to improve the quality of your parts and to protect your molds.

Tooling 9 Oct 2023

How to Design Three-Plate Molds: Part 2

There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs, and keep the customer happy.

Materials Know How 4 Oct 2023

What's the Allowable Moisture Content in Nylons? It Depends: Part 2

Operating within guidelines from material suppliers can produce levels of polymer degradation. Get around it with better control over either the temperature of the melt or the barrel residence time.

Injection Molding 13 Sep 2023

How to Design Three-Plate Molds, Part 1

There are many things to consider, and paying attention to the details can help avoid machine downtime and higher maintenance costs, and keep the customer happy.

Tooling Know-How 7 Sep 2023

Hot Runners: How to Maintain Heaters, Thermocouples, and Controls

I conclude this three-part examination of real-world problems and solutions involving hot runners by focusing on heaters, thermocouples, and controls. Part 3 of 3.

Engineering Resins 4 Sep 2023

What is the Allowable Moisture Content in Nylons? It Depends (Part 1)

A lot of the nylon that is processed is filled or reinforced, but the data sheets generally don’t account for this, making drying recommendations confusing. Here’s what you need to know.