processing tips
INJECTION MOLDING: Improving Barrel-Temperature Measurement and Control
Proper thermocouple placement and contact area are crucial, as is wire maintenance. But remember that barrel temperature and melt temperature are not the same
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EXTRUSION: Managing Regrind
Reusing scrap is a necessary evil. But be aware of the negative impact scrap has on properties and extrusion efficiencies. Start by developing a regrind-usage program.
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INJECTION MOLDING: Get Control Over Barrel Zone Temperature Override
Poor temperature control results in an erratic melt stream and process. Here are some tips on how to get things under control.
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EXTRUSION: Melting 101
Learn the basics on how polymer melts in a single screw. Barrel temperature plays less of a role than you might think.
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INJECTION MOLDING: Develop Guidelines—Not Strict Procedures— For a Robust Molding Process
‘Fool-proof’ dos and don’ts will prove foolhardy in a process with so many variables. You aren’t slinging burgers.
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MATERIALS: The Problems with Single-Point Data, Part 7
The industry can choose between continuing to perform DTUL tests that provide single points that are part of a curve never seen, or perform the test that provides the entire curve.
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Get Back to Basics On Water-Cooling Equipment
Neglecting your plant water systems can result in inefficiencies and downtime. Follow these tips when you get new equipment on stream or to maintain what you’re already running.
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Solve Venting Problems on Twin-Screw Compounding Extruders
Compounds must be free of voids and volatiles or else the material will cause subsequent processing problems. Here’s how to ensure your venting is effective.
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Why & When Should You Re-Crystallize PET Scrap?
Whether you’re blow molding PET bottles or extruding APET sheet, you’ll produce amorphous scrap in the process. How you handle it will impact your production costs. Re-crystallizing it will help.
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EXTRUSION: The Two Main Causes of Screw Wear
Wedging and misalignment are often confused with each other when inspecting a worn screw.
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