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New System Utilizes EMF Technology to Measure Sheet Thickness, Temperature
An altogether different approach to in-line measurement is said to provide direct thickness measurement, is impervious to material density changes, installs quickly and does so without radiation.
Jim Callari
Editorial Director, Plastics Technology
Novel Extruder Takes Unique Approach to Feeding, Melting
MixFlow extruder relies on conductive heating to melt plastics, upending conventional wisdom on how plastics melt inside conventional screw extruders.
Read MoreGolf Equipment Manufacturer Scores Higher Productivity With Automated Cell
Ping was able to reduce labor and waste at its production facility in Phoenix via an automated molding cell courtesy of Wittmann.
Read MoreNovel Line Turns Fluff to Blown Film
Processor Bioflex of Mexico is utilizing Reifenhäuser Blown Film’s EVO Fusion technology to integrate postindustrial and postconsumer recycled materials into products.
Read MoreMaking Safety a Priority in Recycled Plastic for Personal Care and Food-Contact Products
Proper quality controls and feedstream selection can produce recycled materials for any application.
Read MorePTXPO Broadens Educational Opportunities
Beyond gleaning contacts and information by walking its bustling aisles, the third edition of the Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) will present attendees the opportunity to gather more than information on the latest technologies, they can also bring back knowledge.
Read MoreHow Yeast Could Give Rise to Bioplastic
Researchers work to scale up a biomanufacturing process for succinic acid, an important building block for industrial chemicals and a biopolymer precursor.
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Injection Molding Stock-Shape Parts in High-Temperature Materials
Patented technology is described as a hybrid that uses a specialized tool, a standard injection molding machine and off-the-shelf components to replace compression molding and extrusion for large stock shapes.
Tony Deligio
Editor-in-Chief, Plastics Technology
PolyJohn Turns to Blow Molding, Doubles Its Productivity
Leading maker of portable sanitation products knew thermoforming, sheet extrusion, rotomolding and injection molding. Then it found the missing link to higher productivity and new markets: blow molding.
Read MoreAutomotive Awards Highlight Emerging Technologies
Annual SPE Automotive event gives nods to several ‘firsts’ as well as sustainability.
Read More3D Printed Spine Implants Made From PEEK Now in Production
Medical device manufacturer Curiteva is producing two families of spinal implants using a proprietary process for 3D printing porous polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
Read MoreAMRs and Cobots Target Inspection, Palletizing and Movement of Finished Goods
The same year it marked its 70th year in ´óÏó´«Ã½, custom injection molder Hoffer Plastics (South Elgin, Illinois) — which routinely reinvests more than 10% of its annual revenue back into new equipment — prioritized automation in that CapEx with some stunning results.
Read MoreInjection Molded Enclosures Plug into Potential Electric Vehicle Battery Applications
In partnership with material suppliers, Engel is proving out injection molded thermoplastic-based concepts for electric vehicle battery housings, utilizing production tools and dedicated machines at its large press factory in St. Valentin, Austria.
Read MoreNew Screw Boosts Mixing, Enhances Polymer Properties
Device mixes at the ‘molecular level,’ inventor says, to boost mechanicals and in some cases make pre-drying redundant.
Read MoreCalcium Carbonate From Carbon Capture for Brighter Plastics and Greener Steel
CarbonFree is converting steel slag and blast furnace exhaust into an important plastic compounding additive.
Matt Stonecash
Associate Editor, Plastics Technology Magazine
Materials Suppliers Team on PFAS-Free Solutions
Baerlocher PFAS-fee process aid passes muster in resin manufacturer’s testing on production-sized blown film line.
Read MoreResearch Deems Bioplastics, Wood Pulp a Sustainable, Economic Alternative for Rigid Packaging
Farrel Pomini and FPInnovations produce biodegradable compound for molding, extrusion and thermoforming applications.
Read MoreDirect Solar Heating for Rotational Molding Enables Feedback Control and Rapid Deployment
Light Manufacturing offers rotomolding factory in a box, with no utilities needed.
Read MoreOpen Automation Enables Flexibility in Chemical Recycling
Software-defined equipment control systems can be duplicated, transferred and scaled with ease.
Read MoreCustom Molder Pivots When States Squelch Thriving Single-Use Bottle Business
Currier Plastics had a major stake in small hotel amenity bottles until state legislators banned them. Here’s how Currier adapted to that challenge.
Read MoreNPE2024 Materials: Spotlight on Sustainability with Performance
Across the show, sustainability ruled in new materials technology, from polyolefins and engineering resins to biobased materials.
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Cork Compounds for High Strength, Low Weight Performance Composites
Amorim Cork Solutions enable bio-based designs for injection molded products.
Matt Stonecash
Associate Editor, Plastics Technology Magazine
Masterbatch Creates Cavities, Helping Film Processors Boost Sustainability, Recyclability
Additive technology creates air pockets in film during orientation, cutting down on the amount of resin needed while boosting opacity, mechanical properties and recyclability.
Read MoreExtrusion Technology Extended to Injection, Enabling Up to 100% Regrind Usage
Twin-barrel (shot-pot) press can handle more regrind, offers other benefits to molders.
Read MoreNPE2024 Wrap-Up: Sustainability Dominates Show Floor News
Across all process types, sustainability was a big theme at NPE2024. But there was plenty to see in automation and artificial intelligence as well.
Read MoreNPE 2024: Additive Manufacturing Assisting, Advancing Plastics Processing
Exhibitors and presenters at the plastics show emphasized 3D printing as a complement and aid to more traditional production processes.
Read MoreTight-Tolerance Molder Dips Toe in Extrusion Waters
Midwest Precision Molding brings extrusion capacity in-house to assist a customer that was having a sourcing issue with its existing overseas suppliers.
Read MoreThin-Film Sensors Integrated Directly Onto Cavity Surface
Fraunhofer IST researchers say the wear-resistant thin-film sensors are deposited onto the tool surface, enabling direct temperature and flow measurements in critical areas of a mold.
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