by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Business A Troy, AL, company originally known for recycling lead from car batteries entered the plastics recycling industry when car battery case makers switched to plastic construction. As recycled plastic volume grew, KW Plastics spun into a new enterprise as it searched for a way to utilize its own material; today, that enterprise – KW … [Read more...] about A Complete Circle at KW Container
2013 Spring
Mold Filling Simulation … Under Pressure
by John Ralston, Beaumont Technologies, Inc. Question: I did a mold filling simulation on a new part and mold design to ensure that we had enough pressure available to fill the part. However, the analysis under-predicted the pressures by 20 percent, and now I am on the verge of being pressure limited. I have to go back and rework the mold or find a molding machine with more … [Read more...] about Mold Filling Simulation … Under Pressure
Medical Molding Benefits from Revalidation of Injection Molding Processes Using Universal Set-up Data
by Bob Reese, RJG, Inc. In most injection molding applications, a mold is validated to run in a particular machine. Moving the mold to another press often is required for operational efficiency, but this usually requires revalidation. Depending on the application, revalidation can be very expensive. Costs include press time, material, engineering time, metrology and … [Read more...] about Medical Molding Benefits from Revalidation of Injection Molding Processes Using Universal Set-up Data
The Top 10 Plastics Training Mistakes
by Craig Paulson, Paulson Training Programs Plastics processors all are facing a growing shortage of skilled labor. Many of these companies are taking matters into their own hands and starting in-house training programs to ensure they will have a steady supply of skilled workers regardless of the labor pool. The "grow your own" approach is catching on. However, there are … [Read more...] about The Top 10 Plastics Training Mistakes
Reducing the Maintenance Burden on Technicians at Blow Molded Specialties
Plastics Business When a highly skilled, highly compensated technician is performing machine setup, it's best not to interrupt that technician with minor maintenance issues. Interruptions can cause errors to be introduced, as well as adding both time and cost to the bottom line. That's the premise Tom Boyd, president of Blow Molded Specialties in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was … [Read more...] about Reducing the Maintenance Burden on Technicians at Blow Molded Specialties