by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business 3D printing has come a long way from its origins in the 1980s when researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs in labs and garages imagined ground-breaking methods and built the first machines. At first a novelty and then embraced primarily by hobbyists, additive manufacturing has matured and become a workhorse in a growing variety of … [Read more...] about What’s New and What’s Possible in Additive Manufacturing for Plastics, Metal and More
Molds/Tooling
Techniques for a Successful Mold-Building Partnership
by Gene Mussel, director, Harbour Results, Inc. Today, plastic processors have many challenges to manage to maintain a successful business – from raw material price increases to labor shortages – and, several of these issues are out of leadership’s control. However, one opportunity to drive efficiency and profitability improvement – and can be controlled – is the relationship … [Read more...] about Techniques for a Successful Mold-Building Partnership
An Effective Approach to Toolmaker Evaluations
by Danielle Sheldon, marketing assistant, Team 1 Plastics, and Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business For the plastic injection molding industry, it is essential for some decisions to be cost-driven. With supply shortages taking their toll on molders across the globe, a cost-driven strategy can be beneficial to the annual outcomes of all involved. There can be, … [Read more...] about An Effective Approach to Toolmaker Evaluations
Q&A: Automation in Plastics Molding Plants
by Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Business Production efficiencies achieved through automation can be the difference between a healthy bottom line and one that leaves little room for growth. From fully automated lights-out production and push-button molding cells to robotic pick-and-place processes and ERP systems, plastics molding companies are at varying stages in the … [Read more...] about Q&A: Automation in Plastics Molding Plants
Tools for Improving Inventory Monitoring and Tracking, and Supply Chain Management
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Business Planning as far out as possible, having resin alternatives available for substitutions and being ready to jump on spot opportunities are good tactics, but the trio of experts had more advice for managing resin inventories, and for anticipating and planning how to weather future supply chain disruptions. “Given the current tight resin … [Read more...] about Tools for Improving Inventory Monitoring and Tracking, and Supply Chain Management