by Mark Haynie, Novatec Central drying systems typically, but not always, are an integral part of a central conveying system. Central drying adds a new level of energy efficiency for processors because dryers can be moved off the production floor, and a single dryer is more efficient to operate than multiple dryers taking up space on the production floor. When a processor … [Read more...] about Advantages of a Central Resin Drying System
Process Improvement
Implementing Cobots: Working Collaboratively with Robots at Wisconsin Plastics
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor Plastics Business It's a common joke at parties and a worry among laborers: robots taking over the world. But, employees of all levels at Wisconsin Plastics Inc. (WPI), located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, have embraced change by working in harmony with robots for one year. The contract injection molding company began taking steps to … [Read more...] about Implementing Cobots: Working Collaboratively with Robots at Wisconsin Plastics
Fan Filters Reduce Dust at Toyota Material Handling
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor Plastics Business A typical Midwestern town, Columbus, Indiana, is known not only for its unique architecture throughout the downtown area, but also as the hometown of basketball player turned shoe salesman Chuck Taylor and Vice President Mike Pence. It also is the location of Toyota Material Handling USA, Inc., a forklift … [Read more...] about Fan Filters Reduce Dust at Toyota Material Handling
OEE Leads to SMART Solutions at PMC
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor Plastics Business Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is - at its most simple - a measurement of manufacturing productivity. Developed as a tenet of lean manufacturing, the aim of OEE is to provide metrics that can be used to improve a manufacturing process. Three components provide data when assessing OEE, as described at … [Read more...] about OEE Leads to SMART Solutions at PMC
4DX Strategy Pushes Ideas to Goal Execution at GreenLeaf Industries
by Nancy Cates, contributing writer Plastics Business Every manager has done it: Look at the P&L sheets and analyze production. Consider customer comments and complaints. Prep for the meeting. Invite all the players to gather in one room. Review strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Brainstorm. Put ideas on the board. Stir the pot. Swap out this concept … [Read more...] about 4DX Strategy Pushes Ideas to Goal Execution at GreenLeaf Industries