by Doug Brewster, conveying product manager Conair Materials represent the single largest expense in most facilities. In today's world, having a reliable resin-handling system is as important as having reliable electrical power. The design, maintenance and operation of a material-handling system can have everything to do with how well the system meets production goals and … [Read more...] about Building a Successful Material-Handling System
Process Improvement
Applying the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 in the Plastics Sector
by Steve Bieszczat, chief marketing officer IQMS Everyone is talking about the promise of the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the related concept of Industry 4.0. But, discussions often are broadly conceptual, giving manufacturing operations managers and executives little real-world guidance on how to leverage new information and operational technologies to drive … [Read more...] about Applying the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 in the Plastics Sector
Clamp Tonnage: More is Better, Right?
by Jeremy Williams, consultant/trainer, RJG, Inc. Tired of spending thousands of dollars running non-conforming product, rebuilding a damaged mold or overhauling a machine? Many factors can determine the success of an injection molding process. As molders, we are dependent upon the robustness of the part design, quality of material and how well the mold has been designed … [Read more...] about Clamp Tonnage: More is Better, Right?
Advanced Injection Molding Simulation of Fiber-Filled Materials
by Matt Proske, vice president SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc. Improving mechanical properties and/or weight reduction requires finding ways to improve stiffness while reducing weight. Fiber-filled polymer materials have been the number one choice to accomplish these goals, but the transition has not been easy or straightforward. The primary challenge has been that increasing … [Read more...] about Advanced Injection Molding Simulation of Fiber-Filled Materials
Compounding the Purge: Getting the Most out of Color and Resin Changeovers
by Brittany Willes, contributing editor, Plastics Business . Click Thumbnails to View For molders, purging refers to the process of removing traces of old material and contaminants from molding equipment. With a plethora of purging compounds to work with, which compound is most efficient when it comes to color and resin changeovers? What are the benefits of … [Read more...] about Compounding the Purge: Getting the Most out of Color and Resin Changeovers