by Dino Caparco, engineering operations manager Yushin America, Inc. Ensuring success for an automation project or initiative starts before the project is selected. Many organizations select projects that may not make sense or may not be within the capabilities of their support staff. This could lead to a failed attempt or a return on investment that is just a fraction of … [Read more...] about Successful Automation Implementation
Process Improvement
Liquid Color for Plastics: Friend or Foe?
by Nick Sotos iD Additives, Inc. In the early 1980s, liquid color acquired a reputation as an unreliable method of coloring thermoplastics, primarily due to the lack of technology involving the carrier and delivery systems. Together with a limited supply base that was largely familiar with manufacturing dry powder and pellet concentrates, liquid color suppliers did not fully … [Read more...] about Liquid Color for Plastics: Friend or Foe?
Building a Successful Material-Handling System
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
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?