by Michael L. Stowe, P.E., senior energy engineer, Advanced Energy . " title="Efficient energy consumption can greatly increase profitability."> Efficient energy consumption can greatly increase profitability. . " title="Figure 1. Typical single screw plastic extruder "> Figure 1. Typical single screw plastic extruder . " title="Figure 2. … [Read more...] about Opportunities for Energy Efficiency in the Plastics Molding Facility
Process Improvement
4 Variables, 7 Questions: How to Determine What Changed in Your Process
by Chris Nomura, consultant/trainer RJG, Inc. Anyone who has been through RJG training is familiar with the concept of the Four Plastics Variables. The Four Plastics Variables (4PVs) are a way of breaking the process down into four components to help understand what is actually affecting part quality, separate from machine settings. Our natural inclination is to look at … [Read more...] about 4 Variables, 7 Questions: How to Determine What Changed in Your Process
What’s the Deal with Short Shots?
by Shane Vandekerkhof, consultant/trainer, RJG, Inc. When we ask customers what their most pressing quality issues are, short shots or non-filled parts are inevitably on the list. So why don't we start by defining a short shot. A short shot is when a plastic part does not completely fill out. A portion of it is missing. A few issues can cause shorts, and the fix is not always … [Read more...] about What’s the Deal with Short Shots?
Impact of Material Specification on Operational Efficiency
by Stacy Shelly, regional commercial director Midwest AMCO Polymers Plastics processors are driving efficiencies throughout their operations by ensuring equipment is up-to-date, optimizing facility costs and gaining a deep understanding of job scheduling. Resin pricing has received attention, too, with conversation centering around price stabilization and guarantees. … [Read more...] about Impact of Material Specification on Operational Efficiency
The Scientific Molding Plant: How to Get There from Here
by Donald C. Paulson, founder and owner Paulson Training Programs Scientific molding often is used to describe the ideal injection molding process, but what exactly does the term mean? Scientific injection molding (SIM) is the practical application of the laws of physics as they apply to molded parts properties. To understand molding as a science, you first must discard the … [Read more...] about The Scientific Molding Plant: How to Get There from Here