by Lou Zavala, Frigel For years, process cooling has been an important part of the plastic processing plant. Properly controlled cooling is critical to the overall productivity of the plant, the life of its equipment, and the quality of the products it makes. Yet, in my experience, the plant cooling system is often an afterthought. It's the equipment hidden in the back room … [Read more...] about Process Cooling: Optimize Plant Processes and Drive Down Costs
Process Improvement
Evaluating Energy Consumption of Molding Machines: What Have We Learned in 40 Years?
by Mark Elsass, Cincinnati Milacron Injection molding machines have evolved over the last 40 years from energy hogs, applying brute force to get the job done, to efficient energy machines elegantly synchronizing multiple electric servo motors to accomplish the same tasks. In the 1960s, machines were equipped with individual pumps to accomplish individual tasks. This … [Read more...] about Evaluating Energy Consumption of Molding Machines: What Have We Learned in 40 Years?
Saving Energy in Dryers, Material Handling, and Granulators
by Doug Brewster, The Conair Group, Inc. As manufacturing has became more intensely competitive, plastics processors are looking at auxiliary equipment that can reduce energy consumption, make better use of raw materials, reclaim scrap, and improve process yield. Today, these initiatives take on new significance as "sustainability" becomes the watchword for consumers and … [Read more...] about Saving Energy in Dryers, Material Handling, and Granulators
The Pros and Cons of Reusable Containers
by Thomas R. Cutler, TR Cutler, Inc. Green sustainable packaging solutions are as simple as reusing containers. Reusable Container & Pallet Association (RCPA) members are leading suppliers of the reusable/returnable industrial plastic containers, pallets, and packaging. They supply solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution … [Read more...] about The Pros and Cons of Reusable Containers
Using Purging Compound to Streamline Production Costs and Reduce Waste
by John Pizzo, Sun Plastech Inc. A huge volume of plastic resin is wasted every day due to poor resin quality, color changes, and product contamination. This large amount of plastic scrap creates a significant drain on the efficiency and profitability of thermoplastic processors already under pressure from a weakened economy. Plastics processors have reacted to this challenge … [Read more...] about Using Purging Compound to Streamline Production Costs and Reduce Waste