Plastics Business

Strategies for Today's Plastics Processors

Resins

From Melting to Molding — Analytical Techniques to Support Process Optimization and Quality Control in the Injection Molding Industry

by Mettler Toledo . Click Thumbnails to View Quality issues in injection-molded products can range from purely cosmetic to serious structural defects that affect product performance and function. These may be caused by problems, such as contamination, related to the raw materials themselves, how they are stored and/or handled by the manufacturer prior to … [Read more...] about From Melting to Molding — Analytical Techniques to Support Process Optimization and Quality Control in the Injection Molding Industry

Material Development for 3D Printing

by Brittany Willes, contributing editor Plastics Business In the past few years, injection molders have gone from using 3D printers almost exclusively to create prototypes to exploring larger scale production opportunities for complex parts. However, material developers haven't always kept up with industry changes. Plastics Business reached out to injection molders and … [Read more...] about Material Development for 3D Printing

3D Printing Takes on a New Shape

by Dianna Brodine, managing editor Plastics Business Even as resin development takes a step forward, 3D-printed objects still have inherent structural flaws because of the layered building steps of the traditional additive manufacturing process. A Coeur d'Alene, Idaho-based company has patented a 3D printing technology that combines continuous fibers with UV-curable … [Read more...] about 3D Printing Takes on a New Shape

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