best practices

best practices 31 Aug 2017

A Culture Built on Innovation in Medical Tubing Extrusion

Microspec was born out of innovation, and 28 years later continues to set the global standard in medical tubing by developing high-precision multi-lumen catheters—among other tubing products—by refusing to believe “it can’t be done.”

best practices 31 Aug 2017

Extrusion: The Facts About Barrel-Temperature Override

Cooling the barrel more may extract heat from the barrel, but not necessarily from the process. Here’s why.

processing tips 31 Jul 2017

Keep Dust and Angel Hair Out of Your Process

Angel hair, fines, and dust can adversely impact any type of plastics production—from resin manufacturing itself to molding and other processes. Here’s how to solve it.

plant tour 27 Jul 2017

Molder Gets Hermetic Seal, High Yield with Servo Welder

Supplier of power protection systems avoids redesign of molds by replacing pneumatic ultrasonic welder.

best practices 27 Jul 2017

Mold Performance: Tap Into the Power of Data Collection

Collecting core data in a transparent way allows molders to drill into the true cost of tooling issues and develop real goals to keep production flowing.

best practices 27 Jul 2017

Polymer Resources: Compounding's 'Small Big Guy'

This compounder combines a service-first, small-company mindset with the technical might of larger companies to carve a niche in engineering plastics.

Commodity Resins 27 Jul 2017

Polyolefin Discoloration: New Additive Solutions Solve Common Problems

There’s a growing demand for PE films with lower initial color and improved color stability, as well as better retention of physical properties. New stabilizer systems address these and similar concerns for molded PE and PP parts.

Molds & Tooling 25 Jul 2017

Tooling: Critical Design Considerations for Sprue Bushings

Among them are good cooling, proper orientation, solid retention, structural integrity, generous radii, and an appropriately polished bore.

Extrusion Know How 25 Jul 2017

Extrusion: The Importance of Proper Barrel Supports

Supports that allow the barrel to expand and contract easily will prevent alignment issues. Examine them periodically for proper operation, particularly if you’re experiencing excessive wear.

Injection Know How 25 Jul 2017

Injection Molding: Time for Another Look at Non-Return Valves

First and foremost, they must seal properly, and check valves with stepped angles or radiused seats perform the best.