best practices
Try a ‘Complete’ Method to Clean Screws, Barrels
Pulling the screw will give you direct access to clean all surfaces. Here’s how to do so in an efficient, safe, and non-destructive way.
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A Film Processor’s Guide to Understanding Materials & Equipment
Process engineers need to have a fundamental understanding of three areas: the material properties, the basic design parameters of the extrusion equipment, and the process window of the equipment.
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Add Some Science To Your Purging Practices
Applying scientific methodology to purging techniques is safer and more beneficial than operating ‘on-the-fly’ or using home-made remedies.
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Compounder Finds Niche in Recycling
Combining compounding and recycling in one step is helping take Buckeye Polymers to the next level.
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MES Helps Molder Tackle Plant Efficiency
New central computer system dramatically improved operating efficiencies and slashed costs for a molder of tackle boxes and other types of cases.
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TOOLING: Repairing Molds in the Press: Part 3
This is the final part of a series on tooling in the press. This column will cover repairs that can be accomplished in the press.
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EXTRUSION: Venerable Maddock Mixer Still an Extrusion Workhorse
Variations to this decades-old mixing section are widely used, but processors should carefully analyze these designs and not assume they will perform better.
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INJECTION MOLDING: Improving Barrel-Temperature Measurement and Control
Proper thermocouple placement and contact area are crucial, as is wire maintenance. But remember that barrel temperature and melt temperature are not the same
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MATERIALS: The Problems with Single-Point Data: Part 9
Time—and not just temperature—governs the behavior of materials under load. Both must be considered when evaluating a polymer for an application.
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Prototype to Production: NPI/Medical Is Quick-Turn Artist
New name, same focus: From 1 part to millions, a new-product development manufacturer for over 45 years.
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