Injection Molding
Nanocomposites Broaden Roles in Automotive, Barrier Packaging
Nanocomposites are gradually gaining acceptance in the mainstream of global plastics processing. These polymer compounds, containing relatively low loadings (under 6% by weight) of nanometer-sized mineral particles, are beginning to show up in polypropylene and TPO-based automotive exterior claddings, barrier beer bottles, nylon packaging films, polyethylene pipe and wire/cable coatings, and more.
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AC Variable-Speed Drives Raise Molding Productivity
A more economical approach than either all-electric servo drives or special hydraulic pump packages is offered by Magnum LLC, Garden Grove, Calif. It is one of several firms that retrofit AC induction pump motors with variable-speed drive systems in place of the usual fixed-speed pump motor.
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The Right Way & The Wrong Way To Add Materials Conveying Capacity
Whether you're expanding your current plant or consolidating operations and moving equipment from one location to another, you will need to make sure that your material-handling system delivers the productivity you expect.
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In-Line Compounding of Long-Glass/PP Gains Strength in Automotive Molding
Another approach to long-fiber thermoplastic (LFT) molding is gaining credibility for producing a range of structural and semi-structural automotive parts. It is called direct LFT processing, and is already widely practiced in Europe.
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New Technique Molds Multiple Cavities —One Part at a Time
A new twist on sequential valve gating is said to offer numerous technical and economic benefits in multi-cavity injection molding of large parts.
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Injection Molding (K 2001 Preview)
All-electric machines will be one of the biggest themes in injection molding machinery at this year’s K show, where at least nine firms will bring out their first models.
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Greater Pickings in Robots for Injection Molders
The newest crop of robot automation for injection molding machines, displayed recently at the Platex show in Osaka, Japan, and the Plast-Ex Show in Mississauga, Ont., continue the trend toward six-axis jointed-arm models and improved servo-driven, beam-mounted units seen at last year's NPE show in Chicago. The latest introductions also include new controls for servo-driven robots, new units designed to work in palletizing cells, and a range of new sprue pickers in servo and pneumatic models.
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New Compounding Options Strengthen Pull of Molded Magnets
Thermoplastic polymer-bonded magnets are exerting a stronger pull on designers of motors, valves, sensors, and other electronic devices used in cars, telecommunications devices, and large appliances. The attraction is strongest in applications demanding greater design freedom than is offered by conventional magnets sintered from 100% metal powder.
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Magnetic Platens Catch On for Giant Presses
Molders are overcoming their doubts and choosing magnetic clamping systems for quick mold changes. What's really new is the growing use of magnetic platens on high-tonnage presses.
Read MoreMicromolding Sizing Up the Challenges
Molding multiple parts from one pellet's worth of plastic is a challenge that growing numbers of molders want to tackle. It is driving development of new technology in injection machines, tooling, parts handling, and inspection.
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