ProAmpac’s Philosophy: Think Big, Act Small

Jim Callari | Plastics Technology

While growing into a major force in flexible packaging—fueled by acquisition and new product development— this fully integrated film processor and converter has held onto the core values of a fast, feisty and customer-hungry smaller outfit.

In-Person Parts Cleaning Conference is Promising

Lori Beckman | Production Machining

I am enthusiastic about a safe, in-person event. I think many of us can use a boost of energy and inspiration that being surrounded by our colleagues can provide.

Optimized AM Metal Powder Alloy Delivers Application Flexibility

| MoldMaking Technology

New high-temperature, crack-free nickel-chromium alloy from EOS North America opens up industrial 3D printing options.

CDI Energy Products high-performance thermoplastic excels in highly corrosive application

Grace Stubbins | CompositesWorld

Achieving API 610 recognition, the proprietary thermoplastic polymer sustains differential pressures of more than 200 psi and holds a temperature profile of -20ºF to 105ºF.

System Moves Color Control From Lab to Production Floor

Jim Callari | Plastics Technology

In-line spectrophotometer from Equitech promises to move color management out of the lab and right to the extrusion line to slash waste and improve quality.

Aerion ceases operations of AS2 business jet 

Grace Stubbins | CompositesWorld

According to Aerion, the decision has been attributed to the lack of funding for the supersonic aircraft.

March Cutting Tool Orders Highest in 13 Months

Steven Kline, Jr. | MoldMaking Technology

March cutting tool orders reached $177.6 million, which Gardner Intelligence says is close to a normal, pre-lockdown level. Starting in April, rapidly accelerating growth in the rate of change is expected. 
#economics

Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo completes third crewed spaceflight

Grace Stubbins | CompositesWorld

All-composite VSS Unity reached suborbital space at a speed of Mach 3, marking the first human spaceflight from its New Mexico home port, and another step toward commercial operations. 

The European Alliance for SMC BMC launches second SMC design series guide

Grace Stubbins | CompositesWorld

With a full range of SMC finishing options available, this design guide addresses best formulation and application practices as well as latest SMC coating technologies.

What You Need to Know About Blade Ejectors: Part 2

Jim Fattori | Plastics Technology

Follow these guidelines to prevent premature wear, flash and galling.

Understanding Roll Deflection in Sheet Processing

Jim Frankland | Plastics Technology

Because of roll deflection, sheet stacks made for PS don’t work nearly as well with PP. One solution is to try a top roll that bends in the opposite direction.

Plastics Industry Association Releases Statement on Canada's "Toxic" Label for Plastics

| MoldMaking Technology

The Canadian government continues its push to eventually ban certain types of plastic products. PLASTICS warns that its “toxic” label could have ramifications far beyond some single-use items.

Braskem, Vartega launch new carbon fiber recycling program for 3D printing filament

Grace Stubbins | CompositesWorld

Carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene (CF-PP) filament is made from 100% recycled carbon fiber to leverage recycling capabilities and plastic waste elimination.

EconCore thermoplastic honeycomb cores deliver high-heat performance, facilitates recyclability

Grace Stubbins | CompositesWorld

Honeycomb cores incorporate Sabic NORYL GTX resin for improved dimensional stability, lower water absorption and demonstration of thermoset composite skin compatibility.

Haidlmair Lands Largest Injection Mold Order to Date

| MoldMaking Technology

The moldmaking specialist, with help from its technology partner, Schoeller Allibert, will produce 20 injection molds for a reusable plastic packaging company. 

Arevo debuts custom, 3D-printed composite scooter

Hannah Mason | CompositesWorld

Scotsman is a direct-to-consumer, tailor-made electric kickscooter with continuous carbon fiber/thermoplastic unibody frame, handlebars, stem and baseboard.

3D Printed Headgear that Can Take a Hit: The Cool Parts Show #31

Stephanie Hendrixson | Additive Manufacturing

A custom helmet made via Multi Jet Fusion has allowed Sarah Piersanti to get back to practicing jiu-jitsu without fear of damaging her cochlear implant.

Methods Machine Tools lanza actualizaciones de VisionGauge OnLine

| Modern Machine Shop México

Una de las principales actualizaciones del software VisionGauge OnLine, de Methods Machine Tools, mejora la velocidad y la facilidad de uso del comparador óptico digital de cinco ejes VisionGauge serie 700 para la medición y la inspección.

Autonomous Bin Picking Streamlines Downstream Operations for Molder

Tony Deligio | Plastics Technology

Allied Moulded Products saves labor and floorspace with Universal Robots’ new ActiNav autonomous bin-picking kit.

Branded Glasses Made from 40% Biobased Nylon Compounds

Lilli Manolis Sherman | Plastics Technology

Evonik’s Trogamid myCX eCo sustainable transparent nylon to be used by global eyewear design and manufacturing firm Safilo.  

Apply the Power of a Troubleshooting Checklist to Your Process

| Plastics Technology

Pocket guides provide processors an injection molding “crib sheet,” but in a process with thousands of interactions, applying if-this/then-that logic can’t always get you to a problem’s root cause.

Manufactura de tren motriz eléctrico repercutirá en la industria

| Modern Machine Shop México

Un informe de McKinsey & Company refiere que el cambio al tren motriz eléctrico repercutirá en la industria de máquinas-herramienta.