Tuesday, October 16, 2018
All News
UK Project Successfully Recycled One Million PVC Gift Cards
September 26, 2017
Having proved the concept, investment in infrastructure is the next step with an eye towards loyalty and hotel key cards next. Gift cards are a convenient present of a choice but they don’t exactly have a great recycling story at end of life. So I read with interest a news release that stated a project in the UK successfully recycled one
New Studies Bode Well for Future of Plastics’ Use Globally
September 26, 2017
Sweeping study looks at production, use and fate of all plastics. In July, the journal Science Advances published a study on the “Production, Use and Fate of All Plastics Ever Made,” by Roland Geyer, Jenna R. Jambeck and Kara Lavender Law, which was heralded by the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) as
Recycling: High-Output Filter For High-Contamination Applications
September 26, 2017
The GorillaBelt melt filter from Italy’s Cofit International is now available in the U.S. from Melt Filtration Products, Charlotte, N.C. The unit is for use when processing both post-consumer and post-industrial material. In Europe, the machine has been running at multiple locations on lines with 10-15% contamination rate, running at
Extrusion: Laserfilter Now Suited for PET Sheet
September 26, 2017
The Laserfilter from Erema (U.S. office Erema North America Inc., Ipswich, Mass.) is a continuous filter system with screen fineness of 70µm. Rheological optimization of the breaker plate reportedly offers a “gentler filtration process.” While the filter is said to be well-established among recyclers of PCR, Erema says its
Plastic Bottle Recycling Campaign Reports Tangible Results
September 26, 2017
The campaign in North and South Carolina debuted with a 2% increase in tons of all types of plastic bottles sold by local recycling processors from March to May 2017. We all know the power of marketing and advertising when it comes to B2C-type products but what about for a “call to action?” such as recycling? Well, according to the
Understanding Low-Rate Feeding for Continuous and Batch Processes
September 26, 2017
The example above shows that weight is important to establish your basis, but the actual micro-feeder volume output design (feeding three pellets) will have a greater impact on your true product consistency at low rates. This is the major reason material consistency is so crucial for feeding low rates. FEEDING INTO THE PROCESS Once the material
MATERIALS HANDLING: Blender Upgrades Control, Fine Tunes Mixing and Dosing
September 26, 2017
Conair, Cranberry Township, Penn., has updated its TrueBlend line of gravimetric blenders, introducing the new SmartBlend SB-3 control and undertaking design changes that it says eliminate material losses, optimize critical blends and simplify clean-out and maintenance. The SmartBlend SB-3 control, which supports 16 languages, features a
MATERIALS HANDLING: Blender Automatically Self Cleans
September 26, 2017
Blender’s automated material-cleanout system can complete a material change without an operator. New Product Post: 6/6/2017 Advanced Blending Solutions (ABS), Wallace, Mich., is launching its first automated self-cleaning blender, the Chameleon Simplicity 3000. Material, which is removed from the feeder tray using an automated vacuum system,
Extrusion 2017 Conference: Call for Papers
September 26, 2017
By presenting at the conference you can establish yourself as a thought leader in the world of extrusion. Blog Post: 4/10/2017 Jim Callari Editorial Director/Associate Publisher, Plastics Technology Plastics Technology Magazine is bringing the world of extrusion together in one place, at one time, once more, at The Extrusion 2017 Conference. During
How Low Can Low-Rate Feeders Go?
September 26, 2017
More and more processors are looking for greater precision from their feeding equipment. Here’s what some are doing about it. Plastrac gravimetric Disc Feeders have been modified to run on vertical injection machines performing insert molding at Weiss-Aug’s Surgical Products Div. How many pellets are in 1 g? How many in 0.01 g? Orbetron
PP Compounder Elbows Out Production Snafus
September 26, 2017
Replacing each of the six elbows cost the compounder an hour of downtime plus the cost of labor. The price of buying 72 or more replacement elbows a year ran well into the tens of thousands of dollars. The Plastics Group went searching for a solution, and ended up replacing the six 90° sweep elbows with the
10 Things to Know When Specifying Vacuum Conveying Systems for Powders
September 26, 2017
Vacuum conveying systems for powders and other bulk materials involve a starting point and a destination, avoiding many hazards along the way. Powders are transferred from various sources to the processing line using vacuum or negative pressure. The number one advantage of vacuum conveying is dust control, and in the plastics industry,
MATERIALS HANDLING: Real-Time Pellet Moisture Monitoring and More at K 2016
September 26, 2017
Mini-dryer, upgraded gravimetric blender, and a new mini central conveying system join the Moisture Meter at K 2016. Moretto's new Moisture Meter. Moretto's new XD10 mini dryer. Previous Next Moretto of Italy (U.S. office in Columbus, Ohio) will bring its latest developments in drying, blending, and conveying to K 2016 in Dusseldorf
The Primary Importance of Secondary Equipment
September 26, 2017
Resin drying, resin conveying and process heating and cooling are as vital to the injection molding process as the press and tool, and they get their due at Molding 2017. An entire track and multiple speakers from industry leading suppliers like ACS Group, Burger & Brown Engineering, Inc., Conair, Dri-Air Industries, Inc., Engel Machinery,
Augmented Auxiliaries At K 2016
September 26, 2017
Moretto says the patented measuring technology, dubbed Power Peak, determines moisture levels by sending electromagnetic waves through the resin, with the waves’ amplitude changing depending on the variations in moisture content. The Moisture Meter can measure water in resin down to 15 ppm, and it comes with a standalone controller,
Water Droplets in the Feed Throat
September 26, 2017
I suppose nobody enjoys the details of drying, yet they are critical to the “Three Ps” of injection molding: Processing, part Performance, and Profits. Let me tell you a quick story. Within the last few months, I have come across two cases in which water droplets had condensed in the feed throat and nobody understood where the water
Used Machinery Dealer Expands in Southeast
September 26, 2017
ZAG Equipment has bigger facility in Gibsonville, N.C. ZAG Equipment Sales, Smyrna, Ga., which supplies used and refurbished injection molding and auxiliary equipment, has opened a new facility on six acres in Gibsonville, N.C. Much larger than the original Gibsonville location opened in 2007, the expansion increases the firm’s ability to
Drying: Dryer Upgrades to New, Easier-to-Program Control Panel
September 26, 2017
More intuitive with more information, control panel conveys additional information on a single screen. New Product Post: 7/12/2017 Matsui's MJ5-i series of dehumidifying dryers has a new control panel. Matsui America, Inc. (Hanover Park, Ill.) has an all new control panel on its MJ5-i series of dehumidifying dryers. Matsui reports that the
COMPOUNDING: High-Throughput Polyolefin Pellet Dryer
September 26, 2017
Centrifugal dryer claims highest known capacity for drying polyolefins. New Product Post: 5/31/2017 Gala Industries, Inc. -- a Member of Maag, Eagle Rock, Va., has engineered a centrifugal dryer with the highest known capacity for drying polyolefins. The latest version of the Model 100 dryer has resulted in an increased drying capacity of 150
What You Need to Know About Drying Specialty Nylons
September 26, 2017
• Hot-air dryers are the most effective in removing surface moisture and therefore are suitable for non-hygroscopic polymers such as polyolefins, polystyrene, and PVC.• Desiccant dryers have long been the workhorse for drying resins that absorb moisture, and generally include some configuration of a moisture-removal filter or bed that
DRYING: Vacuum Dryer’s Load Sensors Continuously Control Resin Levels
September 26, 2017
The new VBD300 dryer from Maguire Products, Aston, Penn., has the capacity for general-purpose injection molding applications and low- to mid-throughput extrusion jobs. Throughputs ranging up to 300 lb (136 kg) per hour double the VBD150’s capacity (which proved to have greater capacity in testing after launch) and bring the benefits of
AUXILIARIES: 3D Imaging App Is New Aid to Shopping for Equipment
September 26, 2017
If you’re shopping for materials-handling, drying, blending, and feeding auxiliary equipment, a new app for smart phones and tablets can let you turn 3D images of the hardware around 360° and even examine interior components or material flow through the system. The new Maguire 5D app from
Mixing: Planetary Dispersers with PLC Recipe Controls
September 26, 2017
The PowerMix Planetary Dispersers from Charles Ross & Son Co.., Hauppauge, N.Y. are now furnished with PLC Recipe Controls and are said to deliver superior batch-to-batch consistency in the mixing of high-solids, high-viscosity applications. Two independently-driven agitators—a high speed sawtooth disperser and a low speed planetary
Keep Dust and Angel Hair Out of Your Process
September 26, 2017
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.  FIG 1 Pellets sliding and bouncing in a conveying pipe. FIG 2 Friction and heat in a pipe elbow (see red). FIG 3 Plastic skin inside and pipe elbow. FIG
Polymer Resources: Compounding's 'Small Big Guy'
September 26, 2017
This compounder combines a service-first, small-company mindset with the technical might of larger companies to carve a niche in engineering plastics. For Scott Anderson, Polymer Resources’ COO, this compounder’s service-first mindset and ability to tailor resins to highly specific requirements give it a competitive edge in the market.
Time to Register for Extrusion 2017
September 26, 2017
The industry’s only conference devoted to all things extrusion is open for business. Columns Post: 7/25/2017 Jim Callari Editorial Director/Associate Publisher, Plastics Technology Registration is now open for Plastics Technology’s third annual conference devoted to extrusion processing. Extrusion 2017 will be held Oct. 18-20 at the
Compounding: Multi-Agitator System for Viscous Mixing, Dispersion
September 26, 2017
The VersaMix from Charles Ross & Son Co., Hauppauge, N.Y. is a new multi-shaft mixer designed for viscous applications requiring a high level of accuracy and batch-to-batch consistency. Two or three independently driven agitators work in tandem to ensure high-speed fine dispersion, efficient turnover, and uniform heating/cooling. The machine is
Compounding: Wear-Resistant Barrel Liners For Twin-Screws
September 26, 2017
KraussMaffei Berstorff (U.S. office in Florence, Ky.) is offering wear-resistant barrel liners made of a new material for its ZE BluePower twin-screw extruders. The new liner material is 72HA, an iron-based powder-metallurgical alloy with high amounts of carbon and chrome. The liners provide protection against wear and corrosion with compounds that
Buss Opens Test Lab in Illinois
September 26, 2017
Equipped with kneader for R&D, processing optimization, sampling. Buss has installed a working test laboratory at its Carol Stream, Ill. facility. The lab is specifically designed for R&D, process optimization, and customer sampling. It will be equipped with a Buss MX 30 lab kneader for testing and developing highly filled and
New Extruder Builder Has Familiar Names
September 26, 2017
Start-up machine builder, headed by extrusion veteran Kramer, to furnish extruders from 1-8 in dia.  Among the extrusion veterans on the U.S. Extruders team are Bill Kramer (left), president and include Schilke. Previous Next Make way for a new supplier of custom extruders. US Extruders Inc.. started up last month in Westerly, R.I.,
Materials Handling: High-Lift Box Dumper Comes With Vibratory Feeder
September 26, 2017
The Tip-Tite Bulk Transfer System from Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, Pa. moves material from boxes into a mobile bin with vibratory feeder that supplies multiple downstream processes. All stainless-steel construction allows handling of corrosive materials and/or wash down between runs of contamination-sensitive food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and
Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Stay Put
September 26, 2017
OCSiAI’s test results with HDPE, epoxy, and elastomers show no release of particles when materials are mechanically stressed. Back in 2007, I reported on carbon nanotubes and other electically-conductive and/or thermally-conductive nano-particles noting that there is plenty of potential, if the price is right. Hampering their progress was
Sustainable Packaging Conference Highlights New Materials, Applications
September 26, 2017
Among them: a compostable PLA sheet for beverage capsules. A new Ingeo PLA multi-layer beverage capsule is said to provide a cost- effective compostable solution. Industry collaborations both expand PLA capacity and are expected to bring about improved price parity. Photo: NatureWorks. Previous Next Advances in materials and applications were among
PolyOne Expands Color Portfolio; Sells Former Spartech Business
September 26, 2017
New acquisition strengthens company's position in solid and liquid colorant technologies. News from PolyOne Corp., Avon Lake, Ohio, this past summer have included an acquisition and a sale. ● The company acquired Mesa Industries of Phoenix, Az., a 17-year-old privately-owned supplier of both solid and liquid colorant technologies for plastic
Thin-Walled Biobased Packaging That’s Injection-Moldable and Commercially Viable
September 26, 2017
A consortium in The Netherlands has come up with an innovative three-pronged approach. Biobased plastics are rarely used in injection-molded food packaging (e.g., salad, butter, tomato containers), but an interesting new consortium formed in The Netherlands is aiming to change this.  Despite food producers interest in biobased packaging, the
Specialized Color and Additive Masterbatches Thwart Counterfeiters
September 26, 2017
Polyone’s collaboration with potable water equipment maker fends off pirates. Within the last decade, we have reported on the advent of anticounterfeiting additive technologies for plastic food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical packaging; laser-marking additives for automotive components and anticounterfeiting solutions for engineered materials.
ADDITIVES: Liquid UV Stabilizers for Precise Dosing
September 26, 2017
Seven new standard grades of new liquid light stabilizers are now available for use in injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion from Riverdale Global, Aston, Penn. Depending on the grade, +Shield UV stabilizers are recommended for use with polyolefins, styrenics, PET, TPEs, and engineering thermoplastics. Four of the grades are FDA-approved,
Additives: PET Color Concentrate Yields Deeper Colors
September 26, 2017
Holland Colours (U.S. office in Richmond, Ind.) has been very focused on bringing new colorant products to the market for use with PET. Just a few months back, the company launched a new line of bio-derived colorants for PET and biopolymers (PT, Feb. 2017). More recently, the company announced the launch of polymer-based Holcopearl 2287 which
Simplified Purchase of Colorants for Small Product Runs
September 26, 2017
Teknor’s online ‘Color Store’ allows use of credit card for buying stock colors in minimum quantities. It’s interesting to see the development of e-commerce sites in this industry and the attention to processors with minimum order sizes appears to be a focus for some industry players. For example, aiming to make online
Additives: Polyolefin Discoloration
September 26, 2017
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. BASF Plastic Additives’ Rick King (center), with scientist II Katiah Anderton (right) and associate
How to Prevent Stress Whitening in PP Copolymers
September 26, 2017
A look at causes, detection, and prevention. Interior automotive components such as instrument panels are typical applications where stress whitening is a concern. Whitening or blush occurs on the part surface after impact or deformation. There are many factors to consider when seeking a robust solution to stress whitening. Light is scattered
International Space Station Now 3D Printing with PEI/PC Materials
September 26, 2017
PEI/PC compound is the third material a developer of zero-gravity 3D printers has demonstrated on the International Space Station for space-based additive manufacturing. U.S.-based Made In Space, a developer of zero-gravity 3D printers and an official supplier to NASA, recently announced it has begun using PEI/PC (polyetherimide/polycarbonate)
Injection Molding: New-Generation Hybrid Press And Other News at Fakuma Show
September 26, 2017
Arburg to show a 500-ton press with the new look and Gestica controls. Also Industry 4.0 demo and new materials for Freeformer 3D printer. ARBURG, Inc. (U.S. office in Rocky Hill, Conn.) will introduce the second model in its new generation of hybrid presses at the Fakuma show next month in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Arburg unveiled the initial
Prototyping Specialist Upgrades Services For Short-Run Production Molding
September 26, 2017
Proto Labs, a “digital manufacturing company” known for its rapid injection molding prototyping services, has expanded its injection molding capabilities to address the market for short-run “on-demand” manufacturing.  Proto Labs, Maple Plain, Minn., a “digital manufacturing company” known for its rapid
Medical Molder Sweats the Small Stuff to Deliver Big Results
September 26, 2017
“You think you know everything—but when you write it down, you see the small things,” explains Rao Neelam, v.p. of operations at Freudenberg Medical’s Baldwin Park, Calif., medical-device manufacturing facility. The “small things” are a big deal at Freudenberg Medical’s operation approximately 20
Large-Scale 3D Printing Venture Competes with Injection Molding
September 26, 2017
With 160 FDM printers, a Brooklyn startup offers part runs up to 10,000 units—and soon perhaps 100,000—at prices competitive with injection molding. Voodoo Manufacturing co-founder Jonathan Schwartz with racks holding 160 3D printers, all under central control. Voodoo Manufacturing’s lab is being used to
HP & Deloitte Form Alliance to Promote 3D Printing in Large-Scale Manufacturing
September 26, 2017
Partners to promote “digital transformation” among large manufacturers with HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology. HP Jet Fusion 4200 3D printers. HP Inc., Palo Alto, Calif., and Deloitte Consulting LLP, N.Y.C., have joined forces to “help accelerate the digital transformation of the global manufacturing industry,”
New 3D Printers at NYC Show
September 26, 2017
Affordability, speed, and improved mechanical properties appeal to early adopters. Cubibot CEO/CTO Aria Noorazar with his new FDM printer, described as “super-compact, super-affordable, and easy to use.” Carbon3D announced the first commercial application for its CLIP 3D printing process—midsoles for individualized
Software’s AM Module Simulates Hybrid Manufacturing Processes
September 26, 2017
CGTech will demonstrate the newest version of its CNC machine simulation, verification and optimization software, Vericut 8.1. The software includes an additive manufacturing module for hybrid CNC machines, which simulates both additive and traditional machining processes in any order to help identify potential problems that can occur when
NASA To Recycle Plastics in Space
September 26, 2017
There’s been quite a few new developments regarding 3D printing in space. The latest combines 3D printing and recycling: NASA is launching a machine that 3D prints plastic parts and also recycles them back into reusable raw materials to make more parts.  The machine, called the “Refabricator,” is a device that will accept