Plastics Engineering articles from June 2005

Plastics Engineering archives from June 2005

Long-fiber compounds to replace metal.(MATERIALS)(2200 Series polyetheretherketone long-fiber compounds)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The 2200 Series PEEK long-fiber compounds, an addition to RTP Co.'s Victrex PEEK (polyetheretherketone) long-fiber product line, are reported to significantly improve impact strength over that of conventional short-fiber PEEK materials, making...

Modeling resin first in a series of new colors.(MATERIALS)(VeroBlue, an acrylic photopolymer resin )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Stratasys, a manufacturer of rapid prototyping systems, has introduced VeroBlue, an acrylic photopolymer resin for Objet Geometries' Eden333 PolyJet System. The measured mechanical-property values of VeroBlue are reportedly equal to or better...

Film technology improves labeling.(MATERIALS)(PET Lumirror PS10 film)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... For manufacturers specializing in the conversion of labels, Toray Plastics (America) has announced the introduction of coextruded PET Lumirror PS10, an FDA-compliant polyester PS10 film for labels that allows the elimination of costly and...

Lightweight automotive body panels.(GE Advanced Materials)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... High Modulus Ductile (HMD) and High Performance ThermoPlastic Composites (HPPC) may represent two advanced materials that meet the automobile industry's requirement for weight reduction, design flexibility, improved moldability, and impact...

Halogen-free molding for electronics.(MATERIALS)(Isodamp C-8002- Isodamp elastomers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... In the precision electronics industry, the ability to control vibration and shock in limited spaces is critical. E-A-R Specialty Composites has expanded its line of Isodamp elastomers to include Isodamp C-8002, a halogen-free,...

Aromatic polyester-based TPU.(MATERIALS)(Texin DP7-1197)(thermoplastic polyurethane )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Texin DP7-1197, with a Shore hardness of 88A, is a general-purpose, injection molding-only grade, aromatic polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane that Bayer MaterialScience says is ideally suited for harsh conditions. Applications include...

"Universal" overmold.(MATERIALS)(Versaflex OM9-801N - Thermoplastic Elastomer )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... GLS Corp. has introduced a "universal" over-mold TPE alloy that it says will adhere in two-shot and insert-molding applications to just about any rigid plastic substrate, including ABS, COPE (copolyester), HIPS (high-impact polystyrene), PC,...

Lubricant-free molding.(MATERIALS)(diamond like carbon coatings from Bekaert Advanced Coating Technologies)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Contamination from lubricants and frequent maintenance add cost and increase cycle time in the production of parts that require the use of ejector pins, thread cores, or sliders. Bekaert Advanced Coating Technologies reports that its Dylyn/DLC...

Extra blocking efficiency.(MATERIALS)(multifunctional antiblock additive Ampacet 102765)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... A multifunctional antiblock additive, Ampacet 102765, is said to increase blocking efficiency by 47% in thin-gauge olefin films compared with a standard antiblock, while reducing haze and coefficient of friction by about 40%. It thus reduces...

Polyamide for water injection technology.(MATERIALS)(Lanxess Deutschland GmbH )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Lanxess Deutschland GmbH has introduced a 100% glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 66 (PA 66) specifically for water injection technology (WIT). The material was developed from the company's Durethan range for the automotive industry in...

Process enhancements expand benefits of gas, water, and microfoam molding.
June 1, 2005... Developers of several specialty molding technologies are upgrading their processes in ways that further enhance part design and manufacturability. The technologies are water-assist molding, which is relatively new; gas-assist molding; and...

Fuel tanks face stricter standards: steel industry strikes back to meet new emissions limits for automotive fuel tanks, but plastics molders have a few tricks of their own.
June 1, 2005... Manufacturers of steel fuel tanks are quick to point out the two main deficiencies of plastic fuel tanks: higher hydrocarbon emissions and nonrecyclability. Steel has inherent advantages in these areas; nonetheless, durable, lightweight plastic...

Blow molding: facing major challenges, industry strives to succeed.(Industry Overview)
June 1, 2005... Characterized by some experts as "unhealthy," the blow-molding industry is facing serious challenges. High resin prices, combined with fierce competition for business machine builders and among processors alike, make for difficult times....

PC/PET blend for car radiator grilles.(PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS)(polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate)(contracts)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The Volkswagen Group has selected Makroblend DP 7645, a blend of polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate from Bayer MaterialScience, for the radiator grille of the new Passat. The PC/PET blend "is a perfect match for the complex...

Are you ready for some football?(PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS)(Aqua-Toss II portable football game from Pool Shot Products )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Pool Shot Products of Ashtabula, Ohio, reports that its Aqua-Toss II portable football game is now available in a blue-and-white color scheme. The polyethylene pool game was originally offered in a hunter green, brown, and yellow combination....

Chassis assembly uses PUR duo.(PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS)(polyurethane)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... BASF's Cellasto microcellular polyurethane (MPU) and Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) businesses have jointly developed an automotive chassis assembly that improves ride and handling for drivers and affords design flexibility to...

Thermally conductive compound shields military computer.(PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Used in the manufacture of the primary case and enclosure of VT Miltope's PONY PCU military computer, PolyOne's Therma-Tech Thermal Management compounds enhance the durability and performance of the tactical machine in the field. The compact...

Protective attire for robots.(PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... To shield essential robotic components from hazardous materials in the industrial workplace, such as chemicals and scrap metal, Roboworld, LLC, of Germantown, Wis., has designed a protective "suit" of heavy-gauge fabric coated with DuPont Dow...

Front end is molded to protect pedestrians.(PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS)(GE Advanced Materials)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... To help meet European Union pedestrian-protection legislation that becomes effective this year, GE Advanced Materials, Automotive, has developed a novel front-end safety system. The GE concept uses energy absorbers molded from the company's...

Barrier blister films for medical products.(PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Tekni-Films, a division of Tekni-Plex that specializes in adding thin layers of barrier film to thermoformable structures such as PVC and PETG, has developed a new range of rigid films for the medical packaging industry offering high moisture...

Fruit juice gets a PET makeover.(PRODUCTS & APPLICATIONS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Graham Packaging Company, L.P., reports that it is producing a unique PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle for California-based POM Wonderful, marketers of the first-ever refrigerated pomegranate juice. The juice is named for the "Wonderful"...

Dedicated machinery for WPC.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... As demonstrated by many applications (e.g., decking, baseboards, and other mass-produced parts), wood-plastic composites (WPC) are successfully competing with conventional wood products. While many extrusion equipment manufacturers recommend...

Taking the measure of viscosity.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Malvern Instruments has added the SV-10 Vibro viscometer to its range of material-characterization instruments for use with its Zetasizer Nano particle-characterization systems. The SV-10 is said to give rapid, highly accurate viscosity...

Improving batch processes.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
June 1, 2005... ExperTune's PlantTriage software automatically assesses the performance of batch processes, pinpointing areas where improvements can increase yields and throughput and decrease turnaround times. When problem areas are identified, specific...

Custom molding service for low-volume runs.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Two-material molds allow two different plastics to be injected into one mold at the same time. Objectives of the process are to combine the molding of several parts into one operation to produce a two-color part or to combine a soft rubber with...

"Super-sized" blender.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
June 1, 2005... The MaxiBatch WSB (Weigh Scale Blender) from Maguire Products is designed for compounders, high-throughput extrusion processors, and specialists in plastics/wood composites, it meters up to 3625 kg/hr (8000 lb/hr)--precisely dosing powders such...

Boosting blow molding with kinematics.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
June 1, 2005... Sidel reports that its SBO Universal range of blow-molding machines features new machine kinematics and a 40-mm pitch oven to maintain heating times, which boost production output by 12.5%--up to 1800 bottles per mold. In addition to the...

Accepts all regrind.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
June 1, 2005... An additional component--the reverse-flight auger screw--has been added to the new Gravimetric Batch Blender line from TSM Control Systems. Featuring capacities from 50 to 3000 kg/hr, the blenders can process 100% regrind from thermoforming...

Environmental monitoring in real time.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(LogWare III environmental software)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Hart Scientific has bundled its high-accuracy digital thermal hygrometer with its LogWare III environmental software, enabling real-time recording and viewing of all data. The Model 1621 Value Kit includes the temperature and humidity logger,...

IM machine emphasizes cost-efficiency.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Arburg describes its new Allrounder 630 S Eco injection-molding (IM) machine as combining cost-efficient operation with technical features designed to meet practical requirements. Featuring manual mold-height adjustment and energy-saving...

Two Freedonia studies look ahead to 2009.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... A new Freedonia Group study projects U.S. demand for metallocene and single-site polymers to advance by more than 20%/yr to reach 5.1 billion lbs in 2009, valued at $5.3 billion. At that time, they will likely account for about 9% of all...

Lanxess describes capabilities of its hybrid technology.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Based in Leverkusen, Germany, Lanxess Deutschland GmbH uses material modifications and advanced procedures to optimize the performance capabilities of plastic-metal composite technology--also called "hybrid" technology. Modifications reducing...

QC testing with touch-panel control.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Quality Control)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... With its new Model 3345 QC Package, Instron offers a complete mechanical testing system for tension and compression testing. The new quality-control system features an intuitive "TouchPanel" screen that promises ease of use and eliminates the...

ASTM presents Award of Merit.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(ASTM International)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... ASTM International has bestowed a 2005 Award of Merit and the accompanying title of fellow upon Stephen M. Sinker, a consultant with SMS Innovations LLC in Lebanon, N.J. ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics cited Sinker for technical contributions to...

Polyurethane-filled tires have no fear of flats.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Arnco of South Gate, Calif., has developed a polyurethane fill called SuperFlex to flatproof the tires of slower-moving off-road vehicles. Common uses include skid steers, mining tires, AG tires, snow groomers, mowing sweepers, and grader...

Drug-delivery polymer is put to the test.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Based in Putnam, Conn., Foster Corp. reports that its new drug-delivery polymer is ready for clinical testing by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Having successfully compounded a pharmaceutical drug into a rigid polymer matrix, Foster says,...

Annual buyers' guide list.(Illustration)
June 1, 2005... Annual Buyers' Guide List AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT Reader Service Page Testing/ Company, Address # # ...

Daikin America.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed Tison Keel as vice president of sales and marketing )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Tison Keel has been named vice president of sales and marketing for Daikin America, Inc., Orangeburg, N.Y.

Arkema.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed Chris Giangrasso as vice president)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Arkema Inc., Philadelphia, has hired Chris Giangrasso as vice president, human resources and communications, effective January 17, 2005.

AGY.(PERSONNEL)(appointments)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... AGY, Aiken, S.C., has hired Dennis O. Rexroad as vice president, operations; Andrew a. Walker as vice president, sales and marketing; and Dr. Sudhir Hublikar as vice president, technology. Additionally, AGY has appointed Scott Northrup global...

Donatelle.(PERSONNEL)(appointed Treasa A. Springett as president.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Treasa A. Springett has been named president of Donatelle Plastics Inc. and Donatelle Precision Components, Inc., New Brighton, Minn.

Teknor Apex.(PERSONNEL)(Apppointed Paul Burke as vice president of manufacturing)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Teknor Apex, Pawtucket, R.I., has announced Paul Burke has been named vice president of manufacturing.

Malvern Instruments.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed Dr. Fred Mazzeo as product manager )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Dr. Fred Mazzeo has been appointed product manager for Malvern Instruments Inc., Southborough, Mass.

Cumberland Engineering.(PERSONNEL)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Cumberland Engineering, South Attleboro, Mass., has announced the addition of a new agency to their sales team. Koch-Alger & Associates will serve the plastics industry in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and...

Curbell.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed Keith Hechtel as director of business development)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Keith Hechtel has been named director of business development for the plastics division of Curbell Inc., Orchard Park, N.Y.

SF Medical.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed Paul Cathcart as manager of operations)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... SF Medical, a division of Chase-Walton Elastomers, has named Paul Cathcart manager of operations.

Durakon.(PERSONNEL)(Apppointed Bert McGoff as plant manager)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Durakon Industries, Inc., Lapeer, Mich., has announced the appointment of Bert McGoff as plant manager.

Deceuninck North America.(PERSONNEL)(Promoted Peter Quig as vice president of supply chain )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Peter Quig has been promoted to the newly created position of vice president of supply chain for Deceuninck North America, Monroe, Ohio. Also, Royce Ruggles has been named director of operations for the Oakland, N.J., facility, and Heinz Braun...

Brown Machine.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed David R. Cortner as national sales manager)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Brown Machine LLC, Beaverton, Mich., has hired David R. Cortner as national sales manager--cut sheet technologies.

Reichhold.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed Jerome DeVilbiss as business manager )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Reichhold Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C., has announced Jerome DeVilbiss has been named business manager for the Dion Engineered Resins Group.

Peach State Labs.(PERSONNEL)(Peach State Labs, Inc appointed Michael Grigat as director of fluorine research)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Michael Grigat has been appointed director of fluorine research for Peach State Labs, Inc., Rome, Ga.

Thierica Equipment.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed Michael A. Horan as sales engineer )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Thierica Equipment Co., Grand Rapids, Mich., has announced Michael A. Horan has been hired as sales engineer for Thierica's finishing equipment systems.

EPCO.(PERSONNEL)(appointed David Will as regional sales manager)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... David Will has been appointed regional sales manager--Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois for EPCO Machinery LLC, Fremont, Ohio.

Kleerdex.(PERSONNEL)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Kleerdex Co., LLC, Bloomsburg, Pa., has named Ronn Cort business manager.

Husky Injection Molding.(PERSONNEL)(Appointed Michael Evitts as vice president )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Michael Evitts has been named vice president of machines for Husky Injection Molding, Bolton, Ontario, Canada.

Composite Communication.(PERSONNEL)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Composite Communication, Toledo, Ohio, has announced Dick Kaverman has joined the firm as partner.

Obituaries.(Brief Article)(Obituary)
June 1, 2005... SPE mourns the deaths of Leonard Rawson of the Miami Valley Section, Howard J. Dunn of the Newark Section, and Bruce A. Dean of the Wichita Section. SPE notes with sorrow the passing of Eugene Moreau, president of the Quebec Section in...

Upcoming events.(Calendar)
June 1, 2005... * SPE CONFERENCES Sept. 12-14. SPE's TPE 2005. Site: Akron, Ohio. Sept. 12-14. SPE's Automotive Composites Conference and Exhibition. Site: Troy, Mich. Sept. 18-19. SPE's Rotational Molding Conference. Site: Chicago. Sept....