Plastics Engineering articles from May 2006

Plastics Engineering archives from May 2006

Constitutional ballot results.(FROM THE SOCIETY OF PLASTICS ENGINEERS)
May 1, 2006... I am pleased to report the results of the Constitutional Ballot process that took place last month. The motion to dissolve the existing SPE Constitution passed by an overwhelming majority: 4808 for, 153 against. Therefore, effective Monday,...

Teknor introduces building-product colorants.(MATERIALS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... At NPE 2006 in Chicago this June, Teknor Color Co. (Pawtucket, R.I.) plans to introduce colorants in an array of earthy colors for polymers used in building applications. Tradenamed TEKpro Construction Colors, the products are available in new...

Non-lead stabilizers for wire and cable.(MATERIALS)
May 1, 2006... The Polymer Additives Division of Ferro Corp. (Independence, Ohio) has introduced five non-lead, mixed-metal heat stabilizers that are said to offer better performance than other commercially available alternatives to lead stabilizers. The...

PP nucleator balances performance, efficiency.(MATERIALS)
May 1, 2006... New from Ciba Specialty Chemicals (Basel, Switzerland) is Irgastab NA 287, a nucleator designed to improve the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) while boosting processing efficiency. Enhancements to properties such as stiffness,...

FDA-compliant fluoroelastomers.(MATERIALS)
May 1, 2006... DuPont Performance Elastomers (Wilmington, Del.) has introduced two FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)-compliant types of Viton fluoroelastomers (FKM) that provide sealing capability up to 200[degrees]C in continuous service for critical...

PC/PBT alloys offer strength, chemical resistance.(MATERIALS)
May 1, 2006... PolyOne Corp. of Avon Lake, Ohio, announces the new Edgetek XT High Performance Polymer alloy line, PC/PBT (polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate) alloys said to combine optimum levels of strength, durability, and chemical resistance. ...

Thermoformable thermoset foam.(MATERIALS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... BASF has formulated a Basotect material that it calls the "first thermoset foam that can be shaped l under heat." Formerly, says BASF, Basotect had to be impregnated with adhesives, pressed, and then dried to form complex, three-dimensional...

SBCs for pressure-sensitive adhesive films.(MATERIALS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Kraton Polymers LLC (Houston) has developed two new grades ofKraton G SBC (styrenic block copolymer) for pressure-sensitive adhesive films that are said to combine the process efficiency of coextrusion with the customized performance of...

PPS targets automotive and appliance industries.(Chevron Phillips Chemical Company L.P.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Based in The Woodlands, Texas, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. has developed a Ryton polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin grade for applications requiring constant or repeated exposure to high-temperature water and aggressive automotive fluids, such...

Thick-film coating handles the rigors of industrial roofing.(MATERIALS)
May 1, 2006... Bayer MaterialScience (Pittsburgh, Pa.) has formulated Baytec SPR 185A thick-film coating specifically for the demanding environment of industrial roof systems. The SPR 185A spray system combines the durability of polyurea with the flexibility...

Plant-based plastic for car interiors.(MATERIALS)(Aichi Industrial Technology Institute)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Mitsubishi Motors Corp., in cooperation with Aichi Industrial Technology Institute (Aichi Prefecture, Japan), reports that it has developed an automotive-interior material that uses a plant based resin--polybutylene succinate (PBS)--combined...

Dow offers improved PEs for rotational molding.(MATERIALS)
May 1, 2006... The Dew Chemical Co. (Midland, Mich.) has added two new resins to its range of Dowlex polyethylene (PE) resins for rotational molding. Available in granules and powder, the new grades demonstrate a wider processing window and shorter molding...

Moldable foam resin allows efficient packaging options.(MATERIALS)
May 1, 2006... Nova Chemicals (Moon Township, Pa.) reports that it has enhanced its Arcel moldable foam packaging resin by reducing bead size by 25%. This "places Arcel resins in a size range similar to that of expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads, enabling...

Liquid colors expand coloring possibilities.(MATERIALS)
May 1, 2006... Degussa's Coatings & Colorants business unit )has expanded its Polytrend 7-Series of liquid colors for plastics, which the company offers as an alternative to masterbatches. One new product, Polytrend Color Infusion, consists of a mixing system...

New nitroxide compound promises more control at the molecular level.
May 1, 2006... The ability to tailor polymers and additives for various performance needs may get a boost from a new product designed to give materials producers greater control over the molecular structures and properties of their grades. BlocBuilder, from...

SPE at NPE 2006: offering a broad range of seminars and conferences.
May 1, 2006... The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) will play an important role at NPE 2006, offering a full schedule of professional training seminars and educational conferences. The triennial show, scheduled for June 19-23 at Chicago's McCormick Place,...

Patents of interest.(for Nippon Shokubai Co., University of Oklahoma, Community Enterprises LLC)
May 1, 2006... The patent is a legal document giving the holder a license to capitalize on his or her invention without competition for a few years. In exchange, the holder teaches us the basis of the invention. The patent is forward-looking, representing a...

Plastics identification.
May 1, 2006... Two devices using dissimilar technologies enable the fast, accurate, and reliable identification of various plastics for recycling. The devices, which can be used in manufacturing or laboratory environments, range in size from a portable...

Nine-layer die for barrier films.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... The Maxicone nine-layer die permits new barrier-film structures to be tailored to the requirements of specific packaged products. Windmller & Holscher designed the die with the goal of minimizing melt volumes and melt residence times, which...

Purging process simplified.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... Eliminating the need to measure and reducing the possibility of overdosing, PurgePacks are premeasured packages that deliver the exact dosage of liquid purging compound. The packs can be used with all major resins in injection molding, blow...

Frictionless chiller.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... The most recent addition to AEC's heating and cooling line is the RTCW Frictionless Chiller. Its digitally controlled magnetic bearing system, consisting of permanent magnets and electromagnets, replaces conventional lubricated bearings. The...

Data-collection workstation.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... Designed to work in tandem with PlastiSoft's Tori-Flex ERP software for flexible packaging, the compact Shop Floor Data Collection Workstation is intended to withstand harsh environments. The workstation--which includes a touch-screen monitor,...

Spindle alignment.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... Pinpoint Laser Systems has introduced the Spindle Alignment Kit, Model PLS-SAK003, for use in factories and machine shops. The alignment kit checks parallelism; concentricity; and wear on spindles, lathes, and boring equipment. Its round laser...

Accurate measuring and smooth winding.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Especially important to the operation of a cast-film or sheet line are thickness gauge and cut assembly. If either does not work to full effect, process economy and product quality are reduced. Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering Co. has...

Improved color dispersion.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... The APV Mixing Valve from R. Dray Manufacturing adds dispersive and distributive mixing capabilities to existing units, according to the company, requiring only the change of a non-return valve. When added to an existing general-purpose screw...

Slashing decibels.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... Precision AirConvey manufactures the PAC Acoustical 90, a 90[degrees]-radius elbow engineered as a sound-attenuation device for installation in the company's automated trim, scrap, and waste-handling systems. The PAC Acoustical 90 reduces...

Gearcase retrofits for extruders.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... Davis-Standard offers gearcase retrofits for non-Davis-Standard extruders. The company provides the required technical drawings and on-site service to ensure a smooth retrofit that can significantly extend machine life. Typically, some...

Super-lightweight blow molding.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
May 1, 2006... Graham Packaging Co. has developed a blow-molding technology that allows it to make lighter-weight PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles without changing design or sacrificing any performance characteristics. The new technology is expected...

Multilingual software.(ESS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... ESS, a provider of operational risk-management software and services, has updated its Essential Suite (Version 6.3) to include new global and module-specific functionality to enhance international collaboration and improve overall reporting...

Bayer subsidiary to produce electroluminescent films.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Bayer has announced the establishment of a start-up company for the production of electroluminescent films. Based at the company's Leverkusen, Germany, site, Lyttron Technology GmbH will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer...

Ciba/Biosignal partnership pursues anti-biofilm products.(Ciba Specialty Chemicals Inc.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Based in Basel, Switzerland, Ciba Specialty Chemicals announces the completion of a joint development and licensing agreement with Biosignal of Sydney, Australia, to develop antimicrobial compounds for consumer and industrial products based on...

NEC and Unitika jointly develop kenaf fiber-reinforced bioplastic.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Japanese companies NEC Corp. and Unitika Ltd. have jointly developed a bioplastic reinforced with kenaf fiber. Currently being used for the new Foma N701iECO mobile phone from NTT DoCoMo, Inc., in Japan, the material is expected to...

Xaloy takes over Dynisco Extrusion.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Based in New Castle, Pa., Xaloy, Inc., has acquired Dynisco Extrusion LLC of Hickory, N.C. The purchase adds gear pumps, screen changers, cleaning ovens, and water ring pelletizers to Xaloy's line of screws, bimetallic barrels, and...

TriStar acquires Saint-Gobain's composite bearings division.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... TriStar Plastics, a Shrewsbury, Mass.-based manufacturer and distributor of custom-engineered plastic components, has acquired the Wayne, N.J.-based CJ Composite Bearings Division from Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp. Forming the...

MonoSol and Greensol combine water-soluble film capabilities.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... MonoSol LLC, a Merrillville, Ind.-based developer of specialty water-soluble films, announces its acquisition of Greensol S.A., based in Sens, France. The merger, MonoSol says, strengthens its European presence while expanding its resources to...

PlasticsJOBS, Chinese firm form recruiting partnership.(Management Consultants Ltd)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Plastics JOBS by Gros Executive Search (www.PlasticsJOBS.com) has entered into a cooperative agreement with the recruiting firm Associated Management Consultants Ltd. (AMC) of China. With offices in Beijing and Shanghai, AMC specializes in the...

MetalFX joins online color-management program.(matchmyeolor.com)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... MetalFX announces that it has teamed with the professional platform matchmyeolor.com, which allows users to seek color-related services throughout the value chain. MetalFX joins the platform's five existing partners: Ciba Specialty Chemicals,...

NanoDynamics: advancing toward commercialization of CNTs.(awards amd achievements)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... NanoDynamics, a nanotechnology and manufacturing firm based in Buffalo, N.Y., has announced it has received a $729,000 Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the U.S. Army for carbon nanotube (CNT) production technology....

BASF fortifies PUR business in North America.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... BASF has announced plans to increase the polyol production capacities at its Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana. Plans include the construction of two new reactors and revamping of two existing reactors used for the manufacture of polyols. In...

Davis-Standard locates in China.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Based in Pawcatuck, Conn., Davis-Standard LLC has opened a new sales office in Shanghai, China, to support its business in the country's growing marketplace. The office represents all product lines within the company's Extrusion Systems and...

R.J. Marshall forms new division.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The R.J. Marshall Company of Southfield, Mich., announces that it has formed a new division, Marshall Additive Technologies (MAT). The division will supply specialty additives and fillers to a variety of markets. Products will include...

Borealis closes HDPE plant in Norway.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Borealis AS has announced that it will close its 110,000-tonnes/yr high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plant in Bamble, Norway, this year (2006). The company says it will "now focus on improving the competitiveness of our LDPE and polypropylene...

Krauss-Maffei renames subsidiary.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Munich-based Krauss-Maffei has announced the renaming of its subsidiary Neureder AG to Krauss-Maffei Automation AG. With this action, says the company, it "signals customers that we are worldwide systems provider of injection-molding...

Upcoming events.(Calendar)
May 1, 2006... SPE CONFERENCES June 7-9. SPE's Asia Conference. Site: Jeju Island, South Korea. Sept. 12-14. SPE's Automotive Composites Conference & Exposition (ACCE). Site: Troy, Michigan. Sept. 13-14. SPE's Foams 2006. Site: Elk Grove...

Guide to decorating & assembly equipment 2006.(Directory)
May 1, 2006... Plastics Engineering Guide to Decorating & Assembly Equipment 2006 COMPANY, CITY, STATE, PHONE Page Decorating # 4th State Inc., Belmont, CA (650) 596-1600 ASB...