Plastics Engineering articles from November 2005

Plastics Engineering archives from November 2005

SPE's Thermoforming 2005: Spreading Our Wings.(conference)
November 1, 2005... Under the banner of the Conference theme, "Spreading Our Wings," more than 1000 attendees gathered September 24-27 in Milwaukee's Midwest Airlines Convention Center for the 15th annual SPE Thermoforming Division Conference. The Conference...

Additives annual: enhancing performance, versatility and processability of polymers.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... Plastics additives enhance the performance, versatility, and processability of polymers. They enable resins to be tailored to meet the precise needs of applications--strengthened by adding reinforcements, given a unique look by introducing...

Improved antifog additive masterbatch.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... Ampacet 102163-U is an improved antifog additive masterbatch developed by Ampacet for polyethylene-based packaging films used with fresh produce, refrigerated foods, and hot, ready-to-eat meats. Approved for indirect food-contact applications...

PE compounds for rotomolding save resin, increase output.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... TekTuff SPA polyethylene (PE) rotational molding compounds from Teknor Color (Pawtucket, R.I.) are said to yield finished parts that are substantially stronger and stiffer than parts of similar thickness molded of conventional metallocene-based...

Nova Chemicals adds to line of food-packaging resins.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... Nova Chemicals Corp. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) has added three materials to its suite of performance plastics for food packaging: * Dylark FG 2500--styrenic copolymer specially designed to offer both high-temperature rigidity to prevent...

PVOH film promises wide chemical compatibility.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... Based in Portage, Ind., MonoSol LLC has introduced M-8900, a copolymer-based polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) water-soluble film, said to be suited to a wide range of products, including highly acidic and highly alkaline chemicals. Thus widening...

Nonhalogen FR masterbatches.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... CESA-flam flame-retardant (FR) masterbatches from Clariant Masterbatches offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional halogenated flame retardants, the manufacturer says. Developed specifically for engineering materials...

Color: matched, laser-weldable compounds.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... Gentex Corp. of Carbondale, Pa., has introduced Clearweld Resin Systems for laser welding thermoplastics with color-matching flexibility. Explains Gentex, the custom-compounded resins contain near-infrared-absorbing additives that convert laser...

Thermoformed PUR balloons for medical products.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... Polyzen, Inc., of Apex, N.C., has expanded its line of three-dimensional thermoformed polyurethane (PUR) low-pressure balloons and increased production capacity. The product line is unique, says Polyzen, owing to the difficulties inherent in...

Protective silicone adhesive tapes.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... New from Scapa North America (Windsor, Conn.) are two highly conformable polyester films, Scapa 572 and 573, single-coated with silicone adhesive for aerospace and industrial surface-protection applications. Formulated to resist high...

TPUs for elastic nonwovens.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... BASF's Elastollan thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) business has launched its elastic nonwovens product line in North America and Europe. This technology was jointly developed at the company's Elastollan TPU operations in the United States (New...

Fire-rated alloy offers metallic-effect colors.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... A new Kydex 110 grade of fire-rated thermoplastic alloy for thermoforming of aircraft interior components features integral metallic-effect colors. The proprietary sheet is offered in thicknesses from 0.28 to 0.500 inch (0.7 to 12.7 mm) and in...

PC/ABS compounds from GE feature internal lubrication.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... Internally lubricated polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) compounds from GE Advanced Materials, Plastics (Pittsfield, Mass.), are said to deliver improved wear resistance and reduced noise levels during part operation vs....

Thermoplastic TPU for fabric-coating films.(MATERIALS)
November 1, 2005... Desmopan DP 6580A MVT (moisture vapor transmission) is a new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) developed by Bayer MaterialScience AG (Leverkusen, Germany) for the production of films used to coat fabrics. According to the company, the material's...

Upgrading heat properties of underhood resins.
November 1, 2005... Demand is growing for higher heat resistance in underhood plastic components. Underhood temperatures are projected to rise in coming years as power-train enhancements, environmental regulations, and continuing efforts to improve fuel efficiency...

Patents of interest.(Horizons)
November 1, 2005... 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...

Cut sheet thermoforming machines.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... The Ovation Shuttle Series from Brown Machine LLC is described as a re-engineered design suited for shorter production runs and for parts requiring longer forming cycles. The Series comprises four standard models: * Model S-34:36 x 48...

Thermal assembly for inserts.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... Emhart Teknologies has expanded its line of Dodge fastening systems for plastics to include thermal assembly equipment ranging from benchtop, hand-operated presses to semi-automated, multiple-position workstations. The company says that Dodge...

Reaction assisted molding.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... CardXX has developed a technique it calls the reaction assisted molding process (RAMP), which borrows heavily from reaction injection molding (RIM) and is based on the low-pressure and low-temperature dispensing of polyurethanes. (RIM is based...

Clean-room robots.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... Kuka Robotics Corp. has designed a family of clean-room robots specifically for the manufacture of flat panel displays and the handling of substrate glass. Model KR 180 L130 CR, with a reach of 3100 mm, is reported to be the industry's largest...

In-mold labels.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... The line of RSM Rotary Die Cutting Systems introduced by Schober USA is said to be ideal for converting thin-gauge-film, in-mold labels at speeds of up to 230 ft/min. The RSM System unwinds label rolls; die-cuts labels; and counts, stacks, and...

Short-length blender.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... Designed to fully mix powder over a short length of material flow, the ITS Inline Continuous Blender from Spiroflow Systems reaches an accuracy potential up to 2%, says the company. It is suited for use with powder, granular, flake, or pellet...

Screeners for off-size material.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... Rotex's line of Plastic Pellet Screeners operates with a horizontal, gyratory/reciprocating motion d features a "dual-velocity" drive with a positive-displacement stroke that achieves superior removal of oversize and longs, according to the...

Small-volume shear cell.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... Freeman Technology has introduced a fully automatic, small-volume shear cell, a module said to enable the extension of the range of shear-testing applications for which the company's FT4 Powder Rheometer is applicable. Very small amounts of...

Software for microcomponents.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... Microsystem technology confronts manufacturers of tools and components with unique challenges. The complexity of parts is increasing, while part size is shrinking. Miniature features must be machined with extreme accuracy, and work on the...

Engelhard advanced cost-effective color and effect pigments enhance the value of plastics.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Plastics formulators seek color and effect pigments that provide performance to match the demands of an application's end use. Now, with advanced pigment technology for plastics from Engelhard, the surface and materials science company,...

Miniature mixers.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... The HD Series of Miniature Rotary Batch Mixers from Munson Machinery Co. features a rugged internal design and drive for materials having bulk densities up to 80 lbs/cu ft (1.28 gm/cc). Said to be equally suited for laboratory testing and the...

Multitip bushings.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
November 1, 2005... Two multitip bushings for the hot-runner injection molding of small parts provide greater economy and productivity than conventional bushings as a result of their compact design, enhanced performance, and ease of use, says manufacturer Fast...

Research report analyzes European WEEE directive.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(waste electrical and electronic equipment)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The European Union's recently enacted WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) directive presents "a clear marketing opportunity for plastics producers that can align themselves with the OEMs," says Frost & Sullivan in a new research...

Study foresees growing need for antimicrobials.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The Cleveland-based consulting group Freedonia projects that U.S. demand for disinfectant and antimicrobial chemicals will increase 5% annually to $930 million in 2009. Advances will be driven by production increases in markets including paints...

PET resin producers form trade association.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(polyethylene terephthalate)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Six PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin manufacturers have launched the PET Resin Association (PETRA), a trade association to promote the growth of PET products and represent all North American PET resin producers. The founding members are...

Sterling Chemicals closes acrylonitrile operations.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Citing a history of operating losses, Houston-based petrochemical product producer Sterling Chemicals, Inc., reports that it is exiting the acrylonitrile and derivatives operations. These businesses--which sustained gross losses of $7 million...

PolyOne to sell Engineered Films unit.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... PolyOne Corp. of Cleveland has signed a letter of intent to sell its Engineered Films business to an investor group comprising members of the unit's management team along with an investor group formed by Matrix Capital Markets. PolyOne will...

Rising oil & gas costs force Dow to raise prices.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2005... In a recent press release, Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveris warned that the persistently high prices of oil and natural gas--exacerbated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina--poses a severe threat to the long-term health of the chemical industry in...

BASF increases prices in North America.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... BASF Corp., headquartered in New Jersey, has announced that it is increasing prices across all produce lines in North America. The action is necessary to maintain a healthy business while meeting customers' supply requirements, the North...

Ametek to acquire the Solartron Group.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2005... Ametek, Inc., of Paoli, Penn., reports that it has agreed to acquire the UK-based Solartron Group from Roxboro Group PLC for approximately 42 million [pounds sterling] ($75 million). The Group's three businesses--Solartron Analytical, Solartron...

Chemtura announces energy surcharge.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Chemtura Corp. reports it is establishing a $0.02/lb energy surcharge on sales of all chemical products sold globally, effective October 1, or as contracts permit. The surcharge will be added as a separate line item to all invoices. ...

Energy costs spark interest in Nano-based coatings.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Industrial Nanotech Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Industrial Nanotech, Inc., of Naples, Fla., has reported an increased interest in its nanotechnology-derived insulating coatings from consumers who are anticipating hikes in energy costs. Called Nansulate Translucent, the product promises...

Clariant/Starfire alliance targets nanostructured ceramics, coatings.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2005... Headquartered in Muttenz, Switzerland, specialty-chemicals company Clariant has announced a broad-based strategic alliance with Starfire Systems, Inc., of Malta, N.Y., a developer of polymer-derived nanostructured ceramics. Working toward the...

ATP agrees to joint venture in Hong Kong.(Hopeful Rubber Group)(ATP Engineered Rubber and Plastics Group)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... ATP's Engineered Rubber and Plastics Group (ERPG) has signed a joint-venture agreement with Hopeful Rubber Group of Hong Kong, marking ATP's second Chinese joint venture of the year. The Radnor, Pa.-based company will hold a 65% equity position...

Ciba chooses Singapore for antioxidant plant.(Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Ciba Specialty Chemicals reports that it has invested approximately CHF 125 million ($100 million) in a new production plant for antioxidants for plastics in Singapore. Facilities located in the Jurong...

Milacron opens IM Center in Shanghai.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(injection molding sales and engineering center)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Cincinnati, Ohio-based Milacron opened a new Injection Molding (IM) Sales and Engineering Center in Pu Dong, Shanghai, in July 2005. The 700-square-meter center can perform application engineering and mold trials with Milacron injection...

Aspen Aerogels adds lab to meet demand for nanoporous insulation.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... To meet growing demand for its Aerogel nanoporous insulation, Aspen Aerogels, Inc., announces that it has opened a 10,000-square-foot R&D lab at its headquarters in Northborough, Mass. Said to insulate 2 to 8 times better than existing...

Xaloy facility receives ISO 9001 certification.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
November 1, 2005... Xaloy Inc.'s feed screw plant in New Castle, Pa., has gained certification under the ISO 9001:2000 standard. Now all of the company's screw and barrel facilities worldwide have the certification, says Xaloy. The company operates plants in...

Dyneema fiber backs lightweight body armor.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A new backing technology using DSM Dyneema fiber is said to offer bullet-resistant yet lightweight body armor to those whose work puts them in the line of fire. According to DSM, the technology uses hybrid inserts consisting of a backing with...

Software optimizes design of shoe soles.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A new software system simulates the injection molding of smartLite polymer materials from Huntsman Polyurethanes, allowing specialized molders to finalize their sole and mold designs before investing in tooling, trials, or machine...

Husky hot-runners team forms in Detroit.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Husky Injection Molding Systems has formed a new hot-runners team, based at the company's Detroit Technical Center, to better meet the needs of automotive molders and moldmakers. Benefits will include faster deliveries, improved quality, and...

Galt succeeds Schad at Husky.(John Galt)(Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.)(Robert Schad)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd., has announced the appointment of John Galt, currently vice president, Operations, and chief operating officer, as the company's next president and chief executive officer. Galt succeeds Husky founder...

Plastics Pioneer Donald Pelham.(death)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
November 1, 2005... Donald Pelham of Ellington, Conn., a member of the Plastics Pioneers of America, passed away at age 78 on Sept. 27, 2005. Pelham was the owner and operator of Aeromold Products in Ellington. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. ...

Newark Section changes name to The New Jersey Section.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The SPE Newark Section has officially changed its name to The New Jersey Section. Newark had been a center for the state's plastics industry, but that changed decades ago. In fact, the Section has not held a meeting in Newark in more than 35...

SPE conferences.(UPCOMING EVENTS)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Dec. 1. SPE European Bureau's Modern Moldmaking Techniques Conference. Site: Frankfurt, Germany. Note: Table made from bar graph. Contact: SPE European Member Bureau, Eric Sasselaan 51, BE-2020 Antwerpen, Belgium. Telephone +32 (0)3 541 77 55;...

SPE seminars.(UPCOMING EVENTS)
November 1, 2005... Contact: SPE's Customer Relations Department, at (203) 740-5403, or email seminars@4spe.org. For further information on seminars or workshops, visit www.4spe.org/conferenceseminar.htm.

SPE meetings.(UPCOMING EVENTS)(Society of Plastics Engineers Inc. )(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Dec. 8. SPE's Philadelphia Section. Site: TBA. Subject: Wine Tasting & Tour. Contact: George Smith at (800) 355-2422 ext. 1255. Jan. 12, 2006. SPE's Philadelphia Section. Site: Holiday Inn, Bensalem, Pa. Subject: Magic Show with Intro to...

Other upcoming events.(UPCOMING EVENTS)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Dec. 5. Practical Aspects of Rotational Molding Seminar. Site: Holiday Inn City Center, South Bend, Indiana. Contact: Gloria Tobey, ARM International, at (630) 571-0611; email gtobey@rotomolding org; website www.rotomolding.org. Dec. 5-7....