News Article

05 Aug Misconceptions about F1 Ratings for Outdoor Plastics Applications

Posted at 09:54h in News Article by Dani

The F1 rating, as defined by UL 746C, is often misunderstood. It's an important benchmark for plastics used in outdoor environments, but not all F1-rated materials are created equal. Just because a grade carries a listing doesn’t mean it will succeed in your application. Let’s clear...

15 Jul Understanding Flame Ratings for Plastics

Posted at 08:44h in News Article by Dani

Understanding Flame Ratings for Plastics When safety matters, material selection isn’t just about performance; it’s about protection. One critical aspect of plastics is how they perform when exposed to an open flame. Here’s a quick guide to the three key flammability standards that impact industries from electronics...

16 Jun Understanding Impact Testing Methods for Polymer Materials

Posted at 15:19h in News Article by Dani

Impact performance is an essential portion of many applications in the plastics universe. While significantly driven by part design, impact performance is also a crucial material property found on datasheets for most thermoplastics. When designing impact scenarios, it is important to keep in mind that temperature,...

15 May Understanding Shrinkage in Injection Molding Materials

Posted at 09:26h in News Article by Dani

Shrinkage is a critical factor in injection molding. It refers to the reduction in volume that occurs as molten polymer cools and solidifies in the mold. Understanding how and why materials shrink helps engineers design better tooling and ensure dimensional accuracy in finished parts. Measuring Shrinkage:...

23 Apr Not All Nylons Are the Same

Posted at 09:58h in News Article by Dani

Nylon might seem simple, but materials like PA6 and PA66—two of the most widely used polyamides—have layers of complexity. Found in films, fibers, and molded parts, their massive use has created a large secondary market for wide-spec, off-grade, recycled, and regrind materials. Some companies can turn...

25 Mar Essential Tests for Accurate Material Identification

Posted at 09:05h in News Article by Dani

Essential Tests for Accurate Material Identification Thermoplastics are versatile materials with a wide range of applications. Proper identification of thermoplastics requires a series of tests to fully determine their chemical composition, physical properties, and performance characteristics. Below is a list of tests we commonly perform when...

25 Feb Unlocking Efficiency: The Importance of Screw and Barrel Maintenance in Injection Molding

Posted at 08:13h in News Article by Dani

Wear and tear in injection molding is inevitable. At the heart of this process lie the screw and barrel—key components of the injection molding machine that play a critical role in melting, mixing, and injecting plastic into molds. Proper maintenance of these components not only...

04 Feb The Crucial Role of Dryer Maintenance in Injection Molding Thermoplastics

Posted at 11:47h in News Article by Dani

Injection molding is a versatile and widely used manufacturing process for creating plastic components. However, achieving consistent quality and efficiency hinges on a critical yet often overlooked factor: proper dryer maintenance. Dryers are essential for removing moisture from thermoplastic materials, and neglecting their upkeep can...

13 Jan Optimizing Cooling Efficiency: The Critical Role of Proper Water Line Sizing in Injection Molding

Posted at 17:00h in News Article by Dani

In the world of injection molding, precision is paramount. From designing the mold to setting process parameters, every detail contributes to the quality of the finished product and the efficiency of the manufacturing process. One often overlooked yet critically important factor is the proper sizing...

18 Dec The Reality of Setpoints Not Representing Actuality

Posted at 09:06h in News Article by Dani

When challenges arise in plastics processing, troubleshooting should start with a simple verification. Molding machines can experience wear, malfunctions, and other issues that may lead to inaccurate readouts. A vital initial step in troubleshooting is to confirm that the actual conditions in your production environment align...