Want to know how to save hundreds of pounds in energy by simply optimising your machine and processes? There are eight steps to running the most energy-efficient moulding machines, as Lukas Krueger, Applications and Industries Manager at ARBURG, explained to guests at ARBURG’s Open House to celebrate 100 years of the Hehl company on 17 May. How to be energy efficient and save money Moulders that want to reduce their energy bills must look at the entire process chain – from product design and machine technology to process control and production planning – to save money. ARBURG applications expe ..read more

Additive masterbatches are used in plastic manufacturing to improve processing or to enhance the properties of moulded components. A blowing agent can be included within an additive masterbatch. The active ingredient can create a foaming effect within the polymer during the plastic moulding process. As the material hardens, fine, regular bubbles of gas form within the structure; this reduces the density of the material without reducing the strength or rigidity of the end component. As the pockets of gas weigh less than the polymer, this process reduces the weight of the moulded component. The ..read more

Shore hardness is a measure of the hardness of different materials, and measures the resistance of a material to indentation. If you are using material such as a TPE for your project, knowing a shore hardness will aid in sourcing a material that can be used for the application required. The Shore Hardness Scale There are 3 Shore Hardness Scales – Shore 00, Shore A and Shore D. Shore 00 measures rubbers and gels that are very soft, like a gel insole. The Shore A Hardness Scale measures the hardness of softer more flexible materials that range from very soft and flexible to extra hard with almos ..read more

Producing a mould tool can come at a large expense. Whilst this initial outlay is worth it due to the economies of scale that come with producing hundreds of thousands of plastic mouldings, avoiding unnecessary costs during the process is still important. A design for manufacture (or DFM) is one of the most important tools in a toolmaker’s arsenal to design expensive features for the customer. Listening during this process could save you thousands of pounds. Aside from the DFM, here are some of BEC Group’s top tips to save you precious pounds when producing your tooling. Selecting your surface ..read more

MES or Manufacturing Execution Systems are computerised systems used in manufacturing to monitor and document the conversion of raw materials to finished goods. The purpose of an MES is to gain insights into manufacturing operations and analyse how to improve performance, reduce costs and improve production efficiencies. MES systems are connected directly to machinery on the shop floor and manage the production process in real-time.  MES often integrates with an ERP system. ERP systems manage operational activities such as scheduling, order handling, inventory and customer service. Some c ..read more

Mould Flow Analysis simulates how a particular plastic material will flow in a mould and enable the user to identify where injection moulding defects are likely to occur. This way, moulding issues can be eliminated before toolmakers have started to cut steel. The software enables mould designers to understand how the mould will fill and advise on the optimal position of gates to anticipate areas difficult to fill and where weld lines will appear. The simulation can also help estimate cycle times and machine tonnage providing valuable part costing information. Running a mould flow analysis is e ..read more

The term automation covers a wide range of scenarios, from simple de-moulding cells to complex assembly lines. Within the plastics sector, the majority of automation is designed to reduce labour costs, prevent damage to parts and provide consistent production rates. This is achieved by replacing machine operators with programmable robots that are controlled and synchronised by the production equipment. Automation is now extensively used in injection moulding, as it usually involves 24/7 production. The top nine rating is the view of the team at leading plastic industry resource, PlastikCity. A ..read more

Thermodynamics isn’t just a fancy word, it’s vital to ensure efficient and effective injection moulding processes. Before we get into why it’s important, let’s review some definitions to ensure we’re all on the same page. A Few Definitions Thermodynamics: Physics that deals with heat and other forms of energy. Thermal Conductivity (Tλ): The rate in which heat can be conducted through a material. Table 2 provides a general range for common substances in molding. Thermal Expansion: How much a material will expand with a given temperature. Specific Heat (Cp): The heat required ..read more

With the packaging industry playing a large economic role in today’s society, businesses must stay up-to-date with the latest packaging trends in order to overcome competition and pressure from stakeholders. Yet the question remains: how can businesses successfully meet these new packaging trends? The packaging industry plays a large economic role in today’s society. It helps businesses build a recognisable brand, enabling them to stand out from the competition. This, therefore, acts as a tool for consumers to make easier purchasing decisions and build brand loyalty. With a market size estimat ..read more

In this blog, expert and manufacturer of surface treatment systems Tantec-UK looks in-depth at corona surface treatment. Suitable for a range of plastics and metals, the treatment has an interesting history, with countless manufacturing applications. Corona treatment is an established, widely-used surface treatment process utilised in engineering applications across the world. The technology, which primes materials using a high-frequency, high-voltage discharge, is used to improve wettability and adhesion, thus improving the receptiveness of the surface to adhesives, inks and coatings. Commonl ..read more