October/November 2023
Plastics Decorating Outlook for 2024
By Hallie Forcinio, writer, Plastics Decorating
In-Mold Labeling Provides Design, Sustainability Options for Food Packaging
Compiled by Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, Plastics Decorating
Plastic Product Decorating Summit Exceeds Expectations
By Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, Plastics Decorating
Process-Induced Manufacturing Defects in Decorated Plastic and How to Address Them
By Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
From Substrates to Inks, What Producers Should Be Asking for IML Success
Compiled by Erin La Row, editor, Plastics Decorating
Secondary Education Options in Plastics Decorating
By Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Decorating
July/August 2023
MOPA Fiber Lasers for Marking Plastics – All Lasers are Not Created Equal
By Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
In-Mold Decorating Makes Household Chores Look Good
Edited by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Decorating
Inkjet Printing Decorates 3D Plastic Parts
By Hallie Forcinio, writer, Plastics Decorating
The Guide to Switch from Adhesive Bonding to Plastic Welding
By Jason Dornbos, sales manager at Extol, Inc.
New Technologies for Decorative Coatings on Plastic Parts
By Paul Uglum, Uglum Consulting, LLC
PRINTING United Expo 2023
Compiled by Erin La Row, editor, Plastics Decorating
April/May 2023
A Closer Look at Green Plastic Decorating
By Paul Uglum, Uglum Consulting, LLC
In-Mold Decorating Lights Up the Automotive and Appliance Industries
Edited by Dianna Brodine, Plastics Decorating
Decorating Trends for Medical Applications
By Hallie Forcinio, writer, Plastics Decorating
Best Practices for Integrating Plasma and Flame Surface Treaters
By Mike Couch, VP engineering, INPRO Technologies Incorporated; Wilson Lee, business development manager, Enercon Industries Corporation; Mark Plantier, VP marketing, Enercon Industries Corporation
Expanding Locations, Capabilities at Revere Plastics
By Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Decorating
SNOWLEOPARD® Security Solution Helps Protect Brand Integrity
Edited by Erin La Row, Plastics Decorating
Overcoming Obstacles for Growth in 2023
By Kirk W. McLaren
Hot Stamping Injection-Molded Parts the Right Way
By ICOMold by Fathom
January/February 2023
The Future of the Plastics Marketplace for Molding and Decorating
By Cara Walton, director of market intelligence, Harbour Results, Inc.
From Niche Applications to Mass Production: A Brief Review of Laser Welding
By Craig Birrittella, business development manager, automotive, Branson Welding and Assembly at Emerson, and Bill Reed, business development manager, automotive, Branson Welding and Assembly at Emerson
The Value of Testing – Durability Testing for Decorated Plastics
By Alan Jaenecke, Taber Industries
Kimberly-Clark Elevates Towel Dispensers from Ordinary to High Design
Edited by Erin La Row and Dianna Brodine, Plastics Decorating
Reasons to Automate Pad Printing
By John Kaverman, president, Pad Print Pros
Interactive IML Combines Decoration, Functionality to Transform Packaging
Edited by Erin La Row, editor, Plastics Decorating
Managed Service Providers are Critical to Securing Smart Factory
By Lauren Middleton, content writer and web designer, River Valley Digital
Metallic Finishes in Plastic Decoration
By Paul Uglum, Uglum Consulting, LLC
October/November 2022
Part 2: Avoiding Common Mistakes | Keys to Successfully Implementing New Plastics Decorating Processes
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
A Single Breath Authenticates Covert Features in New Anti-Counterfeiting Technology
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
A Real-World Roundtable Discussion on UV Inks and UV Curing
Interview by Jim Raymont, EIT
New Universal Series Pad Printers by TTN: Redesigned for Maximum Output
Edited by Erin La Row, editor, Plastics Decorating
Surface Energy Measurements for Development and Control of Surface Treatment Options
by Rose Roberts, Ph.D., senior custom applications and materials engineer, Brighton Science
IMDA Awards Recognize the Best in IML/IMD/IME
by Plastics Decorating
Plastics Decorating, Coatings and In-Mold Technology Conference Brings Industry Together
by Dianna Brodine, managing director, In-Mold Decorating Association
July/August 2022
Design Concerns for Durable Products: IML/IMD/IME
by Paul O’Hearn, engineering manager, Profile Plastics
Event Preview: PRINTING United Expo 2022
Compiled by Erin La Row, editor, Plastics Decorating
AWT’s American AM-180: Reliability and Versatility in 3D Printing
Edited by Erin La Row, editor, Plastics Decorating
Digital Inkjet for Plastics Decorating
Keys to Successfully Implementing New Plastics Decorating Processes
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
In-Mold Decorating Adds Design Element to Functional EV Vehicle Component
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Decorating
Laser Marking of Glass-Filled Polymers – The Importance of Injection Molding Operations
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
Dry Ice Blasting vs. CO2 Spray Cleaning
by Nelson W. Sorbo, Ph.D., and Parker Nickolay, Cool Clean Technologies, LLC
April/May 2022
Understanding Color in Decorated Plastics
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Advancements in Vision Inspection Solutions for In-Mold-Labeled Packaging
by Scott Heins, director of sales and marketing, INTRAVIS Inc.
Tech Watch | Solid, Liquid, Gas and Plasma Energy: 3DT’s Improved PlasmaDyne Pro
by Jewlissa Frickey, editor, Plastics Decorating
Direct to Container Printing: Growth and Opportunities
by Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, Plastics Decorating
FEA Modeling of Heat Development in Spin Welding
by Miranda Marcus, EWI
UV/Ozone Surface Pretreatment to Improve Adhesion of Polymers
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
Prototype Showcases In-Mold Processes and Protective Surface Coatings
by Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Decorating
What You Need If You are Called to Lead
by Dr. Rhea Seddon, astronaut and author
January/February 2022
Care and Feeding of the Ultrasonic Welder
by Tom Kirkland, owner, tributek.us
ONETUMBLER Adds Variety with IML
by Nicole Mitchell, editor, Plastics Decorating
Plastics Container Labeling – Sustainability Choices
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Decorating
Ink Selection for Pad Printing
by Micah Swett, sales manager, Diversified Printing Techniques
It is Time to Reassess Strategic Assumptions
by Jill J. Johnson, MBA, president, Johnson Consulting Services
Advanced Technologies for Decorating Polyethylene
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group
Smart Coatings for Smart Surfaces in Decorated Plastic
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Ask the Expert: Challenges and Solutions in Contract Decorating
by Plastics Decorating
October/November 2021
Adding Value Through Soft-Feel and Tactile Decoration
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Automation, Sustainability and the Future of In-Mold Processes
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Decorating
TopCon and IMDA Symposium Go In-Person with Great Success
by Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, Plastics Decorating
Ask the Expert: Understanding Heat Transfers in the Plastics Industry
by Plastics Decorating
‘Clean’ Plastic Welding Technologies Open New Aesthetic Opportunities in Complex, 3D Assemblies
by Sean Leavy, regional product manager, Americas, Branson Assembly and Welding technologies at Emerson
Anti-Counterfeiting Strategies for Products and Packaging
by Ron Ducharme, vice president of business development, Covectra
Industrial Liquid Coating of Plastic Products – Adhesion Surface Science
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
Every Plant Needs to Conduct a Cyber Risk Assessment
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Decorating
Tech Watch: Ultra Pack UVFP – Low-Migration Inks from Marabu
by Jewlissa Frickey, assistant editor, Plastics Decorating
IMDA Association News
by Plastics Decorating
SPE Decorating & Assembly Division News
by Plastics Decorating
July/August 2021
SPE Decorating & Coatings Division TopCon and IMDA Symposium
by Plastics Decorating
Feasibility and Process Development in Plastics Decorating
by Perry Parendo, president, Perry’s Solutions, LLC
Industrial Liquid Coating of Polyolefin Products: Interior and Exterior Applications
by Scott R. Sabreen, The Sabreen Group, and Dustin Kurath, Northern Coatings
PRINTING United is Back in Orlando
by Jewlissa Frickey, assistant editor, Plastics Decorating
Plastics Packaging Adapts to Consumer Demand Amid the Pandemic
by Brittany Willes, writer, Plastics Decorating
IMDA Awards Competition Recognizes the Best in IML/IMD/IME
by Plastics Decorating
What is Plastics Decorating?
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Choosing the Right Pad Printer for the Next Project
by Ted Van Horn, sales engineer, Engineered Printing Solutions
Plasma Treatment Transforms Plastic Parts into High-Value Products
by Ray Chen and Ryan Blaik, PVA TePla America
IMDA Association News
by Plastics Decorating
SPE Decorating & Assembly Division News
by Plastics Decorating
April/May 2021
Testing Decorated Plastic Parts: Understanding and Applying Tests for Decorating Success
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Ask the Expert: Paintings and Coatings for Plastic Parts
by Akriti Agarwal, global manager – paint and coatings, Mercury Marine
Promoting Safety and Productivity on the Shop Floor
by Lara Copeland, writer, Plastics Decorating
AWA Annual Review: Label and Product Decoration
Article and graphics provided courtesy of AWA Alexander Watson Associates
Utilizing CO2 Technology for Surface Decontamination
by Dr. Nelson Sorbo, vice president of R&D, Cool Clean Technologies
Single-Pass UV LED Inkjet Printing on 3D Plastics – Ink Chemistry and Polymer Surfaces
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
Polymer Solutions for Laser Welding of Medical Devices
by Beate Treffler, market development manager healthcare EMEA, Avient Corporation
Tech Watch: GPE 24 UV/LED Screen Printer from GPE Ardenghi S.r.l.
by Lara Copeland, writer, Plastics Decorating
IMDA Association News
by Plastics Decorating
SPE Decorating & Assembly Division News
by Plastics Decorating
January/February 2021
Sustainability & Decorated Plastics Packaging
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Decorating
Ron Schultz Retires from the In-Mold Decorating Association
by Dianna Brodine, newly appointed managing director, IMDA
Successful Project Management for Plastics Decorating
by John Kaverman, president, Pad Print Pros
Fiber Laser Marking of Nylon (Polyamide) Plastics
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group
Automation for Plastics Decorating Processes
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Understanding Cleanrooms and Their Successful Use in Plastics Decoration
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Evaluating Surface Pretreatment Technologies
Plastics Decorating
Maintaining a Healthy UV Curing System
by Bob Malone and John Phillips, Miltec UV
Tech Watch: Emerson™ Branson’s PulseStaking Technology
by Priyank Kishor, global product manager, PulseStaking, Branson Welding and Assembly at Emerson
IMDA Association News
Plastics Decorating
SPE Decorating & Assembly Division News
Plastics Decorating
October/November 2020
In-Mold Decorating Continues to Expand
by Dave Schoofs
UV LED Curing for Surface Hardcoats
by Jennifer Heathcote, business development manager, GEW, Inc.
2021 and Beyond – The Industry Looks Ahead
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Going Virtual During COVID
by Jessica Makrinos, marketing manager, Inkcups
A Short Guide to Laser Welding Plastics
by Ian Jones, manager, Laserweld Plastics Ltd
Failures and Prevention: Chemical Attacks of Decorated Plastic Surfaces
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
The Five Myths of Business Strategy
by Rich Horwath, CEO, Strategic Thinking Institute
Improving Polymer Adhesion: Advancements for Low Surface Energy Plastics Applications
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group
Tech Watch: Tapematic’s PST Line
by Lara Copeland, writer, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
July/August 2020
20 Years of Plastics Decorating Magazine
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Decorating
The Importance of Process-Specific Audits
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Laser Marking for Plastic Parts
by Dr. Faycal Benayad-Cherif, business manager, FOBA Laser, a Danaher Company
Opportunities in Cannabis Packaging
by Bill Ludlow, president and CEO, CRATIV Packaging
Companies Adjust to Hard-Hit Ad Specialties Market
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Laser Welding: The ‘Beautiful’ Plastics Assembly Technology
by Priyank Kishor, global product manager for non-ultrasonics, assembly technologies at Emerson
Flame Plasma Surface Modification of Polymers for Adhesion Bonding: Process Control, Equipment and Applications
by Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group
Tech Watch: Industrial Decorating Solutions’ CER Technology
by Lara Copeland, writer, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
April/May 2020
The Future of Metallic Finishes on Plastic in the Automotive Industry
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Digital Heat Transfer Solutions: Where Quality Meets Simplicity
Article provided courtesy of Digital Decorations, LLC
Improving Plastic Welding: Learn to Think Like Molten Plastic
by Tom Kirkland, owner, tributek.us
Component Selection for Inkjet Systems
by Craig T. Reid, president, CTR Resources, LLC
From the Trenches: Industry Veterans Discuss Coronavirus and Moving Forward
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Effects of Surface Treatment on Adhesion for Plastic Components
by Arthur Kasson, technical consultant, and Frederick Fiddler, technical manager, KRUSS USA
Particle Monitoring Technology for Coating and Decorating
by Mark Berdovich, director of sales, PMT (USA) LLC
Tech Watch: Marabu North America’s UVFP Low-Migration Ink
by Lara Copeland, writer, Plastics Decorating
January/February 2020
Pad Printing for Medical Devices
by Keith Ekenseair, president and CEO, Pad Printing Technology
Choosing the Best Options for Difficult Appearances – Metallic and Piano Black
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Mass Complexity – Areas Where Pad Printing Continues to Shine
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Utilizing Dry Ice for Decontamination of Plastic Parts
by Steve Wilson, global business unit director-plastics, rubber and composites for Cold Jet, LLC.
2µm Lasers: Revolutionizing Welding of Clear Plastics
by Josh Brown, global sales manager-laser plastic welding, Dukane
One-on-One Meetings Matter More Than You Know
by Kate Zabriskie, Business Training Works, Inc.
Inkjet Printing for Flexible and Wearable Plastic
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, and Dene Taylor, founder, Ph.D. SPF-Inc.
Tech Watch: Inkcups’ Revolution
by Lara Copeland, writer, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
October/November 2019
High-Flying Security at the Nanoscale
by Veronica Savu, CEO, Morphotonix
2019 IMDA Awards Recognize Top Five In-Mold Labeled, Decorated Products
Plastics Decorating
LED Curing of Inks and Adhesives – and Beyond
by Chris Davis, head of sales-industrial systems, IST America
Common Issues in Pad Printing
Plastics Decorating
Workplace Implications for Marijuana Use
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Decorating
Utilizing Plastics Decorating for Interface Design
by Nick Strauss, director of corporate development, Inno-Flex
A Look at the Global Container and Packaging Market
Article provided courtesy of MarketLine
Future of Plastics Decorating: 2020 and Beyond
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Productivity and Prioritization
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Decorating
Tech Watch: Innovative Digital Systems’ Revolution 360°T
by Lara Copeland, writer, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
July/August 2019
Q&A: Screen Printing for Cylindrical Containers
by Scott Frey, chief executive officer, OMSO North America
Inkjet Decoration of Plastics: A Bright Future
by Alvin Keene, president, IMI
PRINTING United Coming to Dallas
Plastics Decorating
Bonding Bioplastics Using Adhesives
by Zachary Sayah, application engineer, and Wenlai Feng, application engineer, Henkel Corporation
Evaluating Appearance of Decorated Parts
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC
Personalization and Promo Markets Drive Advances in DTO Printing
by Jessica Makrinos, marketing manager, Inkcups
Thermoplastic Materials for UV Inkjet and Laser Marking
by Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group Inc.
Prepare for Supply Chain Pressures
by Liz Stevens, contributing writer, Plastics Decorating
Tech Watch: Standard Machine’s SMI 6090 Digital UV Industrial Inkjet Printer
by Lara Copeland, contributing writer, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
April/May 2019
The Future of Cosmetics Packaging Shines with Foil
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Simulating PANTONE Colors on Colored Substrates
by Bruce Ridge, director of technical service, Nazdar Ink Technologies
Inkjet Printing and Adhesion of Low Surface Energy Polymers
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group Inc.
Q&A: UV LED Curing for Plastics Decorating
by Jennifer Heathcote, technical and commercial consulting adviser, UV curing, Eminence UV
Methods of Polymer Weld Quality Evaluation
by Miranda Marcus, applications engineer, EWI
In-Mold Label Coatings: A Small Part of the Label with Great Effect
by Andre Soterio, segment manager-labels Europe, ACTEGA Terra GmbH
Tech Watch: Proell’s Inks and Functional Lacquers
Edited by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
January/February 2019
Breakthrough Anti-Counterfeit Technology for Plastics Products
by Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group
Q&A: Pad Printing vs. Digital Inkjet for Direct-to-Plastic Printing
by Julian Joffe, president/commercial services, Engineered Printing Solutions
The Price of Printing – In-House vs. Custom Decoration for Plastic Parts
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Correlating Ultrasonic Weld Quality with Melt Layer Thickness
by Alex Savitski, Ph.D.; Leo Klinstein, Kenneth Holt, Hardik Pathak, David Cermak, Dukane IAS, LLC
The Evolution of Pad Printing
by John Kaverman, president, Pad Print Pros LLC
Using a B.O.L.D. Approach to Succeed in an Unpredictable Business World
by Jill Johnson, president, Johnson Consulting Services
Anticipating the Future of Industrial Inkjet with InPrint USA
Excerpt from InPrint USA white paper: “Industrial Inkjet: Crossing the Chasm?”
Tech Watch: SIMPLESTAKE’s Impulse Staking Technology
Edited by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
October/November 2018
Integrating In-Mold Decorating into Injection Molding Workflow
by John Berg, director of marketing, Sussex IM
Overview of Methods for Laser Welding Optically Clear Plastics
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, and Avraham Benatar, professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University
When to Consider In-Mold Decorating – and When to Avoid It
by Eric Larson, owner, Art of Mass Production
Ask the Expert: Developments in Surface Treatment Solutions
by Wilson Lee, director of business development, Enercon Industries
Five Warning Signs an Accident is Near – and How to Prevent One
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
Fan Filters Reduce Dust at Toyota Material Handling
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Achieving Innovative Appearances with In-Mold Decorating
by Nick Strauss, director of corporate development, Inno-Flex
2018 IMDA Award Winners
Plastics Decorating
Decorate with Power: Creating Value with Digital Watermarks
by Bob Travis, president, InkWorks Printing LLC
Tech Watch: A.W.T. World Trade’s AM-180
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
July/August 2018
Raising a Plastic Glass to Customization: GORIGHT Takes Drinkware to New Levels
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating
High-Tech Inkjet Printing Applications
by Marcus Timson, In-Print USA
SGIA Comes to Las Vegas
Plastics Decorating
Performance of Hybrid Adhesives vs. Traditional Structural Adhesives
by Timothy Holmes, senior application engineer, and Andrew Paluch, applications engineer, Henkel Corporation
Labeling and Product Decoration: Change is the Only Constant
Article provided courtesy of AWA Alexander Watson Associates
Color Inkjet Printing and Laser Marking for Plastics
by Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
Ask the Expert: Innovations on the Horizon for Decorative Coatings
by Karen Kukla, account manager, AkzoNobel
Tech Watch: 3DT’s PlasmaDyne Pro
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
April/May 2018
IMD/IML: Common Performance Considerations and Test Methods
by Dave Schoofs, product development, Central Decal Company
Plastics Part Decoration Evolves to Meet Marketplace Challenges
by Chris DeMell, North American medical marketing manager, ITW Industrial Decorating Solutions
Staking by Ultrasound – Strong Joints in Short Cycle Times
by Thomas Fischer, head of application development, Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik GmbH & Co. KG; Eric Brückner, Institute of Conveyor Technology and Plastics (IFK); Dr. Michael Gehde, head chair for plastics, IFK
The Importance of Machine Approval
by John Kaverman, president, Pad Print Pros
A Look at the Powder Coatings Market
by Kerry Pianoforte, editor, Coatings World
Plasma Surface Pretreatments of Polymers for Improved Adhesion Bonding
by Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
Be a Customer Service Contender
by Katie Zabriskie, president, Business Training Works, Inc.
Tech Watch: KURZ’s IMD/IMR Technology
Edited by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
January/February 2018
2018 Trends in Automotive Plastics
edited by Katy Ibsen, with contributions from Mary Ellen Rosenberger, founder/managing partner of BaySpring Solutions, L.L.C., and Paul Uglum, technical fellow, Aptiv
NPE2018 Returns to Orlando in May
by Plastics Decorating
Utilizing Dynamic Hold Capability of Servo-Driven Ultrasonic Welders
by Alex Savitski, Ph.D.; Hardik Pathak; Leo Klinstein; Kenneth Holt; and David Cermak; Dukane IAS, LLC
Automation with Robots for Pad Printing Operations
by Micah Swett, sales manager, Diversified Printing Techniques
A Look at Two Different Print Technologies: Dye-Sublimation and UV
by Lily Hunter, product manager, textiles and consumables, Roland DGA Corporation
Carbon Black Selection for Successful Through Transmission Laser Welding and Joining
by Scott Sabreen, The Sabreen Group, Inc., and Avraham Benatar, Plastics and Composites Joining Laboratory, Welding Engineering Program, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University
Painting Plastics
by Don Stankus, operations manager, Plasti-Paint, Inc. – DeWitt, Iowa
Labels: A Market Overview
by AWA Alexander Watson Associates
10 Tips to LIFT Your Leadership
by Elizabeth McCormick former US Army Black Hawk pilot
Tech Watch: TOSH’s Logica 05.5 Pad Printer
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Association News
Plastics Decorating
October/November 2017
Bling Appeal: ZoMazz Ups Its Game with Embedded Crystals
by Brittany Willes, contributing writer, Plastics Decorating
3D-Printed Plastic Parts: To Weld or Not to Weld?
by Trevor Larcheveque, Branson Ultrasonics Corp.
2017 IMDA Award Winners
by Plastics Decorating
The Card Market: An Introduction to Process and Materials
by Carrie A. Napper, innovation engineer, Klöckner Pentaplast
Fiber Lasers: Selection and Additives
by Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group Inc.
In-Mold Labeling and the Role of Static Generation
by Stewart Gordon-Smith, business development manager, Meech International
Be a Force Multiplier: Accomplishing More with Existing Resources
by Elizabeth McCormick, former US Army Black Hawk pilot, author and speaker
Tech Watch: Dukane’s iQ i220 Integrated Servo Welder
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Best Practices for Painting Plastics
by Patrick Smith and Nick Strauss, Graco Inc.
Association News
Plastics Decorating
July/August 2017
Five Aesthetic Design Trends Defined
by Bill Dorr, director of industrial design, Design Concepts
Screen Printed IML vs. Direct Digital Printing
by Mike Ruminski, senior design IML technician, Serigraph
SGIA Returns to New Orleans
Plastics Decorating
Instant Bonding of Plastics Using Adhesive Technologies
by Diva Evans, applications engineer, Henkel Corporation
Topical Conference and Symposium Combine Forces Again
Plastics Decorating
Consumers are Thirsty for More: Trends in Plastic Drinkware Decorating
by John Hilgendorf, contributing writer, Plastics Decorating
Surface Pretreatments and Custom Inks Advance Inkjet Printing of Plastics and Films
by Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group Inc.
Tech Watch: Engineered Printing Solutions’ Roto-Jet Industrial Inkjet Printer
by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Pad Printing on Textured Surfaces: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
by John Kaverman, president, Pad Print Pros LLC
Rethinking Equipment Maintenance: Transitioning to a Proactive Approach
by Larry Bouvier, CMRP, and Rob Levandoski, president, Fuss & O’Neill Manufacturing Solutions, LLC
April/May 2017
The Future of Plastics Education
by John Kaverman, president, Pad Print Pros, and Nancy Cates, contributing writer, Plastics Decorating
Ultrasonic Plastics Welding: The Influence of Base Materials
by Ken Holt, senior applications engineer, Dukane, IAS
Guide Enhances Safety for Nonscientist Users of UV-Curable 3D Printing
by Nancy Cates, contributing writer, Plastics Decorating
Diving into Inks: Digital, Analog and UV-Curable
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, Plastics Decorating
Five Traits of Great Business Leaders
by Dave Martin, Dave Martin International
Dual-Purpose ‘Laser Additives’ Drive Marking and Welding of Polymers
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group
UV-Curable Single-Pass Inkjet Printing of Plastic Parts
by Paul Beliveau and Henry Mossell, FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc.
Tech Watch: CDigital’s Digital Heat Transfers
by Plastics Decorating
January/February 2017
Innovations in Plastics Products Security: Anticounterfeiting Technologies
by Scott Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group
The Global Market for Small-Format Digital Printing of 3D Novelty Products
Excerpt from InPrint USA white paper: Market Opportunities for Industrial Digital Print in North America
A Learning Approach to Equipment Setup
by Perry Parendo, president, Perry’s Solutions
Key Considerations: Adhesives or Ultrasonic Welding for Plastic Component Assembly?
by Steven A. Williams, manager, Global Product Managment-Ultrasonics, Emerson • Branson
Modern Pad Printing Technology
by John Kaverman, president, Pad Print Pros LLC
Enhancing Environmental Compliance with Water-Based Coatings
by Hugh Barrett, technical consultant, APV Engineered Coatings
Q&A: Developments in Plastics Decoration
by Paul Uglum, technology advocate, fabrication engineering, Delphi
KBA-Kammann’s K20 Series Decorating Machines
Edited by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating
Association News
by Plastics Decorating
October/November 2016
Soft-Touch Paint Gaining Market Share
by Patrick Smith and Nick Strauss, Graco, Inc.
Vendor Collaboration Provides IML Solution for Commercial Plastics
by Nancy Cates, Plastics Decorating
IMDA Award Winners Announced
by Plastics Decorating
Tech Watch: Mimaki USA’s UJF-6042 MkII
by Lara Copeland, Plastics Decorating
Q&A: Electromagnetic Welding of Plastics
by Steven M. Chookazian, Emabond Solutions, LLC
Regulatory Impact on the Plastics Industry
by Robert F. Helminiak, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association
Adding a Cleanroom for Decorating and Assembly
by Ron Kosmalski, Clean Air Technology, Inc.
July/August 2016
Exploring the Benefits of UV-Curable Screen Ink Systems for High-Tech Printing
by Curt Baskin, Sun Chemical
SGIA to Showcase Decorating Suppliers
Plastics Decorating
Minimizing Contamination in a Production Environment
by John Kaverman, Pad Print Pros, LLC
Q&A: Hot Stamp/Heat Transfer Tooling and Application
by Bill Morey, Schwerdtle, Inc.
Five Factors Influencing a Successful Ultrasonic Weld
by Brian Gourley, Sonics & Materials, Inc.
The Principles of Ultrasonic Welding
by Steven A. Williams, Branson Ultrasonics, a business of Emerson
Advancements in Inkjet UV LED Curing Technology
by Scott R. Sabreen, The Sabreen Group, and Dene Taylor, SPF-Inc.
Tech Watch: Diversified Printing’s G-Turbo 350
by Brittany Willes, Plastics Decorating
OSHA’s New Scrutiny on Plastics Companies
by Robert Levandoski, Fuss & O’Neill Manufacturing Solutions
April/May 2016
Treating the Surface: Options for All Surface Types
by Brittany Willes
Fiber Laser Marking for Product Security, Identification and Anti-Counterfeiting
by Scott Sabreen, The Sabreen Group
Inkjet Surface Decoration – Market Overview and Challenges
by Debbie Thorp, Global Inkjet Systems Ltd.
Freedom to Design with Adhesives and Binding Tapes
by Shari Loushin, 3M Company
Q&A: Digital Heat Transfers
by Eric Steinwachs, CDigital
Quality Control Technologies
by John Kaverman, Pad Print Pros LLC
Tax Savings for Innovation: The R&D Tax Credit
by Michael J. Devereux, Mueller Prost
Tech Watch: Inkcups Now’s Helix Rotary Inkjet Printer
by Brittany Willes
January/February 2016
Automotive Trend toward Customization Adds Complexity
by Dianna Brodine
Methods and Materials for Difficult Pad Printing Applications
by John Kaverman, Pad Print Pros LLC
When Vibration Welding is the Best Choice
by Jeffrey Frantz, Branson
Use a Process-Neutral Approach when Selecting an Assembly Method
by Jeffrey Frantz, Branson
A New Look at an Old Technology: Water Transfer Printing
by Victor Rojas, TWN Industries, Inc.
Tech Watch: United Silicone’s Evolution HT
by Brittany Willes
Q&A: Plasma Treating
by Andy Stecher, Plasmatreat
Build a Culture of Volunteered Accountability
by Randy Pennington, The Pennington Group
October/November 2015
Market Trends for IMD and IML
by Dianna Brodine
Using Decorative Film Laminates with In-Mold Decoration to Increase Design Flexibility
by Len Poole, Soliant, a division of AkzoNobel
Performance of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tapes Under Different Strain Rates
by N. Pemberton-Pigott, G. Burger and D.A. Wasylyshyn, BlackBerry Ltd.
IMDA Award Winners Announced
by Plastics Decorating
Increasing Pad Printing Productivity and Efficiency
by John Kaverman, Pad Print Pros, LLC
Overreaching on a Non-Compete Can Be Costly
by David Carr, Ice Miller LLP
Laser Texturing Adds Another Level of In-Mold Decoration Possibilities
by Chad Hase, GF Machining Solutions
Tech Watch: CBW Automation
by Brittany Willes
July/August 2015
Improving the Adhesion of UV-Curable Coatings
by Andrew Stecher and Paul Mills, Plasmatreat US
Industrial Inkjet Printing onto Wearables
by Scott R. Sabreen, The Sabreen Group, and Dene Taylor, Ph.D., SPF-Inc.
SGIA Expo Showcases Innovation in Atlanta
by Plastics Decorating
Reimagining Traditional Technologies for Container Decorating
by Dianna Brodine
Meeting Demand in the Ad Specialties Market
by Jen Clark
Five Barriers to Implementing Strategic Direction
by David Waits, Waits Consulting Group, Inc.
Q&A: Laser Welding of Plastics
by John Paul “J.P.” Kurpiewski, Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
Compatible Inks for Plastic Substrates
by SGIA
Tech Watch: OMSO ServoBottle 8
by Brittany Willes
April/May 2015
Beauty is in the Eye of the Consumer
by Dianna Brodine
The Value of QFD in New Product Development
by Perry Parendo, Perry’s Solutions, Inc.
UV Technology for In-Mold Labeling
by Ron Schultz, In-Mold Decorating Association
Polyethylene Fuzed Graphics Enter the Market
by Marty Mares, Polyfuze Graphics Corp.
FDA-Approved Additives Boost Inline Plastics Laser Marking
by Scott R. Sabreen, The Sabreen Group
Material Considerations in Ultrasonic Welding
by Tom Kirkland, tributek.biz
Fall Protection, Hazard Communication Top OSHA’s Citation List
by Jen Clark
Understanding Reactive Gas Technology
by Prakash Iyer, Inhance Technologies
Tech Watch: Branson Ultrasonics
by Brittany Willes
January/February 2015
CI Medical Cuts Into the Health Care Industry
Balancing Automation with the “Right” Assembly Technology
NPE2015 Brings Technology and Education to Orlando
Preparing for Machine Installation
Q&A: Pad Printing Ink Options Expand
Best Practices for Bonding Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastics
Technology Innovation in Plastics Decorating
Tech Watch: Innovative Digital Systems’ Mach1 Digital System
IMDA Survey Offers Insight into IMD/IML Trends
October/November 2014
Expanding the Market for In-Mold Decorating
by Dianna Brodine
IMDA Award Winners Announced
by Plastics Decorating
Basic Test Methods for In-Mold Labels
by AWA Alexander Watson Associates
Physical Vapor Deposition and UV-Curable Coatings
by Jason T. Eich, Eileen Weber, Phil Abell, Kristy wagner and Chris Mack, Red Spot Paint and Varnish Company
Advancements in the Plastics Joining Industry
by Jeffrey Frantz, Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
UV Inkjet vs. Traditional Analog Decoration
by Tim Scully, Engineered Printing Solutions
Using the P.L.U.S.H. Sales Process Methodology
by Chuck Reaves
July/August 2014
Diamond Screen Process Sees More Growth in its Future
by Amy Bauer
SGIA Show Preview
by Plastics Decorating
Why Invest in Digital Decoration?
by Chris DeMell, ITW Security and Brand Identity
Ultrasonic Welding with Automation and Robotics
by Udo Skarke, Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc.
Corona Discharge Surface Treatment
by Bruce Stobbe, Corotec Corporation
Position Your Environment for Safety
by Garrison Wynn, CSP
Structural Bonding Alternatives for Plastics
by Rachel B. Nashett, Henkel Corporation
Association News
by Plastics Decorating
April/May 2014
CVG FinishTEK Builds on Hydrographics Excellence
by Amy Bauer
Advantages of Infrared Welding in Thermoplastics Manufacturing
by Dave Clothier, FRIMO, Inc.
Q&A: IML-I vs. IML-T
by Roman Artz, Inland Label
Hot Stamping for Three-Dimensional Parts
by Allan Quimby, KURZ Transfer Products, L.P.
Gas-Phase Surface Pretreatments for Plastics Adhesion
by Scott Sabreen, The Sabreen Group, Inc.
Cleanroom Considerations
by Ron Kosmalski, Clean Air Technology, Inc.