by Matt Regan and Chris Blanken With the continued trend toward shorter runs for all types of plastic molded products, there will be a demand for short-run decorating alternatives. Digital heat transfers provide an option for shorter run applications, with the added benefit of offering variable data on each plastic part. Plastics Decorating has asked two of the leading experts … [Read more...] about Digital Heat Transfers
Articles
Greener Solutions for Pad Printing
by John Kaverman, Tampoprint International Corporation Advancements in the pad printing industry have helped companies reduce their environmental footprint in a number of ways. The utilization of electro-mechanical drive systems in modern pad printing machines and accessories has significantly reduced utility costs. Advancements in laser-engraved cliché materials have largely … [Read more...] about Greener Solutions for Pad Printing
Weldability of Bioplastics
by Julius Vogel and David Grewell, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University With the growing demand for environmentally friendly biorenewable resources, there has been a parallel growth in the development of bioplastics. These include commercially available starch- derived plastics and plastics derived from renewable oil and proteins. As with any plastic, … [Read more...] about Weldability of Bioplastics
Exterior UV-Curable Topcoat For Physical Vapor Deposition Applications
by Kristy Wagner and Jennifer R. Smith, Red Spot Paint and Varnish Company, Inc. Growing environmental concerns with chrome plating have caused finishers to request a "greener" alternative. Coatings for multi-purpose decorative and automotive lighting PVD applications have been used in the UV-curable coating industry for over twenty years. However, these coatings do not have … [Read more...] about Exterior UV-Curable Topcoat For Physical Vapor Deposition Applications
In-Mold Decorating with Pre-Printed Film Inserts
by Ann Marie Lentz, Technical Launch Manager, Serigraph Inc. Applications for in-mold decorating with pre-printed film inserts continue to expand since technological improvements have made it an option for three-dimensional products with complex surfaces. IMD/IML cuts costs and boosts quality in uses from automobile interior components with compound curves to contoured control … [Read more...] about In-Mold Decorating with Pre-Printed Film Inserts