by Bill Cawley, GENTEX Corporation Figure 1 Through Transmission Laser Welding of Plastics Figure 2 Globo Laser Head (Courtesy Leister Technologies) Figure 3 Radial Welding Fixture (Courtesy Leister Technologies) Figure 4 Masking System (Courtesy Leister Technologies) Figure … [Read more...] about Recent Advances in the Laser Welding of Plastics
Articles
Basic Material Science for Plastics Laser Marking
by Scott R. Sabreen, The Sabreen Group, Inc. Advancements in direct laser marking of plastics yield unprecedented marking quality, contrast, and speed. With proper application, laser marking can provide numerous manufacturing advantages and bring value to a product's appearance and function. The newest generation of plastics material science and laser equipment systems is … [Read more...] about Basic Material Science for Plastics Laser Marking
The Components of a Quality Pad
by John Kaverman Special Focus January/February2009 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 What constitutes a "good pad?" At first glance the two pads in example 1 may appear to be of similar in quality. Look again. The vacuum-formed pad on the left was manufactured utilizing a precision master. The … [Read more...] about The Components of a Quality Pad
Applying Lean Manufacturing to In-Mold Decoration
by Bob Travis, Vibrant Graphics As companies implement initiatives such as lean manufacturing to stay competitive in a global marketplace, they often adopt new solutions like in-mold decoration to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, these initiatives frequently stop short of exploring how lean principles applied to new technologies can create even greater benefits. This … [Read more...] about Applying Lean Manufacturing to In-Mold Decoration
Advancements in Paint System Design
by Dominic Zerilli, Thierica Equipment Company The growing challenge for manufacturers to stay competitive and profitable has led to new advances in paint system design and service. The times of being able to dedicate a large system to one program or product is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Customers' needs are changing and paint systems are changing to suit those … [Read more...] about Advancements in Paint System Design