While pad printing and digital inkjet technologies for plastics decorating have been around for quite some time, inkjet hasn’t found the same footing that pad printing has enjoyed. However, that doesn’t mean that either technology is necessarily better than the other. Each has its place in the industry and always will. At times, they may even work together for the benefit of … [Read more...] about Q&A: Pad Printing vs. Digital Inkjet for Direct-to-Plastic Printing
Articles
Integrating In-Mold Decorating into Injection Molding Workflow
Costing, designing and developing a robust and repeatable manufacturing process, regardless of the application or industry, is a daunting task. In the plastics industry – specifically injection molding – the challenge can be amplified by tight tolerances for form and fit, meticulous surface finishes, the individual processing characteristics of resins, existing machine … [Read more...] about Integrating In-Mold Decorating into Injection Molding Workflow
Overview of Methods for Laser Welding Optically Clear Plastics
Abstract The use of laser welding of thermoplastics is increasing in a broad range of applications due to the many advantages it has over competing methods. It can be used in both surface heating and through transmission laser welding. In some applications, it is desirable to laser weld optically clear thermoplastics to each other. This is easier to accomplish with surface … [Read more...] about Overview of Methods for Laser Welding Optically Clear Plastics
When to Consider In-Mold Decorating – and When to Avoid It
In-mold decorating is used to mold high-precision plastic parts with exceptional color and appearance. The process involves placing an appliqué – a pre-made form made from a printed sheet of plastic, which then is formed and cut to size – into an injection mold and molding behind and around the appliqué. It provides all the benefits of injection molding with the added … [Read more...] about When to Consider In-Mold Decorating – and When to Avoid It
Developments in Surface Treatment Solutions
When it comes to selecting a surface treatment for a particular project, many factors need to be considered. Recent technology changes have expanded the range of certain treatment uses, while environmental issues have begun to present their own unique challenges. Plastics Decorating sat down with Wilson Lee of Enercon Industries to discuss the different factors and challenges … [Read more...] about Developments in Surface Treatment Solutions