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 Experts from the technical and decorative sectors provide insight on what to expect in 2018. From the needs of autonomous vehicles to increasing standards for plastics with antimicrobial properties, here are … [Read more...] about 2018 Trends in Automotive Plastics
Articles
A Look at Two Different Print Technologies: Dye Sublimation and UV
by Lily Hunter, product manager, textiles and consumables, Roland DGA Corporation Since the introduction of the first personal computer, we have been ushered into the "digital age." Technology has transformed virtually every aspect of our daily lives, and this phenomenon has been no different in the digital printing arena. Digital printing technology is pushing the … [Read more...] about A Look at Two Different Print Technologies: Dye Sublimation and UV
Association News
The world is an unpredictable place; still, you can see trends if you look. It doesn't take much looking, though, to see that the economy is growing, and this time, so are the number of manufacturing jobs. A reduction in regulation has helped, as have the tax breaks for businesses. Whatever the causes, directly or indirectly, consumer optimism and spending are leading to … [Read more...] about Association News
Automation with Robots for Pad Printing Operations
by Micah Swett, sales manager, Diversified Printing Techniques Factory automation is quickly becoming more commonplace in today's manufacturing sector. With labor shortages, a decline in experience levels and rising wages, factories want to automate the pad printing process to ensure the work gets done even when qualified workers are in short supply. Unfortunately, most … [Read more...] about Automation with Robots for Pad Printing Operations
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 Abstract Laser welding is used in a wide range of applications to join thermoplastics because it is a noncontact heating method with short cycle times and lower cost. … [Read more...] about Carbon Black Selection for Successful Through Transmission Laser Welding and Joining