by Jeff Peterson, Plastics Decorating The pad printing process began in Switzerland when a small gelatin pad was used to transfer ink onto a watch. The first industrial machines were invented in the 1960s, and that was the start of a full-fledged decorating industry that took off and has never looked back. The essentials of the pad printing process have basically stayed the … [Read more...] about Pad Printing Trends Today and in the Future
Articles
Port Sealing: An Effective Heat Sealing Solution
by Lance Crawford, Thermal Press International, Inc. Heat sealing is the process of sealing one thermoplastic to another similar thermoplastic using heat and pressure. The direct contact method of heat sealing utilizes a constantly heated die or sealing bar to apply heat to a specific contact area or path to seal or weld the thermoplastics together. Heat sealing is used for … [Read more...] about Port Sealing: An Effective Heat Sealing Solution
Adhesives for Assembly
by Edward A.Y. Fisher, engineering manager, Henkel Corp. Question: When choosing an assembly process for a manufactured part, why should adhesives be considered over other processes, such as welding? Adhesives offer several major benefits over other assembly methods. They distribute stress load evenly over a broad area, eliminating stress concentration that occurs when … [Read more...] about Adhesives for Assembly
Trend Analysis to Acquire Knowledge at Increased Volumes
by Perry Parendo, Perry's Solutions, Inc. When new products are created, the development homework is performed on a small portion of the eventual production. Sometimes it is weeks, or even only days, of equivalent full-volume production levels. If done well, the homework will show performance over a wide range of environments and provide an understanding of key inputs. If not … [Read more...] about Trend Analysis to Acquire Knowledge at Increased Volumes
Innovation and Sustainability Drive UV-Cured Powder Coating Developments
by Michael Knoblauch and Ryan Schwarb, Keyland Polymer Ltd. Introduction - The Innovators Challenge Customers are demanding products and services that cost less and add value. Innovating providers of services and manufacturers of products recognize the importance and challenge of simultaneously adding value and reducing costs; not as opposing or conflicting goals, but as … [Read more...] about Innovation and Sustainability Drive UV-Cured Powder Coating Developments