Most-Read Plastics Decorating Stories of 2017
Plastics Decorating
Plastics Decorating
While work on Plastics Decoratings first issue of 2018 is well underway, we paused to see the topics with which our readers spent the most time last year. We found that readers often check through our archives, referring to information published as far back as 2013. The following stories, published in 2017, were the top reads for 48,000 visitors to the website.
- The Future of Plastics Education
Enthusiasm for the future of the industry and a near-100 percent graduate placement rate tempered by the reality of reduced academic funding are among the strengths, opportunities and challenges shared by faculty and college students as they prepare to enter the plastics industry workforce.
- Q&A: Developments in Plastics Decoration
There are many reasons for plastic decoration and, to some extent, the term is a misnomer. We apply secondary operations to plastic parts to add value. That value can take the form of improving the appearance, and therefore increasing the desirability and perceived value of an object, but it also can take the form of improved performance in the environment in which it will be used. So, the purpose of decoration should be to create a visually exciting object that both promotes the brand image of the company and creates a sense of value.
- Key Considerations: Adhesives or Ultrasonic Welding for Plastic Component Assembly?
This article will take a brief look at two of the more popular methods for assembling plastic parts into finished products adhesives and ultrasonic welding and focus on questions product design and manufacturing teams should consider when making decisions about why and when to adopt these assembly methods.
- Consumers are Thirsty for More: Trends in Plastic Drinkware Decorating
A 2017 report from Future Market Insights places global sales of plastic disposable cups at more than 280 billion units by the end of 2026, and a 2015 study from The Freedonia Group anticipated an increase of 5.2 percent per year in global demand for disposable cups and lids to $30.2 billion in 2019.
- Screen Printed IML vs. Direct Digital Printing
During the SPE Decorating & Assembly TopCon, held in June and co-located with the IMDA Symposium, Serigraphs Mike Ruminski led a workshop titled Direct Digital Printing on Molded Product vs. Screen Printed IML. The advantages and disadvantages of each created a lively discussion on the best applications for these decorating methods.
