by Amy Bauer In-mold decorating has been a key to the growth of Indiana-based CPX Inc. and is a vital component of the company's future plans. An expert in plastics production for the appliance industry, the company is one of the largest custom injection molding suppliers to General Electric's appliance division and produces more than two million IMD products … [Read more...] about CPX Excels at Decorating Solutions for the Appliance Industry
2013 Jan/Feb
Formulating Plastics for Direct Laser Marking
By Scott Sabreen, The Sabreen Group, Inc. Advancements in material science formulations, combined with nanosecond fiber laser technology, achieve unprecedented marking quality, contrast and speed on plastics that have been difficult, if not impossible, to laser mark. Many laser-enhancing additives are formulated to maximize laser light absorption at wavelengths operating … [Read more...] about Formulating Plastics for Direct Laser Marking
Recent Innovation in 3D and Tactile Effects in Plastics
by Ed Crutchley, Plastics Decoration Technology Watch The most sought after features in plastics decoration either are a tactile surface feel or the visual impression of depth. These can be achieved by many methods, and new or evolving materials and processes for these are appearing almost every day. Often, attempts are made to protect new ideas by taking out intellectual … [Read more...] about Recent Innovation in 3D and Tactile Effects in Plastics
Pad Printing Trends Today and in the Future
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
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