Letter from the Chair It has been an exciting year. Advances in decoration and assembly technologies continue to provide solutions to more and more complex design problems. Smart materials have resulted in coatings that are not only decorative, but also functional and responsive to environmental changes. Nano technology has enabled in-mold circuitry, and quantum dots have … [Read more...] about Association News
2015 Jan/Feb
Balancing Automation with the “Right” Assembly Technology
by Dan Zaborowski, T.A. Systems In today's world of automation, there are many wonderful assembly technologies from which to choose. This is, of course, a good thing and something that benefits us all... until it comes time to pick an assembly technology for the next application. Suddenly, having so many technologies at the disposal of assembly personnel can seem overwhelming. … [Read more...] about Balancing Automation with the “Right” Assembly Technology
CI Medical Cuts Into the Health Care Industry
by Amy Bauer, Plastics Decorating Transfer pad printer CI Medical, Inc. was founded 30 years ago as Creative Imprints, Inc., with a focus primarily on the advertising specialty and sporting goods industries. However, a major shift early on set a new, prosperous course for the company into the medical device market. Today, CI Medical of Norton, MA, touts itself as the … [Read more...] about CI Medical Cuts Into the Health Care Industry
IMDA Survey Offers Insight into IMD/IML Trends
The In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA), Scottsdale, AZ, recently completed an analysis of data from its Fall 2014 Short Shot Business Survey. The six-question survey was sent to molders, brand owners, printers, industry suppliers and equipment manufacturers to provide insight into the growth of in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold labeling (IML). The results from this most … [Read more...] about IMDA Survey Offers Insight into IMD/IML Trends
Q&A: Pad Printing Ink Options Expand
by Jen Clark, Plastics Decorating Pad printing has long been a popular choice for decorating plastic parts. It gives marketers the ability to decorate a wide range of two- and three-dimensional objects, including those with difficult shapes. New ink formulations have been able to give pad printed objects a high-end quality, as well as move companies specializing in the … [Read more...] about Q&A: Pad Printing Ink Options Expand