by Scott R. Sabreen, The Sabreen Group and Dene Taylor, Ph.D., SPF-Inc. Digital UV inkjet printing on three-dimensional plastic products is "ready for prime time." Advancements in UV LED curing technology overcome many curing problems associated with traditional mercury vapor lamps. UV LED lamps are superior for curing low-viscosity UV inks on non-wettable, heat-sensitive … [Read more...] about Advancements in Inkjet UV LED Curing Technology
2016 Jul/Aug
Q&A: Hot Stamp/Heat Transfer Tooling and Application
by Bill Morey, Schwerdtle, Inc. In 2016, are there any "typical" hot stamp or heat transfer applications? If "typical" refers to smooth, flat surface decoration or even raised letter "tip stamping," the answer is yes. Because of the benefits of the completely "dry" process of hot stamping – particularly the wide range of colors and the bright metallic finishes of hot stamp … [Read more...] about Q&A: Hot Stamp/Heat Transfer Tooling and Application
Association News
Letter from the Chairman We have just completed two great conferences with opportunities to network and learn the latest in plastics decoration and assembly. In May, the Society of Plastics Engineers Annual Technical Conference was held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Decoration and Assembly Division session included seven papers covering topics ranging from in-mold … [Read more...] about Association News
Exploring the Benefits of UV-Curable Screen Ink Systems for High-Tech Printing
by Curt Baskin, Sun Chemical UV- and LED-curable screen printing ink systems are relatively new and growing technologies for many high-tech graphics printers, and with good reason. UV inks offer an environmentally safe solution that can reduce a printer's carbon footprint. They also eliminate the space required for long jet dryers or wicket dryers. No residual solvent … [Read more...] about Exploring the Benefits of UV-Curable Screen Ink Systems for High-Tech Printing
Five Factors Influencing a Successful Ultrasonic Weld
by Brian Gourley, Sonics & Materials, Inc. The basic principle of ultrasonic assembly involves conversion of high-frequency electrical energy to high-frequency mechanical energy in the form of reciprocating vertical motion, which, when applied to a thermoplastic, can generate frictional heat at the plastic/plastic or plastic/metal interface. In ultrasonic welding, … [Read more...] about Five Factors Influencing a Successful Ultrasonic Weld