Looking back to the late 1980s, it is easy to see how the industry has evolved. At that time, pad printing was just beginning to compete with hot stamping and screen printing. Additionally, sealed ink cups had just been invented. By the mid-90s it was not uncommon for large manufacturers to have dozens of pad printing systems dedicated to printing the same parts, over multiple … [Read more...] about The Evolution of Pad Printing
2019 Jan/Feb
Using a B.O.L.D. Approach to Succeed in an Unpredictable Business World
The current economic, political and social environment is exceptionally volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. It has become increasingly difficult to develop strategies for success when there are new challenges threatening an enterprise’s survival all the time. One of the most effective methods leaders can employ to navigate in this unstable business climate is to take a … [Read more...] about Using a B.O.L.D. Approach to Succeed in an Unpredictable Business World
Correlating Ultrasonic Weld Quality with Melt Layer Thickness
by Alex Savitski, Ph.D.; Leo Klinstein, Kenneth Holt, Hardik Pathak, David Cermak Dukane IAS, LLC Ultrasonic welding of thermoplastics is widely used by many industries to fuse together two parts in a short time without introducing additional consumables such as fasteners, adhesives or solvents. The process is fast, economical and easily automated, and it is commonly … [Read more...] about Correlating Ultrasonic Weld Quality with Melt Layer Thickness
Association News
Letter from the Chair Every year, it seems, it has become more difficult to keep people involved with outside groups or associations. Time is more precious than ever before – and jobs are more demanding. However, I believe people underestimate the importance of keeping up with new technologies, having a central source for industry-related education and information, and finding … [Read more...] about Association News
The Price of Printing – In-House vs. Custom Decoration for Plastic Parts
by Brittany Willes, editor Plastics Decorating These days, the word “smart” has taken on a whole new meaning. With technology advancing by leaps and bounds every year, consumers have their pick of everything from smartphones to smart cars and even smart homes. Of course, this technology also has had an impact on the manufacturing industry, including plastics. As plastics … [Read more...] about The Price of Printing – In-House vs. Custom Decoration for Plastic Parts