By Mike Gizzi, service and calibration manager for Ultrasonics at Emerson Preventive maintenance (PM) is an essential factor in ensuring that equipment operates at its peak performance. It helps identify potential problems before they escalate into major, costly problems. It is proven to reduce downtime, increase quality consistency, extend the life of the equipment and … [Read more...] about Maintaining Peak Operating Efficiency for Ultrasonic Welding Equipment
Automation
Artificial Intelligence in Plastic Decoration
By Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC Artificial Intelligence (AI) has received a significant amount of attention and press recently. This raises the questions: How can AI be used effectively in the plastics decorating industry, and what value can it bring to plastic decorating? Artificial intelligence is the science of duplicating human thinking processes using … [Read more...] about Artificial Intelligence in Plastic Decoration
Hot Stamping Plastic Parts – Working with Foils, Dies and Machines
By Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, Plastics Decorating The process of hot stamping a three-dimensional plastic part has been around for many years and is one of the oldest decorating technologies. Although many decorating processes today have changed or evolved in different aspects, a hot stamping machine using a die and transfer hot stamping foil, remails the only secondary … [Read more...] about Hot Stamping Plastic Parts – Working with Foils, Dies and Machines
Durable Decorating Trends in Automotive and Appliances
By Dianna Brodine, vice president, editorial, Plastics Decorating Decorated plastic parts intended for the automotive, appliance, outdoor recreation or electronics industries have different durability requirements for their appearance than many packaging applications, such as a yogurt container, that will head to the recycling bin after consumption. When long-term durability … [Read more...] about Durable Decorating Trends in Automotive and Appliances
Automation for Plastics Decorating Processes
by Brittany Willes, editor, Plastics Decorating The integration of automation and robotics into manufacturing facilities and shop floors has been underway for some time. While some processes have been slow to automate, there is little doubt that automation is becoming more commonplace thanks to benefits including increased productivity and reduced waste. For the plastics … [Read more...] about Automation for Plastics Decorating Processes