By Paul Uglum, Uglum Consulting, LLC What would plastic decorating be without color? At its core, plastic decorating relies on the ability to produce a wide range of colors and to place them wherever wanted. This is in a world where plastics themselves are relatively bland and where the resins and other components of paints and inks also are relatively without color. Since … [Read more...] about Colors in Decorated Plastics – Pigments and Dyes
Paints/Coatings
Process-Induced Manufacturing Defects in Decorated Plastic and How to Address Them
By Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC The most important function of plastic decorating is to impart a superior appearance to a product and to convey information to the customer. Above all else, the appearance of a product sends a message of quality and value. Any small blemish in the appearance has the potential of creating customer dissatisfaction. Visual … [Read more...] about Process-Induced Manufacturing Defects in Decorated Plastic and How to Address Them
New Technologies for Decorative Coatings on Plastic Parts
What is Next in Plastic Decorating? By Paul Uglum, Uglum Consulting, LLC In looking at advances in plastic decorating, it is important to understand what is driving change and which new technologies are emerging. It also is useful to understand which problems they solve or advantages they bring to either the manufacturer or the eventual user. What needs do these new … [Read more...] about New Technologies for Decorative Coatings on Plastic Parts
Metallic Finishes in Plastic Decoration
By Paul Uglum, Uglum Consulting LLC Metallic finishes in decorated plastic remain popular with both designers and consumers. The reasons for this are many and include the increased perceived value of the finished part, improved performance in the intended application, replacement of actual metal to reduce cost and weight, and taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of … [Read more...] about Metallic Finishes in Plastic Decoration
Industrial Liquid Coating of Plastic Products – Adhesion Surface Science
by Scott R. Sabreen, president, The Sabreen Group, Inc. Part one of this series discussed the effects of paint chemistry and plastic compatibility. It would not be acceptable for any element to compromise the plastic properties. The following effects must be evaluated in every application: Chemical effects – solvents and chemical interactions cannot damage the plastic … [Read more...] about Industrial Liquid Coating of Plastic Products – Adhesion Surface Science