by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC Plastic parts are decorated for many reasons and using many differing techniques. Parts can be decorated to achieve specific aesthetics and appearances, to provide uniform appearances across various substrates, to apply graphics and to achieve specific functional or tactile results. Coatings also are applied to protect the … [Read more...] about Failures and Prevention: Chemical Attacks of Decorated Plastic Surfaces
Quality
Improving Plastic Welding: Learn to Think Like Molten Plastic
by Tom Kirkland, owner, tributek.us Plastics welding has come a long way since people were doing hot plate welding on an electric griddle they bought “down at the Sears and Roebuck.” Equipment has improved while materials have changed and become both more consistent and sometimes more challenging to weld. Primary processes have become more consistent. Most of all, … [Read more...] about Improving Plastic Welding: Learn to Think Like Molten Plastic
Particle Monitoring Technology for Coating and Decorating
When it comes to decorating plastic parts, particularly when using specialty processes, it is crucial to account for particles that could otherwise mar the finished product. As a result, particle monitoring technology is becoming a vital part of cleanroom environments. Plastics Decorating sat down with PMT Director of Sales Mark Berdovich to discuss some of the basic aspects of … [Read more...] about Particle Monitoring Technology for Coating and Decorating
Utilizing Dry Ice for Decontamination of Plastic Parts
When it comes to the important process of removing contaminants from molded plastic parts, there are a variety of different methods available. However, as society becomes more and more concerned with environmental protections and sustainable practices, it’s worth exploring those processes that do not make use of chemicals or abrasive materials. One such process utilizes dry … [Read more...] about Utilizing Dry Ice for Decontamination of Plastic Parts
Common Issues in Pad Printing
Complicated substrates, irregular shapes and surfaces, greater versatility – these are only a few reasons why pad printing has been, and continues to be, a popular process across a variety of industries. However, while this process has been around for decades, it still poses issues for many printers seeking to utilize its benefits. Plastics Decorating sat down with industry … [Read more...] about Common Issues in Pad Printing