News and Releases
Plastics Profiler-Polypropylene Copolymer
Polypropylene copolymer is a crystalline thermoplastic that starts with polymer grade propylene with 1-7% ethylene monomer added during bulk polymerization. Comonomer content and molecular weight distribution can be controlled in the reactor allowing for a wide range...
AGS Machine Modifications to Process Regrind
Working with up to 100% regrind represents its own set of processing challenges. Based on experience and continuous improvement AGS mitigates regrind related processing issues with specially modified injection molding machines: Material conveying...
FAQ: Does My Tooling Require Any Special Modifications to Run Injectoblend™ Recycled Plastic?
The short answer is no. There are no special tooling modifications required to mold Injectoblend™ recycled materials. A common misperception is that the shrink characteristics for virgin materials are different than their recycled equivalent. The obvious...
Does This New Panel Make Me Heavier?
Late in the design of the Grand Sport, the Corvette engineering team realized that the existing air management panel assembly would not mate properly with the Grand Sport’s distinctively wider, special louvered front fenders.
Wanted: Recycling Innovators-Volvo’s Angle to Sustainability
In a recent blog article Volvo seeks new suppliers, fresh ideas for greener cars in Automotive News by Douglas Bouldac, Volvo has announced that it is targeting 25% of the plastics used in its vehicles to be made from recycled materials. Many other automotive OEM's...
Plastics Profiler-Nylon 66
Nylon 66 is a crystalline engineering thermoplastic made up of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid that undergo a condensation reaction to form the polymer and is noted for the following performance characteristics: Chemical ResistanceAbrasion ReistanceFriction...
ASTM D 4000 Callout: A Fast, Effective Alternative to the OEM Approved Material Source List
Most large OEM’s have their own internal engineering teams to help evaluate and approve materials that will be used in the construction of their product. Plastics is no exception with OEM’s maintaining an approved material source list assigned to defined...
Estimating Part Weights
One of the major benefits of 3D math data for component designs is the ability of CAD programs to accurately generate part volume (cm³). To calculate estimated part weight in grams using 3D CAD data multiply the calculated part volume (cm³) by the specific gravity...
Three Considerations to Determine Injection Molding Machine Size
1) Do the mold dimensions fit between the machine tie bar spacing and within the platen? 2) Is the machine clamp tonnage sufficient? Calculate estimated machine clamp tonnage by multiplying the part's projected surface area by the clamping force...
Formulating Toughness of Polycarbonate Using Viscosity and Impact Modifiers
Polycarbonate is available in a wide range of viscosities for blow molding, extrusion, and injection molding applications. A melt flow rate (MFR) test using an extrusion plastometer is an excellent way to determine the viscosity of polycarbonate. Below are...