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Precision Plastic Injection Molders

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The Increasing Trend of Biopolymers in Food Packaging

A chef wearing a black apron and black gloves packing food into biopolymer food packaging.

From distribution to storage, packaging materials play a vital role in keeping food fresh and safe for consumption. Plastic packaging is designed to safeguard, contain, and handle ready-to-eat food products. However, to the eco-conscious mind, all this plastic use may seem harmful to the environment. While that is true, the introduction of biopolymers has generated an eco-friendly method of preserving food while protecting the environment. Let’s review the increasing trend of biopolymers in food packaging and how this renewable plastic protects both your food and the ecosystem.

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What are the Best Thermoplastics for Heat-Resistant Parts?

A car engine with numerous heat-resistant plastic parts.

When considering options for heat-resistant parts, the first material that usually comes to mind is metal. Alloys tend to have high heat resistance, but the versatility of metals is limited. That’s why an increasing number of engineers are turning to heat-resistant plastics to fill roles in complex, high-performance applications. Heat-resistant thermoplastics also tend to have other beneficial characteristics that lend themselves to an extended lifespan beyond that of metal. Let’s take a look at some of the best thermoplastics for heat-resistant parts and their unique attributes.

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Dealing with the “New Normal” of Plastic Manufacturing Logistics

A cargo container ship at port with a city skyline in the distant background.

COVID-19 had a massive impact on the global supply chain, as nations entered lockdowns and implemented safety regulations which slowed the flow of trade. With the supply chain still reeling from the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine has only further damaged global logistics. With China’s zero-tolerance COVID-19 measures, we are also continuing to experience shipping bottlenecks. As the supply chain will continue to encounter obstacles for the foreseeable future, it’s time we learn to deal with the “new normal” for plastic manufacturing logistics.

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How Plastic Injection Molding Benefits the Transportation Industry

A rear view of a semi-trailer truck traveling on an interstate in the desert, meant to depict the benefits of injection molding on the transportation industry.

Transportation is integral to world commerce, and never has that been more apparent than today. From container ships bridging the gaps between continents to highway truckers on the interstate, plastics have revolutionized this industry. Plastic injection molding designs cosmetic parts for the interior of vehicles and generates components critical for performance. Plastics have helped businesses across the globe meet their financial milestones while limiting their costs within the transport sector. To truly understand the impact, let’s review how plastic injection molding benefits the transportation industry.

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How Hot Runner Systems Operate in Plastic Injection Molding

An angular view inside the window of a plastic injection molding machine using a hot runner system with a key pad panel on the right side.

Nowadays, plastic injection molding is mostly performed in one of two ways: hot runner systems or cold runner systems. If you’ve worked with plastic injection molding before, you’re likely familiar with hot runner systems. However, you may not be familiar with how they operate or differ from cold runner injection molding systems. As a process that increases the cycle speed and decreases waste in plastic injection molding, it’s a very attractive means of creating high-quality plastic parts. To truly appreciate its diversity and efficiency, let’s discuss how hot runner systems operate in plastic injection molding.

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What is the Difference Between Overmolding and Insert Molding?

A screwdriver created via insert molding with a black and yellow handle next to screws on a wooden table.

Plastic injection molding embodies numerous subsets of versatile manufacturing processes. Two distinct methods of plastic fabrication include overmolding and insert molding, each offering its own advantages. Insert molding is the process of molding plastic over an entirely different material, and overmolding is a method that adds a layer of material over an existing part. Though, this is not where their differences end. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the difference between overmolding and insert molding.

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