Articles about Plastics

a close-up of a user on a riding lawn mower

Key ANSI/OPEI Standards for Lawn Mower Manufacturers

On November 6, 2023 the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved updates to manufacturing standards for combustion-engine-powered lawnmowers put forth by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). These approved standards went into effect the following year as new guidelines: ...

a banner of different types of tooling: Water Cooled Cast Aluminum, Billet Aluminum, 3D-Printed, Polyurethane Board, and Wood Protoype.

A Guide to Thermoforming Tooling Types

When looking at a completed plastic part, it can be hard to see all of the decisions that led to this final form. From design to material selection to the actual manufacturing process - dozens of decisions at each stage culminate in a superior completed project.

die-cut silicone pieces

EPDM Rubber for Fabricated Parts: What You Need to Know

In the parts manufacturing world, it can be hard to determine what works best for your parts. Today, we’re focusing on EPDM rubber for fabricated parts and discussing what you need to know when reviewing this material. This article will cover EPDM rubber: its advantages and disadvantages and ...

a series of gaskets

Best Materials to Use for Die-Cut Gaskets

Gaskets are an unsung hero of manufacturing. They don’t push the envelope, they don’t break new barriers, but they do one thing really, really well: keep the entire machine, product or part working as intended. For these heroes, choosing the right material is the source of their power. Not all ...

plastic color swatches

Proper Material Selection in the Vacuum Forming Process

Thermoforming is a plastic production process that combines heat and vacuum to carefully form custom plastic parts. Though the process can seem simple on the surface, it still requires much expertise and some significant know-how to consistently create a result that satisfies both you and your ...

a 5-axis cnc machine

5-Axis CNC Trimming vs Hand Trimming Thermoformed Plastics

A key step in any plastic part production is cutting the part to size and removing any unnecessary material to create grooves and other shapes. For 3 dimensional parts, there are two common trimming methods: hand trimming and 5-axis CNC trimming. Between the two options, which one is best? Our team ...

ATOM Flashcut dieless knifecutting machine

Waterjet Cutting Versus Flash Cutting – What’s the Difference?

Two of the fastest cutting methods for industrial products are waterjet cutting and flash cutting. These remarkable machines carve through materials at lightning speeds. But while similar, these two speedy processes are suited for different applications.

colorful plastic pellets

Thermosets vs. Thermoplastics: Understanding the Advantages of Each

Many manufacturers have already turned away from pricier metal options to use high-quality plastics. When choosing plastics for fabrication, there are two primary plastics of choice: thermoplastics and thermosets. Both thermoplastics and thermosets come with inherent characteristics that make them ...

a roll of 3M adhesive tape

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Selection Guide

When affixing two different materials together or adding a layer of lamination or other finishing options, pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are the most effective method. However, there are a great number of options to choose from – so how do you know which one is the best for your application?

man staring at computer, with a cartoon lightbulb above his head

Key Considerations for Processing 2D Plastic Parts

When it comes to cutting plastics, there are many different ways to process your part. Precision die-cutting involves steel rule dies, dieless knife cutting involves a vacuum table with an oscillating knife, and CNCing involves a 3-Axis CNC with a vacuum table and route.

Disappointed senior man holding a shrunken blouse inside a bathroom

Planning for Material Shrink Rates for Thermoformed Parts

When you’re planning your plastic projects and designs, you need to take everything into account from prices and materials to aesthetics and marketability. But truly understanding the nuance of each of these facets can be overwhelming in a fast-paced marketplace. Some details such as shrink rates ...

How Thermoplastic Recycling Can Help Your Projects Stay Environmentally Friendly

Plastic waste is a notorious and growing problem around the globe, and with this problem, has emerged a pressing need for innovation. The flexibility of plastics that can be used repeatedly is invaluable to addressing this problem.

worker spray painting plastic piece on a car

TPO Features & Benefits in Thermoforming

TPO (Thermoplastic Poly Olefin) is an excellent option for plastic fabrication where stiffness, weather-ability and chemical resistance are all key. Here’s what you need to know about TPO, and its benefits in thermoforming.

a stack of plastic sheets

Why Thermoforming Polymers Are Sustainable

As businesses around the world become increasingly aware of the impact of their operations on the environment, finding sustainable solutions has become a top priority. One area where significant progress has been made is in the use of thermoforming polymers.

plastic texture

Low Surface Energy Plastics vs High Surface Energy Plastics in your Plastic Production Project

Comparing metals, glass, and plastics against each other is common when weighing the pros and cons of various materials. However, when most people do so they lump all plastics together into one category. The reality is that plastics vary widely in terms of function, form, and in details such as ...

a durometer

Durometers : What You Need to Know

Durometer is a critical measurement when creating parts. But what is it, exactly, and why is it so important?

colorful plastic pellets

How Plastic Substrates Can Substitute Other Materials

Over the years, it has been increasingly difficult to find better, more effective materials to improve the manufacturing process. However, the use of plastic substrates has been known to start replacing other materials like glass, wood, or stone, in manufacturing. In doing so, it’s been saving ...

a beautiful infused design with lighting behind it from SEKISUI KYDEX

What is Infused Imaging™ Technology?

Design blooms from within using KYDEX® Thermoplastics with Infused Imaging™ technology – an exciting new technology that puts imagery *in* plastic material, not on top of plastics. If you’re looking for more freedom in the design of your thermoplastic parts, Infused Imaging™ will help you bring ...

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