April 23, 2025Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Polymer ExtrusionPolymer extrusion wastes a significant amount of energy on inefficiencies. Here is how modern technologies are locking down every lost watt. Read more
March 31, 2025Effective Strategies for Incorporating PCR in Injection MoldingThis is the first of a two-part series that will provide insight into the adjustments needed in your molding operation to process post-consumer recyclate (PCR). Read more
December 26, 2024Top 5 Extrusion Articles of 2024Plastics Engineering presents the Top 5 Extrusion Articles of 2024, featuring key advancements and troubleshooting insights. Read more
September 17, 2024Denmark’s Styrofoam Recycling StrategyDenmark leads in environmental initiatives, including recycling Styrofoam (EPS). Widely used in packaging and insulation, expanded polystyrene presents significant challenges in waste management. Read more
September 16, 2024Exploring the Extrusion Industry for Custom Plastic SolutionsPlastic extrusion is vital in manufacturing a wide array of plastic products. Therefore, choosing the right extrusion partner is crucial for ensuring your project’s success. It can significantly impact both the quality and efficiency of production. Read more
February 20, 2024Screwless Plasticating Extruder Advancing Polymer ProcessingA groundbreaking screwless plasticating extruder is paving the way for single pellet extrusion in polymer processing. Drawing inspiration from the innovative gerotor gear pump, this novel design features a rotor with multiple lobes situated within an eccentric cavity. Read more
January 27, 2024Transforming Extrusion Processes with Advanced Machine LearningThe diagnosis and monitoring of extrusion processes have historically relied on rule-based algorithms. While effective for many years, this conventional approach faces inherent limitations. These limitations include a restricted number of controllable parameters, vulnerability to irrelevant outliers, and heightened complexity in systems with extensive degrees of freedom. Read more
December 14, 2023Exploring Links in Material Extrusion Additive ManufacturingIn the realm of plastics engineering, additive manufacturing stands as a game-changer, slashing lead times and enabling the creation of intricate, custom parts through techniques like fused filament fabrication (FFF). While hailed for its prowess, challenges persist in achieving consistent isotropic bulk properties and ensuring reliability in the printed components. Read more
June 6, 2023Heat Waves: Electromagnetic Induction Heat Improves Twin-Screw PerformanceExtruder manufacturer Bausano of Turin, Italy (North American office is in Houston), offers electromagnetic induction heating on its machines as an option to conventional ceramic band resistance heaters. Called the Smart Energy System (SES), benefits include the ability to reach… Read more
May 31, 2023PepsiCo Sees Biopolymers as Key to Sustainability in Flexible PackagingGoal is for all packages to meet environmental standards and to significantly reduce virgin plastics use PepsiCo Inc. continues to strive to move “beyond the bag and beyond the bottle” in the quest to minimize the impact of its packaging… Read more