Table of Contents

Print Archives

Canadian Plastics - November 2010

Features

After the storm, confusion
We wish we could say that resin buying will be simple as the Great Recession recedes -but it won't. Overcapacity of some of the major commodity and engineering resins will force low prices; with others, low supplies will allow sellers to raise the cost to just below import levels. Inside, we tell you which is which.

Canadian Extruders: Lean, Mean and Ready to Invest
Wondering what shape Canada's pipe and profile extrusion shops are in as the Great Recession winds down? It's in here. Looking for info on buying intentions, markets served, machine utilization rates and more? We've got it. Simply put, our fourth annual Extrusion Benchmark Survey gives you a snapshot you won't find anywhere else.

Micro Moving
There's nothing wrong with moistened fingers, but they're probably not the best means for picking up very small, very delicate plastic parts. Processors looking to go big with small parts molding should at least consider the alternatives of robots and/or end-of-arm-tooling. We look at the pros and cons of some popular picks.

The Color of Control
For plastics processors, a big part of surviving in tough economic times involves getting finished parts to the customer, fast. But if the colors are off, you'll wish those parts hadn't gone out in the first place. The latest developments in color matching technology can help.


Departments

Technology Showcase

Auxiliary Equipment (November 01, 2010)
Case packer provides gentle support handling

Blow Molding (November 01, 2010)
Filling line for broad range of applications

Blow Molding (November 01, 2010)
Fast mold changeover system

Hot Runners (November 01, 2010)
Quick-couple actuator eases assembly, maintenance

Materials (November 01, 2010)
Fire retardant TPEs for wire, cable applications

Software (November 01, 2010)
Modular, scalable package provides data from all plant floor assets

Ideas & Innovations

Executive's Corner

News

Editorial

Design Ideas

View From the Floor