While much of the plastics industry takes a financial beating in the U.S., Western Europe, and many Asian countries, Central Europe continues to be a beacon in the darkness. Poland and the Czech and Slovak Republics have seen growth in 2008, mainly due to skilled employees working for lower pay. The countries also benefit from an ideal central location that can serve both East and West. So far, with auto and packaging industries claiming a major stake in Central Europe, injection molding dominates the number of processors; but Polish film extrusion consumes the most material.

When even, reliable heat is critical, choose Ogden Mighty-Tuff band heaters.

•  Stainless Steel Sheath to resist oxidation
•  Capable of operating up to 1400° F sheath temperature
•  Highest possible application temperatures
•  Reach 200 WPSI
•  Thin profile (3/16 in.) for rapid response

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If Converse All-Star sneakers can glow in the dark — and some of them do — then surely other products must soon be following the trend. Maybe for that reason, Chroma Rotational Molding has made Chroma Glow, a linear low-density polyethylene that glows in green or blue. Intended for rotational molding, the LLDPE needs five minutes of light exposure to light for 32 hours.

Here's a solution for cars, boats, or patio furniture showing signs of wear — let them fix themselves. To protect underlying substrates from corrosion, this self-repairing polymer heals itself when scratched. Its secret? Dispersed microcapsules filled with a catalyst and healing agent.

Cooling channels and a ceramic resistance heater, working together, can save 10% in energy and change injection molding temperatures 10x faster, writes Modern Plastics. The technology, debuted at the Fakuma show and primed for PC and acrylic, puts the heater just below the mold insert surface to speed mold filling before switching to the cooling phase.

About 35% to 40% more output — that's the estimated benefit of an extrusion die that relies on water cooling of the melt, and internal air cooling in PP and HDPE pipe, writes Plastics Technology. The uniform output, despite the low temperatures and reuse of heat and plastic pellets, makes the extrusion die a valid and energy-efficient pipe cooling option.

NRD is pleased to announce the addition of three new innovative products to their static control line: Anti-Static Tinsel, model 4002; Ion Cord, model 4003; and Tinsel Bar, model 4001. They are available for purchase online at www.thestaticmasters.com.

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Improvements in hot runner technology promise better uniformity and production outputs. In addition to continued use of thermocouple controlled nozzles, expect benefits from electrically actuated valve gate systems, high-pressure nozzles for thin-wall packaging, and thermodynamic heating for compatibility with thermal analysis software.

Materials developer BASF claimed a European "first" when its styrene-butadiene copolymer, Styrolux® 3G 46, wound up in an extrusion blow-molded process, forming plastic bottles with handles. The material, originally intended for blow-molding, enabled light weight, low temperatures, and fast cycle times, securing its place in the extrusion blow-molding process.

There's more to turning a standard plant into a green facility than adding energy-efficient light bulbs. A comprehensive approach the "greening" process begins with an energy analysis to point out improvement areas in power, lighting, or heating sources. Then, it's a matter of shifting human behavior (turning lights off), automating some controls (motor power levels), and consistently monitoring the results.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Plant & Facilities Engineering.

Are you dubious about energy audits? This report reviews what's involved and why the exercise pays off. Consider: a review of energy bills and taxes will point out current overcharges and potential fuel options. An audit also in production vs non-production, and upgrade possibilities based on areas where your facility pulls the most energy.

TPE overmolding improves functionality, performance, and aesthetics of precision molded device components. TPE overmolding is a cost-effective way to improve your product usability, reduce assembly, and improve sealing and vibration dampening. Da/Pro focuses on high-quality, tight-tolerance parts providing engineers and chemists to assist in the moldability of your components.

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