Tom’s Poly Ploys
An In-Depth Look at Extrusion - Part 2
- Published: October 12, 2018
Feeding, compacting and melting. Written by Tom Bezigian
An In-Depth Look at Extrusion - Part 1
- Published: September 12, 2018
This is the first in a series of articles that will cover extrusion from beginning to end, dividing them into logical sections. This is the first in a series of articles that will cover extrusion from beginning to end, dividing them into logical sections
Poly Ploys | Why Wine 'Cries'
- Published: March 27, 2018, By Tom Bezigian
Tom Bezigian explains the fundamental fluid science that gives wine its "legs."
A 4-Shift, Around-the-Clock Schedule EVERYONE Will Love—REVISITED
- Published: November 14, 2017
Here's a work schedule that accommodates continuous manufacturing operations while offering operators a guaranteed weekend off every two weeks and additional “easy” days.
Plastic Pouches: How To Make Them & Growth Projections
- Published: September 22, 2016
A report from Smithers-Pira examines the future of pouch packaging.
Updates from TAPPI, SPI & the Industry
- Published: August 02, 2016
The TAPPI PLACE conference in Fort Worth, TX, addressed an assortment of topics, including polymerization developments, machinery updates, processing, and sustainability.
Common Laminating Techniques & Associated Adhesives
- Published: July 11, 2016, By Tom Bezigian
The lamination process is well suited for flexible packaging. Here is a list of lamination techniques, adhesive used, and examples of selected applications.
Common Barrier Packaging Polymers—Their Functions & Applications
- Published: June 07, 2016
Plastics for use in barrier packaging is commonplace today. A list of common barrier polymers identifies their functions and aplications in an easy-to-read table.
Process Monitoring Reduces Waste for Paper & Film Industries
- Published: February 23, 2016
Remote data monitoring for web-based processes is now a reality. I met with Envoy Development, a leading data analytics company, to discuss current practice and use of data monitoring for the paper and film manufacturing industry.
Screw Design for Film Extrusion
- Published: January 12, 2016
It probably goes without saying that extrusion is the most fundamental of all polymer processing operations. This article looks behind the scenes at designing and building extruder screws.
AIMCAL Fall Technical Conference a Huge Success
- Published: November 05, 2015
If you didn't have the opportunity to attend the AIMCAL Fall Technical Conference, you missed a great meeting.
World's First 9-Manifold Extrusion Die Debuts
- Published: September 27, 2015
Nordson EDI announces the world's first nine-manifold extrusion die.
AIMCAL 2015 Web Coating and Handling Conference
- Published: September 25, 2015
The AIMCAL 2015 Web Coating and Handling Conference is right around the corner. This year the conference is being held in Naples, Florida, from October 25-28, 2015.
Nordmeccanica Demonstrates Solvent-Free Adhesive Laminating
- Published: June 08, 2015
Nordmeccanica's open house this week in Hauppauge, Long Island, NY, allowed me to witness the lamination of 5 micron (0.00020") aluminum foil to oriented polyester film via solventless lamination.
Spring 2015 Travels: Nordmeccanica (Long Island), Malaysia (Part 3)
- Published: May 10, 2015
Another interesting Spring in terms of travels. I'll cover the future first so that you have time to plan for the event should you want to visit Nordmeccanica in Hauppauge, New York on June 2, 2015. Then more Malaysian tales.
NPE 2015 Wrap-up
- Published: April 03, 2015
Largest ever NPE show—More than 65,000 attendees from around the globe, more than 1.1 million sq ft (102, 250 sq m) of floor space occupied by more than 2,300+ exhibitors.
Reducing Surface Contamination
- Published: March 16, 2015
Most extrusion operations aren't affected by or concerned with surface contamination. Those that are, such as polyester film and sheet manufacturers for critical end-use applications, face a constant battle to ensure a quality finished product.
The Benefits of Ozone in Extrusion Laminating
- Published: March 02, 2015
As I visit clients and conduct plant tours and technology assessments, one glaring omission that I quite often see is lack of ozone pre-treatment equipment.
ICE USA 2015 - Orlando, Florida Summary
- Published: February 15, 2015
Small, but full of content... that's how I'd describe the International Converting Exhibition (ICE) in Orlando, Florida last week.
Malaysian Plastics Industry Update–Pt. 2
- Published: February 08, 2015
What accounts for why Asian costs compared to US & Europe are so much less for extruded plastic film, sheet, profiles, and injection molded parts?
Malaysian Plastics Industry Update: January 2015
- Published: January 30, 2015
The Malaysian plastics industry is booming with varied technological levels employing a mix of legacy and newer equipment.
PACK EXPO 2014
- Published: November 06, 2014
I just returned from PACK EXPO 2014 at McCormick Place in Chicago. This year, PACK EXPO combined with Pharma Expo to create one BIG show. What a great show it was!!!
Microphazer Films Offers Unique Ultra-Thin Film Products
- Published: June 30, 2014
I recently had a chance to meet with Eric Arrington, founder and president of Microphazer Films out of Rochester, New York. Arrington, a former scientist at Kodak holds multiple patents and has been in the extrusion industry for more than 30 years, and has invented a way to produce ultra-thin, un-oriented, amorphous polymer films. I will review my interview with him in this blog.
Processing Tips to Prevent Gauge Bands - Part 4
- Published: June 02, 2014
This article will discuss in general terms what can be done with resin additives and formulations to improve resistance to polymer degradation and gauge bands.
Processing Tips to Prevent Gauge Bands - Part 3
- Published: May 26, 2014
Part 3 of this mini series will discuss proper shutdown procedures to minimize or eliminate gauge bands in extrusion coated and cast film products.
Processing Tips to Prevent Gauge Bands - Part 2
- Published: May 19, 2014
Strategies to eliminate gauge bands in extrusion coating and cast film by using proper operating procedures.
Processing Tips to Prevent Gauge Bands - Part 1
- Published: May 10, 2014
Since I starting in this industry back in the dark ages, before computers and GUI/HMI process control systems, universal corona treating systems, plasma treatment and the like, gauge bands have been the bane of the extrusion coating converter, and to a lesser extent, cast and blown film producers. Nothing has changed in this regard.
SAM NA Open House
- Published: April 09, 2014
Hot off the press...SAM NA holds open house at it Phoenix, NY headquarters and Pilot Plant facilities.
Follow-up Post on a Workable 4-shift Schedule
- Published: March 03, 2014
There has been a lot of feedback on the blog posting made in September 2012, so I thought I would follow-up with a few more details.
Plastics are Alive and Well in Southeast Asia
- Published: February 20, 2014
I had the opportunity to do some extrusion training recently in Southeast Asia, and all I can say is that plastics are alive and well there.
