Tag: plastics

Top 6 Vacuum Forming Companies

October 25, 2024 / Dan Russell

Vacuum forming is a popular plastic manufacturing process used extensively in the British and Irish plastics industry. This method involves heating a sheet of plastic until it becomes pliable, then forming it over a mould by applying a vacuum. Vacuum forming is commonly used to produce items such as plastic packaging, trays, and components for sectors like automotive and medical.

Its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for manufacturing small and medium-sized plastic products in high volumes.

Is Plastic the Recycling Pantomime Villain?

December 11, 2017 / Guest

Pressure Grows on Plastics and the Environment

In 2017 the media has gradually increased the pressure on the plastics industry by highlighting the effect of waste plastic in our global environment. This focus shows no sign of going away, with the UN oceans chief stating that Ocean plastic is a ‘planetary crisis’.

How Does Plastic Make Sport Possible?

October 30, 2017 / Guest

At TCB-Arrow we manufacture a huge variety of plastic products for multiple industries, from the medical and hygiene sectors to the aerospace and automotive fields.
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Plastic Extrusion in the Retail Sector

September 15, 2017 / Guest

The retail environment is awash with products vying for customer’s cash, and with so much marketing collateral at play, it can be tricky to grab their attention.

What Types of Drying Are There? | Mo’s Corner

September 13, 2017 / Guest

Mo explains the differences between various drying methods.

The Future of Recycling: From Fad to Fundamental

August 31, 2017 / Guest

In 2017, the AI Business Excellence Awards announced EA Recycling as the Most Innovative Waste Recycling Company. Alex Hall, Managing Director, shares his thoughts about the changing face of the recycling industry and the future trends.

5 Reasons Why Injection Moulding is So Effective

August 26, 2017 / Guest

Injection moulding is one of the most popular and versatile methods for mass producing plastic parts, as it has multiple advantages over other methods of plastic moulding.

How to Use Machine Guarding to Minimise Risk in Business

July 28, 2017 / Guest

Machine guarding used in industry and business is an important safety issue that is subject to numerous compliance standards and regulations.

Performance of Acrylic

July 24, 2017 / Guest

We were asked to look at the performance of acrylic and the force required to break an acrylic window, fitted into a caravan which had been in service since 2001. Unfortunately sample of the glazing was not made available for inspection and subsequent physical analysis.

Colouring Flame Retardant Plastics

June 22, 2017 / Guest

Andrew Donkin of LATI UK explains the considerations when colouring flame retardant plastics.
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A brass shower component is replaced using a polymer developed by LATI

Plastic vs Metal – is cost the only consideration?

December 9, 2015 / Carl Futcher

There will always be an argument for using metal over plastic, which has often been seen by both the engineering fraternity and the general public as a ‘poor cousin’. However, the field of Plastic Component Design and Production has been evolving in recent years, and should now be viewed as a technical solution that in some cases can out-perform machined or cast metal….

Are you plasticising your material efficiently, or are you ‘poking it in with a stick!’

July 9, 2015 / Carl Futcher

Having spent a number of years inspecting worn screw and barrels, I know from experience that people go well beyond ‘a few thou’ of wear before deciding it’s time for a replacement or refurb. A good setter can often work with little more than a stick rattling around in an oversized tube, but there is always a price to pay……

Used or New? What’s best for your business?

April 30, 2015 / Carl Futcher

During my career I’ve supplied 100’s of new and used injection moulding machines. Determining what is best for your business depends on many factors but essentially the main considerations should be specification and up time requirements.

Would we need to be buying in now if we hadn’t started by selling out……

March 16, 2015 / Carl Futcher

It is fantastic to see UK Manufacturing enjoying a renaissance especially in the Plastic Injection Moulding sector where we have a new buzz word called ‘reshoring’. I can’t help wondering though whether too many businesses were quick to sell out to what was perceived to be the ‘Holy Grail’ in manufacturing in the first place. I wrestle with this question that is rarely asked…

Are you aware you’re wasting money and losing opportunities with your bad database?

March 4, 2015 / Carl Futcher

I’m constantly amazed how little attention companies pay to their customer database……

Look beyond the price for the right specification

February 24, 2015 / Carl Futcher

Good advice and long term support is the key. After nearly 30 years in the plastics industry I have seen many suppliers of ancillaries come and go, many shouting from the rooftops how good and technically advanced the equipment is at a claimed low cost of investment and energy……..

Thank you China!

February 10, 2015 / Carl Futcher

Thank you China! You made us better, more efficient, improved lead-times, enabled us to make profit from poor quality tools and now it’s less competitive for the Far East to win more business – overseas competition was a good thing!

Challenges and opportunities of recent polymer price falls…keep calm & carry on?

January 27, 2015 / Carl Futcher

On behalf of PlastikCity, Plastribution’s Mike Boswell sheds some light on the recent material price falls within the industry…keep calm & carry on?