SPE Library

The SPE Library contains thousands of papers, presentations, journal briefs and recorded webinars from the best minds in the Plastics Industry. Spanning almost two decades, this collection of published research and development work in polymer science and plastics technology is a wealth of knowledge and information for anyone involved in plastics.

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Conference Proceedings

KEYNOTE: Evolution of Thermoplastic Composites in Portable Electronics

Nicholas Abbatiello, May 2018

Consumer Electronics faces certain design challenges that are similar to Automotive and Aerospace segments. Namely, how do you optimize weight, while maintaining performance standards in order to meet end use product requirements. Focus on achieving the thinnest and lightest notebook computer drives the need to examine composites fit in material selection process. The evolution of thermoplastic composite materials and manufacturing processes will be the key to enabling high volume adoption.

Numerical And Experimental Studies On Flow And Warpage During Resin Transfer Molding Process

Sejin Han, May 2018

In this paper, the numerical and experimental studies of flow and warpage of thermoset materials in a resin transfer molding (RTM) process are described. We give introduction to the theory and methods of simulation for the flow and warpage analysis. Further, two example cases are shown. One is a case where the flow during RTM process is studied. Another is the case where the warpage analysis is performed. The simulation results in this study are in good agreement with experimental results.

Developing Ultrasonic Processing Of Cnt Nanopaper/Solventless Epoxy Prepreg

Dan Zhang, May 2018

In this work, we propose an environmentally friendly innovative ultrasonic process to impregnate solventless epoxy into carbon nanotube (CNT) nanopaper (NP) (approximately 50 um thick) for fabricating prepreg nanocomposites. Both multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) NP and single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) NP are used for prepreg fabrication. The prepregs show multi-functional performance in EMI shielding and sand erosion resistance. Process parameters including ultrasound time, amplitude level and pressure are studied for the fabrication process.

Digital Inkjet For Direct To Object Printing

Jeff Peterson, May 2018

This presentation will discuss digital inkjet technology and how it is being used for a variety of direct to object printing. It will include information on using the right type of inkjet printer (flatbed, conveyorized, or cylinder printer). It will also outline trends in the industry and how this type of technology is projected to grow.

Digital Printing Technologies For Plastics – Focus on Color Inkjet and Laser Marking

Jeff Peterson, May 2018

This presentation will examine both digital decorating processes - laser marking and digital inkjet - and look at the advantages and disadvantages of each. The discussion will include suggestions on which process is best for particular plastics decorating applications.

Reduced Density Polyamide 66 Compounds For Extrusion Applications

Ying Shi, May 2018

Polyamide 66 is widely used in the automotive industry especially for under the hood applications where resistance to high temperature, pressures, and various chemicals are needed. This paper describes the preparation of high melt viscosity, light weighting, and reinforced polyamide 66 compounds made from common injection molding grade. This material is suitable for blow molding and sheet extrusion applications where high melt strength is required. The viscoelastic properties of the compounds were characterized using capillary and oscillation rheometer.

How Polymer Rheology Impacts The Extrusion Blow Molding Process

Todd Hogan, May 2018

Will provide once it clears the Dow internal release process

Modeling Film Behavior In Pallet Unitization Applications

Pavan Valavala, May 2018

Paper will present how modeling can help establish a relationship between film material properties and application performance.

Cost Analysis For Installing New And Optimized Screws For Single-Screw Extrusion Lines

Mark A. Spalding, May 2018

Optimization of an extrusion process for maximum rate and product quality can lead to substantial cost reductions. The value to the converter can be very large and thus the payback period can be very short. This paper discusses the economic evaluations of two commercial case studies.

A Simple System Analysis For The Small Extrusion Screw And Die

Jingyi Xu, May 2018

A simple system analysis for the small screw and die in extrusion line is one of the keys to design the screw and optimize the machine performance. It explains several critical issues and features of plasticizing and extrusion performances in small extruder and die. This simplified model of small extruder will be used to analyze the size of the screw and specific die with different screw parameters as a system. The result is useful to design the small size screw, and to optimize the performance of the small extruders.

Evaluation Of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Resins As Possible Substitues Of Current Resins For Escalator Handrails

Qingping Guo, May 2018

Two new thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) were evaluated in their possibility to substitute two TPUs currently used in the production of escalator handrail. The assessment is carried out through comparison of their thermal, rheological and mechanical properties. It was found that although the new TPUs show promise, changes should be carried out to make them more compatible with the current process set up and conditions.

Micro-Layered Tubing And Pipes Via Multi-Layer Co-Extrusion

Tyler Schneider, May 2018

A die was designed and validated for a layer multiplication co-extrusion line, capable of producing layer structures of tens to thousands of layers, and achieving layer thicknesses from millimeters to tens of nanometers. Validation extrusion runs utilizing the die shows the ability to successfully produce high layer number, micrometer layer thickness, samples with annular structure for an LDPE layered system. Weld lines and the formation of a concentric layer structure were achieved by the implication of an annular land having angular rotation capabilities.

Transportation And Storage Film

Tom Stalun, May 2018

Discuss new advancements in industrial film for use in pallet containment. Compare the benefits of different film wrap techniques such as stretch wrap and stretch hood.

Multilayer Injection Molding Of Thick-Walled Optics Using Dynamic Mold Tempering And Optimized Layer Thickness Distribution

Malte Röbig, May 2018

Multilayer injection molding is an established process for an economical production of thick-walled optical components with complex geometric designs. Thereby, plastics optics are built up layer by layer in injection molding. The individual layers require significantly shorter cooling times compared to conventional single-layered optics. In addition, the shrinkage of the individual layers is lower. As a consequence the replication accuracy is increased.

Are Your Linear Robots Properly Sized for Your Injection Molding Machine and Project?

Robert Arsenault, May 2018

There are many options and sizes available with today’s linear robots. How do you know if your robot has the proper payload or strokes to handle your work today and in the future? In this presentation, we will review key factors for sizing robots for injection molding machine including:• Tips on choosing properly sized linear robots• How robot designs affect choosing robot size.• Tips and suggestions on how to size robots for larger tonnage injection molding machines

Adhesive Free Bonding Of Pine By Vibrational Welding

Curtis Covelli, May 2018

In this study, the welding of pine wood was studied with a 240Hz vibrational welder traditionally used for welding plastics. The effects of weld pressure, amplitude and weld time were varied to determine their effects on lap shear weld strength. The morphology of the weld zones were also analyzed to gain insight into the mechanics of the welding. Two of the most important welding parameters factors affecting the weld strength were the weld force and melt down (weld time).

New Plastics Joining Technologies

Jason Dornbos, May 2018

Extol is introducing 3 new plastics joining technologies: a new InfraStake, an all-new staking technology, and a new internet of things process control and monitoring technology. This presentation offers an overview of each new technology and how they will benefit plastics manufacturers.

Correlating Ultrasonic Weld Quality With Melt Layer Thickness

Alex Savitski, May 2018

Dukane’s recent research has shown that there is correlation between the thickness of the melt layer resultant from ultrasonic welding process and the strength and consistency of the weld. An assumption can be made that this melt layer thickness can serve as a reliable predictor of weld quality. This study was designed to revisit previous data and confirm the observations related to this correlation between melt layer thickness and weld quality, with the end purpose of confirming the validity of this hypothesis.

Dukane’s Recent Advancements In Plastic Welding Technology

Alex Savitski, May 2018

Some of Dukane's recent advancements in plastic welding are presented in this presentation

Laser Welding Plastics: Rapid Prototyping To Mass Production Using Quasi-Simultaneous And 2D/3D Mask Welding

Andrew Geiger, May 2018

Laser welding is a viable method for rapid prototyping of plastic components. Using quasi-simultaneous welding technology rapid part change and design modification is possible. Final design welding implementation can be optimized using traditional 2D mask welding or the new 3D mask welding concept. Coupled together, the two technologies allow for simple advancement from product infancy to maturation and market release.