the
iapd magazine
December 2011 & January 2012
Focus: Plastics in Medical Also in this issue: Recap of IAPD Convention Annual Corporate Profiles
The Voice of Plastics Distribution
Nylon
Sheet
Acetal
Rod
PET
Tube
PEEK Ultem Polycarbonate
info@zlplastics.com
ZL Engineering Plastics Inc. (866)-957-5278
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www.zlplastics.com
the
iapd
The Voice of Plastics Distribution December 2011 & January 2012
Cover photo courtesy: Ticona Engineering Polymers Florence, KY, USA www.ticona.com
magazine
departments President’s Message Prognosis is good for plastics in medical applications ............................................................................. 4
Calendar of Events Dates to remember .................................... 5 Editor’s Perspective Contemplating the people of IAPD........... 6 Association News ........................................................................ 7 Recent plastics certification program graduates Introducing the Excellence in Sales certificate program IAPD membership corner
cover story Special Focus: Plastics in Medical
Plastics Watch Industry trends and forecasts ............................. 10 High-performance polymers deliver quality and stability ................. 22
Plastic Pipeline Potable water for a Honduran village ................ 11 Application development in the medical industry ............................ 24
People & Places Movers and shakers in the industry ................. 12 Evonik Cyro answers the antimicrobial question ............................... 26
Rep Business Exchange IAPD manufacturers’ rep cards ......... 53 Shaping the future with engineering plastics ...................................... 28
Product Showcase New products on the market .....................56 Fabrication Services Showcase Services and equipment.....59 Application Showcase Plastics in action................................... 60 Reader’s Pick Industry book worth reading................................. 62
Special Advertising Supplement: Annual Corporate Profiles A close look at several IAPD suppliers serving the industry............ 30
more ®
Environmental Corner IAPD Annual Environmental Excellence Awards ............................... 8
The IAPD Magazine: The Voice of Plastics Distribution is published bimonthly by the International Association of Plastics Distribution® (IAPD), 6734 W. 121st Street, Overland Park, KS 66209 USA. IAPD members receive this bimonthly magazine as part of their membership dues. Subscription for non-members is $90. Third class postage paid at Shawnee Mission, Kansas, additional mailing offices and foreign mailing in accordance with Publications Agreement No. 40683057. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to IAPD, 6734 W. 121st Street, Overland Park, KS 66209 USA.
IAPD Annual Convention Recap of 55th IAPD Annual Convention in Baltimore .................... 18
This is the official publication of the International Association of Plastics Distribution and carries news and announcements concerning the IAPD. The association and The IAPD Magazine are not responsible for content or opinions other than those relating to association activities. ® Registered, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, by the International Association of Plastics Distribution. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in any form whatsoever is forbidden without express permission of registered trademark owner. The IAPD Magazine is printed on paper with 10 percent post-consumer recycled content.
IAPD • phone (913) 345-1005 • fax (913) 345-1006 • www.iapd.org
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 3
president’smessage by Robert H. Bacon IAPD President
Prognosis is good for plastics in medical applications
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inter is upon us in the Northeast. That means the annual migration of sales and marketing professionals from the plastics industry to a sunny and warmer climate will begin. Visits to engineering firms, customers and potential customers in the warmer parts of the country inexplicably increase. Somehow business opportunities and the sun go hand in hand. Truly I plan to participate in the migration and hope to read this issue of our magazine by a pool in sunny Florida. Fortunately for our industry, 2011 developed into an excellent year for most of us and I am optimistic about 2012. As an industry we have excellent product to offer the marketplace and within our membership the technical expertise to present that product, providing features and benefits for customers and users alike.
In this issue the association is promoting the use of plastics in the medical industry. The IAPD is leading the charge to expand the market and bring our members the education and expertise to remain ahead of the curve. Thanks to Ensinger, Evonik Cyro, Röchling Engineering Plastics and Ticona Engineering Polymers for their insights into the use of sheet, rod and tube in the medical industry and David Chasis highlighting a PVC piping application that is bringing potable water to a small village in Honduras. I think you will find the products and expertise interesting and informative. The PVF group as well provides solutions in process and waste applications in the medical industry. Sheet, rod, tube, film, pipe, valves, fittings tanks, pumps, lab waste and on and on all fit the medical industries applications. Plastic products are the answer for applications where chemical resistance, wear properties and high purity may have life or death implications. Certainly plastic products are worthy of consideration. Kevin Posey, a quality engineer for plastics for a medical device OEM had this to say about the use of plastics in his industry: “In my opinion, some of the big draws for plastics applications in medical devices are for cost and weight reduction, especially for ‘disposable’ or single-use products such as syringes or anesthesia masks. In addition, there are specialized plastics that increase the resistance to degradation due to high temperature cleaning or sterilization, making plastic a low-cost alternative to stainless steel alloys, or other metals, that had to be used in the past to stand up to multiple cleaning cycles without any loss of performance. Other characteristics of some plastics combine cleanability with surface finishes (due to the plastic chemistry) that make them more resistant to foreign material even adhering to the surface, reducing the cleaning requirements. Also, modern mold making technology has made it extremely easy and cost effective to do ‘overmolding’ where a softer surface plastic (such as tool grips) is applied over a harder structural plastic shell. This combines high strength with either nicer design aesthetics, better ergonomics or both.” The distributors, manufacturers and processor/fabricator members of the IAPD are prepared and committed to serve the medical industry through service, technical expertise and product development. Across all industries IAPD members have products and services of value. We are a single force dedicated to expanding the market through our collective efforts. Stay with IAPD member organizations and you will find solutions with innovative products offered by professional organizations. Globally in large and small markets, through large national and multi-national companies and through local distribution, you can count on IAPD members to be a valuable asset in the marketplace. Together our membership of companies of all sizes and with expertise across a wide spectrum or of a specialty nature can make a difference. We are plastics.
4 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
calendarofevents ■ January 23-26
Next Generation Bio-Based Chemicals Summit San Diego, CA, USA This event, now in its third year, promises a dedicated, comprehensive, in-depth focus on sustainably sourced chemicals and the platforms, resources, business models and tools required to deliver them. For more information, visit http:// informationforecastnet.com/index.php/ conference/biobased12.
■ January 24
Essentials of Profitable Warehouse Operations Commerce, CA, USA This course provides warehouse and supervisor-track employees with knowledge about all major functions of a modern wholesaler-distributor’s warehouse. It is also offered on January 25 in San Diego, February 7 in San Leandro and February 9 in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.distributionteam. com/warehouseseminar.html.
■ January 31-February 2
expert speakers and the latest university research. For more information, visit www.acmashow.org.
more information, visit http://id.tamu. edu/optimizing-distributor-growth-andmarket-share.
■ March 5-8
■ May 20-25
University of Industrial Distribution (UID) 2012 Indianapolis, IN, USA Receive 30 hours (3 CEUs) for completion of this four-day UID program, which focuses on the unique needs of the industrial wholesale distribution industry. CEUs may be applied toward a Professional Certificate in Industrial Distribution. For more information, visit www.univid.org. IAPD members are eligible to attend at a discounted price.
■ March 8-9
Optimizing Distributor Growth and Market Share Program Texas A&M, College Station, TX, USA This program focuses on generating, managing and sustaining growth. It examines analytics behind best practices and uses team-based exercises to enhance the learning experience. For
CPMR 401 Indianapolis, IN, USA The CPMR program is executive education for firm owners and managers. Attendees are educated about operating a business more effectively and profitably. Class will start on Monday, May 21. For more information, visit www.mrerf.org.
■ June 26
IAPD Midwest Golf Outing Noblesville, IN, USA Join IAPD members and staff at the Purgatory Golf Club, an 18 hole, par 72 course for a day of golf for a worthy cause, the IAPD Scholarship Fund.
SAVE THE DATES!
56th Annual IAPD Convention & Plastics Expo October 22-26, 2012 • Chicago, IL, USA
NAW 2012 Executive Summit Washington, DC, USA Wholesaler-distributors are invited to this event that promises to improve their chances for success in a still rocky economic environment. The NAW 2012 Executive Summit focuses on how wholesaler-distributors can play 2012–2013. Register by visiting “Upcoming Events” at www.naw.org. If your company is not a wholesale distribution firm and is not an IAPD member, you must become an NAW member to attend the NAW Executive Summit. IAPD members are eligible to attend. If you are interested in joining NAW, contact Keisha Wilson at (202) 872-0885 or kwilson@naw.org.
■ February 14-16
PLASTEC West Anaheim, CA, USA This event for plastics professionals promises to be “your project acceleration resource for the latest plastics processing solutions.” For more information, visit www.plastecwest.com.
■ February 21-23
COMPOSITES 2012 Las Vegas, NV, USA At the COMPOSITES expo and convention you’ll find basic materials to cutting edge high tech products and equipment, the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 5
editor’sperspective by Susan E. Avery, CAE Executive Director
Contemplating the people of IAPD
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his time of year, during the holidays, and close to the beginning of a new year, I tend to contemplate about what is important in life. Life being viewed in the broader context — including, family, friends, community, global state of affairs, business, etc. As I reflect on IAPD and what is good about it and what challenges lie ahead, I see the faces of our members, remember conversations and consider the common themes that permeate my daily management of the association. IAPD is a business, except rather than shareholders and customers, we have members. The fabric of our business is the companies. Companies are more than products and sales; they are made up of people. Those people have faces, stories, families and their own views of the world and life. When I think of IAPD beyond the membership and meetings metrics, websites and newsletters, educational products and services and member programming, I see faces and think of the people. I think of the members and who they are: the companies and their opportunities and challenges, and the reason why we are in this space together — the association of IAPD. For every phone call or email I receive about what’s wrong with IAPD, I get one about what is right. As business leaders, we can easily get caught up in what is wrong and must be fixed that we forget our real job is to maintain focus on opportunity and be in a state of continuous improvement. There will always be things to fix and make better. Perhaps it’s the holiday season, but during this time of the year I see faces and remember interactions with the people of IAPD. Yes, during certain times of the year (say, before a convention), there may be more complaints than at other times, but when looking at the whole, a smile comes to my face when I think about the hours of laughter, sharing of tears and the daily interaction with the people of IAPD.
IAPD Staff. Back row, L-R: Laurie Warren, Kipp Simmons, Randy Wilkins, Wess Hudelson, Liz Novak, Ashley Stewart. Front row, L-R: Crystal Roberts, Susan Avery, Jean McClure. 6 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
We talk a lot about the importance of relationships in the world of associations. It may be termed networking, but at the root, it is getting to know other people. The joy of my job is just that, the daily interactions with IAPD’s members. As executive directors of associations, sometimes our jobs are being the confidante and keeper of secrets. We try to be a safe place for members to share what is going on in their business, professional and personal lives. We forget how lonely leadership can be. Business leaders carry the burden of feeling responsible for their employees’ livelihoods, make tough and sometimes unpopular decisions, have to control their emotions, and, in some cases, don’t have anyone to vent to. My husband and I have found a solution we call “share the burden.” At the end of a tough day, we give ourselves time to unload, just for a bit, without feeling guilty that we’re complaining. As I reflect on the hundreds of hours spent with our members, I have an overwhelming sense of gratefulness. Each interaction, each story, every moment spent sharing is meaningful. It is real. I can’t help but worry about certain members when I know they are traveling extensively and I hear the fatigue in their voices and the sound of the wind as they try to catch up on phone calls while driving to visit with customers. I can tell when talking with many of our volunteer leaders by the sound of their voice when they are stressed and overwhelmed in their full-time jobs and yet they are sparing time to engage in volunteer duties. I am extremely empathetic when a member calls and they are upset and want someone to fix the problem and be accountable (they want real concern, immediate action and a friendly voice). I want IAPD to be that one place where our members can have that safe place. So in my contemplative mood during this time of year, while reflecting on what is good and important, I think about the people that make up IAPD — members and staff. Each individual has their own story, problems, challenges, opportunities, burdens and joys. As we near the end of the 2011 and look at what’s ahead for 2012, I encourage you to think about what is right and good in your life. When you hit those moments of getting stuck on remembering what is most important, think about the people in your life (family, friends, colleagues, business partners, congregations, communities, etc.). Think about being that safe place for them and remember to find your own safe place to maintain your balance. Leaders need to be filled up, too. Happy holidays to everyone and may your life be filled with what is most important to you.
associationnews ■ Recent graduates of the plastics certificate program IAPD developed level one of the Plastics Certificate program to help educate and evaluate sales professionals in the plastics distribution industry and it is based on a broad understanding of the industry. The association also offers level two, which puts all the information learned in level one — plastics materials and properties — to practical use with applications from a variety of markets served. Level two evaluates the individual’s ability to help the customer by providing customer service solutions. Level two candidates must have successfully passed level one. Although level one and two come in the form of a test, the program is meant to serve as a learning tool. Candidates must currently be employed within the plastics distribution industry and must also adhere to the IAPD Code of Ethics. For further details about the program, please visit www.iapd.org. The association is proud to announce the latest graduates of the IAPD Plastics Certificate program: LEVEL ONE Koko Andrews, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Kansas City, MO, USA Alexis Bruehler, Nylatech Inc., Everson, WA, USA John Carney, Farco Plastics Supply Inc., Memphis, TN, USA Chris Clima, Port Plastics Inc., San Jose, CA, USA Rita De Los Santos, Laird Plastics, San Antonio, TX, USA William Hahn, Farco Plastics Supply Inc., Orlando, FL, USA Nicole Hall, Professional Plastics Inc., Fullerton, CA, USA Pamela Hall, Farco Plastics Supply Inc., Orlando, FL, USA Chad Hornak, Farco Plastics Supply Inc., Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA Scot Jeffers, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Kansas City, MO, USA Jacquie McMullin, Professional Plastics Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA Jared Montgomery, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Kansas City, MO, USA Chris Musgrave, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Kansas City, MO, USA Genaro Navarro, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Kansas City, MO, USA Mike Neisen, Professional Plastics Inc., Orchard Park, NY, USA Jeff Norman, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Kansas City, MO, USA Jeff Norris, Redwood Plastics Corporation, Woodland, WA, USA Katherine Parker, Zeus Industrial Products Inc., Orangeville, SC, USA Tracy Pineda, Piedmont Plastics, Albuquerque, NM, USA Hazel Purcell, Mulford Engineering Plastics, Auckland, NZ Mike Thompson, Calsak Plastics, Portland, OR, USA Matthew Tymon, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Houston, TX, USA Mike Ujvari, Professional Plastics Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA Shamra Walker, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Kansas City, MO, USA James Watson, Farco Plastics Supply Inc., Memphis, TN, USA Rich West, Port Plastics Inc., San Jose, CA, USA
LEVEL TWO Rick Freeman, Port Plastics Inc., San Jose, CA, USA Joe Haddad, Piedmont Plastics, Cincinnati, OH, USA Scott Herniman, Piedmont Plastics, Kitchener, ON, Canada Chris Hill, Piedmont Plastics, Charlotte, NC, USA Tim Hughes, Piedmont Plastics, Charlotte, NC, USA Chris Isla, Piedmont Plastics, Charlotte, NC, USA Dontae Jackson, Piedmont Plastics, Morrisville, NC, USA Wim Leenders, Piedmont Plastics, Kitchener, ON, Canada Vickie Michau, Laird Plastics, Las Vegas, NV, USA Kevin O’Connor, Piedmont Plastics, Knoxville, TN, USA Wende Petras, Laird Plastics, Denver, CO, USA Tim Raindl, Boedeker Plastics Inc., Shiner, TX, USA Lynn Romin, Piedmont Plastics, San Leandro, CA, USA Teree Rush, Piedmont Plastics, Albuquerque, NM, USA Frank Sempolski, Piedmont Plastics, Oakland, CA, USA Bryan Shantz, Piedmont Plastics, Kitchener, ON, Canada
■ Introducing the Excellence in Sales Certificate Program IAPD has launched a new educational offering designed to give your sales force the tools it needs to not only find customers, but to find the RIGHT customers and keep them. The IAPD Excellence in Sales Program is a certificate program that addresses the unique roles of both inside and outside sales professionals with a pair of study guides and examinations that you and your staff will refer to over and over again. For more information, visit www.iapd.org/salesexcellence.
■ IAPD membership corner The association is pleased to welcome these new members: Ultra Fiberglass Systems (Fabricator/Processor) 9732 West Carmen Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53225 USA (414) 461-5051 Fax: (414) 461-5015 www.ultrafiberglass.com kristen@ultrafiberglass.com Andrew Sneed, President & CEO Kristen Sneed, Marketing Manager SLP Lighting (Manufacturer) 1400 South Old Hwy 141 Fenton, MO 63026 USA (800) 248-0224 Fax: (636) 600-4108 www.slplighting.com pkuenz@slplighting.com Kristin Hudson, Marketing Patrick Kuenz, Regional Sales Manager For information on joining the association, please call (913) 345-1005. A membership application is available online at www.iapd.org.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 7
environmentalcorner IAPD Annual Environmental Excellence Awards
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he IAPD Environmental Committee established the IAPD Annual Environmental Excellence Award in 2009 to recognize innovative or exemplary environmental responsibility by a member firm. Since its inception, this recognition has been awarded to one company that stands out as having the best comprehensive environmental program. However, many companies that applied for this award demonstrated top-rate achievement in specific areas of environmental excellence. Recognizing that members within the organization have differing business activity that lend themselves to various participation in environmental achievement, the 2011 annual award program was expanded to include several categories. The award categories now include Best New, Most Improved, Best Recycling, Most Innovative and Best Overall Program. In honor of their achievements, these award-winning IAPD member companies are recognized at the annual convention. IAPD is proud to present the past winners and their contributions to the sustainability efforts of the plastics industry.
2009 IAPD Environmental Excellence Award Winner Laird Plastics, Boca Raton, FL, USA Laird Plastics, led by its CEO Mark Kramer, stood out among the submitting companies as the “best of the best” in environmental practices, including recycling initiatives, energy conservation, employee training, community education and business practices. Laird was chosen by the IAPD Board of Directors and IAPD Environmental Committee for its outstanding leadership, innovative ideas and practices and continued commitment to “green” and sustainable business practices. Laird Plastics has taken numerous steps to prove its dedication to everything the award represents. The company is committed to its environmental/recycling program, from corporate down to all of its branch levels. While other applicants demonstrated a commitment to this important cause, Laird has taken it to the next step by involving suppliers and customers in the process. The last statement of Laird’s corporate biography states, “We are committed to do our part to improve the public perception of the plastics industry.” We in the plastics industry can do many good things, and have the data to prove it. But in the end, it is “perception” that makes the headlines. Companies such as Laird make that perception positive. Laird Plastics was recognized for its comprehensive approach to environmental and sustainability programs, including its internal “green” policy statements, recycling activities and unique energy conservation activities. 2008-2009 IAPD President Patrick Foose and 20082009 Vice President Howard Natal announce Laird Plastics as the winner of the 2009 IAPD Environmental Excellence Award. Accepting the award is Mark Kramer, president and CEO of Laird Plastics.
8 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
2010 IAPD Environmental Excellence Award Winner Bayer MaterialScience LLC, Sheffield, MA, USA Bayer MaterialScience LLC is committed to environmental excellence, as demonstrated by the facility’s Responsible Care policy. This internal guideline provides a planning tool for site management to establish long- and short-term health, environment, safety and security (HESS) objectives, along with strategic action plans that are incorporated into its overall business planning to achieve continuous performance improvement. These objectives and action plans are developed to achieve an injury-free and secure workplace which eliminates the risk of injuries and illnesses, the reduction of waste and releases to the environment, and the improved occupational health of its workforce through the effort of continuous improvement performance. In November 2009, Bayer MaterialScience entered into a recycling arrangement with International Paper Products. IPP has developed an innovative process whereby non-recyclable scrap materials (e.g., packaging materials, coated paper, etc.) are used to produce biomass fuel cubes. The result is an engineered, renewable fuel alternative, designed as a low emission substitute in solid fuel boilers (i.e., a coal burning power plant). IPP deals directly with waste generators to prescreen waste materials entering the process, thereby controlling fuel cube quality and guaranteeing improved emissions characteristics for downstream users. Through June 2010, a total of 224,600 pounds of solid waste generated through Bayer MaterialScience’s process have been diverted away from landfills and into the manufacture of fuel cubes. Highlights of its environmental performance include: • The reuse of more than 13,000,000 million pounds of internally generated scrap. • The reuse of more than 400,000 pounds of externally generated regrind. • More than 500,000 pounds of wastes recycled through outlets other than fuel cube manufacturing. Bayer MaterialScience works with other industry leaders to learn and develop new state-of-the-art programs. It then implements those initiatives across the company and in partnership with various channel partners including customers and distributors (such as Laird Plastics). The quantity to material recycled (15.5 million pounds) and the amount of energy savings reported (10 percent reduction year over year) are impressive. Tim Ryan and Steve Rada accept the 2010 IAPD Environmental Excellence Award on behalf of Bayer MaterialScience LLC at the IAPD Annual Convention held in Indianapolis, IN, USA.
2011 IAPD Environmental Excellence Award Winner for Best New Program
Amy Batky, recycling division coordinator, (center) accepts the 2011 IAPD Excellence Award for Best Overall Environmental Program on behalf of Laird Plastics.
Primex Plastics Corporation, Richmond, IN, USA In 2010, Primex Plastics Corporation developed an in-house recycling center focused on the reuse, repurpose and recycling of materials in its production and office facilities located in Richmond, IN. First, it trained 25 percent of its employees on the lean manufacturing discipline of 5S: sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing and sustaining. Second, it purchased the necessary tools to make the recycling center a success, including a washer, dryer and baler. Finally, the company took detailed measurements of the project’s process. Highlights of Primex Plastics’ 2010 recycling efforts include: • Recycling 18,127 pallets, saving $188,130. • Selling $240 worth of used pallets. • Selling 692,000 pounds of recyclables for $54,340. • Reducing glove expenses by 40 percent, saving $11,700. • Reducing trash going to the landfill by more than one million pounds. • Creating a landfill savings of $20,380 by recycling scrap metal, cardboard, bag liners, cores, aluminum cans, paper, pop bottles and banding. Primex Plastics’ overall environmental program is not new; however, it is the first year that it has been submitted for the IAPD Environmental Award. The company was recognized for its commitment to protecting the environment through sustainable practices that are ethical, responsible and create value for customers, employees and future generations. Mike Cramer, president of Primex Plastics, said, “The entire Primex organization encourages its employees, customers and suppliers to adapt an environmentally conscious attitude not only while at work but in their personal lives as well.”
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Doubling the number of staff in its recycling business unit over the past 12 months. Tripling the number of customers participating in its recycling program within the Laird Plastics’ recycling business unit. These customers include numerous municipalities and Fortune 1000 companies. • Placing 16 baling units in the field over the past 12 months with 25 more scheduled for 2011. Laird recycles a wide variety of industrial plastic materials. Internally, Laird Plastics has experts in each of its facilities with decades of experience in identifying various grades of plastics. Its exceptional efforts make it worthy of this esteemed award. The 2012 IAPD Environmental Excellence Award Program will be launched next spring. Watch www.iapd.org for details about how your company can submit its award nomination.
2010-2011 IAPD President Howard Natal and 20102011 IAPD Vice President Bob Bacon present Tim Schultz (center) with the 2011 IAPD Excellence Award for Best New Environmental Program for Primex Plastics Corporation.
2011 IAPD Environmental Excellence Award Winner for Best Overall Program Laird Plastics, Boca Raton, FL, USA At this year’s IAPD Annual Convention in Baltimore, MD, top honors were given to an IAPD distributor company that no doubt has shown commitment to environmental and sustainability programs. Laird Plastics, the 2009 Environmental Award winner, once again was selected by IAPD as having the best overall environmental program. Through ongoing outstanding sustainability efforts, Laird Plastics has demonstrated an increasing commitment to environmental stewardship through recycling. Laird’s environmental successes include: • •
More than doubling its total pounds recycled from 3.2 million pounds in 2009 to 6.8 million in 2010. Reducing the consumption of natural resources while growing the overall business by nearly 20 percent in 2010. Laird reduced its electrical consumption by 9.1 percent and its natural gas usage by 7.4 percent. the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 9
United Kingdom is star performer for PVC recycling
plasticswatch Groups study biodegradability of plastics in landfills The Plastics Environmental Council (PEC) has announced the sponsorship of a research study to produce the first standard specification for the landfill biodegradation of petroleum- and natural gas-derived plastics that have been treated with additives to enhance biodegradation. The PEC is undertaking the development of the biodegradation standard specification to build confidence in the efficacy of plastics additives with regulators, consumers and businesses. Plastic additives that speed up the breakdown of plastic in landfills — without affecting their performance during use — are critically important to helping reduce the volume of plastic waste in landfills. To develop the standard specification, PEC has partnered with Georgia Tech and North Carolina State University to conduct a large-scale research and development program, headed by leading expert on landfill technology Professor Morton Barlaz of North Carolina State. Barlaz and his team will study waste degradation rates of petroleum- and natural gas-derived plastics that have been treated with PEC member companies’ additives under laboratory and field conditions. Once developed, the standard specification will reliably project the landfill biodegradation rates for a PEC-certified product in a range of landfills over a variety of moisture conditions with much more certainty than is possible today. The PEC expects the landfill biodegradability certification seal to be available in approximately 18 months. For more information, visit www.pec-us.org.
More than 50,000 tons of PVC will have been recycled in the United Kingdom by the end of 2011, according to Recovinyl. Jane Gardner of Axion Consulting, Recovinyl’s UK agents, said the PVC industry’s recycling initiative is set to beat the 49,343 tons of post-consumer PVC recycled last year in the UK through its 26 specialist recyclers. Gardner said that Recovinyl is now strongly positioned to build on its Vinyl 2010 achievements and coordinate delivery of fresh targets to achieve by 2020 under the new Vinyl Plus voluntary commitment. These targets include 800,000 tons to be reused in all European countries by 2020 — with 700,000 tons mechanically recycled and the rest using new technologies for more difficult-to-recycle or contaminated PVC. “While these targets are ambitious, Recovinyl has demonstrated proven success under Vinyl 2010, particularly in the UK which, as a star performer, has contributed to 20 percent of overall EU PVC recycling so far,” Gardner explained.
Chinese plastics recyclers reluctant to invest large sums of money on automation
U.S. demand for welding equipment and consumables to exceed $7 billion in 2015
As labor costs in China continue to rise, plastics recyclers are looking to automation solutions, according to Plastics News. Recyclers in south China’s Guangdong province are facing “unprecedented difficulties,” partly due to the continuously increasing labor costs, said Toland Lam, president of the China Plastics Industry Association’s recycling committee and owner of recycler T&T Hi-Tech Development Co. Ltd. in Shenzhen. He spoke at the 2011 China Replas recently held in Guangzhou. Chen Zhuhan, vice president of the recycling committee and owner of Zhongheng International Trade Co. Ltd., said many recyclers in China need transformations and innovations. Adopting new technologies is one of the key steps these companies must take to survive the fierce competition, he added. Aiming to meet such demand, global as well as Chinese domestic automation equipment makers are touting their latest products. China country manager Jacob Rognhaug said Titech has sold 16 sensor-based sorting systems to Chinese domestic companies. Chinese domestic suppliers are also trying to tap into the market. Guangzhou Yuyu Environmental Technology Co. Ltd., for example, reported at the Replas event that its PET bottle sorting system can cut costs by up to 60 percent. However, company executive Wu Qinglang said it is difficult to promote the use of automation solutions in the plastic recycling industry, mainly because the prices of the machines are high, and the companies are not willing to invest because they are unsure about the industry’s future in China. “Since the government’s position on plastic recycling is still unclear, companies are not confident enough in the future of the industry. Few of them would be willing to invest a large sum of money on automation,” Wu added. Paul Yan, chairman of Jiangsu-based Taicang Sicheng Plastics Co. Ltd., said the government should reduce tariffs on imported plastic scrap, so companies could have more money to invest in better technologies.
Demand in the United States for welding equipment and consumables is forecast to increase 6.4 percent annually to US$7.1 billion in 2015. Gains will be driven by continued recovery from the economic recession experienced between late 2007 and 2009 in major manufacturing and construction markets. Growth will also be fueled by the increasing number of applications in which various types of welding can be used. These and other trends are presented in Welding Equipment & Consumables, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm. The welding equipment segment is dominated by arc and resistance welding systems, which accounted for a combined 70 percent of equipment demand in 2010. These will remain the dominant welding techniques, in part due to their successful integration with modern automation techniques that improve weld deposit rates and alleviate the shortage of skilled welders. Welding consumables will benefit from the economic recovery and the ubiquity of arc welding processes increasing 6.3 percent annually. Welding electrodes and filler metal accounted for 73 percent of all consumables in 2010, with oxyfuel and shielding gases accounting for the rest. Solid wire electrodes are the largest product category for electrodes and filler metal in dollar terms. Manufacturing comprises the largest market for welding products, accounting for 63 percent of all consumption in 2010. Within the manufacturing sector, fabricated metal products and transportation equipment are the largest consumers, and recovery in these industries will help drive gains in welding product demand in manufacturing applications to US$4.4 billion in 2015. Consumption of welding products by the construction industry will grow the fastest of any end-use industry. Based on recovery from a severe slowdown in 2008 and 2009, revitalized construction activity will drive demand to US$750 million in 2015, or nearly 11 percent of the welding product market total.
10 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
plasticpipeline Potable water for a Honduran village
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ith more than half its population living below the poverty level, Honduras is economically one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. Many small Honduran municipalities and villages do not have even the basic resources to provide safe, potable water systems for their citizens. The people of one such village, Colinas de Suiza, for more than 12 years spent a third to half of their income per family to purchase three 55-gallon barrels of water daily, delivered by entrepreneurs. Not only was the system expensive, but also the handling contaminated the delivered water. The Humanitarian Engineering Program of the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) became involved in 2004 when it began designing a water distribution plan for Colinas de Suiza and took on the project of assisting in the construction of a potable water system for the 1,350 families (8,000 people) living there. Colinas de Suiza was established by the Honduran government to house refugees from the devastation of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, and is located in the hills of the Sula valley, within the municipality of Villanueva. The goal of the CSM project was to replace the existing water delivery system by pumping water from a nearby aquifer (400-foot-deep well) into a 250,000 gallon capacity storage tank. The water would then be distributed by gravity to the villagers’ homes. When completed, the project will reduce the cost of water to 1/50th of that associated with the truck delivery, eliminate contamination and reduce energy consumption by 95 percent.
Involved institutions In addition to CSM’s efforts, the follow-
Local laborers installing 4-inch diameter PVC pipe.
ing institutions contributed by donating money and in-kind goods: CEPUDO, Food for the Poor, Mondialogo Engineering Award (a collaboration between Daimler Chrysler and UNESCO), Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA), Universidad Autonoma de Honduras, Valle Sula (UNAH-VS, a private Honduran engineering university), Universidad Tecnologica Centroamericana (a Honduras engineering university) and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. By far the largest goods providers for the project were members of the PPFA. The project engineers specified PVC as the piping material to use for the potable water system for several reasons: very durable, easy and safe to use, environmentally sound and cost-effective. Plus, PVC has been successfully used to handle drinking water for more than seven decades. PPFA member companies provided more than 72 tons (45 km) of PVC materials, including: 146,000 feet of piping, 6,000 fittings, 1,825 valves, 182 gallons of primer and solvent cement, and the services of an experienced installation supervisor. The market value for the goods and services exceeded US$150,000. The PPFA member companies who participated in the 2007 shipment of goods included George Fischer Sloane, Hayward Flow Control, IPEX, IPS Corporation, J-M Manufacturing Company, LASCO Fittings, Mueller Industries, NIBCO, PipeLife Jet Stream, Shintech and Silver-Line Plastics (some of these companies are also IAPD members as well).
by David A. Chasis
started in earnest in early 2008, with labor provided by village volunteers. Material thefts, the illness and death of the on-site municipal director of water and sanitation, three different mayors of Villanueva, improper installation of the 6-inch diameter PVC water pump line, and the occasional lack of local finances caused setbacks to the project. Fortunately, all these challenges were met and overcome. One item worthy of mention is that the people of Colinas de Suiza have not only contributed their labor, but also provided funds for the construction of the water storage tank and pumping system. Seventy-five percent of the village families each contributed an average of $100 to the project, which is about 13 days of wages for an average laborer. Potable water is now being delivered from the storage tank to more than 90 percent of the homes of Colinas de Suiza. Within a few months, all the families will have a running water tap on their premises. From project conception to piped delivery of water to each home has taken almost seven years. If you ask any of the 8,000 villagers, you will find that the wait was certainly worth all the hard work and challenges. ■ David A. Chasis is president of Chasis Consulting, Inc., author of the book “Plastic Piping Systems” and a member of and consultant to the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association. Chasis can be reached at Chasis Consulting, Inc., 329 The Hills Drive, Austin, TX 78738 USA; (512) 261-9115, fax (512) 261-3518, e-mail: dchasis@austin.rr.com, www.davidchasis.com.
Project challenges and status A 250,000 gallon water storage tank.
The
Honduras
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Senora doing chores with running water. the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 11
people&places
Gary Davis
Pam Aungst
Rob Byard
Tony McGrew
Matt Vandivier
Chris Paas
12 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
Aetna Plastics Corp. celebrated its 65th anniversary in October 2011. Founded by Paul Davis in 1946 as a distributor of plastic materials, Aetna Plastics now includes process piping systems and industrial fabrication. This development was facilitated by Gary Davis, who became President after Paul Davis’s passing in 1975, and culminated with the acquisition of two Northeast Ohio fabrication companies: Vanguard Plastics in 2004 and Pro-Fab Manufacturing in 2007. These operations turned Aetna Plastics into one of the Midwest’s largest plastic fabricators and suppliers. “It’s exciting to have grown up in this business and reached this milestone of a 65th anniversary. I’m grateful to many, but especially the people of Aetna Plastics and our friends in the industry who have helped us with this achievement,” said Gary Davis. Aetna Plastics is one of the nation’s oldest plastics distributors and fabricators. E&T Plastics, a supplier of plastic sheet, rod, tube and film, has appointed Pam Aungst to the newly created position of e-commerce manager. Aungst is responsible for online marketing, including the corporate website, blog, publicity, social media and creation of an online store, expected to debut in mid-2012. “The creation of an e-commerce website is a natural progression for E&T that will allow us to service a broader customer base,” says Aungst. “I am very excited to be leading the development of the new site and want to create an online buying experience that replicates E&T’s commitment to its customers and attention to detail. As always, our emphasis will be on providing quality products, competitive prices and consistent on-time delivery.” Rob Byard has joined the KBA sales team in an outside sales position. He resides in North Georgia with his wife Lisa and two children, Sierra and Mason. Byard has five years of industrial background experience and has worked with KBA previously. His responsibilities will be establishing relationships and serving the distributor, OEMs and end-user accounts. MultiCam® Inc., a global computer numerical control (CNC) cutting system manufacturer, promoted Tony McGrew to operations manager. He will oversee all departments involved in machine design, production, operation and
support. Since joining the MultiCam Technical Support Department 16 years ago, McGrew has held several management positions: technical support, quality control, engineering and most recently, director of technical services and engineering. “Tony is a key visionary in growing MultiCam to the next level,” said President and General Manager Kris Hanchette. “He brings a new focus on production efficiencies and lean manufacturing. Well-respected by customers, vendors and employees, he possesses excellent problem solving and teambuilding skills.” Primex Plastics Corporation has named Matt Vandivier application development coordinator to work in conjunction with commercial development in an effort to expand its value-added product line. Vandivier will also help coordinate efforts at the Primex New Product Development Center based in Richmond, IN, USA. Primex Plastics Corporation is a world leader in extruding plastic sheets used in a wide variety of applications including thermoforming, fabricating and printing. Chris Paas has joined Vycom as director of sales & marketing. Paas is responsible for driving increased market share and revenue growth by cultivating relationships with distributors, investigating additional product applications and overall sales management. Paas will also direct all marketing initiatives including brand development, website management, marketing communication materials and research activities. “Chris has the experienced leadership to help guide Vycom on its continued growth path, in all of our product families,” said Don Wharton, president, Vycom. Paas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University. Vycom consists of six families of materials: Celtec®, Flametec®, Playboard®, Seaboard®, Sanatec® and Corrtec®. Bayer MaterialScience LLC has a new polyurethane foam technology that enables the direct production of high air flow foams comparable to those achieved through current processes. Using the new technology, foam manufacturers can more efficiently produce a variety of foams, including conventional, viscoelastic and several specialty types such
people&places as hydrophilic or semi-rigid foams for specialty applications. This technology was presented at the Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA) Technical Conference in Phoenix, where “New Chemical Technology for the Production of Super-High Air Flow Flexible Forms” won the PFA’s Herman Stone Technical Excellence Award. The paper was presented by Adona Marcum, Bayer technical specialist. Her co-authors were Bayer research fellow Stanley Hager and Bayer scientists and marketing representatives Micah Moore, Peter Uthe, Jack Reese, Susan McVey and Scott Skolnekovich. Dielectric Corporation has opened a new division, JR Prototypes, which will offer prototyping and short-run manufacturing services. The division, run by Michael Esser, Jr., was created to meet a growing need for prototypes, validation runs and small run production. JR Prototypes produces fused deposition modeling (FDM) prototypes which are built from production-grade thermoplastics. FDM prototypes are fully functional and can be used for form, fit and function testing as well as working parts. Prototypes are used by design and manufacturing companies to identify and correct design problems early in the process, conduct functional tests under real-life conditions and obtain advance approvals for required certifications. Prototyping can result in significant savings as multiple concepts can be tested before any tooling is done. It also speeds the development process. “Prototyping increases efficiency and ROI for companies that take advantage of the technology,” according to Esser. JR Prototypes, located in Menomonee Falls, WI, USA, serves customers throughout the Midwest. A video of the delivery and installation of Brett Martin’s £2m, 100 meter high wind turbine is on the company’s website. The turbine, at the company’s 35-acre site in Mallusk, is the largest single wind turbine on an industrial site in Northern Ireland. It will reduce carbon emissions by an anticipated 4,000 tons per year and promises at least 20 percent lower energy costs, which will enable more competitively priced products for the company’s UK and export markets. “As a responsible and progressive company we are strongly committed to reducing our carbon footprint and to maintaining our competitive position,” 14 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
said Brett Martin Managing Director, Laurence Martin. “We appreciate that our manufacturing processes are energy intensive and feel that being able to supply a large degree of our own power plays an important part in our environmental strategy.” The three-bladed Enercon E-70 turbine has a blade span of 71 meters and when the blade is fully extended the structure measures 99.5 meters from the ground to the blade tip. It has an output of 2.3 mwatt. The Mallusk site is a manufacturing plant and operational headquarters for the Brett Martin group of companies which supply specialist plastic products for the construction, fabrication, print and display sectors worldwide. The site is operational 24/7 and has a constant demand for energy. Brett Martin anticipates using all the energy it produces and limiting its energy demand from other sources.
A video of the turbine installation is at www. bit.ly/wind-turbine.
As part of its increased focus on the glass and glazing market Curbell welcomes Liz Grimes as business development manager for security glazing and safety eyewear. Grimes brings 22 years of experience in the plastics industry to Curbell. As an experienced market development specialist Grimes has written numerous technical articles for the International Association of Plastics Distribution. She is currently serving as an at-large board member for the Philadelphia Section of the Society of Plastics Engineers. In her new role she will focus on developing the market for SentryGlas materials and helping customers better understand the benefits plastics can offer.
Curbell Plastics, Inc. was named the authorized SentryGlas® Quick Ship supplier by DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions for North America. SentryGlas is an innovative structural interlayer designed to help architects, engineers and glazed building system manufacturers meet the need for greater safety and security. Stronger and more rigid than conventional laminating materials, SentryGlas interlayers allow glass to serve as a more active structural element in minimally supported glass applications, such as facades, canopies and railings. It is also used in missile impact windows, doors, curtain wall, storefront and skylight systems. James E. Olson, sales and development manager for DuPont’s Glass Laminating Solutions noted: “The Quick Ship program was designed to get common sizes and material configurations to customers more efficiently. At present, Curbell will offer 60 and 90 mil SentryGlas interlayer sheets, cut to size, in rectangular sizes up to 72" x 120".
Holzma U.S. will have a Plastic Fabrication Seminar on February 8, 2012 at the Stiles Machinery facility in Gastonia, NC, USA. Attendees will witness high precision routing, cutting and edge polishing, take part in hands-on demonstrations using CNC sawing and machining equipment and see different material handling systems for plastics. The event will teach cost-saving ideas to help meet the challenges of shorter lead times and run quantities. The full-day event begins at 8:30 a.m. with presentations on optimization software, plastic fabrication and the business development of a capital equipment investment. The educational sessions are followed by interactive machine demonstrations about tooling selection and operating speeds for sawing and routing with a special focus on thick sheet cutting. The event includes lunch and concludes with individual machine demonstrations and discussion with industry specialists. See the schedule at www. stilesmachinery.com/events. For details and to register, contact Terry Norris at Holzma U.S., (704) 861-8239 or holzma@ stilesmachinery.com.
Harry McGrath (left) and Laurence Martin (right) at the Brett Martin wind turbine in Mallusk.
people&places
Seth Johnson
Liz Novak
Charlie Crew
Bruce Wilby
J. Nicholas Filler
Sam Kratzer
16 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
ZL Engineering Plastics has announced the addition of Seth Johnson as an outside sales trainee. Johnson will further ZL’s distribution partnership by cultivating new business via joint sales calls and developing leads for additional business opportunities. While completing a finance undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas he interned at ZL in various jobs from filling orders in the warehouse to inside sales. This experience brings a great understanding of the importance of customer service starting with securing a piece of business to the details of packaging and shipping the material. The International Association of Plastics Distribution (IAPD) has selected Liz Novak as the organization’s new managing editor. This position is responsible for the bi-monthly publication The IAPD Magazine as well as other editing and writing functions. Novak began her publishing career at PC Magazine in 1992. For nine years she was managing editor at Advisor Media, Inc., where her responsibilities included the editorial content for print publications, writing online articles and content planning for technical conferences. “Liz brings to the table many of the skills this job requires: editing, layout design, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and sometimes impossible deadlines. She has vision and a keen sense of how to evolve a publication that has been successful in print to an integrated print and online content platform that will add reader and advertiser value,” says Susan Avery, CAE, IAPD Executive Director. Novak holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and English from Loyola University of Chicago, and a Masters in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University. SABIC in the Americas region’s Innovative Plastics Executive Vice President Charlie Crew will retire on January 1, 2012. He will be succeeded by Keith J. Smith, formerly of DuPont. Crew retires after more than 34 years of distinguished service. With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Villanova University, he joined GE Plastics in 1977 as an account manager. “Since joining the SABIC organization, Charlie has been a valued contributor to the success of the plastics’ business acquisition from GE,” said SABIC CEO Mohamed Al-Mady. “He has been a valued partner and important source of
advice during a very critical period of organizational change. We wish Charlie the very best in the future.” Smith is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering. He joined DuPont in 1980. “Keith is an accomplished executive with diverse expertise and a proven record of delivering productivity improvements and growth,” said Al-Mady. “I am confident he will sustain this success for himself and our company.” SABIC acquired GE Plastics in 2007, and integrated it into its diverse portfolio as the Innovative Plastics strategic business unit. Argotec, Inc. co-founders Dick Barnes and Steve Wolkenbreit announce the promotion of Bruce Wilby to chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the corporation. Wilby served previously as president and CEO. In addition, J. Nicholas Filler has been promoted to president and chief operating officer. He has served as COO since 2007. Barnes and Wolkenbreit will remain on the board of directors and stay involved in the company’s long-term strategic planning. Sam Kratzer has joined BioBased Technologies® as the company’s chief operating officer. Previously, he was director of marketing and sales for Archway Sales. Kratzer has held business development positions with GMZ Inc., Sherwin Williams and Seegott Inc. “Sam’s experience in the chemical distribution industry will be invaluable to us, especially as we continue to expand the distribution of Agrol® with manufacturing customers and develop our contractor network for BioBased Insulation®,” said Amy Sorrell, chief executive officer for BioBased Technologies. Harvel Plastics Inc. has been sold to Swiss firm Georg Fischer AG in a deal valued at US$50 million in cash. Harvel will be part of Fischer’s GF Piping Systems unit, which operates a plant in Little Rock, AR, USA. The unit is a global supplier of plastic piping systems and has annual sales of almost US$1.3 billion. Harvel employs 148 people and has annual sales of more than US$60 million, operating production plants in Easton, PA, and Bakersfield, CA, USA. It is a leading supplier of PVC and chlorinated PVC pipes for industrial applications, mainly in water treatment and chemical processes. Fischer CEO Yves
people&places Serra says that Harvel “is an ideal fit for GF Piping Systems,” citing Harvel’s highly regarded and leading industrial pipe range. According to Harvel CEO Earl Wismer, “Joining the GF family will allow us to continue to expand our product line and further extend our reach, offering expert piping solutions throughout the global marketplace.” CartierWilson LLC will host a Plastics Education and Sales Seminar in Atlanta, GA, USA, on Tuesday, January 24, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The seminar will focus on product applications, prospecting and specification selling. It will feature presentations from Artek, Atlas Fibre, Boltaron, Inteplast, Nytef Plastics and Polygal. This program is available to all branch personnel and lunch will be provided. For information, call (770) 644-0000. Evonik Cyro LLC’s ACRYLITE® Heatstop acrylic sheet, which reduces energy consumption and serves as a “green” alternative for skylight lenses, has been awarded an honorable mention in the Architectural Products magazine’s 2011 Product Innovation Award (PIA) in the plastics category. “The PIA recognizes products, materials and systems innovation that leads commercial and institutional design to new heights,” said Jim Crockett, editorial director of Architectural Products. “With judging and evaluation from a distinguished panel of 44 architects and specification specialists skilled in product evaluation, the PIA program awards manufacturers based on attributes, qualities, functionality and performance beyond industry standards. ACRYLITE Heatstop acrylic sheet exemplifies these qualities and achieves significant environmental efficiency.” Evonik Cyro LLC’s 2011 Product Innovation Award from Architectural Products magazine.
Eastman Chemical Company is increasing manufacturing capacity of Eastman 168™ non-phthalate plasticizer at its Kingsport, TN, USA site by approximately 6,000 tons annually. The company also purchased a manufacturing facility for the production of Eastman 168 in Texas City, TX, USA, and completed a debottlenecking process in Kingsport. “Eastman is committed to continual growth and
reinvestment in our business,” said Heidi Barnes, oxo and plasticizers business director. “We believe that Eastman 168 is the best general-purpose non-phthalate plasticizer available on the market today and the steady growth in demand that we are experiencing is validating that belief.” Harrington Industrial Plastics, the largest distributor of engineered plastic piping systems in the United States, has opened a new 10,000 square foot facility in Tamuning, Guam. This location provides local inventories, deliveries and technical application specialists. The current relocation of U.S. forces from Okinawa to Guam requires an expansion of the military and civilian facilities and infrastructure. Harrington began in 1959 with the purpose of serving customers that handle corrosive environments and has expanded its offerings to include products for customers with high purity and corrosion-resistant needs.
Josh Wehrli of JW Innovations has joined King Plastic Corporation as an independent sales representative. He will be covering Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming and Nebraska. Wehrli has 12 years of experience in plastic distribution and five years of experience in plastic manufacturing. He also has an extensive background in the plastic industry from sales, distribution and manufacturing. “I am confident that his extensive background in the plastic industry will help King Plastic continue to improve and flourish as the leader in our industry,” says Jeff King, president of King Plastic Corporation. Professional Plastics Inc. has moved its branch location in Seattle, WA, USA, to a larger facility. The new address is 6233 Segale Park Drive D, Tukwila, WA 98188; phone (800) 223-8360, (253) 8727420, fax (253) 872-7704. The 40,000 square foot facility gives the company the opportunity for growth and expansion in the Northwest.
The Harrington Industrial Plastics’ facility located in Tamuning, Guam.
The Röchling Engineering Plastics Group took over north Italian machining specialist Leder Orago S.r.l. on December 1, 2011. Leder Orago will become part of the Business Unit Machined Components of the Röchling High-Performance Plastics Group, which operates 15 machining facilities worldwide. With this move, Röchling raises its competence in plastic applications, material development and machining. Leder Orago has 46 employees and generates approximately 5 million euros. Willy Bölscher, director of the Business Unit Machined Components, is positive about the acquisition: “Leder Orago represents for us a good platform for further expanding our business in Italy. The good technical equipment of the company as well as the high degree of competence of management and the staff offer a very good basis for further future growth. With a global market share of more than seven percent, Italy is the fourth largest manufacturer of mechanical engineering products in the world and thus for us an important sales market for machined components made of plastic.”
Professional Plastics’ new facility in Tukwila, WA, USA.
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the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 17
convention
Opportunities to gain knowledge and make connections in Baltimore
T
he International Association of Plastics Distribution conducted its 55th Annual Convention and Plastics Expo on September 13-16 in Baltimore, MD, USA. Plastics professionals gathered to build partner relationships, attend speaker presentations and promote the plastics industry as a whole. More than 800 plastics professionals and engineers attended from all over North America and Europe, and as far away as Australia. IAPD assembled excellent speakers to inspire delegates. During the general session, keynote speakers Brian Wesbury and David Rabiner spoke about our economic future and leadership tools for driving peak performance. Following the general session, the IAPD Environmental Committee hosted an educational session on “Finding Success with Sustainability.” Two educational sessions were held on September 13 that included panel presentations by IAPD members. “Building the Demand for Distributed Plastics: Emerging Markets for Plastics Applications” was moderated by Richard Rappaport, Business Answers International. The panelists included Angela Albert, Eastman Chemical Company; Richard Leibfried, Victrex USA; Thom Price, KYDEX LLC; and Michael Hill, Total Plastics Inc. They discussed what distributors need to consider when evaluating new markets and how to introduce a new product line. The IAPD Manufacturers’ Representatives Common Interest Group (CIG) hosted a session entitled “Outsourcing Sales ... Domestically” which featured a panel of some of our industry’s leading manufacturers who are contracting with independent manufacturers’ representatives to grow their business and markets for their products. The IAPD Plastics Expo gave the ideal chance for industry partners to meet one-on-one for product training and relationship building. This event is integral to IAPD’s efforts to build the demand for plastics by educating the engineering end-user community. Delegates also learned more about the many uses of plastics at the IAPD Plastics Application Seminar held prior
David Rabiner gives a talk on the principles of peak performance during challenging times.
to the Expo presented by James Harrington, CPMR, Engineered Material Sales Inc.; Russ Consentino, CPMR, Plastic Solutions Inc. and George Southard, CPMR, G S Sales. A variety of technical sessions were also conducted during the Plastics Expo which attracted visitors and exhibitors alike. IAPD thanks the following sponsors of the sessions: Boedeker Plastics Inc.; CartierWilson LLC; Palram Americas Inc.; the Philadelphia Section of the Society of Plastics Engineers and Röchling Engineering Plastics. Next year’s convention will take place in Chicago, IL, USA, October 23-26, 2012. Stay tuned to www.iapd.org for details about this major event. Please see the next page for information about convention sponsors and annual awards.
IAPD Past Presidents (front row): James Conway, ACI Plastics Inc.; Harry Hill III, Hillcor Distribution Inc.; Bud Grusin, Atlas Fibre Company; Patrick Foose, Harvel Plastics Inc. and Fred Schroeder, Indelco Plastics Corporation. Back row: Michael Hill, Total Plastics Inc.; Howard Natal, Atlas Fibre Company; Thomas Garrett, Total Plastics Inc.; Scott Statter, Piedmont Plastics and Mark Casey, Professional Plastics Inc.
Educational session on outsourcing sales with panel members William Kistler, Bayer MaterialScience LLC; Paul Krawczyk, Röchling Engineering Plastics; Greg Martino, Harvel Plastics Inc. and Bernie Willms, Quadrant EPP.
18 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
The IAPD Environmental Committee hosts an educational session on finding success with sustainability with Marci Kinter of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association and Committee Chair Kevin Short, Laird Plastics.
2011 IAPD PLASTICS EXPO This event is the only show in North America that promotes plastic stock shapes, fabricated parts, pipe, valves and fittings. This unique show gives attendees access to more than 80 of the plastics industry’s top manufacturers, distributors, processors, fabricators and related product and service providers. This is the ideal place to learn about innovative applications that could help your company be more competitive and profitable in a variety of markets. To view more convention photos, go to www.flickr.com/photos/iapdconvention.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 19
convention
Special recognitions and awards
■ Recognition Awards Special awards were presented at the IAPD Convention to the following individuals for service and dedication to the association: Paul Davis Award of Merit • Patrick Foose, Harvel Plastics Inc., Easton, PA, USA Pacesetter Award • Don Williams, Piedmont Plastics, Charlotte, NC, USA President’s Award to EPDA Board of Directors • Tani Ali, Nylacast Limited, Leicester, England, UK • Bryan Heath, Robert Horne Sign & Display, Northampton, England, UK • David Ladyman, Vink Holdings Ltd., Weybridge, Surrey, England, UK • Sumayyah Mahomed, Nylacast Limited, Leicester, England, UK • Steffen Ollers, Klöckner Pentaplast GmbH & Co. KG, Heiligenroth, Germany • Gunnar Råvik, Carlsson & Möller AB, Helsingborg, Sweden Excellence Award for Best Overall Environmental Program • Laird Plastics, Boca Raton, FL, USA Excellence Award for Best New Environmental Program • Primex Plastics Corporation, Richmond, IN, USA Education Circle of Champions • Cope Plastics Inc., Alton, IL, USA • Laird Plastics, Boca Raton, FL, USA • Piedmont Plastics, Charlotte, NC, USA • Port Plastics Inc., Chino Hills, CA, USA 25-Year Membership Awards • Laramy Products LLC, Lyndonville, VT, USA • Nordbergs Tekniska AB, Vallentuna, Sweden • Fluoro-Plastics Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA Retiring From IAPD’s Board of Directors • Patrick Foose, Harvel Plastics Inc., Easton, PA, USA • Bryan Heath, Robert Horne Sign & Display, Northampton, England, UK • David Keim, Lehigh Valley Plastics Inc., Bethlehem, PA, USA • Donald McMillan, Redwood Plastics Corporation, A Member of Prisma Plastics International, Langley, BC, Canada
■ Elected to the IAPD Leadership The following members were elected to the Executive Committee • President — Robert Bacon, Harrington Industrial Plastics LLC, Elkridge, MD, USA • Vice President — Jane Saale, Cope Plastics Inc., Alton, IL, USA • Treasurer — Kevin Short, Laird Plastics, Dallas, TX, USA • Secretary — William Kistler, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, Sheffield, MA, USA The following members were elected to the Board of Directors • Peter DelGado, Curbell Plastics Inc., Cincinnati, OH, USA • Wayne Gono, Regal Plastic Supply Company, Dallas, TX, USA • Randy Kirkpatrick (second term), Artek Inc., Fort Wayne, IN, USA 20 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
• Steffen Oellers, Klöckner Pentaplast GmbH & Co. KG, Heiligenroth, Germany • Mitchell Opalich, Cleveland Plastic Fabricators & Suppliers Inc., A Subsidiary of Indelco Plastics Corporation, Euclid, OH, USA
■ Convention Sponsors IAPD thanks the following companies for their sponsorships: Premier Convention Sponsor • Vycom, Scranton, PA, USA Elite Convention Sponsors • KYDEX LLC, Bloomsburg, PA, USA • Laird Plastics, Boca Raton, FL, USA Contributing Sponsors • Artek Inc., Fort Wayne, IN, USA • Cope Plastics Inc., Alton, IL, USA • Hayward Flow Control, Clemmons, NC, USA • Röchling Engineering Plastics, Dallas, NC, USA Welcome Party Sponsor • Braskem America Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA Closing Party Sponsors • Artek Inc., Fort Wayne, IN, USA • Bayer MaterialScience LLC, Shefffield, MA, USA • Cope Plastics Inc., Alton, IL, USA • Evonik Cyro, Parsippany, NJ, USA • Meyer Plastics Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA • Nylatech Inc., Everson, WA, USA • Nytef Plastics Ltd., Bensalem, PA, USA • Röchling Engineering Plastics, Dallas, NC, USA • Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Akron, OH, USA • Spartech Corporation, Evanston, IL, USA • Vycom, Scranton, PA, USA • Westlake Plastics Company, Lenni, PA, USA
■ Golf Tournament Sponsors • Cast Nylons Ltd., Willoughby, OH, USA • Nytef Plastics Ltd., Bensalem, PA, USA • Plaskolite Inc., Columbus, OH, USA • Polycast, Stamford, CT, USA • Polygal® Inc., Charlotte, NC, USA • Total Plastics Inc., Kalamazoo, MI, USA
■ Giveaway Prize Drawing Winners and Sponsors Welcome Party Giveway Winner • Katie Clapp, A&C Plastics Inc. (iPAD sponsored by Vycom, Scranton, PA, USA) General Session Giveaway Winners • Dave Eckert, Port Plastics Inc. (Visa gift card sponsored by Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, TN, USA) • Ron Hermis, Technetics Group Houston (Texolon), (iPAD 2 sponsored by Cope Plastics Inc., Alton, IL, USA) • Joe Lackert, Cope Plastics Inc. (IAPD Convention registration sponsored by IAPD)
Celebrating the presentation of the President’s Award to the EPDA Board: 2010-2011 IAPD Vice President Bob Bacon, Harrington Industrial Plastics LLC.; EPDA Vice President David Ladyman, Vink Holdings Ltd.; EPDA Immediate Past President Bryan Heath, Robert Horne Sign & Display; EPDA Board Member Gunnar Råvik, Carlsson & Möller AB; EPDA Board Member Tan Ali, Nylacast Ltd.; EPDA Board Member Sumayyah Mahomed, Nylacast Ltd. and 2010-2011 IAPD President Howard Natal, Atlas Fibre Company.
2010-2011 IAPD President Howard Natal presents the Pacesetter Award to Don Williams, Piedmont Plastics.
IAPD Past President Patrick Foose of Harvel Plastics Inc. receives the prestigious 2011 Paul Davis Award of Merit from Gary Davis of Aetna Plastics Corporation.
Education Circle of Champions winners: Chip Whitfield, Piedmont Plastics; Keith Eitzen, Port Plastics Inc.; Mark Kramer, Laird Plastics and Jane Saale, Cope Plastics, Inc. Accepting recognition awards for serving on the IAPD Board of Directors are Patrick Foose, Harvel Plastics Inc.; Bryan Heath, Robert Horne Sign & Display; Donald McMillan, Redwood Plastics Corporation, A Member of Prisma Plastics International and David Keim, Lehigh Valley Plastics Inc.
Amy Batky (center) accepts the IAPD Excellence Award for Best Overall Environmental Program on behalf of Laird Plastics. Sherry Stahler (center) accepting the IAPD 25-Year Membership Award on behalf of Laramy Products LLC.
Tim Schultz (center) accepts the IAPD Excellence Award for Best New Environmental Program on behalf of Primex Plastics Corporation. the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 21
specialfocus
High-performance polymers deliver quality and stability
PLASTICS IN MEDICAL
by Anthony Verrocchi
H
igh-performance engineering thermoplastics are increasingly replacing metals, ceramics and other traditional materials in high-cost medical technology applications — diagnostics, orthopedic implants, medical supplies, drug packaging, drug delivery and multi-use surgical equipment. The flexibility of these engineered resins allows manufacturers to bring new products to market quickly, especially in the United States, Europe and Japan, where an upward growth trajectory in demand for medical-grade polymers is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. While medical technology manufacturers are not immune to economic downturns, they operate in a dynamic sector that benefits from several underlying factors: growing government spending, an aging population and a lengthy design to market process.
Demanding requirements of the medical marketplace The medical market is governed by various global requirements. Many of these long-term projects involve products in a growing segment called intravenous and infusion devices, specifically insulin pens and inhalers for major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies that are leaders in their fields of medicine. But before
GUR® ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is the “gold standard” for synthetic orthopedic joints or joint components such as this ball and socket joint. 22 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
they can reach the consumer market, these must first meet government regulations and requirements. Materials used in these devices, for example medical grade plastics, must meet the requirements of health authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Union food-conformity and they may need to be listed on an FDA Drug Master File and an FDA Device Master File, which are required for medical and pharmaceutical applications. In addition, these materials should be biocompatible, according to the guidelines of the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP Class VI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO10993). This is just one reason why the design to market process is so lengthy. As a result, approved devices typically enjoy a long life cycle which allows medical technology manufacturers to weather periodic economic dips. Medical device manufacturers are also starting to look for ways to increase market share and launch new eco-friendly products, which will contribute to this continued growth pattern. For example, manufacturers of electrical medical device components recognize they may be required to comply with more stringent environmental laws in the near future. Plastic suppliers are working with several medical device manufacturers to identify ways to communicate the right marketing message and to use innovative engineering thermoplastics that can help them harness more costefficient manufacturing techniques. They are looking at future opportunities to incorporate polymers developed for new eco-friendly products — ones listed with Underwriter Laboratories and compliant with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and European Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical (REACH). As medical materials are pushed to perform at higher levels, medical technology manufacturers have started to
Novo Nordisk uses two Hostaform® acetal copolymer (POM) grades (LW90 BSX and S 9243 14) from Ticona for injection molded components of the FlexPen® insulin delivery device.
look beyond low-cost commodity plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, which are used in non-invasive medical products and standard medical packaging. They are turning to medicalgrade polymers that are certified to conform to specific property and quality standards, as well as applicable regulatory requirements. Using engineering plastics in medical technology can help reduce total manufacturing cost, through consolidation of multiple parts into a single unit and implementation of automated assembly processes. In addition, polymers can provide precise dimensions in intricate components, low friction and wear, as well as high creep strength, all of which help assure long-term performance. There is an increasing trend for “smart” products. These include “intelligent” drug delivery systems such as insulin injection pens, powder inhalers for asthmatics, needleless syringes and instruments for minimally invasive surgery. Engineering polymers are often used because they are robust, reliable, easy to process, contribute to ergonomic design and enable easy color matching. They also resist strong disinfectants and other chemicals, and many can be sterilized repeatedly by most common methods.
High-performance polymers for medical technology equipment Today, innovative plastic materials are increasingly being used for components in diagnostic systems, such as those for blood sugar and blood pressure measurement, and in large clinical equipment, such as anesthesia systems and respirators. These polymers are also used in pharmaceutical packaging, such as blister packs, ampules and pre-filled syringes, where shatter resistance, high-barrier and glass-clear transparency are beneficial. Several high-performance engineering polymers are ideal candidates for medical technologies that require materials which are robust, reliable, easy to process, support ergonomic design and enable easy color matching. Acetal Copolymers (POM) — highly crystalline polymers characterized by extremely high purity with excellent thermal and oxidative stability. Although optimized for medical technology, they still have acetal’s many advantages, including toughness, rigidity, lubricity and other mechanical properties along with resistance to alkalis and hydrolysis. Typical applications: Functional components requiring high dimensional stability and excellent low-friction performance, such as mechanical elements in drug delivery systems, aerosol valves, spring elements, screw threads, gear wheels, worm gears, snap-fits and press-fits and tribological systems.
Knee replacements maintain high functionality thanks to Ticona engineering thermoplastic’s combination of properties: biocompatibility, high abrasion resistance, impact strength, fatigue resistance and crack resistance.
Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) — offers significant benefits in microsystems where it replicates fine details with extreme precision and provides for dimensional stability and high rigidity in thin-walled structures. LCP has a low coefficient of friction, high-impact strength and withstands service temperatures as high as 464°F/240°C. It can be autoclaved for 500 cycles or more with little loss in mechanical properties. LCP has successfully replaced metal alloy components in many surgical instruments and medical appliances with its combination of strength, ease of processing and ability to hold tight dimensional tolerances along with excellent barrier properties to all common gases and liquids, and excellent resistance to chemicals and oxidation. Typical applications: Metal replacement in surgical and dental instruments and components for minimally invasive surgery. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) — an exceptionally strong engineering thermoplastic, PEEK is tough and abrasion resistant with high-impact strength. It has excellent flexural and tensile properties and retains mechanical properties, even at very high temperatures. It has a low coefficient of friction and resists attack by a wide range of organic and inorganic chemicals. One of the most chemically resistant polymers available, it’s biocompatible, suitable for exposure to the body or bodily fluids, biostable and is able to maintain its physical and chemical integrity after implantation in living tissue. Typical applications: Implantable grade PEEK polymer is suitable for longterm (more than 30 days) spine and dental implantation and offers significant benefits over traditional materials, such as polyethylene, metallic alloys and ceramics. Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) — has exceptional dimensional stability and works especially well in complex parts requiring high mechanical strength. PPS medical-grades are an excellent alternative to metals in anesthesia and other medical equipment. They also withstand repeated sterilization by all common methods (ethylene oxide, super-heated steam, gamma radiation) because of their outstanding chemical resistance at high temperature. PPS, developed for use in meltblown and nonwoven structures, provides great durability in biomedical filtration. Typical applications: Functional parts needing exceptional dimensional stability and high mechanical strength as a replacement for metals; e.g., medical forceps and components in artificial respirators and nonwoven media for filtration.
Thermoplastic Polyester (PBT) — has a balanced property profile that includes high creep resistance, good dimensional stability and excellent processability. It is the material of choice for finely structured moldings that must have dimensional stability, such as elements in drug delivery systems. It also has high slip and low wear behavior when combined with POM molded parts. PBT has a use temperature up to 266°F/130°C and better acid resistance than POM. It also has excellent resistance to greases and polar and nonpolar solvents. Additionally, certain PBT grades can be processed by meltblowing to produce filter media. Typical applications: Functional parts with high dimensional stability, such as mechanical components in drug delivery systems, aerosol valves, housings, filter systems and drug containers. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) — produced in the form of a powder, UHMW-PE offers an excellent combination of properties: biocompatibility, high abrasion resistance, impact strength, fatigue resistance and crack resistance. This highly pure material complies with standards ASTM F648 and ISO 5834-1/-2, and is the “gold standard” for synthetic orthopedic joints or joint components that maintain high functionality over a long usage life. With the addition of a small, homogeneous amount (approximately 1,000 parts per million) of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) as a stabilizer, UHMW-PE can help extend the life of orthopedic implants. Typical applications: Orthopedic implants (replacement knees, shoulders and other small joints), ortheses for the treatment of poor posture, endoprostheses components that bear high mechanical loads. There is growing demand for medical-grade high-performance engineering thermoplastics for use in medical technology applications — implants must have biocompatibility to avoid rejection and medical instruments cannot trigger any negative reaction. And, with many manufacturers required by law to take back used medical instruments, recyclability is frequently a criterion that governs material selection for medical products. High-performance engineering thermoplastics are increasingly becoming the material of choice that meets key requirements of a new generation of innovative medical technology applications. ■ Anthony Verrocchi is a Ticona technical marketing engineer. He may be reached at e-mail: anthony.verrocchi@ticona.com. For more information, contact Ticona, 8040 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY 41042 USA; (800) 833-4882, www.ticona.com. the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 23
specialfocus
Application development in the medical industry
PLASTICS IN MEDICAL
by Fran Alder
A
pplication development for medical devices requires knowledge of material properties to support function, chemical compatibility with sanitizing cleaners and sterilization methods, as well as issues of biocompatibility based on intended use. Material suppliers are challenged to not only address the tried-and-true basics regarding the limitations of materials to support mechanical function, but also whether a material is safe to use in contact with the body, or for use in a general medical environment. There are some unique considerations to think about before recommending a material for a medical device that includes the working environment the device will be used in. This is the case, for instance, when considering magnetic resonance (MR) assisted surgery. There are also questions as to potential changes in the polymer when it is exposed to traditional and new sterilization methods such as radiation and hydrogen peroxide plasma. The flip side of that issue is what effect the material has on the efficacy of the sterilization method. The basics start with the same questions we would ask regarding any
TECASON® P MT implant trials
thermoplastic application. Questions regarding such things as ambient operating temperature and pressure/load velocity should be explored before selecting the potential material candidates, for example. However, when exploring medical applications, it is truly the overlooked details that may result in unintended consequences. To confidently make a material recommendation, the following criteria should always be addressed. TECAFORM® MT surgical handle
Intended use Intended use is broken down by the regulatory guidelines enumerated in ISO 10993 which describes the type and duration of contact the device will have with skin, mucosal membrane, or blood and tissue. Duration limits are 24 hours, 30 days and permanent. On first look, this seems self-explanatory, but it gets tricky as to how the FDA will interpret the device’s type of contact and the duration. Some examples of unclear areas follow. An inhaler in which the material in question is used inside the device, but is exposed to the air path is a good example of this type of contact issue. The initial thought might be that there is no direct patient contact. However, the FDA would look at this as a mucosal contact application since there could be “extractables” from the material transferring to whatever is traveling though the air path of the device and into the patient. In addition, duration issues can potentially be challenged in wound care. The device may be in contact with the skin in this case, removed daily and replaced with a new device during the healing process. Initially you might think of the duration as only 24 hours when, in fact, the FDA could view it potentially as 30 days of contact, since the device is replaced daily during the healing process. The FDA will also apply ISO 10993 testing criteria based on the intended use of the thermoplastic material produced
24 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
by specific processes (such as injection molding or extrusion) to account for any material changes that might occur during processing. The FDA prefers it when supplier-specific testing takes into account the standard operating procedure used to produce the product. In addition, OEMs prefer seeing lab reports that reflect testing on extruded shapes (or molded parts) as opposed to testing based on resin only. Lab reports are also always preferred over statement letters from resin or material suppliers to confirm that testing was done and no issues were found. Hard lab data is much preferred to statement letters.
Sterilization methods Sterilization methods also limit choices of potential materials. Many of the devices used in orthopedic surgery are reused. After surgery, materials are cleaned with a high pH cleaner and then steam sterilized in an autoclave. This combination of heat and water in the form of steam limits the selection of plastic materials to a handful of candidates. There has been a trend recently to make single-use devices that can then be handled as revenue generators for the OEM and billed to the patient when used in a surgical procedure. Currently, reusable devices are provided at no cost to the surgeon to support the surgical procedure that places the implant in the body. However, these are not billable
The medical material supplier’s commitment to the transaction is not complete when the invoice is paid. Everyone in the supply chain is expected to maintain documentation of lot traceability for as long as 20 years after shipment for surgical instruments. items. Thus, with the migration to single-use devices increasing, the sterilization method is changing to one in which gamma exposure with the device in package is preferred. Gamma radiation will create changes in the polymer which again captures the eye of the FDA with respect to the validity of the ISO 10993 test performed on raw materials that were not exposed to radiation prior to testing. Some raw materials ultimately end up in surgical devices that also contain sensitive electronic components. If these are repeated use devices, the sterilization process must occur at the hospital and does not use heat and moisture. Cold sterilization employs hydrogen peroxide plasma gas at temperatures of ~ 120°F/48°C. One filter to consider for a material selection for a device intended for cold sterilization is the chemical resistance of the material to hydrogen peroxide. Another is whether the material will disrupt the cycle process by reducing the available H2O2 to achieve sterilization. Sensors on these systems track H2O2 availability. When it drops below an acceptable range, the sterilization cycle is aborted, requiring the process to be restarted. Some thermoplastics are eliminated from consideration due to this factor, even though they are perfectly fine after exposure to this environment.
Application development in the medical industry is much more than a matter of making sure the thermoplastic can stand up to the physical requirements of the part. It is also in everyone’s best interest to be sure all parties are aware of their responsibilities throughout the process when making the decision to TECAPRO® MT surgical tray participate in medical material supply. All should align themselves only with those partners who also fully understand and accept the rigors and requirements of this industry. ■ Fran Alder is the medical industry specialist for Ensinger. For more information, contact Ensinger, 365 Meadowlands Boulevard, Washington, PA 15301 USA; (724) 746-6050, fax (724) 746-9209, e-mail: info@ensinger-online.com, www.ensinger-inc.com.
Some Plastic Doesn’t Belong in this Environment, But…
Finally, ethylene oxide (EtO) is a bulk sterilization process for single-use devices. EtO does not present any compatibility challenges with plastics but has an affinity to some and residuals become an issue.
Long-term commitment Even after filtering through the menu of materials to fit the full requirements of an application and supplying the proper product to the customer, it is important to understand that the medical material supplier’s commitment to the transaction is not complete when the invoice is paid. Everyone in the supply chain is expected to maintain documentation of lot traceability for as long as 20 years after shipment for surgical instruments. Material retains from each resin lot used for the medical shapes are also helpful in addressing any issues that might arise from the device over time. Part of the higher price that medical materials command is necessitated by the post-order commitment. Suppliers have to manage the information that relates to each specific sale. The supply chain in this case is only as good as the ability of each link in the chain to maintain this documentation. The FDA recognizes this, and stresses that each member of the supply chain take responsibility for auditing the prior level to ensure expectations are being met and documentation is maintained.
Ensinger Medical Grade Does • Medical market experience and technical expertise • Materials that can withstand any sterilization method • Test results that reflect current regulatory requirements Ensinger Medical Grade Brands TECAFORM® MT (acetal)
TECANYL® MT (Noryl® PPO)
TECAPEI™ MT (ULTEM® HU1000 PEI)
TECAPRO® MT (polypropylene)
®
TECASON P MT (PPSU)
XRO® radio opaque materials
Call 800.243.3221 or visit www.ensinger-inc.com ULTEM® and Noryl® are registered trademarks of Sabic Innovative Plastics
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 25
specialfocus
Evonik Cyro answers the antimicrobial question
PLASTICS IN MEDICAL
by Larry Gabriel
P
atients entering hospitals for medical treatments and procedures are now facing the potential prospect of developing a secondary infection during their stay. Previously, these secondary infections (that can extend a patient’s time spent in the hospital and therefore add costs), would be paid for by the patient’s insurance carrier. However, insurance companies no longer pay for the expenses related to secondary infections, meaning the hospitals must absorb this added patient cost leading directly to a reduction in their bottom line. Therefore, the desire to reduce secondary infections is two-fold — maintaining the health of the patient as well as maintaining the health of the hospital’s financial statement. One method now being used in the fight against secondary infections is the use of medical devices produced from materials with antimicrobial capabilities. By definition, an antimicrobial agent is capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Antimicrobial products are used for secondary infection management or to inhibit bacterial growth. The FDA’s draft guidance for 510(k) submission with anti-
CYROLITE ® Protect acrylic-based multipolymer compound is specifically designed for FDA regulated Class l or Class ll medical devices covered by 510(k) submission and has a Device Master File Number available to Evonik Cyro customers upon request. CYROLITE Protect is offered in a transparent green tint in order to distinguish and identify it from the standard transparent blue tint of the CYROLITE product lines. 26 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
microbial additives can be found at http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ DeviceRegulationandGuidance/ GuidanceDocuments/ucm071380.htm. It was issued on July 19, 2007 and last updated on September 14, 2010. According to the FDA, medical devices that reduce or prevent device-related infections or reduce or inhibit microbial colonization on a medical device may be appropriate reasons to use an antimicrobial agent in a medical device. However, the FDA states that: “Your rationale should compare the potential impact of the antimicrobial agent on the emergence of resistant microbial strains to the anticipated benefit of the antimicrobial agent on the device.” To evaluate the effectiveness of the potential antimicrobial systems being analyzed, the JIS Z 2801 Test Method was used to test the “kill rate” or efficacy capability of the system against the targeted organisms. A general review of the JIS Z 2801 test method is as follows: 1. Each test sample is inoculated with a suspension of the test organism. The inoculum is held in contact with the test sample using a sterile polyethylene film. All test samples are inoculated in triplicate, with an additional three replicates of the control. 2. The bacterial population on three control replicates is evaluated immediately following inoculation. This is assumed to be the initial population on all test samples (i.e., the population at zero hours). 3. The remaining samples are incubated for the test period (typically 24 hours) at 95°F/35°C, at which time the bacterial population is evaluated. 4. A comparison of the bacterial population at the beginning and end of the test period is made and presented in tabular form. 5. The test result (the value of antimicrobial activity), is the logarithmic number of the reduction rate, i.e.,
the ratio between the number of viable cells of bacteria on the control and on the treated sample after incubation for 24 hours. The JIS Z 2801 standard requires values of antimicrobial activity no less than 2.0 for antimicrobial efficacy of the product. Values over 2.0 may be applicable subject to agreement between the thermoplastic manufacturer and its customers. In an effort to address the expanding market for antimicrobial medical device applications, the leading suppliers of thermoplastic materials initiated a wide array of developmental research projects targeting this area. As a leading supplier of specially formulated acrylic-based products to the medical market for more than 35 years, Evonik Cyro has been a market leader and trend setter with its proprietary line of acrylic-based multipolymer compounds, impact-resistant thermoplastic molding compounds based on methacrylate. Evonik Cyro’s first task in the area of antimicrobial product development was to survey a number of targeted medical device manufacturers and identify some of the key microorganisms that lead to secondary infections in hospital environments. Following extensive discussions with these medical device manufacturers, the following four microorganisms and their areas of concern were identified: Staphylococcus aureus — common cause of staph infections Pseudomonas aeruginosa — naturally resistant to penicillin Staphylococcus epidermidis — infection risk for compromised immune systems Klebsiella pneumoniae — respiratory patient risk With the medical device manufacturers recognizing the JIS Z 2801 test method for antimicrobial evaluation and the four targeting microorganisms identified, Evonik Cyro clarified the test duration required for medical devices. While the standard time duration of 24 hours is incorporated into the JIS Z 2801 test method, the add-
itional time duration of 96 hours was identified as a product need representing the longest duration a medical device in an I.V. dispenser will be used. Understanding the needs of medical device manufacturers in the area of antimicrobial capabilities, test method and duration, the next critical step for Evonik Cyro was to conduct a detailed review of antimicrobial technologies available for thermoplastic materials. Following a lengthy analysis of antimicrobial systems and their effectiveness, and considering other issues such as environmental concerns, Evonik Cyro selected a proprietary silver-based system which could be incorporated into its acrylic-based multipolymer compounds. Incorporated into the resin, the silver ions are slowly released in the presence of moisture and demonstrated efficacy against the targeted microorganisms after both 24 hours and 96 hours as required by the medical device manufacturers. Many additives, including silver, have a perceived negative impact in one or more material performance characteristics. When incorporating silver into acrylic-based products, a reduction in light transmission and an increase in haze are
observed versus the excellent visual characteristics typically seen with these products. However, the contact clarity and appearance offsets those concerns as the medical device manufacturers are able to obtain a visual image of the fluids passing through their components.
“One method being used in the fight against secondary infections is medical devices produced from materials with antimicrobial capabilities.” In addition to the product needs identified by the medical device manufacturers, it is critical that Evonik Cyro meets the requirements for products specifically designed for FDA regulated Class 1 or Class 11 medical devices covered by 510(k) submission. Understanding the medical device market from years of service and supply, Evonik Cyro also identified the need to supply a polymer that passed the Class Vl United States Pharmacopoeia tests for determining the suitability of a plastic material intended for use in fabricating containers or accessories thereto, for parenteral preparations. At the conclusion of the market
investigation and product development, Evonik Cyro introduced its first patentpending acrylic-based multipolymer compound for antimicrobial medical device applications at the February 2011 MD & M Show held in Anaheim, CA, USA. The acrylic-based multipolymer compound displays the characteristics of toughness, transparency, bondablility to PVC tubing, resistance to gamma, e-beam and ETO sterilization, easy processing and chemical resistance. Of greater importance, the acrylic-based multipolymer compound provides antimicrobial capabilities against the four identified microorganisms as tested against the JIS Z 2801 protocol for the 24 hour and 96 hour time periods. Offered in a green tint to differentiate the product from its standard line of products, the acrylic-based multipolymer compound is commercially available with technical and sales support provided as requested by the medical device manufacturers. ■ Larry Gabriel is the business development manager at Evonik Cyro LLC headquartered at 299 Jefferson Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054 USA; www.evonik.com. He is responsible for antimicrobial materials product development. Gabriel can be reached at (973) 452-4694 or lawrence.gabriel@evonik.com.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 27
specialfocus
Shaping the future with engineering plastics
PLASTICS IN MEDICAL
by Tim Brown
T
he demand for plastics in the medical industry in the United States will reach US$6.5 billion in 2012, mainly due to heightened concerns over infection control and increased use of disposable products. Packaging will clearly remain the largest market; however, lower volume engineering plastics are expected to significantly outpace commodity plastics. The physical properties of engineering and high-performance plastics such as impact resistance, dimensional stability and resistance to autoclaving has enabled new and improved designs for medical devices and components. They offer color coding options, lighter weight and are easy to machine in comparison to commonly used metals such as stainless steel. When referring to medical grade plastics, numerous requirements must be considered in choosing the correct plastic for an application. The technical requirements must always be evaluated, but often it is necessary to ensure the material is compatible with the human body. Simply asking the question, “Does this application require the plastic to be biocompatible?” will start you in the decision making process. If so, further questions are needed to determine the type and level of biocompatibility.
Primary considerations in choosing the type of plastic for Life Science applications are:
Will the plastic be in contact with the human body? The chief basic regulations for biological testing and assessment of materials are ISO 10993 and USP VI. These include a series of tests for evaluating biocompatibility of a medical device prior to a clinical trial. For non-implant applications, compliance to ISO 10993-5 (in vitro cytotoxicity) is typically the most requested.
What are the structural requirements? These factors help determine if an engineering or high performance plastic is needed. Engineering plastics are among the most common and useful thermoplastics and typically exhibit good mechanical properties. High performance plastics are generally defined by their ability to maintain their physical properties under thermal, chemical or electrical stress, while operating at elevated temperatures above 300°F/148.9°C. Amorphous thermoplastics are mostly transparent and their mechanical properties are almost unchanged over a wide temperature range, frequently right up to their continuous operating temperature. They include PPSU, PEI, PC and PPO. Partially crystalline thermoplastics are usually opaque, exhibit good strength, toughness and hardness and a great resistance to stress cracks. They include acetal, PP and PEEK.
Will sterilization be used and what type?
Instrument handles machined from Sustason PPSU MG (Radel®)
28 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
An essential aspect of selecting a suitable plastic in a medical application is also the requirement for repeated sterilization and disinfection of the product. The cleaning process typically occurs in autoclaving devices at elevated temperatures (greater than 250°F/121°C with steam or suitable disinfectants. The resistance of
Medical tray machined from Polystone® P MG White
the polymer should be checked in each case. The most common type of sterilization is with steam (autoclaving) but there are other methods including hot air, ethylene oxide, plasma and gamma rays. Regarding engineering and high performance plastics, the most commonly used in the medical and life science industries are: PPSU: incredible toughness, high resistance to sterilization PEEK: superior physical properties including high temperature stability PEI: high heat resistance, high strength and broad chemical resistance PSU: good chemical and repeated hot steam resistance Acetal: excellent wear properties and very dimensionally stable PP: easily machined and dimensionally stable when heat stabilized PPO: excellent impact properties and stability PC: high impact strength and transparent To reiterate, finished products machined from plastics are used in a host of medical device and instrument applications. For those applications that come into contact with the human body, they require biocompatibility, and for those that do not come into direct contact, standard plastics are usually suitable. In many cases, the type of plastic and
“The physical properties of engineering and high-performance plastics such as impact resistance, dimensional stability and resistance to autoclaving has enabled new and improved designs for medical devices and components. They offer color coding options, lighter weight and are easy to machine in comparison to commonly used metals such as stainless steel.” even the specific brand of raw material is listed in the specification from the OEM. Common medical and life science applications include: • Surgical handles and grips for instrumentation • Sizing trials for knee and hip replacements • Fixations devices • Endoscopic housings and eyepieces • Sterilization trays and caddies • Parts for X-ray and MRI devices • Blocks and housings for dialysis machines • Supports and adaptors for respiratory units • Grips and handles for dental instruments • Wear parts for pharmaceutical pill and tablet production
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Valve housings and nozzles for fluid distribution
Another important standard in the medical and life science industries is the Medical Device Standard of ISO 13485. Published in 2003, it represents the requirements for a comprehensive management system for the design and manufacturing of medical devices. Critical elements include controls to ensure product safety, risk management activities, inspection and traceability, documentation and validation of processes and verification of the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions. For medical device OEMs, certification to this standard by their suppliers is becoming increasingly more important and, in some cases, required. ■
Röchling is ISO 13485 certified — Medical Grade Rods
Tim Brown is the vice president of marketing & business development for Röchling Engineering Plastics. For further information, contact Röchling Engineering Plastics, 903 Gastonia Technology Parkway, Dallas, NC 28034 USA; (704) 922-7814, fax (704) 922-7651; e-mail info@roechling-plastics.us, www. roechling-plastics.us.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 29
special advertising supplement special advertising supplement
Annual Corporate Profiles IAPD is proud to present its annual look at IAPD member advertisers. Take a good look at the wide range of materials, equipment and services available from, and the uniqueness of IAPD suppliers. A&C Plastics, Inc. ............................................... 34
Palram Americas ................................................ 47
ALTAFLO ............................................................. 36
Plaskolite, Inc. .................................................... 48
Artek, Inc. ........................................................... 40
Polygal ÂŽ, Inc. ...................................................... 49
Boltaron .............................................................. 41
Primex Plastics Corporation............................. 50
CO-EX Corporation............................................. 42
RĂśchling Engineering Plastics.......................... 32
C.R. Onsrud ......................................................... 31
Schelling America, Inc. ..................................... 51
Fluoro-Plastics, Inc............................................. 43
SIMONA America, Inc. ....................................... 52
Hudson Extrusions, Inc. .................................... 44
Stiles Machinery, Inc. ........................................ 38
King Plastic Corporation .................................. 45
ZL Engineering Plastics, Inc. ............................ 33
Leister USA .......................................................... 46
These corporate profiles can also be found on www.iapd.com.
CORPORATE PROFILE
C.R. Onsrud Inc. Troutman, North Carolina, USA High precision CNC products for the plastics industry
I
n 1915 Oscar Onsrud and his son Rudy took the woodworking industry to a new level when they built the world’s first “Jet Motor” (air turbine) hand router. Since that day, the Onsrud family has become synonymous with routing. Virtually every aircraft built for the U.S. war effort in World War II had parts made on Onsrud routers. Most of those machines are still in use today! Almost every M-1 rifle stock built in the Springfield Armory was made on an Onsrud machine.
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C-axis and 5-axis capability with multiple spindles
CNC machines and options Whatever your requirements, there’s an Onsrud machine designed to meet them. Machine travels range from
Technical support, training & continued education C.R. Onsrud offers 24 hour technical phone support, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With our extended support group available worldwide, a technician is always readily available to assist you.
We have invested deeply in superior service practices, state-of-theart training facilities as well as an extensive application engineering department to further reinforce our pledge to provide the industry’s finest machines combined with the best customer support available.
In 1976 our company raised the standard once again when Charles Onsrud patented the “Inverted Router™”, an idea and a machine that revolutionized the industry, increasing safety and usability. Onsrud CNC Machining Centers began production in 1994 under the leadership of Thomas Onsrud, our current CEO and head of engineering. Incorporating the same attention to detail and superior design standards as their predecessors, Onsrud utilizes the most technologically advanced components available, giving our customers the highest performing machines in the industry at a price our competitors say is just not possible.
CNC machine production We continue to refine our production capabilities and field an ever-growing line of high precision CNC products exclusively for the plastics industry right at our Troutman, NC, facility. Through mass production, standardization, modular construction and efficient design we can supply the following features on any of the many frame designs we offer: • 4,000 inch per minute speed • The rigidity of cast iron construction • “Multi-drill” units • Aggregates • Saws
C.R. Onsrud offers a wide range of large format CNC machines that can accommodate full sheets of plastics and give you the finish that once was only available on smaller vertical machining centers.
72" x 61" x 11" (xyz) for the small footprint 72C12, up to 720" x 180" for the massive 720G20. And work piece capacities run the gamut, with our medium and large-frame machines boasting table weight capacities up to 1 ton. The range of capabilities for Onsrud Machines is as varied as the machine capacities. Features include: high-performance spindles with standard speeds of 1,00024,000 rpm, optional 25,000 and even 30,000 rpm; and high-torque spindles up to 40 HP!
We have invested deeply in superior service practices, state-of-the-art training facilities as well as an extensive application engineering department to further reinforce our pledge to provide the industry’s finest machines combined with the best customer support available.
For more information, contact C.R. Onsrud Inc., P.O. Box 419, 120 Technology Drive, Troutman, NC 28166, USA. (704) 508-7000, fax: (704) 528-6170, e-mail: sales@cronsrud.com, www.cronsrud.com.
SEE C.R. ONSRUD ADVERTISEMENT ON INSIDE BACK COVER
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 31
CORPORATE PROFILE
Röchling Engineering Plastics Gastonia, North Carolina, USA Shaping the future through innovation
R
öchling stands for “Competence, Quality and Innovation.” As a leader in the engineering plastics market, we strongly believe that innovation is the key element to long-term success. New products, emerging markets and specialized applications are an essential part of our strategy and overall vision. To continuously grow our business and the mutual business of our strategic partners, we recently introduced new and innovative products to the plastics market to complement the most comprehensive line of plastics in North America.
manufacturing technologies, our products are used and specified by engineers and cater to a wide range of industries: bulk material handling, conveyor, food processing, packaging, semiconductor, aerospace, oil drilling, chemical, heavy construction, medical, automotive, forestry and waste water treatment. We are always eager to assist our distributors in suggesting or developing the best material for their customer’s application — and as a part of the international Röchling Group, we draw from many resources, including a global sharing of applications, an international R&D department and a pool of innovative products and new applications.
One-stop-shopping offers numerous possibilities for our customers Röchling is redefining engineering plastics as you know it by offering the most comprehensive line of products under one roof in North America. Based on decades of thermoplastic processing experience we combine state-of the-art technology and exceptional customer service with an extensive range of products. In addition to our standard materials, Polystone® M (UHMW-PE), Polystone® G (HDPE), Polystone® P (Polypropylene), Sustamid® (Nylon), Sustarin® (Acetal) and Susta® Mechanicals and High Performance Materials, we manufacture a wide variety of custom grades and colors. Our product line also includes Med ical Grade Plastics — Susta PEEK MG, Sustason PPSU (Radel® R), Susta PEI MG (Ultem®), Sustarin® C MG Acetal, Sustason PSU (Polysulfone), and Polystone® P MG (Poly pro pylene), PE2PRINT ® - Digital (award winning HDPE for the printing industry), Sustarin® C XDT (X-ray detectable Acetal for the food industry) and Polystone® M XDT (X-ray detectable UHMW-PE for the food industry). The convenience of one-stop-shopping offers, in addition of cost savings through combined shipments and our competitive freight policy, a more efficient and streamlined purchase experience. Our excellent trained sales team will assist you with our complete product line and will offer customized solutions to your applications and material needs, paired with knowledgeable product consulting. Through continuous investments and improvements in new and innovative
ISO 13485:2003 Medical Device Standard. Our quality management system enables us to increase productivity and better document or control processes. Our customers’ needs can be better understood and therefore met, which promotes increased customer satisfaction and leads ultimately to an organization which is customer driven.
Logistics Röchling conveniently ships to distributors from both U.S. coasts and Canada — Dallas, NC; Ontario, CA and Orangeville, Ontario. More importantly, we maintain a large inventory selection of our products. Orders for in-stock items are typically shipped the same day, or next day latest. Custom materials can generally be manufactured and shipped in 3 to 4 weeks, depending on resin availability.
Focus Röchling Engineering Plastics is strongly committed to supporting and assisting our distributors to grow their existing business, pursuing new markets and new products, and doing it in a way that simply makes it easy to do business with us.
Education and training
With Röchling ideas become reality (Polystone® M XDT — X-ray detectable UHMW for the food processing industry.
State-of-the-art technologies and new market opportunities Röchling opens up new market opportunities with its combined product line of Polystone® and Susta® products, the most comprehensive line of products in North America — featuring the unique MegaSheet™, the largest sheet available anywhere. MegaSheet™ can save time and money by eliminating welding, allowing more efficient yields and offering an endless variety of sheet-size possibilities.
Röchling offers an abundance of webinars and “in-house” trainings customized to our clients’ needs. We strongly believe that in-depth product knowledge is the key to a successful sell — and by providing all the right tools to our clients we strive to grow our mutual business together. In addition we offer an extensive literature and data sheet library on our website including our “News & Knowledge” Newsletter, which serves as a marketing tool to increase our customers’ knowledge of Röchling’s latest product offerings, capabilities and relevant applications and supports promotional activities toward OEMs and end-users. The newsletter is available on our website: www.roechling-plastics.us. We at Röchling look forward to serving you with “Competence, Quality and Innovation” as your preferred plastics supplier.
Quality The registration to ISO 9001:2008 is another accomplishment for Röchling on its quest to continual improvement. In addition to our upgrade to ISO 9001: 2008, we are now also certified to the SEE RÖCHLING ENGINEERING PLASTICS ADVERTISEMENT ON BACK COVER
32 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
For further information, contact Röchling Engineering Plastics-East, 903 Gastonia Technology Parkway, Dallas, NC 28034 USA; (704) 922-7814, fax (704) 922-7651. Röchling Engineering Plastics-West, 2040 Carlos Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761 USA; (704) 884-3588, fax (909) 923-3280. Röchling Engineering Plastics-Canada, 21 Tideman Drive, Orangeville, Ontario L9W 3K3 Canada, (519) 941-5300, fax (519) 9414489; e-mail: rep@roechling-plastics.us, www.roechling-plastics.us.
CORPORATE PROFILE
ZL Engineering Plastics, Inc. Kansas and California, USA Broad stock shapes product range and outstanding service
ZL
Engineering Plastics Inc. is a leading supplier of stock shapes in the United States. ZL products are backed by over 50 years of stock shapes manufacturing experience. ZL supplies products manufactured by two prominent European manufacturers, Zell-Metall GmbH and Licharz GmbH. Together these companies manufacture over 120 million pounds of sheet, rod and tubular bar every year! ZL Engineering Plastics is committed to supplying a full range of top quality products, outstanding customer service and ready-to-ship inventory from warehouses in Kansas and California.
Complete product information and technical data can be found on our web site at www.zlplastics.com.
are available to you anytime to discuss a particularly large requirement, or to answer material selection questions.
Fabricators prefer stock shapes from ZL
When you call our California office, office administrator Kathy Gatewood, or customer service representative Cameron Cuchiara will be happy to check stock or process your order with speed and accuracy. You can count on attentive and efficient service from operations manager John Reynolds or customer service representatives Monique Skoch and Seth Johnson when calling our Kansas office.
Many fabricators prefer ZL’s longer rod lengths (4' and 10') and larger plate sizes (2' x 4', 4' x 4', 4' x 6', 4' x 8' and 4' x 10'). ZL’s acetal copolymer material is also available in rod up to 19" diameter, 6" thick plate, and tubing ranging from 25 mm od x 10 mm id to 500 mm od x 375 mm id. Larger footprints for rod, plate and tube mean better yields and more cost savings.
ZL is large enough to handle most all of your plastic stock shapes needs, and small enough to closely monitor all orders flowing through our service centers. We take pride in making sure your order gets out when promised and is shipped the way you would like. ZL is committed to outstanding service at all levels of the company.
ZL’s five-step approach to satisfying distribution 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Product quality that is second to none Service that exceeds industry standards (same day shipping!) Knowledgeable and experienced team Competitively priced product to meet YOUR market demands Ready-to-ship inventory in Buena Park, CA and Lenexa, KS
Please think of ZL and call us tollfree at (866) 957-5278 to get a quote the next time you need to order plastic stock shapes.
ZL’s standard products • •
• • • • • • •
Extruded nylon (type 6/6) natural, black and moly-filled Cast nylon (type 6) natural, black, blue heat stabilized, moly-filled, oilfilled, solid lubricant filled and solid lubricant filled FDA grade Natural and black copolymer acetal Natural and black homopolymer acetal PET natural, black, high impact and lubricated Polycarbonate Ultem® PEI PEEK
ZL’s custom products • • • •
ZL™ 202 — extruded nylon 6 ZL™ 202 N — nanoparticle reinforced FDA grade nylon 6 ZL™ 900 AS — static dissipative acetal copolymer ZL™ 900 ELS — conductive acetal copolymer
We look forward to exceeding your expectations!
ZL stocks materials in a broad range of sheet, rod and tube.
For more information, contact:
You can count on exceptional service when you call ZL
ZL Engineering Plastics Inc., 8485 Artesia Boulevard Unit D, Buena Park CA 90621
ZL has service centers staffed by highly trained and knowledgeable personnel in Lenexa, KS and Buena Park, CA.
USA; (714) 523-0555, fax (714) 523-4555. ZL Engineering Plastics Inc., 10908 Strang Line Road, Lenexa, KS 66215 USA (913) 327-0300, fax (913) 327-0302.
Patrick Pheffer continues to run ZL operations throughout the North American markets. Patrick is available to respond to your requests for quotation or to discuss applications for plastics in your market center. Tom Connelly services the West Coast and Northeast sales markets while providing application and technical support for the North American markets. Eric Giesen is the sales and marketing manager for the Midwest and Southeast markets. Patrick, Tom and Eric
E-mail info@zlplastics.com, www.zlplastics.com or call (866) 957-5278 in the United States and Canada.
SEE ZL ENGINEERING PLASTICS ADVERTISEMENT ON INSIDE FRONT COVER
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 33
CORPORATE PROFILE
A&C Plastics, Inc. Houston, Texas, USA Continued commitment to exceptional customer service
2
011 in review
A&C Plastics entered 2011 with one single focus — to provide the very best customer service in the plastics distribution industry. As the year winds down, it’s clear that the company achieved its goal. A&C’s management team credits the strong customer service focus for helping the company thrive throughout the year, despite an economic climate that limited overall industry growth and created significant supply shortages across the globe. “If you take care of your customers’ needs no matter what the situation is, they’ll take care of you,” says A&C’s Vice President, Katie Clapp.
Product selection and availability Taking care of customers in 2011 meant having good product availability, being able to ship product quickly, and helping customers understand the features and benefits of A&C’s wide array of materials. In fact, A&C remained well stocked on many products that were otherwise considered scarce throughout the year. Items such as UL-rated colored acrylic, impact modified acrylic and P95 acrylic, in thicknesses up to 1" are available in each of A&C’s three warehouses. Already known for stocking some of the industry’s most hard-to-find products and color varieties, A&C has nonetheless expanded its inventory to include a number of new products. As A&C’s Vice President of Special Projects Keith Gaddis explains, “If they need it, we have it. If we don’t have it, we can find it. If we can’t find it, we won’t give up until we do. But 99.9 percent of the time, we have it.”
New warehouse technology But, as any A&C sales representative will tell you, delivering great customer service takes more than just having the right products — it also means fulfilling the order quickly and giving customers the products they need in the size they need it. To accomplish this more effectively, A&C will soon introduce a new, high-performance cutting saw in its Illinois location. The saw, called the Sigma Impact 87, can cut up to 4" thick material and has a cutting bed that
34 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
can handle and cut material up to 177" long. “This new saw will allow us to cut a variety of plastic material, including stacks of thin material like .020" PETG, into chip-free parts for our customers,” said Warehouse Manager, Don Snyder. In addition to cutting services, A&C has implemented new packing techniques to help keep sheets protected and undamaged, and the company can provide same day shipping for in-stock items on orders placed before 2 pm.
A&C’s President and Founder, Carolyn Faulk is fond of saying, “We sell service and the plastic is thrown in for free.”
that industry’s needs. A&C’s newest sales representative, Janer Pastrana, is new to the plastics industry but has a decade of experience in sales. “We can teach someone what they need to know about plastic, but to be successful, our people have to have a genuine caring personality and a great attitude, so we look for that first and foremost,” says Carolyn Faulk. Carolyn doesn’t just talk about what it takes to be successful — she cheerfully rewards those who demonstrate above average performance. In fact, cash rewards for outstanding service, punctuality and years of employment are common at A&C. Annual events such as the company’s Halloween costume contest and spring picnic also give employees the chance to win prizes, have fun and build stronger friendships with their co-workers.
The results
With warehouses in Texas, Colorado and Illinois, A&C Plastics is strategically positioned to provide expedient service to customers across North America.
Customer service focus A&C’s President and Founder, Carolyn Faulk is fond of saying, “We sell service and the plastic is thrown in for free.” It’s a charming but poignant indicator of what really matters at A&C. The company firmly believes that people are its most important asset, and that great customer service is what sets it apart. To be consistent though, A&C regularly invests in training and personnel development programs. In addition to training the sales staff in great detail on product information, A&C has recruited many of its salespeople from industries that A&C serves, such as the signage industry, so that they can better identify with
Whatever A&C is doing, it seems to be working. Beyond sales growth, the company has witnessed a steady flow of positive customer feedback, continued praise for its creative advertising and recognition from several business and civic organizations. For the last five consecutive years, the company has been listed on the Inc. 5,000 list of the Fastest Growing Companies in America. Most recently, A&C was named one of Houston’s “Top 100” Businesses, and Carolyn was honored as a “Woman of Distinction” for her non-profit work and commitment to community service. While most A&C employees feel honored by the achievements, they know that the company must continue to outperform even its own high expectations in order for the success to continue. “We’re just going to keep working hard, taking care of our customers and having fun,” says Katie Clapp. “That’s what it’s all about.”
For more information, contact A&C Plastics, Inc., 6135 Northdale, Houston, TX 77087 USA; (800) 231-4175, (713) 645-4915, fax (713) 640-2541. A&C Plastics, Inc. – Colorado Division, 2590 Durango Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 USA; (866) 300-1600, (719) 390-0100, fax (719) 390-0122. A&C Plastics, Inc. – Chicago Division, 1019 Entry Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106 USA; e-mail: plastic@acplasticsinc. com, www.acplasticsinc.com.
CORPORATE PROFILE
ALTAFLO Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, USA “Transport Critical Fluid with Confidence™”
A
LTAFLO is an innovative producer of high performance fluoropolymer and fluoroplastic tubing, pipe and profiles. Since the company’s inception, Altaflo has maintained a consistent focus on the critical requirements of even the most demanding applications. Our process begins by selecting the highest performance resin grades within each product category. Although there are many resin producers, and various grades offered in each group, Altaflo uses only high molecular weight resin products to ensure optimum performance. These resins provide the highest stress crack resistance, greatest chemical resistance and overall superior performance in our finished products. Once our resin selection has been made, we adhere to a strict series of process controls to establish maximum efficiency while producing tight tolerance products that meet or exceed industry specifications. Upon request, tighter tolerances or adherence to dimensions other than standard nominal may be provided. Altaflo has production capabilities for a wide range of polymer options. In addition to standard smooth-bore tubing, we can provide convoluted tubing in a variety of flexibilities each designed for specific applications. Pipe and custom profiles are also available. Altaflo is able to provide many quality services to our customers including: • Same Day Shipments • Low Minimum Orders • Precision Cutting Services/Custom Packaging • Custom Colors/ Resins /Additives • Heat Forming • Laser Marking Our products include:
ALTAFLUOR® 100 PTFE PTFE (poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene) is the most flexible of the fluoropolymers. ALTAFLUOR 100 PTFE can withstand the highest temperature of any fluoropolymer (up to 500°F continuous/550°F short term) and can resist highly corrosive liquids and gases at even elevated temperatures. ALTAFLUOR 100 products are 36 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
available in continuous lengths from stock but overall lengths may be limited especially in larger sizes due to batch processing. For longer lengths, FEP or PFA may be a suitable alternative.
ALTAFLUOR® 200 High Performance FEP FEP (fluorinated-ethylene-propylene) is an economical choice for applications requiring chemical resistance combined with broad temperature resistance. FEP is an almost transparent material making it ideal for fluid monitoring applications, UV light transmission and other visual applications. Unlike PTFE, ALTAFLUOR 200 FEP is able to be provided in almost any continuous length required. FEP may be heat formed or flared for use with flare fittings.
ALTAFLUOR® 350 THV THV is a terpolymer consisting of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride. This tubing has a unique combination of properties making it the preferred choice for many applications. ALTAFLUOR 350 THV has the flexibility of traditional PVC flex tubing combined with chemical resistance much closer to that of FEP. ALTAFLUOR 350 has a UV transmission rate better than any fluoropolymer. Additional benefits include excellent permeation resistance and excellent bondability with other materials which allows for multilayer extrusions.
ALTAFLUOR® 400 High Performance PFA PFA (per-fluoro-alkoxy) is the product of choice for applications requiring extreme chemical resistance combined with high temperature and fluctuating temperatures. Like FEP, PFA is available in long continuous lengths provided on cleanroom compatible reels. However, PFA can withstand exposure to much higher temperatures and more aggressive chemicals than FEP. PFA can be heat formed and flared for use with flare fittings.
lowest extractable requirements. These tubing products are provided in special packaging designed for use in cleanroom applications. Customized semiconductor grade cleaning protocols are available — please contact our customer service department for details. UHP PFA may be heat formed or flared for use with flare fittings.
ALTAFLUOR® 550 KYNAR FLEX PVDF PVDF (poly-vinylidene) is an abrasion resistant fluoropolymer suitable for use in applications requiring moderate chemical resistance and temperature exposure. Although this material is not as flexible as FEP or PFA it is still considered a “flexible” material. ALTAFLUOR 550 tubing may be heat formed or flared for use with flare fittings.
ALTAFLUOR® 600 MFA MFA (per-fluoro-methyl-alkoxy) is an excellent upgrade from FEP for applications requiring an extremely smooth surface finish, higher stress crack resistance and higher temperature resistance. MFA can withstand temperatures up to 480°F as compared with 400°F for FEP. MFA has inherently lower extractable levels as compared with both FEP and PFA which make it ideal for applications requiring high purity levels while requiring a lower cost option over UHP PFA. Like FEP, PFA and UHP PFA, MFA can be heat formed, laser marked or flared for use with flare fittings.
Additional resins available Additional materials available upon request: THV, THVP, KYNAR PVDF, ETFE, ECTFE, EFEP.
ALTAFLUOR® 480 UHP High Performance PFA
Altaflo is dedicated to servicing our distributors. To that end, we maintain a large inventory which allows for most orders to ship “Same Day.” We realize that quality products combined with timely deliveries enable our distributors to have a significant edge over their competition! Please give us a call with your next requirement — we look forward to being of service!
UHP PFA (high purity per-fluoro-alkoxy) is the preferred product for critical industries which require extreme resistance to corrosive chemicals combined with
For further information, contact: Altaflo, 25 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849 USA; (973) 663-3303, fax (973) 663-3323, e-mail: sales@altaflo.com, www.altaflo.com.
CORPORATE PROFILE
Stiles Machinery, Inc. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Taking care of business
F
or 45 years, Stiles has been helping manufacturers succeed by meeting the needs of a changing industry. Tasks once done manually can now be accomplished with the push of a button or a mouse click, allowing sophisticated software applications and CNC machines to work hand-in-hand with traditional craftsmanship and artistry. The world’s largest independent distributor of quality machinery, Stiles is focused on offering solutions that improve process technology and maximize production capacity. And, as the industry continues to evolve, Stiles maintains its passionate commitment to make your business a success. One of the ways we help you take care of your business is with our Support Services.
E-tech Stiles Enhancement Technologies (E-tech) give you remanufactured parts at a fraction of traditional replacement costs. Our rebuild services help you maintain your critical components like industrial electronics, glue pots, spindle motors, vacuum pumps and machining aggregates.
try with Field Service Representatives (FSRs) located in over 24 states to be close to our customers. In 2009 alone, our 80 service personnel completed more than 800 installations, supported over 1,000 routine maintenance contracts to reduce machine downtime.
Technical support Machines don’t know what time it is. If they did, they’d schedule all their problems between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. That’s why Stiles Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And even with more than 36,000 service calls annually, Stiles has an average response time of less than 30 minutes. Our targeted resolutions eliminate the need for on-site service in over 93% of the cases to save you time and money.
Router, panel saw, or both? Either way, Stiles is your choice. We offer the best solution to meet your production needs.
The best tools in the best hands do the best work. That’s why we launched Stiles Education: to give the most comprehensive education to the most competent hands. Celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2010, our instructors have over 150 combined years of experience and teach more than 40 courses in everything from programming to process certification.
You don’t have time to wait for parts. That’s why Stiles’ $30 million parts inventory for more than 40 machine manufacturers is available to you 24 hours a day, every day, all year. Our same-day emergency delivery and everyday shipping options mean you get your parts when you need them, wherever you are.
Service Stiles offers five strategically located regional offices throughout the coun-
38 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
Economize: excellent quality and price The Weeke Vantech is a solution for CNC routing that delivers excellent quality at an affordable price. You can’t afford to wait. Delivering maximum flexibility and easy integration with popular software design packages, the Weeke Vantech is a powerful router packaged with everything you need to begin producing quality parts quickly and more efficiently. Large processor or small shop, Stiles is your single best source for the tools and the knowledge you need to be competitive in your market. The way we see it, our business is helping your business succeed — whether through equipment solutions, new technology or educational opportunities.
Education
Parts
very thin PETG sheets. Cut Rite software saves yield, time and money by creating easy to cut patterns based on your parts requirements and downloading them directly into the control on the saw, eliminating all set-up time and the potential for set-up error on the shop floor. As a side benefit, Cut Rite produces a cost per part and a cost per order: great tools for quoting new business accurately. And just to ensure that the right part gets to the right job; Cut Rite will produce a barcoded label at the saw while the part is cut.
We’re here for the long haul
On the Weeke Vantech CNC router, four highefficiency vacuum pumps are uniquely stored under the machine. To save energy, one serves as the master while the other three are utilized as required.
Optimize: material equipment and workflow The Holzma HPP 380 P panel saw is fast, heavily-built and has features designed especially for the plastics fabricator including narrow jaw clamps and the unique Holzma side pressure device which operates from below the machine bed to help achieve beautiful edge quality on even
Regardless of changes in technology, the emergence of new materials or fluctuations in the national and global economy, Stiles is here to stay, and we’re behind you every step of the way. We’re determined to remain the leader in an exciting and challenging business, a determination that is built on the quality of our products, people and services. Our roots are 45 years deep and we’re proud to have played a part in the growth of hundreds, even thousands, of businesses like yours.
Stiles Machinery Inc. is located at 3965 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA. To learn more about how Stiles can you help take care of your business, contact Stephan Waltman at (616) 698-7500 or swaltman@stilesmachinery.com.
Optimize material, equipment and workflow
Plastic Fabrication Seminar February 8, 2012 | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | 1200 Tulip Dr., Gastonia, NC CNC machining. Sawing. Software. Tooling. Chip collection. Come see innovative solutions in action at the Holzma U.S. Plastic Fabrication Seminar. Take part in hands-on demonstrations using the industry’s most advanced CNC sawing and machining equipment. Witness high precision routing, cutting, and edge polishing in action. See different material handling systems for plastics. Learn different cost saving ideas to help meet the challenges of shorter lead times and run quantities. For details and to register, contact Terry Norris at Holzma U.S., 704.861.8239 or holzma@stilesmachinery.com.
stilesmachinery.com
CORPORATE PROFILE
Artek, Inc. Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA Artek expands capabilities and product line
A
rtek, a leading manufacturer of Duravar ® extruded UltraHigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE), has been providing dependable quality, reliable support and faithful service to their plastics partners for 26 years. Artek has been rewarded with solid business partnerships over the years and looks forward to growing those partnerships and creating many new ones in the years to come. Artek puts great value on these partnerships and cannot thank each of them enough for their loyal support and patronage. It is Artek’s continued goal to provide unsurpassed customer service, premium material quality, comprehensive technical support and competitive pricing to their partners in the plastics distribution market. Once again, Artek is accepting the challenges set by their plastics partners to assist them in meeting the needs of their industrial base. With the expansion of a third facility in 2011 and added
capacities coming in 2012, Artek will grow their Duravar UHMW-PE extruded rod and tube stock, full sheet, half sheet, quarter sheet, flat bar and profile shapes to include additional sizes, profile configurations and material formulations to fulfill their increasing requirements. All Duravar UHMW-PE products are available in a variety of FDA colors and enhanced formulations to improve performance in specialized applications. As a member of the elite engineered polymer family, Duravar UHMW-PE products provide the combined enhanced physical properties of high abrasion resistance, low coefficient of friction and excellent impact resistance to eliminate the traditional problems incurred in many industrial applications on a daily basis. These excellent physical properties and the technical expertise provided by the Artek staff make Duravar UHMW-PE the desired material of choice to solve today’s industrial application problems. Artek’s
technical and customer service staff is just a phone call away and are always ready to assist you in recommending the perfect Duravar UHMW-PE material for those challenging applications. At Artek, the customer is always the No. 1 priority, and is treated with specialized, individual customer service and support. The Artek Team is dedicated, experienced and recognize the value of quality products with quick turnaround times. They believe in building true, long lasting partnerships and team synergy with each customer. If you enjoy being associated with a winning organization that thrives on providing true customer support and service, call Artek today and become a part of Artek’s Team of valued customers.
For more information, contact Artek, Inc., 3311 Enterprise Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 USA; (260) 484-4222, (800) 762-6808, fax (260) 484-6914, e-mail: artek@ artek-inc.com, www.artek-inc.com.
DURAVAR®
ULTRA-HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE
Rod Stock Standard Profile Flat Stock Quarter Sheet Fabrication Custom Profile Half Sheet Plus PT Components Extruded & Fabricated to Customer Specifications. Available in Virgin, Repro, and Special Formulations. SPECIAL COLORS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
40 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
(800) 762-6808 3311 Enterprise Road Ft. Wayne, Indiana 46808 260-484-4222 • 260-484-6914 Email: artek@artek-inc.com www.artek-inc.com
CORPORATE PROFILE
Boltaron Newcomerstown, Ohio, USA Boltaron protects just about everything, including distributors
T
o excel in high performance sheet sales, you need the best in properties, fire ratings, selection and pricing. But you also need a supplier that works with you every step of the way — not against you, or around you. That supplier is Boltaron — your loyal partner in high performance heavy-gauge sheet. The Boltaron sales staff can provide your salespeople with the technical expertise they need to sell into high potential applications such as aircraft interior components, rail/mass transit interior components, mechanical/electrical equipment enclosures, corrosionresistant parts, semiconductor equipment, clean room components, holsters/ sheaths, protective wallcovering, interior and exterior building products, and many others. And once you make that sale, you can count on Boltaron to help you maintain that business, and strengthen your relationship with your customer.
Over 50 specialized grades offer a combination of fire ratings, performance, colors, textures and gauges unavailable from any other film and sheet producer: • PVC, PVC/acrylic alloy and CPVC film and sheet in gauges from .003 to 3.0 in. (.076 to 76.2 mm) • UL 94 V-0 and 5V, Class 1-A and ASTM E-84 fire ratings • Aircraft fire/toxicity ratings: FAR 25. 853 (a) and (d), ABD0031, BSS7239 and D6-5137 • Rail/mass transit vehicle ratings: MVSS Docket 90 and 90A • Impact resistance to 20 ft-lbs/in. (1059 J/m) • High-performance, corrosion-resistant and economical grades • Clear, white and unlimited integral colors with low minimums • Scratch-resistant metallics in unlimited colors with low minimums • Unlimited decorative patterns (including wood grains, carbon fiber and abstracts) with low minimums
• 16 standard surface textures, and unlimited custom textures with low minimums • Ideal for thermoforming, membrane pressing, flat laminating, machining and fabricating • Extreme formability with uniform wall thickness This combination of advantages is unique to Boltaron because no other producer in the USA offers calendering, extrusion and press laminating under one roof. Each of these processes produces a range of film and sheet products having distinct qualities. As importantly, sheet produced using more than one of these processes can be fused in-line or off-line (with low minimums) to create an unlimited selection of ultra-high performance composite sheet products impossible to achieve using any single production process. For information, contact Boltaron, One General Street, Newcomerstown, OH 43832 USA; (800) 342-7444, (740) 498-5900, fax (740) 498-5448, e-mail: info@boltaron. com, www.boltaron.com.
Your customers need high-performance, fire-rated sheet. You need competitive pricing and distributor protection. Boltaron delivers both. • PVC, PVC/Acrylic alloy and CPVC film and sheet, extruded, calendered and presslaminated in gauges from .003 to 3.0 in. (.076 to 76.2 mm)
• 16 standard surface textures, and custom textures with low minimums
• FAR 25.853 (a) and (d), MVSS Docket 90 and 90A, UL 94 V-0 and 5V, Class 1-A and ASTM E-84 fire ratings
• Extreme formability with uniform wall thickness
• Clear, and unlimited integral colors with low minimums • Scratch-resistant metallics in unlimited colors with low minimums
Nowhere else will you find this unique combination of desirable selling features— or a supplier that is more distributor-friendly. Swing sheet business your way, at high margins, by offering the ultimate in selection and performance—only from Boltaron.
Z-0536
US: 1 800 342 7444 • +1 740 498 5900 info@boltaron.com • www.boltaron.com
• Impact resistance to 20 ft-lbs/in. (1059 J/m)
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 41
CORPORATE PROFILE
CO-EX Corporation Wallingford, Connecticut, USA CO-EX provides cutting edge products
C
O-EX Corporation (and parent company EMP SA) have introduced a wide range of unique polycarbonate products to meet the needs of their customers in varied markets. From sophisticated architectural panel systems to D.I.Y. snap together panels, and from multi-
wall sheets to solid polycarbonate, CO-EX delivers the products you want and need. CO-EX products are used in a wide variety of applications and end-use markets as varied as the building and construction market to industrial applications such as lightweight — yet high
CO-EX Corporation . . .
The First Choice of plastic distribution for polycarbonate multi-wall and corrugated sheet products Whether you need Macrolux Multi-wall, Macrolux C Solid, or Rooite Corrugated, CO-EX can deliver the right color, thickness and technology to meet your exact speciďŹ cations. Our Polycarbonate Sheet provides the ultimate in design exibility and strength. s 3UPERIOR 3ERVICE WITH Proven CO-EX Dependability s 6IRTUALLY 5NBREAKABLE (IGH )MPACT 3TRENGTH s 3AVES %NERGY 5 6 2ESISTANT s ,IGHTWEIGHT s 7ON T #RACK OR 3PLIT 7HEN #UT OR $RILLED s )N 3TOCK FOR 1UICK $ELIVERY Perfect for signage, trade show booths, office partitions, furniture, skylights, windows, pool enclosures, greenhouses, displays and do-it-yourself projects.
Call today for more information!
(800) 888-5364
Polycarbonate Panels CO-EX Corporation, 5 Alexander Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492 tel: (203) 679-0500, fax: (203) 679-0600
E MAIL INFO
CO EXCORP COM s WWW CO EXCORP COM
42 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
strength tooling bins. In the building and construction area CO-EX products are used for: skylights, canopies, pool enclosures, roofing, entre building envelopes or facades, sunrooms, awnings — anywhere where long life, durability, high light transmission and good insulation is needed CO-EX products can be used. Other markets are wide ranging from display show booths, point of purchase displays to signage, tooling bins, truck faring, gating and many other industrial applications. CO-EX Corporation has a number of unique products that have been recently introduced into the market; Rocklite — a 10 wall product that is produced in 60 mm sheets offering an R-value of over 7, 10 X Wall products — high insulation, high strength sheets offering the best insulation value in its thickness range (16 mm - 40 mm). Macrolux Bi-Color Athermic multi-wall sheet products feature significant benefits to architects and builders when looking for a natural lighting element while providing a product with high insulation values. The sheets have a solar control additive that significantly reduces solar heat gain. The Bi-Color sheet is ideal for creating unique interior spaces. Polisnake is constructed with undulating channels when a distinctive design is desired. CO-EX recently introduced a whole range of new panel products for the roofing industry: Vega, Polaris, Ondalite and Grecalite — all these products have features built into the profile to make it easier to secure the product for use as roofing panels. Contact CO-EX today and discover how our materials can work for you. We have the products to meet your customer’s needs and you can count on us to always be on the cutting edge of manufacturing. CO-EX Corporation manufactures a full line of polycarbonate sheet including MacroluxŽ multi-wall sheet, RoofliteŽ corrugated sheet, BDLŽ standing seam modular panels and Modulit vertical glazing systems. CO-EX products work well in any application where light transmission, impact strength and durability are important. For more information, contact CO-EX Corporation, 5 Alexander Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492, USA, (800) 888-5364, fax (203) 679-0600, e-mail: info@co-excorp.com, www.co-excorp.com.
CORPORATE PROFILE
Fluoro-Plastics, Inc. Philadelphia and Easton, Pennsylvania, USA Granular PTFE shapes for industry’s most demanding applications
G
ranular PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is the toughest fluoropolymer for industry’s most demanding applications. It is the only material that is inert to caustics and acids; it is FDA compliant and has a breakdown voltage of 500 v/mil of thickness (Fluoro-Plastics has made PTFE film to withstand over 1,000 volts per mil). The operating temperature of PTFE is from minus 350°F to 500°F (176°C to 260°C). Other plastics have their niches, but where conditions are extreme, PTFE is the material of choice. Fluoro-Plastics manufactures all of the basic shapes: • Plate from 1/2" thick to over 6" thick, and from 12" square to over 48" square. • Skived sheet from .020" thick up to .250" thick, in giant rolls up to 60" wide. • Thin film from 1 mil thick up to 20 mils thick, and to 60" wide. • Rod and tube from 1/8" diameter up to 2-1/4" diameter. • Profiles and guiderails, u channels, snap-ons for food processing, pharmaceu-
tical or other moving product applications. • Molded cylinders (both rod and tube) up to 7" in diameter. • Reinforced PTFE — with fillers of glass fiber, carbon, mineral fill, glass and molybdenum disulfide, graphite, bronze, stainless steel, in varying percentages to increase hardness, reduce abrasion and wear, reduce static or dissipate heat. • Machining services — gaskets and stamped parts, machined parts, rings, seals and spacers. All skived film and sheet can be slit to width and rewound to length. • Porous PTFE for aerospace gasketing in a wide variety of thicknesses, which can be etched for bonding. • All material can be etched on one or both sides for bonding to various substrates. All Fluoro-Plastics fluoropolymer products are manufactured in the United States, either in our compression molding facility in Philadelphia, or at our extrusion facility in Easton, PA, so all products meet special vendor requirements for local origin.
Fluoro-Plastics is certified to the ISO 9001:2008 quality standard; full traceability is available for ultimate quality control. All products are made to ASTM, AMS or applicable military and aerospace specifications where required. Fluoro-Plastics is a DuPont licensee, so products can be made with certified DuPont Teflon® resin. Incorporated in 1951, Fluoro-Plastics possesses unparalleled technical expertise and customer service skills. Over 59 years of experience making granular PTFE has generated a comprehensive working knowledge of precisely how to process the material, both reinforced and virgin, for optimum physical properties to meet demanding customer requirements. Look to us for reinforced PTFE products in large dimensions made to precise tolerances. For more information, contact Fluoro-Plastics, 3601 G Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134 USA; (800) 292-1910, (215) 425-5500, fax (215) 425-5521, e-mail: customerservice@fluoro-plastics.com, www.fluoro-plastics.com, www. fluoropolymerproducts.com.
1-800-262-1910 • www.Fluoro-Plastics.com
Teflon® is a registered trademark of the E.I. DuPont de Nemours Co. Only DuPont makes Teflon.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 43
CORPORATE PROFILE
Hudson Extrusions, Inc. Hudson, Ohio, USA Hudson Extrusions is committed to quality and continuous improvements
H
udson Extrusions, Inc. is committed to excellence and strives to exceed customer expectations. Upgraded in 2010 to the ISO 9001:2008 (w/o design) quality standard, our quality policy is “Total Customer Satisfaction.” We accomplish this by producing quality products, advocating continuous improvement and exceeding our customers’ expectations. Having been family owned and operated since 1956, we offer personal service that is scarce in today’s technologically advanced environment. Rather than automated messages, customers are greeted by a real person, and our knowledgeable sales staff is always available to answer questions. Our expanded inside sales team has a combined 30+ years of experience in the plastics industry. Environmental awareness and proactive community involvement have high precedence in our growing business. Our focus on the environment is reflected in our renewed interest in bioplastics and in our award-winning recycling practices.
44 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
Reusing our scrap material is just one of the ways by which we reduce waste. We also help our local community by supporting the Boy Scouts of America, Junior Achievement Collaborative and The United Way. Continued improvements of our computer capabilities accelerate response time to our customers. Our ability to run 10 extrusion lines 24 hours a day assures that we offer the best lead time in the industry. Hudson’s wide selection of stock tubing is competitively priced and available for sameor next-day shipment. We stock over 300 sizes in thermoplastic materials including polyethylene, polypropylene, EVA, thermoplastic rubber, vinyl and nylon. For applications requiring pure water or food contact, we offer NSF grade tubing. Hudson offers a variety of profiles, including stocked spira-tube harnessing and window channels. Stock profile shapes include “J,” “Z,” angles, squares and “U” channels. Intricate and customer-designed profiles are available on a custom basis. No custom job is too small; in fact, we
specialize in prototype runs. Hudson will extrude custom tubing up to a 7.5" OD. In addition to materials used in stock product, we can extrude ABS, MDPE, PC, styrene, acrylic, as well as customer-supplied materials. Jobs can be specially packaged, bar coded, color-matched or printed according to customer specifications. Technically advanced machinery aids in special production needs, such as angle cutters capable of cutting two different angles in-line, automated saws that can cut rigid materials to tight tolerances, and high-speed short length cutters. Through tradition and innovation, Hudson Extrusions will strive for continuous improvements in our goal of exceeding customer expectations. Our relationship with you does not end when your product is shipped; in fact, it is just the beginning.
For further information, contact Hudson Extrusions, Inc., P.O. Box 255, Hudson, OH 44236 USA; (330) 653-6015, (800) 837-6015, fax (330) 653-6551, e-mail: info@hudsonextrusions.com, www.hudsonextrusions.com.
King Plastic Corp. North Port, Florida, USA Dedicated to continuous quality improvements and services
T
he King brand is synonymous with quality to those who know plastics. Its quality is achieved and maintained through rigorous development testing, premium materials, tight tolerances, proprietary processes, thorough inspection, careful shipping, and hiring and training the best workforce. King Plastic Corporation pioneered the first marine-grade polymer sheet, King StarBoard®, which remains the dominant brand in the marine industry today. Since then, King has produced dozens of breakthrough products for a wide variety of industries, from food service to signage to giant slabs weighing more than 6,000 pounds. King continues to raise the bar with new products, new production techniques and new standards of excellence. Top products all available with ASTM E-84 Class A or B Flame Rating include:
King StarBoard® The King StarBoard® family of products has been used by nearly every boat manufacturer and by thousands of boat owners because of its durability and nearly endless applications. Now that the products have been proven in harsh marine environments, creative individuals and fabrication companies are finding dozens of new uses for the products, from outdoor kitchens and furniture, to theme park wet areas, to industrial rigging.
Build your business with it, too.
King CuttingBoard® The King CuttingBoard® family of products is a comprehensive set of NSF-approved polymer sheets for modern restaurant kitchens, supermarkets, butcher shops and food-processing facilities.
King ColorCore® King ColorCore® is a versatile, environmentally stabilized sheet with multiple layers of contrasting color. Its thin cap layers and bright primary colors make it ideal for signage, marine, playground and recreational applications.
King ColorBoard® King ColorBoard® is a high-density polyethylene sheet that is environmentally stabilized with bright primary colors for use in signage, industrial, marine, playground and recreational applications.
King MicroShield® King MicroShield® is a new kind of antimicrobial protection upgrade now available in many of King Plastic Corporation’s polymer sheets. King MicroShield® helps products stay cleaner between cleanings and inhibits the growth of product-damaging microorganisms, including bacteria, algae and fungi on the surface.
King Plasti-Bal® King Plasti-Bal® is a heavy-duty, waterproof, aesthetically attractive, graffiti-resistant, easy to clean, HDPE board designed for restroom partitions and other commercial architectural applications as well as various industrial applications. Plasti-Bal® is in 17 design-friendly colors in matte or gloss finish. All of the Plasti-Bal® colors are “green,” which will help you qualify for LEED® rating points. Plasti-Bal® is made entirely of FDA approved materials.
Forward-thinking cabinet makers everywhere are discovering the best thing since sliced wood: the King StarBoard® family of polymer sheet products. From the durable King StarBoard® ST to the antimicrobial King MicroShield® line, King Plastic Corporation offers cabinet makers numerous ways to expand product lines, access new markets, and increase sales. Our polymer sheets work like wood using familiar tools and techniques – plus a few new ones like bending and welding that will really get your creativity flowing. From the world’s finest yachts, to the most elegant outdoor kitchens, to corporate and healthcare environments, our polymers help you reduce finishing costs and warranty hassles with polymer sheets that look great and last a lifetime. Contact King Plastic Corporation or your favorite hardwoods distributor for details, samples, applications and fabrication tips. NEW! ASTM E-84 Class A or B Fire Rating
For more information, contact King Plastic Corporation, 1100 North Toledo Blade Boulevard, North Port, FL 34288; (800) 780-5502, (941) 493-5502, fax (941) 497-3274, e-mail: sales@kingplastic.com, www.kingplastic.com.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 45
CORPORATE PROFILE
Leister USA Itasca, Illinois, USA Your reliable partner, anywhere in the world
F
ounded by Karl Leister in 1949, Leister AG (www.Leister.com) prides itself on creating lasting customer satisfaction, driven by: high-quality products, continuous innovation, experienced staff and outstanding customer service. Leister is ISO 9001 certified. We develop and produce all products, parts and accessories onsite at our state-of-the-art manufacturing premises in Kaegiswil, Switzerland. In addition, we’ve established a close-knit network of sales and service centers across the world and in 2010 established Leister USA in Chicago. No matter what you heat, or where you live, Leister has the equipment and service expertise you need.
Plastic welding The performance and reliability of our plastic-welding products have helped us maintain worldwide market leadership for more than 60 years. Professionals rely on Leister tools for applications including: roof sealing systems, floor coverings, plastic sheeting, earthworks, hydraulics and
tunnel engineering, process equipment manufacturing and vehicle repair. Hand tools — Our handheld equipment is unrivaled in its combination of small size, high power and ergonomic design. The tools are used across a variety of fields in thermoplastic welding. • The TRIAC AT (pictured, top left) is the latest addition to our line of hot air hand tools, joining the popular TRIAC series. The new model features e-drive operation, making use easy via a potentiometer and digital display. • DIODE PID (pictured, top right) is a light, yet powerful hot air tool. Its closedloop control provides the perfect welding temperature at all times. Extrusion welders — Leister’s portfolio includes three lines of extrusion welders that are a perfect fit for process-equipment manufacturing, plastic fabrication and geosynthetics applications. • The FUSION 3C (pictured, bottom right) is our most versatile extrusion welder, with output volumes of 6 kg/hour
and an innovative control-wheel grip. • The WELDPLAST S2 (pictured, bottom left), is designed for welding PE and PP, and is available in a model optimized for welding PVC. Automatic welders — With a variety of automatic welding machines available, it’s easy for you to find the perfect tool for the job, whether in roofing, industrial fabrics, geosynthetics or flooring. Each machine is built with your crew’s safety in mind, using flameless operation. In addition, we focus heavily on efficiency in operations, creating tools that work quickly and with precision, helping you complete projects on time and on budget.
Laser and microsystems In 1995 Leister expanded into developing powerful, trendsetting laser and microsystems technologies, bringing exceptional technologies into new markets. For more information, contact Leister USA, 1275 Hamilton Parkway, Itasca, IL 60143 USA; (630) 760-1000, (855) 534-7837, fax (630) 760-1001, e-mail: info@ leisterusa.com, www.leisterusa.com.
PLASTIC WELDING
The Experts in Thermoplastic Welding.
TRIAC AT
DIODE PID
Hot Air Tools
WELDPLAST S2
FUSION 3C
Extrusion Welders
www.leisterusa.com plasticfab@leisterusa.com Toll-free: USA (855) Leister / Canada (888) 438-6324
46 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
We know plastic fabricating.
CORPORATE PROFILE
Palram Americas Kutztown, Pennsylvania, USA Manufacturing quality PVC and polycarbonate sheet in the USA and globally
G
lobal resources, domestic production and continued dedication to plastics distributors like you — that is Palram Americas. With over 45 years of experience, and manufacturing facilities in Israel, UK, China and the USA, Palram has become a global thermoplastic sheet supplier. Palram has the resources to service your company here in North America, or worldwide. Palram Americas produces both polycarbonate and PVC in Kutztown, PA, USA. Experience the benefits of a nimble, single source supplier of a growing array of quality products, such as:
PALSUN® Monolithic PC — Flat sheet offered in standard United States sizes or custom-cut sizes. PALSUN is available with a range of features, such as co-extruded UV protection (one or two sides), and other options. PALSUN is also available as coil stock. Both PALSUN and PALSUN CS are UL listed and have been placed in the Sign Components Manual. PALGARD™ Monolithic PC — PALGARD excels in resisting vandalism, graffiti spraying and physical attack. The sheet is also more resistant to a wider variety of chemicals and the increased wear and tear of high traffic areas. PALSHIELD™ containment grade and bullet resistant polycarbonate glazing — Engineered to meet various levels of ballistics and forced entry test standards. Its layered structure and no spall design will withstand both physical attack and multishot assault while the abrasion resistant coating ensures long-term clarity. SUNLITE® Multi-Wall PC — Twin wall, triple wall, and structured polycarbonate multi-wall panels from 4 mm to 32 mm thick, and 48" to 72" widths. SUNLITE light-transmitting panels are available in a diverse range of colors with co-extruded UV protection. PALCLEAR® PVC — With its welldeserved reputation as the “clearest PVC sheet available,” PALCLEAR PVC sheet is perfect for low impact applications that demand clarity and chemical resistance, such as clean rooms. PALCEAR can be thermoformed, vacuum-formed, and is UV stabilized. PALIGHT® Foamed PVC — Ideal for indoor or outdoor use in advertising, construction and industry. PALIGHT sheets are lightweight and durable with surfaces that can be painted, printed, laminated, embossed, engraved or milled to customer specifications. PALIGHT Premium has been tested and approved by a variety of digital printers OEM, such as HP, Océ, Agfa, Gandy Digital, Vutek, Rastek, Roland
and more. Thicker gauges of PALIGHT are also available for wood trim replacement or exterior millwork applications. PALOPAQUE® PVC — This rigid opaque PVC is produced in standard flat sheet with UV protection, and is intended for thermoforming products for outdoor use.
Join Palram Americas, a company certified to ISO 9001:2008, for continued growth and success. For further information, contact Palram Americas, 9735 Commerce Circle, Kutztown, PA USA, (800) 999-9459, (610) 285-9918, fax (610) 285-9928, e-mail: palramamericas@palram.com, www.palramamericas.com.
NEWS&INFO www.palram.com
You need a little protection between the sheets. PALIGHT® PREMIUM FOAM PVC SHEET NOW AVAILABLE WITH DOUBLE-SIDED PROTECTIVE FILM
Without Film
With 1-Side Film
With 2-Sides Film
Being a distributor of rigid printing substrates can get messy at times. There’s dust, dirt, abrasion, and possibly even body oils from handling without gloves. Palight, with optional double-sided protective film, keeps things clean and pristine, all the way to the printer. Find out more about Palight Premium at www.PalramAmericas.com/2xfilm.
Ready to roll. ANNOUNCING PALGARD TG POLYCARBONATE
Passenger trains and light rail play a vital role in the world’s infrastructure. PALGARD™ TG transportation grade PC is your ticket to ride. Visit www.PalramAmericas.com/LetsRoll.
(800) 999-9459 | www.palramamericas.com | kutztown, pa, usa © 2011 Palram Americas. Palight and Palgard TG are registered trademarks of Palram Americas.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 47
CORPORATE PROFILE
Plaskolite, Inc. Columbus, Ohio, USA The largest privately owned U.S. manufacturer of continuously processed acrylic sheet
F
ounded in 1950 in Columbus, OH, USA, by the Dunn Family, Plaskolite, Inc. is proud to be the largest privately owned U.S. manufacturer of continuously processed acrylic sheet. Plaskolite’s reputation of unparalleled service, quality, stability and integrity in the manufacturing of acrylic sheet was carried over and expanded into its diverse line of high-performance coatings. In July 2007, Plaskolite acquired the continuously processed acrylic sheet division of Lucite International, further enhancing their ability to provide better service, by increasing their manufacturing capacity, and providing opportunities to better meet a variety of product needs. Plaskolite’s website, www.plaskolite.com, re-launched in October 2011, provides in-depth information on its products and services, as well as providing access to a variety of resources including fabrication information, a product selection tool and product samples.
• OPTIX® NG — non-glare acrylic sheet, in light and heavy matte finishes • DURAPLEX® impact-modified acrylic in flat sheet and roll stock • FABBACK® acrylic mirror sheet in clear, colors and textures • MUSTANG copolyester in flat sheet and roll stock ®
• Abrasion resistant optical quality • Acrylic coatings
• First surface, see-thru and marine grade acrylic mirror sheet
• Anti-fog mirror coatings
• Polystyrene sheet
• Anti-fog optical quality polycarbonate coatings
• Lighting panels
• Hard coat anti-fog optical quality coating
• Coatings
• Formable acrylic hard coatings
Specialty items
• Formable hard coat optical quality
Plaskolite’s product portfolio includes: • OPTIX® acrylic in flat sheet and roll stock • OPTIX® Frost, OPTIX® 95 and patterned acrylic sheet
• OPTIX® LD light diffusing acrylic sheet is offered in a wide variety of stock sizes and run-to-size. Its superior
48 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
Plaskolite-Bunker’s diverse line of high performance coatings
• PETG and polycarbonate mirror
• OPTIX® DA Digital Acrylic provides optimal adhesion of UV curing inks without the application of an adhesion promoter during the pre-press process. OPTIX DA allows for high-quality, vibrantly colored prints without sacrificing the outstanding optical clarity offered by acrylic sheet.
Product offerings
diffusion properties allow for greater sign design flexibility and slim profile channel (CAN) letters. Available in the most popular sign market colors with custom corporate color matching available.
• Polycarbonate coatings • Impact modified UV cure hard coat • Reduced glare optical quality acrylic • Solar reflective optical quality coatings • 1st Surface mirror coatings
For more information contact Plaskolite, Inc., P. O. Box 1497, Columbus, OH 43216 USA; (800) 848-9124, (614) 294-3281, fax (614) 297-7287, e-mail: plaskolite@ plaskolite.com, www.plaskolite.com.
Polygal , Inc. ÂŽ
CORPORATE PROFILE
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA Polycarbonate structured sheets and profiles
P
olygal is a pioneer and world leader in the design, development and manufacturing of multiwall polycarbonate sheets and profiles used in a wide variety of applications in exterior and interior architecture, agriculture and DIY. With innovation, quality and service as its cornerstone for success, Polygal strives to push the envelope in natural daylighting with multiwall structured sheets and profiles known worldwide for outstanding durability, strength, light transmission, specialty coatings, ease of installation and high-quality. These products provide optimal performance and solutions in walkways, canopies, pool coverings, skylights, roof systems, clearstories, commercial and residential greenhouses, interior design and much more. Polygal has earned an industry-wide reputation for uncompromising quality and innovation and is certified for ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 as well as other international engineering standards such as CSTB (France), BBA (UK), B1 (Germany) and numerous others. With product development and technical support throughout the world, Polygal is dedicated to the highest customer service and quality standards to maintain the company’s competitive edge. Since its founding in 1973 in Israel, Polygal has maintained its commitment to quality, innovation, service and the environment that still lives true today. From the selection of the finest raw materials, attention to detail in design and manufacturing, Polygal practices strict industry quality control measures to ensure the highest customer satisfaction levels are achieved. Currently, Polygal has manufacturing facilities in Israel, Russia and South America servicing over 60 countries with distribution outlets worldwide. In North America there are three stocking warehouses in Charlotte, NC, Tigard, OR and Toronto, ON. With over 35 years of expertise in architectural application, industrial and agricultural experience and knowledge, Polygal is know as a solutions provider in natural daylighting technology and applications. In today’s environmentally conscientious world, LEED project credits are attainable in a variety of areas to include materials resources, sustainable sites, indoor environmental quality and daylight views.
Its expertise in polycarbonate applications is matched by a deep understanding of the needs of the architectural and agricultural sectors. Polygal has developed a wide range of innovative products, and confirmed its position as an innovator in the polycarbonate sheeting industry. With many colors under the rainbow to choose from, various multiwall thick-
nesses, products to let the light in and keep the heat out in summer ‌ or let the light and heat in for winter, Polygal can provide the right solution ‌ for the right project (big or small). For further information, contact Polygal Ž, Inc., P.O. Box 410592, Charlotte, NC 28241 USA; (800) 537-0095, (704) 588-3800, fax (704) 588-7400, e-mail: na-sales@polygal.com, www.polygal-northamerica.com.
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the iapd magazine â&#x20AC;˘ december 2011/january 2012 49
CORPORATE PROFILE
Primex Plastics Corporation Richmond, Indiana, USA Partners in plastics
P
rimex Plastics started with three machines in 1965 and has grown into a multi-faceted operation that now houses more than 100 extrusion lines in facilities across the country. With a myriad of resources at our disposal, we are committed to help our customers succeed. Primex is the largest extruder of custom polystyrene sheet in the industry, with capabilities ranging from monolayer sheet to tri-layer co-extrusion. These sheets are used in a wide variety of applications including thermoforming, fabricating and printing. Primex extrudes a number of grades in HDPE, LDPE and HMW-PE polyethylene resins. Primex also includes polypropylene in their family of olefin resins. Primex fastest growth product line is ABS. Primex offers a wide range of monolayer and co-extruded ABS sheet products. As well as ASA materials, combinations of 100 percent custom color virgin, virgin cap/utility base and custom color cap/utility base are available. Another featured product is Prime
Tuff-X. These products exhibit exceptional toughness and durability, and offer very little thermal expansion. Such a rare combination of durability and low thermal expansion makes these the ideal choice for fiberglass replacement applications. Primex manufactures these products with UV resistance, high or low-gloss appearance, smooth or textured surfaces, in virtually any color as well as a soft touch feel. Primex also extrudes Prime Cor-x PP or PE. This twin-wall corrugated product is available in widths up to 104" and is used for a variety of applications including printing and fabrication. New products include BioGreen and Vanish. Both were designed to allow everyone an opportunity to express environmental stewardship — biodegradable and compostable. Additionally, Primex extrudes a variety of polyester products including PETG. The company’s medical and food grade polyester is produced from 100-percent virgin resins in FDA-certified white rooms.
Being part of ICC Industries, a global corporation, with extensive capabilities enables Primex to utilize research and development resources as well as other services to our customers’ advantage. Primex Plastics’ headquarters and largest manufacturing facility is located in Richmond, IN. We also have plants located in Garfield, NJ; Mesquite, NV; Oakwood, GA; and Reedsburg, WI; in addition to a plant in County Durham, England. With so many assets at our disposal it is no wonder Primex has become a leader in the plastic industry. Operating with the motto: “Large enough to handle your requirements; small enough to handle your needs,” Primex offers true partnership with our customers. Our steady growth is a sign that we know our business and share our extensive knowledge base for the betterment of our customers.
For more information, contact Primex Plastics Corporation, 1235 North “F” Street, Richmond, IN 47374 USA; (800) 222-5116; fax (800) 463-9985, e-mail: sales@ primexplastics.com, www.primexplastics.com.
A proud supporter of the
Large enough to handle your requirements, small enough to handle your needs. Partner with Primex
yPolystyrene yPolyethylene yPolypropylene yWeather-X yClear-X yMicro-X yBioGreen
yCor-X yABS yPETG yTuff-X yPrint-X yFilm-X yMarine-X yLuminique
Colors
Richmond, IN Garfield, NJ Mesquite, NV Oakwood, GA Reedsburg, WI Co Durham, England 44 1325.315768
800-222-5116 primexplastics.com
50 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
Schelling America Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Panel saw fk 6
Specialists in high-end panel saws
The PLUS+ in Everything!
S
chelling America, located in Raleigh, NC, is the U.S. subsidiary of Schelling Anlagenbau GmbH, a worldwide company based out of Schwarzach, Austria. Schelling specializes in high-end panel saws for cutting all types of plastics, composites, nonferrous metals and printed circuit boards. We work specifically with manufacturers, fabricators and distributors. Schelling America operates out of a 20,000-squarefoot facility and provides support to over 1,000 panel saws installed in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Since Schelling only manufactures and sells panel saws, we offer individual, specialized service and support that is unmatched in the industry. We directly employ 15 factory-trained panel saw technicians who are spread throughout the country to provide quick response times. Their expertise is not only in the mechanical function of the machines, but also the specific cutting parameters required for cutting all types of plastics. New for 2012 are Schelling’s fk4 and fk6 panel saws. These two machines include all of Schelling’s latest plastic cutting developments such as our patented “clean up cut” feature for dust cuts, total panel control and material recognition software. Schelling’s goal is to provide machines that excel under the most demanding applications, and with these new features, the fk4 and fk6 will continue to lead the market. Schelling also offers high quality fully refurbished used machines. Finally, Schelling understands that each cutting application is different and offers an individual consultation-based sales approach. We strive to understand each customer’s needs to find the best match in regards to machine type, features and budget. During this process we strongly encourage our prospects to send material for testing to Schelling America. Our showroom is equipped with two plastic-specific panel saws and we offer an open-door policy to see the machines. When considering a panel saw purchase, the very best way to compare machines is to watch each model cutting your exact material. This allows for an unbiased review of important features, such as cutting speed, cut quality, accuracy, ease of use and dust removal. Schelling America would like to thank all of our IAPD customers and look forward to continuing our working relationships in 2012.
[ fk 6 ]
[ precision ]
The fk 6 with Schelling's PLUS+ concept is the new dimension in flexible cutting of all types of plastics. ERGONOMICS PLUS+ Closed pressure beam with integrated hold-down and dust protection device. SURFACE PLUS+ Hard-chromed machine table with integrated air bed and automatic material push out by the special scissor clamps. HANDLING PLUS+ Schelling turntable solution increases productivity 15% by providing easier material handling. You gain in all aspects. Up to an 80% increase in output, while achieving the ultimate finished cut quality.
Schelling America, Inc. Raleigh, NC T (919)544-0430, F (919)544-0920 www.schelling.com e-mail: info@schelling.com
For further information, contact Schelling America, Inc., P.O. Box 80367, Raleigh, NC 27623 USA; (919) 544-0430, fax (919) 544-0920, e-mail: info@schelling.com, www.schelling.com.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 51
CORPORATE PROFILE
SIMONA America, Inc. Hazleton, Pennsylvania, USA SIMONA furthers its position in safety-critical and eco-specific applications
Sof SIMONA AG, oneis a subsidiary IMONA America Inc.,
of the leading manufacturers and distributors of high quality thermoplastic semi-finished products. SIMONA AMERICA is producing and stocking materials for the North and Latin American market at our facility in Hazleton, PA. The standard product range includes sheets made of PE, PP, rigid and expanded PVC. Beyond its current domestic production, SIMONA AMERICA offers the complete SIMONA Group product line of compression molded sheets, extruded rods, welding rods as well as pipes and fittings. The technical support of SIMONA AG for our customers is a major benefit to distributors and end users alike. To further our established global position in safety-critical and eco-specific applications, SIMONA has identified the energy and water industry as well as environmental technology, mobility
and life sciences as key growth markets of the future. With SIMOPOR-DIGITAL SIMONA has created a revolutionary printable PVC foam, which addresses the needs of high-end digital printing. SIMONA® SIMOPOR-DIGITAL has been formulated with permanent static control, unmatched UV resistance and a brilliant white color which allows lifelike digital printed images without the possibility of print bleed through. Our products are already contributing to people’s well-being and quality of life in various fields of application. Based on this, SIMONA developed SIMONA City which is designed to highlight our diverse range of activities and to capture the spirit of diversity that infuses our portfolio of products. It is also to be seen as an invitation to our business partners to join us in expanding the horizons of plastics engineering around the globe.
For details of potential fields of application within SIMONA City, please visit www.simona-city.com. About SIMONA: SIMONA AG is a manufacturer of thermoplastic products with production facilities and sales offices around the globe. The company’s product portfolio includes semi-finished products (sheets, rods, profiles, welding rods), pipes and fittings as well as finished parts. SIMONA employs more than 1,200 people worldwide. In total, 35,000 products for a diverse range of applications are manufactured at facilities in Germany and abroad. Annual production exceeds 100,000 tons. SIMONA AG is a stock corporation listed in the General Standard. The company’s registered office is in Kirn, RhinelandPalatinate (Germany). For further information, contact SIMONA AMERICA Inc., John Ploskonka, 64 N. Conahan Drive, Hazleton PA 18201 USA; (866) 501-2992, fax (800) 522-4857, e-mail: mail@simona-america.com, www.simona-america.com.
Colors Come to Life! SIMONA®SIMOPOR-DIGITAL – PVC Foamed Sheets for Digital Printing
Lifelike Colors Brilliant White Static Control Opaque UV Stabilized Lead Free
Get your free sample www.simona-america.com/simopor-digital
52 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
866 - 501 - 2992 mail@simona-america.com
repbusinessexchange MEMBER
2711 Buttermilk Drive Arlington, TX 76006
817-543-1110 Fax: 817-277-2205 boonrichardssales@gmail.com
www.pacificpolymergroup.com www.pacificpolymergroup.com info@pacificpolymergroup.com info@pacificpolymergroup.com
Bryan Foust Josh Wehrli
Manufacturers' Representatives TX, LA, OK, AR, KS, MO, MS, NM
foustmarketing, inc. Engineered solutions for your business
Foust Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 7413 The Woodlands, TX 77387-7413 Tel: 281-296-2500 Fax: 281-296-2566 sales@foustmarketing.com www.foustmarketing.com
Brian Billups,CPMR CPMR Brian Billups,
714.368.5943 714.368.5943
Paul Brust,CPMR CPMR Paul Brust,
916.791.3680 916.791.3680
Dan Dickenss, CPMR Dan Dickens
360.885.1141 360.885.1141
The West Coast leader in engineered solutions.
Kerry J. Bone TeresaC.Patty Drew Knight Rob Byard Teresa Patty MEMBER
MEMBER
MEMBER
MEMBER
Dennis Sweeney Irene Nafarrete Sweeney Manufacturers’ Representatives MEMBER
6382 Athena Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: (714) 848-1944 Fax: (714) 842-4217 Email: plasticsdsweeney@aol.com
972-867-7568 3415 3415 Custer Custer Rd., Rd., Suite Suite 125 125 1-800-658-1138 Plano, TX 75023 Fax: 972-867-6197 E-mail: advancedsource@att.net
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 53
repbusinessexchange
54 december 2011/january 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ the iapd magazine
repbusinessexchange
the iapd magazine â&#x20AC;˘ december 2011/january 2012 55
productshowcase Articles reporting on plastic products are prepared from information furnished by members of the IAPD and non-member magazine advertisers. It should not be assumed that the publisher has reviewed or tested any of the products. For more information, contact companies by calling their phone numbers or by visiting their web sites.
MOCAP LDPE Finishing Plugs MOCAP’s LDPE Finishing Plugs are designed to fit multiple tube gauges and feature heavy end walls for durability and abrasion resistance. These tubing plugs are ideal for office and patio furniture, tubular racks, appliances, display fixtures, exercise equipment or anywhere a finished look is needed. The plugs include multiple horizontal ribs designed with built-in flexibility for easy install and secure fit. Available to fit round, square and rectangular tubing in standard and metric sizes and stocked for immediate delivery. (800) 633-6775 or (314) 543-4100, www.mocap.com
PALIGHT Premium with doublesided film Palram Americas, a leading manufacturer of polycarbonate and PVC sheets, now produces PALIGHT® Premium foamed PVC sheets with protective film (release liner) on both sides of the product as an optional offering. PALIGHT Premium with double-sided film offers added protection for both sides of the sheet, which helps protect against surface abrasion 56 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
as it travels through the distribution channels and into the end-user’s printing facility. PALIGHT Premium with doublesided film will be stocked in 3 mm and 6 mm thicknesses as 4' x 8' sheets. Additional thicknesses and sizes may be requested via special order. Palram will continue to offer PALIGHT Premium without film and with film on one side. (610) 285-9918, www.palramamericas. com/palightpremium
Altuglas ShieldUp acrylic sheet Altuglas International has launched the Altuglas® ShieldUp nanostructured acrylic sheet. This acrylic glass is “meshed” and structured at the scale of a billionth of a meter to maximize its properties. The result is a light sheet combining strength and transparency regardless of temperature. This combination of properties expands the range of uses for PMMA and offers opportunities for industries such as aeronautics, automotive industries, photovoltaic and safety glass. Fifty percent lighter than glass and more transparent, when used for panoramic roofs and side windows, Altuglas ShieldUp can reduce vehicle weight by 100 kg, which means a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 0.4 liters and about 1 kg respectively for every 100 km, without reducing performance. Naturally resistant to UV, PMMA is the most scratch resistant polymer you can get, making it ideal for outdoor use. Altuglas ShieldUp uses BlocBuilder® polymerization technology for a sheet that’s resilient to shock and retains transparency regardless of the temperature. Altuglas ShieldUp is resistant to aggressive agents such as alcohol or other cleaning products. Altuglas ShieldUp is thermoformed, so it lends itself to the creation of complex shapes. (215) 826-2600, www.altuglasint.com
Boltaron Rigiwall 4333 Class 1-A sheet Boltaron Rigiwall® 4333 Class 1-A sheet
is a proprietary, calendered PVC/acrylic alloy developed as a protective and attractive interior wallcovering for commercial and institutional buildings. It can be adhered to interior walls or prelaminated to MDF and other substrates to create high performance composite sheet products. Available in gauges from .022 to .040" (0.56 to 1.02 mm), widths to 60" (1524 mm) and lengths to 120" (3048 mm), Rigiwall 4333 can also be post-formed, thermoformed, machined using conventional tools, bonded and mechanically fastened, allowing the production of corner guards, crash rails, base moldings, kick plates, push plates, profile moldings, connectors, selfsupporting panels and other parts that match Rigiwall 4333 sheet applied as protective wallcovering. An Izod impact rating of 15 ft lbs/in. (795 J/m) enables Boltaron Rigiwall 4333 sheet to protect interior walls against repeated impacts from carts, wheelchairs, gurneys, shopping carts, luggage and general abuse, while maintaining a like-new appearance. It is also one of the most chemical-resistant thermoplastics in existence, allowing graffiti and grime to be removed repeatedly using harsh cleansers without fading, staining or degrading. The sheet, which carries a Class 1-A rating and UL Standard 723 listing, is offered in Matte, Sandcastle and Haircell textures and unlimited monolithic colors, rendering gouges or scratches inconspicuous. (740) 498-5900, www.boltaron.com
Ensinger TECAPEEK ID Ensinger TECAPEEK® ID is made from FDA, USDA and 3A Dairy compliant components and a special additive to form a thermoplastic that is visible to standard metal detection systems. Since plastics have become widely used for components in food processing equipment, the possibility of failure of highly stressed plastic parts has become a
productshowcase
production problem. TECAPEEK ID in components along the production line allows detection of a broken part earlier than visual inspection. TECAPEEK ID also has the characteristics needed for high temperature applications. For example, it can retain its flexural and tensile properties at temperatures up to 482°F/250°C. TECAPEEK ID is ideal for applications in the food industry, such as high temperature kettle scraper blades. These blades can be stressed during production and are prone to failure. The viscous nature of foods processed in this way make them vulnerable to contamination when failure occurs. TECAPEEK ID allows easy detection of small pieces contaminating the food by using metal detection technology. (800) 243-3221, www.ensingerinc.com
and chocolate brown. Neutral Hourglass is a stable color that holds its own when paired with a more lively color, such as Nauti. Nessy combines green tints and works as a foundational color, which helps to make it applicable to a variety of different products. Nauti is a vibrant, sunny blue, almost purple. The base of this shade is a red-tinged blue. Gala is a a modern take on classic red. It provides a hit of brighter color and a shot of fun to this color palette. Color experts at the Color Competence and Design Centers can help customers visualize their unique color and can customize effects to suit each client’s individual needs. (800) 6622927, www.bayerfantasia.com
King Plastic sheets earn ASTM E 84 Class A or B fire rating Many of King Plastic Corporation’s polymer sheet products are now available with an E 84 Class A or B fire rating. The standard applies to the King StarBoard® product family, used in a range of products from marine components to outdoor kitchens to healthcare furnishings; King ColorCore® and King ColorBoard®, frequently used for signage and playground equipment; and King PlastiBal®, the company’s restroom partition sheet. According to ASTM International’s published standards, “This fire-test-response standard for the comparative surface burning behavior of building materials is applicable to exposed surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test is conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated exposed face down to the ignition source.” Additional details are available at www.astm.org. (941) 493-5502, www. kingplastic.com
Quantum Polymers Kynar 450 PVDF-based plastic products
Bayer MaterialScience’s new colors Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s fall color palette includes five new “Just Cool Colors,” expanding the molded-in color options for Bayer resins. The five new colors — Blackeye, Hourglass, Nessy, Nauti and Gala — are a more conservative set of colors than what has been shown in years past, but they still have a playful undertone. Blackeye is a deep, rich and varied hue with notes of dark burgundy
Quantum Polymers now offers extruded stock shape plastic products made with Kynar® 450 resin from Arkema Inc. Kynar 450 is a semi-crystalline high molecular weight pelletized polymer of vinylidene fluoride. It is a versatile engineering plastic with an outstanding balance of physical and chemical properties, which qualify it for high performance service in a wide range of applications. Quantum Polymers is offering Kynar 450® PVDF extruded rods and plates. Rods are available from 1/2" to 5" diameter and plates are available from 3/8" to 4 1/2" thickness. Kynar 450 works well for appli-
cations required to handle harsh chemicals for long periods of time. Kynar® PVDF is chemically resistant to halogens (chlorine, bromine, fluorine, iodine) and strong acids even at high temperatures. As such, Quantum is offering this material well suited for chemical processing and other areas of manufacturing. Kynar 450 PVDF is FDA compliant for repeated contact with food. It also meets NSF-61 specifications for potable water. “We are pleased to announce the incorporation of Kynar PVDF 450 as the newest member in our PVDF offerings,” said Hemant Bheda, CEO of Quantum Polymers. “Kynar 450 stock shape products will provide our customers access to readily available PVDF grade products for specific applications in chemical processing.” (302) 737-7012, www.quantumpolymers.com
SIMONA composite construction sheet SIMONA AMERICA Inc. is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of thermoplastic finished and semi-finished products, e.g. plastic sheets as a composite construction. A composite construction is a combination of at least two materials with different task profiles. Thermoplastic liners for dual laminates and steel tank lining make operation more economical and efficient with regard to service life, maintenance and repair as well as production outages. SIMONA® PP-DWU AlphaPlus®-SK (homopolymer, polyester backed), SIMONA® PP-C-PK (block copolymer, polypropylene backed), SIMONA®
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 57
productshowcase E-CTFE-GK (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene, glass-fiber backed) and SIMONA® PVDF-SK (polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester backed) offer high security and best-of-class quality in the liner materials market. Coming in 2012 are new products: SIMONA® PVDF-AK (polyvinylidene fluoride, aramide backed) and SIMONA® E-CTFE-AK (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene, aramide backed). SIMONA® PP-DWU AlphaPlus®-SK and SIMONA® PP-C-PK are generally stocked in thickness ranges between 3 and 4 mm x 1500 wide and 20 meter rolls and SIMONA E-CTFE-GK, SIMONA PVDF-SK, SIMONA PVDF-AK and SIMONA E-CTFEAK in thickness ranges between 2.3 and 3 mm. These liner materials meet required specifications including chemical and permeation resistance. (866) 501-2992, www.simona-america.com
TMI “Personnel Strip Door” cuts energy costs affordably The TMI, LLC Personnel Strip Door (PSD) is an effective, low-cost strip door that helps control temperatures in a workspace, keeping employees and patrons comfortable. The PSD is an economygrade strip door using eight-inch wide PVC strips that attach to TMI’s exclusive hardware system, which installs in minutes to provide environmental separation and cost savings. With a low price point and high efficiency, the PSD can pay for itself in months by helping to reduce the amount of energy used to heat and cool rooms. The PSD is designed for personnel doors up to 40 inches wide and is ideal for restaurants, warehouse offices, company kitchens and other common areas with consistent traffic. The PSD is easy to clean and virtually eliminates the penetration of dirt and grease due to its low profile hardware design. “We are pleased to add the Personnel Strip Door to our lineup as it fills a unique niche and provides a very effective and affordable solution for those looking to reduce energy costs and create a more comfortable environment for their customers and employees,” said Frank 58 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
Mummolo, president and CEO of TMI, LLC. (412) 787-9750, www.tmi-pvc.com
Hayward Flow Control GF-PP SB Series Basket Strainers Hayward Flow Control GF-PP (glass filled polypropylene) SB Series Basket Strainers complement the company’s line of PVC, CPVC and Eastar® basket strainers, and increase the range of piping applications that can be serviced with the SB Series. The GF-PP SB Series is available in sizes 1/2" - 4", with true union threaded or flanged end connections. The vessels feature a maximum pressure rating of 150 psi and service temperature of 240°F/115.5°C. With the GF-PP housing and strainer basket, they are ideal for robust chemical service and abrasive applications. Additional options include duplex configurations for higher flow rates, stainless steel, Monel®, titanium and Hastelloy® strainer baskets, stainless steel baskets with mesh liner, and pressure differential gauges. (888) 4294635, www.haywardflowcontrol.com
Ticona extrudable Hostaform POM XT20™ Ticona Engineering Polymers Hostaform® XT20™ is an extrudable grade for technical pipes and hoses that sets a new benchmark for cold impact resistance and weldline strength. Hostaform XT20 is an enhanced design of Hostaform S 9362, 9363 and 9364, the latest generation of Hostaform S products from Ticona marked by their advanced impact toughness, weld-line strength and fuel resistance. This family of POM materials with enhanced characteristics is designed for use in applications previously molded with impactresistant modified polyamides (PA) 11 and 12. In addition to comparable property characteristics to PA 11 and 12, next generation Hostaform POM provides greater low-temperature impact strength and improved chemical resistance. With excellent chemical resistance, mechanical properties and thermal stability, it provides service temperatures between
-40°F/-40°C and 176°F/80°C, low water absorption, excellent mechanical and tribological properties and high-level chemical resistance, particularly against fuel. (859) 372-3244, www.ticona.com
GF Piping Systems new generation Cone Check Valve Series GF Piping Systems has introduced the new generation Type 561/562 Cone Check Valve and the Type 591/595 Vent and Bleed Valve Series featuring a spherical cone shape design that offers improved flow characteristics and leak-proof operating performance. Available in sizes from 3/8" - 4", customers can select from PVC, CPVC, PROGEF Standard, polypropylene, SYGEF® PVDF, or ABS materials to match their plastic piping system. Sealing materials are available in EPDM and FPM. The Type 561 and Type 562 Cone Check Valves’ aerodynamic, spherical cone ensures tight closing and 100 percent leak-proof operation. The cone’s double bearing prevents it from tilting, even with rapid closing, and eliminates malfunctions. The Type 562 Valve version incorporates an integrated stainless steel spring (other material options available) for horizontal installation while maintaining its 100 percent leak tightness and operating pressure rating of 2.9 PSI. The Type 561 Valve (without spring) is mounted vertically and features 100 percent leak-tightness at a water column of six feet with 2.9 PSI. The Type 591 Bleed Valve and the 595 Ventilating Valve Series features an open air vent designed for containers or pipes that must be aerated and/or vented. These valves incorporate a float mechanism that opens the valve when the level of the liquid falls and closes the valve if the level of the liquid rises. The new ventilating and bleed valves are suitable for applications requiring de-aerating of air while filling piping systems and tanks, or to eliminate vacuums and discharge air pockets. (800) 854-4090, www.gfpiping.com
fabricationservicesshowcase “Fabrication Services Showcase” contains paid listings of companies with fabrication services, products and machinery that cater to the plastics distribution industry. The IAPD Magazine does not endorse or make recommendations in regard to the companies supplying their services. For details and pricing information to include your company in this Fabrication Services Showcase, contact Crystal Roberts, IAPD’s Manager of Sales and Advertising, at (913) 345-1005 or email croberts@iapd.org.
Panel Saw Equipment
Hendrick has historically been and continues to be, the innovator in plastic panel sheet processing. Put our experience to work for you, contact Jeff Grant, (978) 741-3600 or jgrant@ hendrickmanufacturing.com.
CNC Cutting LMT Onsrud LP. (See Cutting Tools.)
CNC Equipment
Hendrick is your one-stop solution, offering a diverse line of CNC machining equipment, software and tooling. To learn more, contact Jeff Grant at (978) 741-3600 or jgrant@hendrick manufacturing.com.
Optimize material, equipment and workflow with Holzma plastic cut-up systems to deliver greater productivity and lower costs across your entire operation. To learn how optimization can help you, contact Bill Pitt at (704) 861-8239 or bpitt@stilesmachinery.com.
Schelling specializes in manufacturing panel saws for cutting all types of plastic sheet. For more information, contact Stephen Bailey at Schelling America, (919) 544-0430, email sbailey@schelling.com.
More than the largest supplier of quality machinery, Stiles offers a Total Production Solutions approach to manufacturing from equipment integration and financial services to education, service and parts. For more information, visit www.stilesmachinery.com.
High performance panel saws designed to cut thermoplastic & thermoset materials. Phil Bryant, (404) 759-3534 or pbryant@scmgroup.com.
CNC Machining
Atlas Fibre Company. (See CNC Machining.)
Atlas Fibre Company specializes in precision CNC fabrication of parts from all thermoset and thermoplastic materials. For your convenience, we carry the largest inventory of XXX, CE, LE, G10/FR4, G7, G9 and G11 rods and sheets. (800) 323-1408, fax(847) 674-1723, sales@atlasfibre.com.
Non-metallics/laminates/plastics doing precision machining/general fabrication since 1953. (630) 543-6744, www.mooreaddison.com.
CNC Milling
Atlas Fibre Company. (See CNC Machining.)
Atlas Fibre Company. (See CNC Machining.)
Screw Machining
Precision Machining
Sanding
Cutting Tools LMT Onsrud LP, (800) 362-1560, www.onsrud.com.
Non-Metallic Fabrication
J.B. Jensen & Son Mfg. Inc. specializes in screw machining and CNC milling, drilling, tapping and turning of high quality plastic components. (800) 587-4757, www.jbjensen.com.
Welding Equipment WS Hampshire specializes in fabrication & distribution of thermosets, thermoplastics, fiberglass composites, Ryertex, Wesliner & flexible papers/ films. (800) 541-0251, www.wshampshire.com, sales@ wshampshire.com.
Laramy Products, (802) 626-9328, www.laramyplasticwelders.com.
the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 59
applicationshowcase Acumen and Boltaron shape aircraft interiors Acumen is a UK-based transportation and product design consultancy and a global expert in interior aircraft cabin design. Acumen uses high performance thermoplastic sheet for components. A search for a “durable, aircraft-compliant, gloss black finish” for a new aircraft seating program first led Acumen to U.S.-based Boltaron. Acumen has developed several designs for interior aircraft applications for which it recommends Boltaron aircraft-rated thermoplastic sheet products. For one seating program, Acumen Design needed a pearlescent thermoplastic to match paint finishes. At the time, there were no such plastic sheet products on the market. According to Acumen’s Catherine Barber, “Boltaron sourced the special materials needed to produce exact color matches to paint finishes.” Barber says, “The reason I work with Boltaron is that they are open to new ideas and innovations in decorative finishes. They understand the technical challenges, but are not closed minded to experimenting with new treatments and materials and providing customized solutions.” This relationship expands Acumen’s design options with a wide choice of colors, levels of gloss, patterns and textures including metallics and woodgrains. For example, Acumen and Boltaron are developing transparent and frosted translucent designs of Boltaron 9816 sheet for aircraft interiors such as first-class transparent/refractive privacy screens. Acumen Design and Boltaron are also developing new types of thermoplastic sheet for an Airbus 380 program. “For the first time, we can develop aircraft-compatible products that look like contemporary finishes currently used in high-end restaurants and hotel interiors,” says Barber. According to Barber, Acumen gains a broad standard range of textured sheet suitable for vacuum forming, allowing her “to add a subtle design element to what otherwise would typically be large expanses of plain plastic.” She says designers seek a texture range to add dimension. “Plastic sheet need not mimic natural materials, but textures can be used to The Venus first class seating concept. add interest.” Barber says she gains versatility with Boltaron’s thermoplastic sheet manufacturing capabilities, which include extrusion, calendering and press laminating. Each of these processes produces a range of sheet products having distinct qualities. www.boltaron.com
Youth center donation is child’s play for Brett Martin Brett Martin came to the rescue of a youth club in Liverpool by responding to a DIY SOS in aid of Children in Need. The refurbishment of Norris Green Youth Center is Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team’s biggest ever build and Brett Martin helped them by donating Marlon FS Hard strike-resistant polycarbonate for the center’s security windows. The BBC makeover program aired to six million viewers in November. The anti-vandal windows, manufactured by Brett 60 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
Martin’s partner Crimeshield Manufact-uring Ltd. using Marlon FS Hard, held up when presenter Nick Knowles struck one with a baseball bat. Marlon FS Hard is a lightweight yet highly resilient polycarbonate. Two hundred times stronger than glass, it is virtually unbreakable, allows high light transmission and is abrasion resistant on both sides. Nick Hughes, national sales manager for Brett Martin said, “Seeing the sheet being hit by a baseball bat really demonstrates Marlon FS Hard’s strength and durability, although it is subjected to much more rigorous testing than that! It is used extensively for security applications so the youth center, which is unfortunately frequently vandalized, was a perfect application. “We donated more than 50 mm of Marlon FS Hard, pre-cut to size, to Crimeshield Manufacturing to produce the windows and hope the center has many more safe and secure years ahead of it.” Director of Crimeshield Manufacturing, Jim Brennan added: “We were surprised to be asked by DIY SOS to provide our ‘Windowshield’ windows for the center. It is a very new product and this will be one of the first installations. Marlon FS Hard is the natural choice for our polycarbonate due to its incredible strength yet glass-like appearance. Security was a key issue but the BBC producers wanted to avoid the youth club looking like a detention center so our windows, glazed with Marlon FS Hard, were ideal. Brett Martin was more than happy to donate the sheet and we in turn were delighted to supply the windows.” Marlon FS Hard polycarbonate incorporates a durable surface coating which resists marks and scratches, vandalism, chemicals and physical attack. It is fire, weather and UV resistant and carries a limited 10 year warranty. A Marlon FS Hard test kit is available free of charge by emailing mail@brettmartin.com. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate to donate to Children in Need. For information on Brett Martin products, visit www. brettmartin.com.
E&T Plastics donates acrylic sheet to NYC “Reflecting the Stars” art installation E&T Plastics donated acrylic sheet to The Windmill Factory, an organization that creates public art displays with the aim of generating awareness of social and environmental issues. The project, “Reflecting the Stars,” focuses on light pollution and techniques to prevent it. The exhibit consists of solar-powered LED light clusters implanted in hundreds of decaying pier posts at downtown Manhattan’s Pier 49. Through the use of an interactive control panel, visitors will be able to illuminate the lights in patterns that reflect constellations that are no longer visible in New York City’s skies. In the process, they will learn about the harmful environmental and economic impacts of light pollution. The Windmill Factory’s Creative Director Jon Morris often solicits donations from companies, and he says he was pleasantly surprised by E&T’s willingness to donate. After leaving just
applicationshowcase
one voice mail with his request, he promptly received a return message that his plastic was ready for pick up. E&T Plastics has a longstanding commitment to the arts; the company has worked with artist Martin Basher and the New York City’s Public Art Fund earlier in 2011. For more information on E&T Plastics, visit www.e-tplastics.com or call (800) 2219555. For more about The Windmill Factory and “Reflecting the Stars,” visit www.thewindmillfactory.com.
Primex Plastics partners with Azuna LLC Primex Plastics Corporation is partnering with Azuna® LLC, a 3D media company with unique, patented 3D design and print technologies. Azuna’s Generation 2 product line is intended for most printers and calls for polypropylene sheets to be specially extruded so they collect and refract light, becoming an “instant 3D vehicle” when printed on. The five-year agreement means Primex, with more than 100 extrusion lines in facilities across the United States, will be well equipped to supply Azuna G2 sheets and rolls to meet the growing demand for Azuna 3D products. Primex President Michael Cramer states, “Products that truly revolutionize a market don’t come along every day. Thanks to Azuna, we are about to see a first of its kind technology that creates a depth of image for printing and advertising. We are thrilled to have partnered with Azuna as their plastic sheet provider for this unique G2 product. Primex Plastics regards this as an outstanding opportunity to be on the cutting edge of technology.” Azuna CEO Andrew Sacks adds, “This partnership will make 3D technology available to virtually every commercial printer in the USA. At a time when the print industry could use a shot in the arm, Primex and Azuna offer a one-of-a-kind 3D solution.” For more information on Primex, visit www.primexplastics.com. Learn more about Azuna at www.azuna.net.
Ticona Celstran PP LFRT lets Brazilian designer achieve contemporary look A new plastic chair introduced in Brazil is receiving awards for its contemporary look with a focus on features such as geometry, harmony and consistency thanks to Ticona Engineering Polymers and the well-balanced property profile of Celstran®
long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFRT). Manufactured from a single mold, the IC01 chair by designer Guto Indio da Costa uses a glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) Celstran LFRT grade from Ticona that offers design, processing and cost advantages vs. unfilled polypropylenes and acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes (ABS), as well as short glass reinforced nylons and polyesters. “In addition to the significant weight and cost advantages over typical materials used in similar applications, this Celstran PP LFRT offers high stiffness, strength, toughness and low warpage while providing wide design latitude, colorability and a much better surface finish out of the mold,” said Simone Orosco, development and marketing manager, Brazil. Celstran PP LFRT grades from Ticona offer several advantages. Less weight at equal wall thickness means weight and cost savings. Improved creep resistance resists compression and deformation from skin/cover shrinkage. Improved impact performance reduces breakage during shipping, handling and assembly. Improved notched impact strength means better load transfer and predictable performance in cold temperatures. Superior tensile strength provides higher tensile strength and elongation, resulting in ductile behavior. The Ticona team, including George Dini, sales manager, Brazil, worked with the Rio de Janeiro design house Indio da Costa and its Brazilian molder Pnaples, which is supplied by the Ticona distributor Tecnopolymer. The chairs are injection molded in various colors by adding tint concentrates to the base Celstran PP LFRT. Designer Guto Indio da Costa launched the IC01 chair at the Well balanced property profile “Design Week is the Rio + Living Celstran PP LFRT from Ticona for less.” It received second place provides IC01 chair by designer at the Brazil Idea Award 2009 in Guto Indio da Costa with high the Ecodesign Exhibition, and was stiffness, strength, toughness a winner at the IDEA/Brazil 2009 and low warpage while providing and the Design Movelsul 2010. wide design latitude, colorability Ticona, the engineering and a much better surface finish polymers business of Celanese out of the mold. Corporation, produces and markets a broad range of high performance products. For more information, visit www.ticona. com. Celanese Corporation is a global technology leader in the production of specialty materials and chemical products which are used in most major industries and consumer applications. For more information about Celanese Corporation, visit www. celanese.com. the iapd magazine • december 2011/january 2012 61
advertisersindex page no. A&C Plastics Inc. • (800) 231-4175 • www.acplasticsinc.com .............................................................................35 AGRU Kunststofftechnik GmbH • (43) 7258-790-0 • www.agru.at...................................................................27 ALTAFLO • (973) 663-3303 • www.altaflo.com ...................................................................................................37 Artek Inc. • (800) 762-6808 • www.artek-inc.com ...............................................................................................40 Atlas Fibre Company • (800) 323-1408 • www.atlasfibre.com .............................................................................9 Boltaron • (800) 342-7444 • www.boltaron.com ..................................................................................................41 CO-EX Corporation • (203) 679-0500 • www.co-excorp.com ..........................................................................42 C.R. Onsrud • (800) 638-8185 • www.cronsrud.com ................................................................. inside back cover Ensinger • (800) 243-3221 • www.ensinger-inc.com .............................................................................................25 Fluoro-Plastics Inc. • (800) 262-1910 • www.fluoro-plastics.com.......................................................................43 Hudson Extrusions Inc. • (800) 837-6015 • www.hudsonextrusions.com ....................................................... 44 King Plastic Corporation • (941) 493-5502 • www.kingplastic.com ..................................................................45 Leister USA • (855) 534-7837 • www.leisterusa.com ..........................................................................................46 Palram Americas • (800) 999-9459 • www.palramamericas.com ........................................................................47 Plaskolite Inc. • (800) 848-9124 • www.plaskolite.com ........................................................................................48 Polygal ® Inc. • (800) 537-0095 • www.polygal-northamerica.com......................................................................49 Primex Plastics Corporation • (800) 222-5116 • www.primexplastics.com .....................................................50 Röchling Engineering Plastics • (704) 922-7814 • www.roechling-plastics.us .................................... back cover Schelling America Inc. • (919) 544-0430 • www.schelling.com ...........................................................................51 SCM Group North America • (404) 759-3534 • www.scmgroup-usa.com ......................................................27 SIMONA AMERICA Inc. • (866) 501-2992 • www.simona-america.com ..........................................................52 Spartech Corporation • (855) 292-8324 • www.spartech.com ............................................................................5 Stiles Machinery Inc. • (616) 698-7500 • www.stilesmachinery.com .................................................................39 ZL Engineering Plastics Inc. • (866) 957-5278 • www.zlplastics.com...................................... inside front cover
boardofdirectors Robert Bacon, President • Harrington Industrial Plastics LLC • Elkridge, Maryland, USA
the
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■ Editor-in-Chief Susan Avery, CAE savery@iapd.org Managing Editor Liz Novak lnovak@iapd.org Contributing Editor Janet Thill jthill@iapd.org Advertising Sales Crystal Roberts croberts@iapd.org Marketing Wess Hudelson whudelson@iapd.org
Karen DeBard, CPMR • Martino Marketing Group • Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA Peter DelGado • Curbell Plastics Inc. • Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Wayne Gono • Regal Plastic Supply Company • Dallas, Texas, USA Randall Kirkpatrick • Artek Inc. • Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA William Kistler, Secretary • Bayer MaterialScience LLC • Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA Paul Krawczyk, Röchling Engineering Plastics • Dallas, NC, USA Adam Mellen, CartierWilson LLC, Marietta, Georgia, USA Howard Natal, Immediate Past President • Atlas Fibre Company • Skokie, Illinois, USA Steffen Oellers • Klöckner Pentaplast GmbH & Co KG • Heiligenroth, Germany Mitchell Opalich • Cleveland Plastic Fabricators & Suppliers Inc. • Euclid, Ohio, USA Jane Saale • Vice President, Cope Plastics Inc. • Alton, Illinois, USA Kevin Short, Treasurer • Laird Plastics • Flower Mound, Texas, USA Owen “Chip” Whitfield Jr. • Piedmont Plastics • Charlotte, North Carolina, USA Bernie Willms • Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products • Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
reader’spick The NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence has released a new book, In Search of the Perfect Customer: Cost-to-Serve for Distributors, by Brent R. Grover. As wholesaler-distributors operate in today’s economy, they must protect their most profitable, high-growth potential customers and avoid squandering their precious resources. If distributors are overlooking opportunities to make money and stop profit leakage, this is the book that they will want to read! Grover provides tools for distributors to create their own perfect customers. For further information, visit NAW’s web site at www.nawpubs.org. 62 december 2011/january 2012 • the iapd magazine
■ Editorial Committee Chair James Harrington, CPMR Engineered Material Sales Inc. Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA Michael Hill Total Plastics Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Gilles Hudon Groupe PolyAlto Montreal, Quebec, Canada David Keim Lehigh Valley Plastics Inc. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA Howard Natal Atlas Fibre Company Skokie, Illinois, USA Laurie Stewart Hudson Extrusions Inc. Hudson, Ohio, USA Laurie Wood Auburn Plastics & Rubber Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Deborah Wright Polymer Industries Henagar, Alabama, USA Brian Zubick Redwood Plastics Corporation Langley, British Columbia, Canada