Falling Temperatures, Rising Markets

As the temperatures fall in the northern part of the country and the days get shorter, several sectors continue to heat-up offering opportunities for plastic sheet fabricators and formers to grow. Pent up demand in areas like aerospace and automotive are presenting opportunities in spite of the overall economy. And while the economy continues to drag its anchor, many business owners are looking for the upcoming elections to turn the tide and help them set their sights on a brighter horizon.

This issue we spotlight two horizons that continue to see growth, thermoforming and welding. With new materials, enhanced equipment and new technology, fabricators, formers and welders are finding more markets to serve.

We kick of with The Benefits of Robotic Trimming. New composite materials enable thermoformers to create larger parts and robotic trimming offers them a cost effective way to augment their current trimming capabilities and serve these markets.

Then click on Top Ten Tips to Becoming More Efficient in Thermoforming. Companies are competing at lower and lower margins and are looking for every edge to lower costs and increase productivity. In Top Ten Tips, Michael Alongi, of MAAC Machinery, reviews ten ways to become more efficient, or where improvements can be implemented, to help your company compete in a global marketplace. Finally, to round off our thermoforming coverage this month, we spotlight several new products and services that can help heavy gage thermoformers increase their business and their bottom line.

Plastic welding continues to evolve and expand worldwide and so does the equipment available to fabricators and welders. Click here to read how one small company in China transformed into a complete provider of wastewater treatment plants for chemical, medical and metal industries. And for a look at some of the latest products available to plastic welders today, click on our Welding Products Spotlight. From handheld hot air tools to sheet welders and rod, these leading manufacturers and suppliers are offering new products to help your company increase your profitability.

Finally, in Safety Solutions, Jack Podojil takes another look at controlling hazardous energy sources. Employees servicing or maintaining machines or equipment may be exposed to serious physical harm if hazardous energy is not controlled. Have you identified all the energy sources on your equipment?

While the weather is cooling off in part of the country, business is heating up in several sectors. Our website can provide you with the information and tools youÕll need to compete in these markets. Search our twelve year article archive of plastics, equipment and supplies. You can also use eReader Service to contact our advertisers or manage your subscription.

Enjoy the issue.

Coming November/December 2010
Year in Review
See Throughs
Ad/Edit Close: 10/25/10
Material Close: 11/01/10