Letter from the Editor

This Holiday Season most of us will probably be taking an extra moment to reflect on the passing year. And regardless of your faith, we should all thank God for the gifts we have. As we have recently seen, they can be taken away without warning. The Holidays are traditionally a time for giving thanks, taking stock of the passing year and for setting goals for the New Year. They are a time to gather with family and friends and to celebrate life. For many however, this will be a sad season as the Nation and the World continues to mourn the losses of September 11. We ask that you take time to remember the victims, and the families affected by that tragic day in your prayers this Holiday Season.

As the Nation and the World moves forward, all indications are that 2002 will hold much opportunity. Signs of recovery abound. The stock market has recovered faster than anticipated and usually leads the road to recovery. With continued hard work, the economic setbacks of September 11, will soon be overcome. Many have told us that, while working harder for the business they win, they are optimistic that a stronger economy and industry are forthcoming. They also say that staying close to their customers is a high priority in these leaner times. As most of us know, it is usually more profitable to keep a customer than it is to find a new one. For those of you who are struggling, we urge you to read the IPFA Corner and Plastic Perspectives for some additional ideas.

This issue also features three informative articles on different aspects of the fabrication process. In Upgrading Your Dust Collection System, Curt Corum answers the question, "Why do you need a dust collection system?" and offers valuable information on calculating your dust collection requirements. In Thermoforming, Michael Dowell illustrates the processes of Drape and Cavity forming. These are the building blocks to advanced forming techniques, which he will discuss in the January/February issue. Finally, in Plastic Welding, Andy Bramer discusses Prototyping and the things you should consider. He stresses that it is essential to work closely with your client in the early stages. This will ultimately save time, money, and frustration.

Our Regular Columns offer solid advice on a variety of topics including mistakes that must be straightened out prior to filing your income taxes, in Financially $peaking, preparing for disaster in Safety Solutions, and steps you can take now to prepare for the eventual return to prosperity in Plastic Perspectives. We would like to thank our Contributing Columnists for their insights this past year and we look forward to more words of wisdom in 2002.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, our readers. Without you, there would be no Plastics Distributor & Fabricator Magazine. And to all our advertisers who make it possible for us to deliver this magazine to you free of charge, we thank them for their continued support. Our diverse industry serves many end markets. No other magazine combines the many facets of plastics fabrication to offer plastic shapes distributors and fabricators a collective resource of information and products targeted to your unique needs.

Our web site offers you additional resources with an extensive archive of articles on fabrication, materials, machinery and tooling. It also features a keyword searchable version of our 2001 Buyers Guide of leading suppliers and manufacturers who are eager to serve your needs. Also on-line, our "Manufacturers Representatives" listings provide detailed information on the geographic regions they cover and the products they represent. These individuals are well versed on the materials, machinery and tooling best suited for the various applications our industry serves.

Enjoy the issue and the Holidays. Here's to a Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous New Year!

David Whelan
Editor / Publisher