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Letter From The Editor - Opportunity
A s 2002 comes to a close, some are glad to put the year behind them while others have prospered and look forward to the opportunities 2003 will bring. Generally speaking, most agree that there are still several miles to travel on our bumpy road to economic recovery; but opportunity will be there for those who seek it.
The prospect of a trade show for the plastic shapes industry is hot. We are currently discussing various options with different parties to create a forum for plastics fabricators and distributors in 2003. The opportunities include an independent trade show, a pavilion at NPE 2003 and an educational forum in conjunction with industry associations. In order to gain more feedback from plastics fabricators regarding these opportunities, we have extended the deadline for the on-line version of the survey published in the September/October 2002 issue. If you have not submitted your thoughts on a Plastic Shapes Industry Trade Show, click here. Your direction will help us develop the most targeted event for your interests.
T his issue features 46 manufacturers and suppliers of tooling and machinery specifically for plastics fabricators. The recent trade shows and conferences we attended showcased dozens of interesting products. The three features in this issue: Cutting Tools for Plastic, CNC Routers and Thermoforming Machinery highlight many of the leading manufacturers of tooling, multi-axis routers and thermoforming machinery that we saw at these shows. For your convenience, we have provided several ways for you to contact them. A contact name, phone number, and E-mail address is included for each featured manufacturer or supplier. Mailing address and web sites can be found in the expanded directory beginning on page 44. Each featured supplier and manufacturer also has been assigned a Write Number that can be forwarded via the Reader Service Card found between pages 14/15 or 38/39.
Also in this issue in Safety Solutions, Jack Podojil addresses "Safety Signs & Labels". ANSI standards dictate how a safety sign's message should alert viewers to the nature of the hazard and how to avoid it.
Looking ahead, we will kick-off the New Year with some exciting features in the January/February issue. First is the debut of a new series on Routing and Trimming plastics. It will be contributed by Van Niser of Onsrud Cutter, manufacturers of a full-line of router tools directed at the plastic fabricator and former. The multi-part series will address all aspects of the routing, machining and trimming of plastic shapes and thermoformed parts.
Our Thermoforming Series will return with a review of the most commonly formed plastics, their properties and characteristics.
Also in January, we will feature Saws For Cutting Plastics including vertical, horizontal and sliding.
Finally, we would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our Contributing Columnists and Featured Writers for their contributions to the magazine this year. We also thank our Advertisers for their continued support, and our readers for making us the most widely read publication directed to plastic shapes distributors and fabricators. From all of us at The Plastics Distributor® & Fabricator Magazine, have a safe and Happy Holiday Season. May the New Year provide you with much opportunity! Enjoy the issue.
David Whelan
Publisher
Coming in January/February 2003
Routing - NEW SERIES
Saws For Cutting Plastics
Thermoforming - Materials
Advertising/Editorial Close: 12/20/02
Material Close: 12/27/02
Happy Holidays!
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