Rough Cut

By the time you receive our magazine each month we have reviewed, edited, reedited, changed and moved elements around at least a half a dozen times and sometimes right up to press time. Before it hits the street we know the issue front to back, back to front and, if it were possible, inside out.

We hone a magazine of information from elements created and supplied by a host of different sources. Plastics fabricators and formers create parts from an increasing variety of plastics for countless industries and applications.

Our processes are similar, however the raw materials you use are much more fascinating. There seem to be new polymers being introduced every week. Plastic components and assemblies can be machined to tighter tolerances, with higher repeatability, as one-of-a-kind parts or in quantities that can compete with mass production. Since the 1950s, plastics have grown into a major industry that affects all of our lives. In fact, according to The Plastics Council, since 1976, plastic has been the most used material in the world.

CNylon and acetal continue to be the standards by which many other engineering materials are judged. They are available in an increasing number of shapes and formulations. Add to that the fact that they are fairly easy to machine and you have plastics that continue to lead the industry in popularity.

This issue features our Tenth Annual Nylon & Acetal Shapes Special Advertising Section beginning on page 18. It contains two feature articles, one on machining and one on anti-microbial acetals. In addition, we have a directory of suppliers, cross-reference charts of nylon and acetal formulations and shapes and several new products.

Also in this issue, Van Niser reviews Routing with Air. Though simple in concept, air routing is a technologically advanced process that has paid its dues. Turn to page 15 to learn more.

The Department of Labor estimates that there are 9,600 serious electrical shock and burn injuries each year. Are you in “Compliance with 70E Electrical Standards?” Click on Safety Solutions to see how you can reduce the risk of electrical related injuries.

What’s next? Our July/August issue should not be missed! Not only will it feature our 2006 Buyer’s Guide, it will include previews of the upcoming IWF Show this August and the SPE Thermoforming Conference this September. Go to Mark Your Calendar for dates and website addresses.

Enjoy the issue,