Heating Up

Things are heating up in the plastic welding arena and hopefully the general economy will follow soon. Some feel that we have built a bottom and that we will see business pick up later this year. Until then, there are opportunities out there.

This issue we shine the spotlight on welding. As thermoplastic sheet continues to find new end uses, it opens up opportunities for plastic welding. Our three features cover diverse subjects of this expanding field.

We kick off with an interesting project in Kuwait where night time temperatures “dip” into the 90’s. That makes for a pretty hot day if you are welding PP sheet inside a 40 foot steel tank.

Thermoplastic sheet and pipe find expanding and continuously more challenging applications in a variety of markets. Demands for longevity and operational performance of fabricated structures and components vary greatly. Our second article addresses the importance of assuring that your critical welds are quality welds.

Our third feature article takes us back to the basics. Whether you are an experienced welder or a novice, the basics hold true for welding thermoplastics. Matching your materials is the first step to assuring a quality weld.

Finally we round out our welding coverage with a Welding Spotlight showcasing leading suppliers and manufacturers of welding tools, equipment and supplies. You can also search our website for additional welding products, supplies and articles on welding a variety of plastic shapes.

In Safety Solutions this month, Jack Podijil discusses how to protect yourself and your coworkers from carbon monoxide poisoning. Whether in the home or workplace, these simple steps could save lives in the event of a CO leak. We know it’s tough out there. We hope that the bottom is here and the end of this global economic slow down is near. As you battle for every job and every sale, you have to play to win. For more information on welding plastics or other plastic fabrication processes, equipment or supplies, key word search our ten year article archive. You can also use our online e-Reader Service to contact our advertisers or manage your subscription.

Enjoy the issue,

Coming May/June 2009
Nylon & Acetal
AWFS® Fair Preview
Ad/Edit Close: 04/21/09
Material Close: 04/28/09