What are you thankful for?

We are thankful for many things both personally and professionally this holiday season. Business continues to rebound for our industry and we continue to hear reports from many sectors that sales are growing and signs are good for 2011.

Now with the midterm elections behind us we hope that the government returns its focus on helping businesses grow and begin hiring people back.

This month we spotlight See-Through Plastics. From signs and cast sheet to multiwall PC and custom acrylic pieces, see-through plastics are finding applications in a growing number of areas including the green architectural movement.

First up is an eye-catching use of illuminated cast acrylic tubes in Phoenix. The six-column display switches colors and patterns according to the change in seasons, as well as to celebrate holidays and other events.

Next up we look at a unique sign product that is easy to fabricate and should be even easier to sell to prospective customers.

Then turn to Innovations in Plastic Acrylic Sheet Casting to see how the changing landscape of the cast sheet market is creating new opportunities for fabricators.

If you work with multiwall you will want to read Today's Multiwall PC Technology Integrates Aesthetics, Sustainability and Economy. Few glazing materials have progressed as far and as fast in recent years as translucent multiwall polycarbonates.

Have you ever been called upon to fabricate small acrylic pieces that are to small to be fabricated on their own machinery. Read how Chelsea Plastics expertise in this area allows them to get the highest quality finish on very small parts that can help your displays shine.

We wrap up our see-through plastics coverage with a product spotlight of a dozen new and exciting materials and fabricating accessories.

Have you ever had trouble finding something in a back-issue of PD&F?

Then turn to our Year in Review section which provides a recap of the features, accessories, machinery, materials and tooling we have showcased this past year. To help you navigate the hundreds of products and dozens of features we have included, by category, the headline for all of this year's articles. The complete text can be viewed on our website.

Lastly, in Safety Solutions, Jack Podojil shows you how OSHA can be your friend. OSHA offers many free resources for the small business owner so you can make sure your facility is safe for your employees.

Visit our twelve year article archive of plastics, equipment and supplies. You can also use eReader Service to contact our advertisers or manage your subscription.

During this holiday season take time to tell the people in your life that you are thankful for them. We wish all our readers a safe, happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Happy Holidays,

Coming January/February 2011
Fabrication Machinery & Tooling
Ad/Edit Close: 12/20/10
Material Close: 12/27/10