Heating Up

As summer approaches our thoughts turn to the outdoors and you can almost hear the unmistakable sounds of summer from kids playing at a pool to crickets chirping and beehives buzzing. And as the weather heats up, so does the plastics market. Signs remain positive for many sectors in our industry. Material suppliers have seen steady sales and some increases in spite of the challenges faced by increases in raw materials costs. At the same time, capital equipment suppliers report increased activity. After nearly three years of slow sales, there are signs that the moratorium on spending will loosen this year.

The challenge we all continue to face is to keep costs in-line while increasing business in a highly competitive global market.

This month features our 15th Annual Nylon & Acetal Spotlight. Two of the most popular engineering materials continue to find new opportunities through new formulations. Nylon and acetal are relatively easy to fabricate. The Spotlight features a Product Showcase PLUS listings of the standard and custom shapes offered by leading manufacturers.

This issue also has a preview of some of the products that will be exhibited at the AWFS¨Fair this July 20-23, 2011 in the Las Vegas Con - ven tion Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. At AWFS Vegas, visitors will have the opportunity to view technology that will decrease production costs, while improving profits. The featured companies will be showing machinery and tooling designed specifically for the plastics industry.

Are you considering buying a CNC router or CNC panel saw this year? If so you should read Pros and Cons of Purchasing Used vs. New CNC Panel Saws and CNC Routers. Used equipment offers shops a way to expand at a lower cost than if they purchase new equipment. There are trade offs however when it comes to the technology associated with older equipment.

Finally in Safety Solutions, Jack Podojil looks at flammable and combustible liquids. Each year fires destroy many places of business and homes because flammable and combustible liquids were not properly stored. Flammable liquids are used in hundreds of thousands of processes and they're used safely every day. Each employee holds the key to safety when working with flammable liquids. Knowledge is the first step.

This issue contains many products that will provide your company heat up this summer. To find even more tools and resources 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.

Enjoy the issue,

Coming July/August 2011
2011 Buyer's Guide
SPE Preview
Thermoforming
Ad/Edit Close: 06/20/11
Material Close: 06/27/11