When the Going Gets Tough
Yeah I know we've heard it all before; hang in there, it will get better; when the going gets tough, the tough get going. The question is how long do you have to keep your nose to the grindstone before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor? Recently I attended the SPE Thermo - forming Conference and was fascinated at the insights one of their keynote speakers presented. Dr. Peter Mooney, President and Founder of Plastics Custom Research Services, has been following the thermoforming industry for over ten years. Dr. Mooney did project modest growth of between 3 and 4% for thermoformed parts. Larger growth is, unfortunately, being held back by the global financial crisis, low consumer confidence and high unemployment. One of the most interesting statistics he presented was that up until 1990 the American debtto- income ratio was under .80 (Americans were spending 80% of their income). By 2007 that ratio rose to 1.27 as consumers fueled their lifestyles with credit buying homes, jet skis and boats, and taking vacations that they could not afford. When the bottom fell out, and unemployment started to rise, consumers put the breaks on spending and are now focused on reducing their debt. This reduction will take some time and will stagnate the economy in the interim. Some projections are through 2016.

So where will growth come from? For those in the plastics industry there is opportunity from thermoformed products that are replacing injectionmolded parts and from new High Performance Plastics that can replace conventional materials in a growing variety of applications.

This month we feature some High Performance Plastics that provide plastic fabricators with materials that have higher strength and higher service temperatures. Applications can be found in a wide range of industries including where parts come in contact with aggressive materials, lining of tanks, pumps, flanges, fittings, parts in centrifuges and control engineering industry.

Next we look at Adhesive Usage in Plastic Fabrication. There are many ways to use adhesives in plastic fabrication. Regardless of what one considers the "proper" plastic fabrication technique, the same basic principles are found throughout. Click on it to enhance your skills.

And to put the finishing touches on your fabricated part, click here to see what these featured suppliers have to help you create high quality fabricated products.

Finally in Safety Solutions, Jack Podojil looks at Accident Prevention. Management's commitment to safety and health shows in every decision they make and every action they take. Your employees will respond to that commitment.

This issue features many products that can help your company see growth in spite of the economy. To find even more tools and resources search our article archive. You can also use eReader Service to contact our advertisers or manage your subscription.

Enjoy the issue,

November/December 2011

• Year in Review
• Welding