Off to a Good Start

The year is off to a good start with reports continuing to be strong from many segments of the plastics industry. Continued innovations in machinery, tooling and materials are offering countless avenues for distributors and fabricators to sell their products and services.

And it's getting easier. CNC machinery has never been more affordable or easier to operate. Combined with continued enhancements in router tooling, fabricators are cutting more parts at a lower cost. This is a great time to invest in your business with new CNC technology.

We have a lot of good things to kick off the new year. Let's start with how Terry Bodeker, of Plex- Appeal in Irving, Texas, increased his speed and quality by adding a new CNC router. It's running nine hours a day and allowing him to cut more parts faster.

Then see what's new in routers with our CNC Routers & Tooling spotlight. Advances in technology continues to make these machines easier to use and allows manufacturers the opportunity to offer a broad range of prices and features. CNC technology is now affordable for any shop. And no router is complete without the right cutting tool. Turn to page 9 to see what's new from several leading suppliers.

When it comes to cutting that plastic on your new, or existing, router, the principles are pretty much the same. Mike Serwa, from Vortex Tool Co. Inc., discusses four things that will help you when it comes to Finding the Sweet Spot for your machine and the plastic you are cutting.

Next up took a look at what's new with two of the largest volume thermoplastics used today in our Polyolefin Spotlight. Polyethylene and polypropylene are easy to fabricate, lightweight and highly versatile polymers that make them suitable for countless applications. See what the leading suppliers have to offer in this spotlight.

Finally in Safety Solutions, Jack is back and asking "Is Your Piping System Properly Marked?". One of the most overlooked items in your facility just might be proper pipe marking. Almost every facility has a piping system running through it that could be carrying dangerous substances. Jack shows how easy it is to make sure your piping is properly marked.

We hope your year is off to a good start. The products featured in this issue can help make it even better. You can find additional machinery, material, tooling and resources through our 12 year article archive or use our eReader Service to contact our advertisers or manage your subscription.

Enjoy the issue,

March/April 2012

• Saws & Tooling
• See-through Plastics