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2023 ARM Annual Meeting Exhibitors
The Association of Rotational Molders exhibit hall is open the afternoon of Wednesday, September 27 and the morning of Thursday, September 28. The exhibition is one part of our September 26-28 Annual Meeting schedule filled with seminars, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Meet with these exhibiting companies. 493KAvantechAXEL PlasticsBrunk Plastic ServicesChem-TrendCole IndustriesCPChemDiversified Mold & CastingsDowEntec PolymersExxonMobil Chemical…
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Ask Dr. Nick: Bleed-Out of Pigment
Question: We are having issues with bleeding/leeching of our dye/powder blend. We have run temperature tests and time tests to see if this would make a difference and only saw small changes to the bleeding. I am wondering if anyone has a solution? Dr. Nick: Your first port of call really needs to be with…
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Ask Dr. Nick: Ignition Properties of Rotomolding Powders
Question: Has anyone ever tested the roto powders for ignition properties? Will rotomolding powders ignite and if so, under what conditions? Dr. Nick: I’m not aware of any formal data on the ignition potential of rotomolding powders available in the public record. However, there should be no doubt that, under certain conditions, the materials we…
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What attendees say about ARM’s Intro to Roto seminar
More than 300 people have attended ARM’s Introduction to Rotomolding seminar across the country. We asked attendees to rank How valuable was the content of the seminar? The average answer from 150+ respondents was 4.8 out of 5. (1=Not Valuable, 5=Very Valuable.) Here’s a selection of attendee testimonials: Learn more about the event and review…
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Ask Dr. Nick: Are There Guidelines for Vent Sizes?
During a recent “What’s Your Problem?” session, we were asked whether any guidelines existed relating to the sizing vents for rotomolding tools. This subject is covered in the ARM webinar series on “Operator Training.” I have reproduced the most relevant slides below: The first slide shows a “rule of thumb” that has been cited by…
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Ask Dr. Nick: What issues should I expect with mold pressurization?
Question: We have a question about molding with pressure inside the mold. We have rock & roll machine making medium sized parts. We have been experiencing significant warpage, especially on flat surfaces and it has been suggested that we should apply air pressure inside the mold, to improve our parts. Please could you provide some…
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Two New Videos on Air Amplifiers
Over the last few months the ARM Process and Optimization Committee has been been discussing with one another the best methods for using air amplifiers in the rotational molding process. As a result, two companies have created videos to share with ARM members. These videos represent suggestions from individual molders. Each molder will need to…
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Ask Dr. Nick: Particle Size Test Method Specifics
Question: I’m looking for information to go along with the Test Method for Particle Size of Rotational Molding Powders. What type of shaker do you need to use? Is it acceptable to shake the screens manually? Dr. Nick: In North America, the “Rotap” system is normally used. This imparts a horizontal swirling motion, with a…
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Ask Dr. Nick: Shrink Rate Data
Q: Do you have any data for shrink rates over time, for roto based products? Dr. Nick: Interesting question. Nothing immediately sprang to mind, in terms of a prior published reference. But… Clearly, shrink rates will be governed by the development of crystallinity within the PE. So I looked for data concerning the development of…
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Don’t Forget Your Venting
Last year I wrote a blog for ARM that pointed out the importance of adequate venting and the bad consequences of not ensuring that your venting for each tool is adequate. This is VITAL to making a quality part. While I’m sure that many of you are fully aware of this subject, I still get…
