Today’s product packaging landscape is shifting dramatically. More converters are moving from rigid paperboard and molded plastic to flexible bags and pouches. According to the 2023 “State of the U.S. Flexible Packaging Industry” report by the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), the domestic mark

Cryogenic Temperatures and High‑Performance Plastics Cryogenics is the science of producing and studying materials at extremely low temperatures—typically below ‑150 °C. Modern industries—from aerospace to biomedical devices—rely on cryogenic environments for fuel storage, spacecraft components, MRI

Modern healthcare relies on plastics—from the outer housing of MRI scanners to the tiniest catheters—simplifying procedures and reducing patient discomfort. Disposable syringes, IV bags, heart valves, lightweight eyeglass frames, and advanced prosthetics all benefit from polymer technology. Plastics

When joining plastic parts, selecting the right method is crucial for durability, cost-efficiency, and production speed. Below, we dissect four industry‑standard bonding techniques—mechanical fastening, solvent bonding, UV curing, and ultrasonic welding—highlighting their equipment needs, labor con

Imagine a world without plastic. Since World War II, polymers have become indispensable, yet most common plastics are under a century old. Below is a concise timeline that traces the key milestones in plastic development.1) ParkesineInvented in 1862 by Alexander Parkes, Parkesine was showcased at th

When engineers select a plastic for a specific application, the first reference is the material data sheet. These sheets, widely available online for most plastics, compile essential values for physical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. They also disclose the ASTM, ISO, or UL test met

Four years ago, a LEGO set first arrived in our home, sparking a childhood obsession that grew into a full‑blown hobby. As a plastics engineer, I was curious: what material underpins the iconic bricks that have powered countless creative projects? LEGO’s journey began in 1932 when Ole Kirk Christian

Ever seen an “ASTM” code on a material data sheet and wondered what it stands for? ASTM designations identify the specific test methods that produced the data, ensuring reproducibility worldwide. About ASTM International ASTM International is a global standards‑and‑testing organization headquartered

54.5 That’s the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, that the U.S. government expects all of the country’s cars and light trucks to conform to by 2025. In 2014, the average was 24.1 miles/gallon. The automotive industry is under intense pressure to more than double the average vehicle fuel effic

3D printing has sparked significant interest over the past year, yet its long‑term role in industrial production remains debated. While the technology has advanced rapidly and now accommodates a wide range of materials, it has not yet displaced traditional subtractive machining or injection molding.

Plastic wear—an intricate friction phenomenon—occurs when two surfaces slide or roll together, gradually eroding material. As the surfaces move relative to one another, forces remove microscopic layers. Two principal mechanisms drive this process: adhesion and abrasion. Adhesive wear happens when co

Why Halar® ECTFE Leads the Way in Corrosive Environments Ethylen Chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), sold under the trademark Halar®, is a fluorinated plastic engineered for extreme chemical resistance. Introduced in 1970, it has become the benchmark material for industries that must handle corrosive a

Without plastics, commercial air travel would cost significantly more, and military aircraft would lose vital stealth and endurance. Since 1970, aerospace plastic use has quadrupled. Interior components—overhead bins, navigation and propulsion parts, structural elements—are now routinely made from a

A frequent question we receive is whether to use adhesives or welding for joining plastics. While the right adhesive can be complex, welding offers a more robust, economical solution—especially when you have the proper equipment. Below are ten widely used plastic welding techniques, each with its ow

You encounter plastic products daily—from phone cases and keyboards to toys, packaging, and tableware. Their popularity stems from low cost, versatility, and ease of manufacturing. 10 Surprising Insights About Plastic Materials 1) The roots of plastic date back to the 1600s when bio‑derived material

As highlighted in our previous discussion, adding reinforcing fibers to plastic resins boosts tensile strength, flexural modulus, and the heat‑deflection temperature of the composite. This post dives deeper into the role of glass fibers in achieving these performance gains. Glass fibers are a primar

First commercially manufactured in the late 1950s, polycarbonate is a high‑strength thermoplastic prized for its exceptional durability, optical clarity, and electrical insulation properties. The material can be produced as clear as glass while offering a strength 2–3 times greater and a weight 1/6

Engineering is not just about building structures; it is a discipline that protects lives and safeguards communities. The following historic incidents demonstrate how critical design, oversight, and maintenance are in preventing loss of life and property. 1. The Hindenburg Disaster (May 6, 1937) The

The Pultrusion Process* Pultrusion is a continuous, high‑speed molding technique that uses fiber reinforcement—such as fiberglass roving, mat, or cloth—combined with polyester or other thermosetting resin matrices. The selected reinforcement is pulled through a resin bath, ensuring thorough impregna

Feeling the pressure of the holiday rush? Take a short break with these engineering‑centric jokes—crafted to bring a smile to any tech professional. Q: Why did the Higgs Boson go to church?A: For the mass. Power naps are great—you can build up charge while you’re asleep. Customer: Do you have any t