Remember the iconic cartoon “The Jetsons”? Today, their vision of a gas‑free hovercar and robotic maid has become our reality. We commute in electric vehicles, rely on the Internet for daily tasks, and even entertain voice‑activated assistants that handle chores for us. Robotic vacuums keep homes cl

Wear of Plastics Against Plastics When designing plastic-to-plastic bearings, shafts, gears, or any other moving parts, the specific combination of polymers must be chosen with care. Even polymers that naturally lubricate well can behave very differently when paired with one another. Plastics and th

Manufacturers stand on the cusp of a transformative shift known as Industry 4.0—a new era where smart technology, big data, and human insight converge to deliver unprecedented efficiency and profitability. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) notes that [M]anufacturers that succ

No Historic Evidence for When the First Screw Was Made While the exact date of the screw’s invention remains uncertain, scholars agree that by the first century CE the device had already appeared in practical tools such as screw presses. Roman engineers used these presses to extract olive oil and pr

How to Buy Plastic Fasteners While most fasteners on the market are metal, many manufacturers now choose plastic fasteners for their superior properties. Before you place an order, gather essential information to ensure you receive the exact part your application demands. What Are the Options? Prosp

3D Printing vs. CNC Machining When designing plastic components, the manufacturing route—additive or subtractive—can dramatically influence cost, lead time, and part performance. Below is a concise, expert comparison to help you decide which process best fits your project’s requirements. Key Conside

Regenerative Plastics Imagine a spacecraft that can repair itself after a laser strike. While this is the stuff of science fiction, the underlying concept is already being explored in real‑world materials science. Engineers are developing composite polymers that can autonomously mend micro‑cracks wi

What Is a Machine Screw? A machine screw is a threaded fastener that is either driven directly into a tapped hole or used with a nut. Typical machine screws are small—often around 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in diameter or less—and come in a variety of drives, such as slotted, Phillips, or square. They are

Key Factors in Selecting Plastic or Metal for Your Product Deciding between plastic and metal has become a pivotal design decision across industries—from aerospace to consumer goods. With 50 years of experience in both machining and injection molding, Craftech helps manufacturers make data‑driven ch

When selecting a plastic for a high‑temperature application, understanding its thermal behavior is essential. Four core metrics—Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT), Continuous Service Temperature, Melting Point or Glass Transition Temperature, and Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE)—provide

Hudson, New York: A City Steeped in History and Scenic Beauty Located 120 miles north of New York Harbor on the east bank of the Hudson River, Hudson is a small city with a remarkable past that has shaped its modern character. Long before European exploration, the Mohican people called this area ho

When you believed the ISO 9001:2008 system was fully implemented, the 2015 revision arrived in September 2015, the latest edition of ISO’s flagship quality management standard. ISO periodically reviews its standards every five years to reflect evolving industry practices. The transition deadline pa

By the late 19th century, the world’s appetite for luxury items—hand‑carved combs, mirrors, jewelry boxes, and high‑end personal accessories—was depleting natural resources such as wood, ivory, and tortoiseshell. These same materials were also vital in medical, dental, and even military equipment, f

Hudson, NY – Craftech Industries, Inc. proudly announces the successful attainment of ISO 9001:2015 certification, superseding our former ISO 9001:2008 accreditation. With the 2008 standard set to expire in September 2018, upgrading to the 2015 version was essential to maintain our commitment to con

ABS: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a high-performance terpolymer that combines the toughness of polybutadiene with the rigidity of styrene and the chemical resistance of acrylonitrile. The polymerization process involves co‑polymerizing styrene and acryloni

When you encounter a plastic part and its composition is unclear, a burn test can offer decisive clues. This method is strictly for controlled, industrial environments—never at home. Burning plastic releases toxic fumes and hot drips that pose significant health and fire risks. Always work in a wel

Craftech Industries, Inc. is proud to announce that we now fully support PPAP Levels I through V for all our plastic fastener offerings. PPAP—Production Part Approval Process—is the gold standard for ensuring parts meet the stringent requirements of the automotive and aerospace sectors. With 18 dis

In a sector that feeds billions, every incremental improvement counts. Plastic engineering—when applied thoughtfully—offers durable, cost‑effective solutions that enhance yield, reduce waste, and extend the reach of farming into new environments. Rotomolded Beehives: Urban Pollination Made Practica

While enjoying a hot dog or a pint of ice‑cream, most of us never think about the possibility that a stray plastic or metal fragment could be hidden inside. Everyday food‑processing equipment—tote bins, shovels, pallets—contains plastic parts that can wear or break, introducing foreign particles int

What is Creep in Plastic Materials? Creep—also known as cold flow—is the gradual deformation of a polymer under a constant load. Unlike metals, plastics exhibit time‑dependent viscoelastic behavior, meaning they continue to deform even when the applied stress is below their yield strength. This phen