In today’s trying times, optimisation
of the whole input to output process can go a long way in
effecting a better bottomline. This includes reducing energy
consumption, rationalising manpower use, increasing production
rates and smartly cutting down on raw material requirement,
among others. It is good to see the blow moulding machinery
industry adopting innovations while considering these aspects.
Since energy is one of the vital requirements in the plastics
processing industry, it is obvious for the processors to look
out for energy-efficient technologies so as to conserve energy.
Machinery manufacturers these days are introducing products
that offer the much-needed energy-efficient solutions. Further,
the former have implemented simple modifications in parts, thus
resulting in substantial energy savings.
The industry is in need of intelligent solutions not only
to increase the production rates and energy efficiency but
also for better process control ensuring safety of packaged
products. Machinery manufacturers are meeting this with functions
like auto deflash attachment, which clearly avoids the need
of manual involvement in developing a product.
Though the blow moulding industry today is able to meet diverse
needs of the consumers, taking these adept innovations to every
market at economical rates remains a challenge. The ‘Cover
Story’ offers loads of insights into some of these interesting
new developments.
On a different note, polymers have evolved from being mere
insulating materials to their current use as conductors and
semi-conductors. Moreover, their role in the electronics industry
is simply significant today due to the distinct trend towards
miniaturisation, weight reduction, ease-of-use, environmental
compliance, and various special effects.
Miniaturisation in the field of electronics is not only impacting
the moulding industry, but is also prompting innovators to venture
into untouched arenas. Moulded interconnect devices are one
such innovation, which seem to have outstanding prospects in
the future. For more on it, turn to the ‘Special Feature’.
Now, let us look at bioplastics, which are slowly and steadily
emerging as a sustainable solution towards a greener earth.
Not withstanding the apprehension of their sources from edible
commodities (and hence the sky-rocketing of their prices),
some bioplastic products have already been manufactured from
non-edible sources. Though there is no straight-forward solution
to this, the ‘Roundtable’ tries to answer whether
bioplastics are the solution to earth’s ecological problems.
Want to know about the latest international plastics show
that got over recently in Japan? Well, IPF 2008 lived up to
Japan’s reputation of being a technology leader across
industry verticals, including plastics. The ‘Report’
provides highlights of this and more…
Manas R Bastia
Editor
Email: manas@infomediaindia.com
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