All About Plastics

IDES Plastics Data - New Homepage

On December 2nd we launched a new homepage for the IDES plastics data website.

Let us know what you think using the comments section below.

The IDES Team

New Data for Bayer MaterialScience AG Added

Nearly 70 new grades from Bayer MaterialScience AG have been added to the Prospector database.

Click to continue...

Biopolymers

We've just listed a full list of Biopolymers on our website!

Since bioplastics has become such an important topic, we chose to develop a Biopolymers Search to help industry professionals select eco-friendly materials. Data in the Prospector Plastics Database highlights more than 2,279 green materials from suppliers including BASF, Dow Plastics, DuPont Engineering Polymers, Eastman Chemical Group, Ecoplast, NatureWorks LLC, SABIC Innovative Plastics, and many more.

[Newsletter] Intro to Thermoplastic Elastomers, Increasing Mechanical Performance of Plastics

 

Do you want to know which plastic materials to use by looking at the entire 'picture'? Prospector's Visual Data makes it easy so that rather than searching through tables of information, you choose the data that's important to you and see it in a chart immediately! Since you already subscribe to one of Prospector's Premium Searches, you already have access to this exciting and powerful functionality. The IDES Team Webinar: Introduction to Thermoplastic Elastomers Wednesday, September 21 at 11AM EDT (New York) Whether you're new to thermoplastic elastomers or you're looking to expand your knowledge of these diverse and flexible materials, let Dr. Richard Rabe, Technology Manager for TPEs at custom compounder RTP Company, be your guide as he reviews the world of TPEs from formal definition to practical applications. Topics include: What are thermoplastic elastomers? How TPEs function in comparison to rubbers & plastics. Performance characteristics of different TPE chemistries. Typical applications for each family of TPEs. Reserve your seat today!   Webinar: Increasing Mechanical Performance of Plastics Thursday, October 11 at 11AM EDT (New York) Modified and reinforced plastics provide increased mechanical performance and allow plastics to be used to solve the unique and challenging material requirements of today's leading product development efforts. See for yourself how structural compounds could be the key to your next successful application by joining Karl Hoppe, Product Development Engineer at custom compounder RTP Company, as he shows you how various additives can be used to boost performance. Learn more and reserve your seat today! Join IDES at the Biopolymers Symposium in Colorful Colorado, September 26-28, 2011 at the historic Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver. Save $200 by using code IDES11 when registering online.
	IDES | 1604 E. Grand Avenue | Laramie, WY 82070 USA

[Newsletter] Resin-Handling Systems, Introduction to Thermoplastic Elastomers

Do you want to know which plastic materials to use by looking at the entire 'picture?' Prospector's Visual Data makes it easy so that rather than searching through tables of information, you choose the data that's important to you and see it in a chart immediately! The IDES Team How to Set-Up & Maintain a Resin-Handling System In today's world, having an efficient resin-handling and -conveying system is as important as having reliable electrical power, and the design, maintenance and operation of such a system has everything to do with how well it meets your objectives. To help you with some of the basics, Doug Brewster, Conair's Customers Service Manager, offers tips on how to plan your system, choose your equipment and keep it all running efficiently. Download the full article today!   Webinar: Introduction to Thermoplastic Elastomers Wednesday, September 21, at 11AM EDT (New York) Whether you're new to thermoplastic elastomers or you're looking to expand your knowledge of these diverse and flexible materials, let Dr. Richard Rabe, Technology Manager for TPEs at custom compounder RTP Company, be your guide as he reviews the world of TPEs from formal definition to practical applications. Topics include: What are thermoplastic elastomers? How TPEs function in comparison to rubbers & plastics. Performance characteristics of different TPE chemistries. Typical applications for each family of TPEs. Reserve your seat today! Join IDES at the Biopolymers Symposium in Colorful Colorado, September 26-28, 2011 at the historic Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver. Save $200 by using code IDES11 when registering online.
	IDES | 1604 E. Grand Avenue | Laramie, WY 82070 USA

Top 50 Most Searched Plastic Materials

We just compiled a report of the top 50 most searched plastic materials in the Prospector Plastics Database.

Top Plastic Materials report.

Polymer Properties: Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) - UL 746

The voltage which causes tracking after 50 drops of 0.1% ammonium chloride solution have fallen on the material. The results of testing at 3 mm thickness are considered representative of the material's performance in any thickness.

Click to continue...

View all Polymer Properties.

What the Heck is a Hexa-Kaleidocycle?

It's Protogami, a 3-dimensional folding object that showcases the interaction of materials and surface finishes - the newest, interactive design aid from Proto Labs. Broaden your knowledge of surface finishes, materials and design techniques by requesting one today. You'll learn, you'll be endlessly amused, and you just might be inspired to come up with the next big thing.

To get a no cost Protogami, click here.

[Newsletter] In-Machine Mold Cleaning & Part Deburring / Deflashing

Even though this issue is short 'n sweet, it packs in 2 highly anticipated educational webinars for both design and process engineers. We also have 3 questions that we hope you will take a moment to answer about integrating Prospector with Computer Aided Engineering Softwares. And you can read how to receive a Hexa-Kaleidocycle through the mail (read below to see what it is and how to get it). The IDES Team Webinar Next Week - Register Today: In-Machine Mold Cleaning & Part Deburring/Deflashing Wednesday, August 24 11AM EDT (New York) Do you want to improve part quality, increase productivity, and reduce mold cleaning costs? Learn about quality and productivity systems utilizing dry ice to spot clean molds in the press (at operating temperatures) as well as deburring and deflashing plastic parts utilizing Cold Jet's Environmental Cleaning and Surface Preparation systems. Reserve your seat today!   What the Heck is a Hexa-Kaleidocycle? It's Protogami, a 3-dimensional folding object that showcases the interaction of materials and surface finishes - the newest, interactive design aid from Proto Labs. Broaden your knowledge of surface finishes, materials and design techniques by requesting one today. You'll learn, you'll be endlessly amused, and you just might be inspired to come up with the next big thing. To get a no cost Protogami, click here. Comparative Tracking Index (UL 746) The voltage which causes tracking after 50 drops of 0.1% ammonium chloride solution have fallen on the material. The results of testing at 3 mm thickness are considered representative of the material's performance in any thickness. Click to continue... Webinar: Introduction to Thermplastic Elastomers Wednesday, September 21 at 11AM EDT (New York) Whether you're new to thermoplastic elastomers or you're looking to expand your knowledge of these diverse and flexible materials, let Dr. Richard Rabe, Technology Manager for TPEs at custom compounder RTP Company, be your guide as he reviews the world of TPEs from formal definition to practical applications. Reserve your seat today!   Computer Aided Engineering Poll Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) simulation software is becoming more advanced and widespread. With that in mind, we're interested in learning about your CAE usage to determine ways we can integrate those tools with Prospector to help you do your job as efficiently as possible. Take the CAE Poll here.
	IDES | 1604 E. Grand Avenue | Laramie, WY 82070 USA

[Newsletter] Resin Selection 101, Improving Closure Manufacturing

This issue's theme provides a great refresher on some of the best webinar topics from the industry's top material experts. Also, about a month ago we released two featured services in Prospector that help you visualize results rather than straining your eyes and brain while wading through tables and datasheets of information to select plastics. The IDES Team Webinar: Improving Repeatability in Closure Manufacturing - Better Processes, Parts & Profitability Wednesday, Aug 17 at 1PM EDT (New York) Does the quality of your closures vary? Do you struggle to consistently achieve part cost targets? Are your productivity levels dependent on your operator? Is your injection molding process more art than science? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then please plan to join us for this important webinar that will discuss tips and best practices to help you achieve injection molding processes that consistently deliver the highest quality closures on schedule, and on budget. Reserve your seat today! Resin Selection 101 Webinars Here are a few webinars that cover the basics of selecting plastic materials presented by leading experts in the plastics industry including Michael Sepe and Gary Casterline. You and your colleagues can watch and learn from the anytime from the comfort of your own offices. Expert Plastic Material Selection Techniques Resin Selection and Material Consolidation Designing for Safety Flame Retardant Plastics & UL Ratings Explained More webinars . . . Izod Impact Strength (ASTM D256) Energy per unit thickness required to break a test specimen under flexural impact. Click to continue... Resin Selection Made Easy with Visual Data in Prospector With the new visual results including the Scatter and Spider Plots, you don't need a PhD in Polymer Selection to find the best plastic for your application. Learn more . . .
	IDES | 1604 E. Grand Avenue | Laramie, WY 82070 USA