DN Editor-in-Chief John Dodge and Contributing Editor Doug Smock last week spent a day at one of the top plastics R&D centers in the country — Sabic Innovative Plastics’ Polymer Processing Development Center (PPDC) in Pittsfield, MA. Sabic engineers validate and test new materials and processes directly for customers or come with innovations they take to market themselves. Dodge shot 10 videos showing a variety of advanced processes and PPDC machines.
SABIC PPDC VIDEO COVERAGE:
An Aesthetic Look
PPDC Operations Leader Vincent Lanning shows how a process gives parts made from filled plastic resin an aesthetic look. Watch Now
Need A Lift?
Sabic’s PPDC has about a dozen overhead cranes for moving around machines and molds weighing up to 35 tons. One crane has a 350-ton capacity. Watch Now
Mimicking Metal
PPDC Operations Leader Vincent Lanning shows how plastic can feel just like metal. Watch Now
Cutting Energy Costs
PPDC Engineer Greg Tremblay uses inductive heat to cut energy consumed by an injection molding machine. Watch Now
Jumbo Thermoforming
PPDC Engineer Dan Sowle shows how large panels for railroad passenger cars and passenger jetliners can be made from the thermoforming process. Watch Now
One Giant Machine
PPDC Manager Tom Dunton describes the biggest injection molding machine at the PPDC, a rarely-used four-story 5,500-ton Kraus Maffei unit. Watch Now
Scoring Air Bags Panels
Manager Tom Dunton explains the role of the PPDC. Then Operations Leader Vincent Lanning shows how air bag housing is testing. Watch Now
The Tear Down Lab
PPDC Engineer Paul Siebert explains the role of The Tear Down center and then Andy Poslinski talks about the movement toward sustainable plastic. Watch Now
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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