This book describes in a brief but comprehensive fashion all the converting, assembling, and finishing processes employed in the plastics industry. It analyzes these processes, providing details on end-use considerations and differences in treatment depending on the polymer being processed. This valuable hands-on resource for converting, decorating, assembling, and otherwise finishing plastic products also includes concluding chapters on economics and current trends.

From the Preface: “Most books about plastics are written by professors who explain the behavior of these materials through their chemical contents and their mechanical properties from mathematical concepts. These approaches are of interest for research, but they are far removed from the daily problems of converters or users who need practical advice...[T]his book covers, for each of the major converting process techniques: the polymer used; the process principle, with its advantages and limitations; the description of the manufacturing equipment, molds, machines and all accompanying devices; characteristics of the converting process, pressure, temperature, vacuum; current operational characteristics, dimensions, output rate, waste, runs; typical or specific applications; and development trends...”

Target Audience: Engineering and manufacturing personnel involved in plastics processing.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Polymers

Converting Processes

Assembly and Fixations

Finishing Treatments

Ecology and Recycling

Mold Making

Economic Data

Trends

Index