REPORTED PROBLEM A company reported a need to create a joint system for variety of materials, for sandwich method and single-sided method. Such joints should be inexpensive and resistant enough to hold until seated in destination points. The report focused on the ability to join easily – particularly for initial charges. ACTIONS The production processRead more about MATERIAL JOINTS[…]

REPORTED PROBLEM A company reported a need to develop a new product, other than the ones commercially available, due to enhance its product range and raise its market competitiveness. ACTIONS We consulted relevant literature in order to look for possible modifications of relevant products. The production process as well as raw materials, equipment and technologiesRead more about RECIPES FOR NEW PRODUCTS[…]

REPORTED PROBLEM During manufacturing of hot cast product 20% of the mixture curing in the packaging generated volume shrinkage, dents and deformations which rendered the product unavailable for sale, thus being subject to removal. ACTIONS The production process as well as raw materials, equipment and technologies being used were all analysed. The source of thisRead more about PRODUCT DEFORMATION[…]

REPORTED PROBLEM While manufacturing a double colour product, once a reaction was finished, one layer manifested inclusions of a different colour and colour changes, thus rendering the final product unavailable for sale due to incorrect appearance. ACTIONS The production process as well as raw materials, equipment and technologies being used were all analysed. We determinedRead more about INCLUSIONS AND UNDESIRED COLOUR CHANGE IN A DOUBLE LAYER PRODUCT[…]

SUBMITTED QUESTION A company reported a problem with damaged component in an old structure of a machine. Unavailable machine specification and maintenance procedure made it impossible to identify the material the element was made of. ACTIONS The material the element was made of was examined. Potential advantages from recreation of required element were evaluated. WeRead more about COMPONENT DAMAGE – SELECTION OF REPLACEMENT PART[…]

REPORTED PROBLEM During a colour change at the production line, a transition from dark to bright colour used to take about 80% more than a reverse transition, from bright to dark. Additionally, an off spec product was a result, thus subject to recycling as a waste product. ACTIONS The production process as well as rawRead more about POLYMERS – PS – COLOUR CHANGE AND REDUCTION OF TRANSIT TIME BETWEEN PRODUCTION CHARGES[…]

REPORTED PROBLEM A company using extruders in its production process has, in order to sustain a stable process, introduced additional heating zones at the production line. However, it generated additional production costs. ACTIONS We analysed equipment settings with additional heating zones in relation to the production process being operated. We suggested process recalibration with dueRead more about POLYMERS – PS – PROCESSING[…]

REPORTED PROBLEM A company has reported a problem with adhesive bonding of polymer components (of different shapes and sizes). A preliminary research of commercially available adhesives provided evidence that such connections are, in part or in whole, ineffective.  ACTIONS We performed an examination of materials used for the components. We evaluated potential requirement for adhesive material.Read more about ADHESIVES FOR POLYMER COMPONENTS – ADHESIVE SELECTION[…]

REPORTED PROBLEM For reasons unknown to the customer company, about 60% of elements manufactured in the production process manifested a defect, required to be mechanically corrected, what generated costs, used up human resources and reduced production efficiency to a significant extent. ACTIONS We analysed the process and defined the area where an uncontrolled production deformationRead more about POLYMERS – RESINS – PROCESSING[…]

SUBMITTED QUESTION A manufacturing company asked us to prepare an all-round cost, price and technology analysis for a new product – a hot melt adhesive. ACTIONS We performed market research and component analyses. Utility usage at the production line was evaluated, along with preliminary cost analysis of raw materials, thus allowing to perform manufacturing feasibilityRead more about HOT MELT ADHESIVES – ANALYSIS[…]