This book introduces the reader to the concepts of Scientific Molding and Scientific Processing for Injection Molding, geared towards developing a robust, repeatable, and reproducible (3Rs) molding process. It explains the underlying principles of polymer science: the properties that are important to injection molding and their application to molding process development. The effects of polymer morphology, thermal transitions, drying, and rheology on the injection molding process are explained in detail. The development of a robust molding process is broken down into two sections: the Cosmetic Process and the Dimensional Process. Scientific molding procedures to establish a 3R process are provided.

The concept of Design of Experiments (DOEs) for and in injection molding is explained, giving insight into the cosmetic and dimensional process windows. A plan to release qualified molds into production with troubleshooting tips is also provided. Topics that impact a robust process such as the use of regrind, mold cooling, and venting are also described.

Readers will be able to utilize the knowledge gained from the book in their day-to-day operations immediately.

This third edition includes a completely new subchapter covering melt preparation, as well as much additional, revised, and updated material throughout the book. The revisions are deeply informed by the author’s long and ongoing experience as a trainer, resulting in improved ways to conduct a study, perform experiments, or explain a concept.

Data Science, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI are currently some of the most talked-about concepts in industry, government, and society, and yet also the most misunderstood. This book will clarify these concepts and provide you with practical knowledge to apply them:

- Understand crucial data science concepts, from statistics and mathematics to legal and ethical considerations.

- Learn how to build data platforms and deploy safe and robust data projects to production.

- Gain the vocabulary to communicate technical requirements and roadmaps to diverse business stakeholders.

- Dive into practical case studies that illustrate how knowledge generated from data is changing various industries over the long term.

The team of authors consists of data experts from business and academia, including data scientists, engineers, business leaders and legal experts. Their broad, deep guide to all aspects of working with data and AI includes:

- Machine Learning Fundamentals: Foundations of mathematics and statistics, plus common frameworks for applying ML in practice: from statistical ML to neural networks, Transformers and AutoML

- Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision: How to extract valuable insights from text, images and video data, and put it to use in real world applications

- Foundation Models and Generative AI: Understand the strengths, challenges, and practical considerations for working with generative models for text, image, video, and other types of data

- Modeling and Simulation: Model the behavior of complex systems and do a What-If analysis covering different scenarios

- Data Science, ML and AI in production: How can you use cloud and database technologies and MLOps to turn experimentation into a working data product?

- Talking about Data: Communication and presentation skills for effective data teams and innovative business leaders

- Building Safe, Responsible AI: Best practices in ML Security; safeguarding generative AI models from attack; and how to adhere to GDPR, CCPA, and the new AI act

All authors are members of the Vienna Data Science Group (VDSG), an NGO that aims to establish a platform for exchanging knowledge on the application of data science, AI and Machine Learning and raising awareness of the opportunities and potential risks of these technologies.

This definitive book provides a comprehensive account of the full range of dies used for extrusion of plastics and elastomers. The distinctive features of the various types of dies are described in detail. Expert advice on the configuration of dies is given, and the possibilities of computer-aided design, as well as its limitations, are demonstrated. Fundamentals and computational procedures are clearly explained so that no special prior knowledge of the subject is required. The mechanical configuration, handling, and maintenance of extrusion dies are described. Calibration procedures for pipes and profiles are also discussed. This book was written for plastics engineers who need daily support in their practical work in industry and science, as well as for students preparing for their professional life. The 4th edition is brought up to date with several important additions, including coverage of multilayer (>15 layer) dies, melt encapsulation, and simulation tools (rheological/thermal CFD simulations).

This book closes a fundamental gap in the field of mold design. The use of injection molding coatings extends the technical possibilities in the field of plastics production, such as the achievable flow path length, the use of abrasive and corrosive plastics, and the achievable tool life. This possibility of functionalization has so far been somewhat neglected due to a lack of available information on the state of the art and possible applications. This book therefore brings together the available knowledge of various experts in a way that is understandable for engineering students and tool and mold makers.

 

The book covers the individual steps of coating technologies. First, the steel materials that are mainly used for the construction of tools in plastics processing are presented. This is followed by the current status of the various coating technologies. The existing coating technologies are presented and characterized with regard to their suitability for use in tool technology in the plastics processing environment. The third part deals with the characterization of the deposited coatings. On the one hand, the focus is on the characterization of the actual coating, such as chemical composition, coating layout and coating thickness. Secondly, the measurement methods for determining the functional properties of the deposited coatings, such as hardness and wear resistance, thermal properties, thermal conductivity and tribological properties, are presented. Finally, the use of appropriate coatings is illustrated using practical examples from plastics technology.

From hardware and materials through processing and properties, a broad coverage of blown film extrusion is presented. A primary objective of this book is to ensure a useful balance of theory and practice. The reader will find the answers to why they encounter certain effects in the blown film process so that they are better able to troubleshoot and improve their operations. At the same time, current practices and equipment are emphasized to keep readers up-to-date with the most productive and efficient technology. The companion computer-based learning tool, The Blown Film Extrusion Simulator, is provided to enhance the reader’s understanding. This software was developed specifically to teach blown film extrusion equipment operation and processing principles, and is available for download. Throughout this book, exercises using the simulator are described to complement the methods and principles explained. New in this third edition is a chapter on polymer rheology, with an overview of the rheology of polymer melts and its effect on extruding blown film. Additionally, improvements and corrections have been made throughout the book.