Eric Simmons
Corporate Process Engineer
Keys to Blow Molding Engineering Thermoplastics for
New Applications
Plastics 101's - Session 6
Monday, October 11, 2021
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Presentation Description:
Co-presenting with Andy Hobson of Kautex Machines, Inc., this presentation will provide a discussion of the following:
Blow molded parts are expanding into new markets and applications to replace existing materials such as metal, wood and thermoset materials. Design options, parts consolidation and part cost are some of the factors driving the conversions. Traditional materials, such as HDPE, are leading the way for industrial blow molding conversions from other materials and processes. However, blow molding conversions are often limited by the end use properties of the application.
Recent advances in Engineering Thermoplastics Materials [ETP] for blow molding offer enhanced properties like use temperature, impact performance, chemical resistance, compared with HDPE and other traditional blow molding materials.
This presentation will focus on the properties and processing of several ETPs. Most industrial blow molding equipment is designed to process HDPE efficiently and the processing is well understood. The processing methods and equipment used for HDPE will be compared with the requirements for several ETPs.
Participants are encouraged to bring pictures or examples of ETP parts to discuss the processing and ask questions about molding issues, during or after the presentation.
Speaker Biography:
Eric Simmons is a Corporate Process Engineer at CKS Packaging. It was while completing his undergraduate requirements for a BS in Manufacturing Engineering at Western Illinois University that he interned at C.L. Smith Company which turned into a full-time position within their manufacturing division where he worked as the Shift Supervisor, a Process Engineer, Plant Engineer and Manufacturing Manager at Lyons Blow Molding. In 2020 he decided to change career paths and joined the team at CKS Packaging. At CKS Packaging his current role is assisting the Plants and maximizing efficiencies for the Company.