Metal to Plastic Design Flexibility

Metal to Plastic konzept Flexibility Metal to Plastic Design Flexibility Even though metal-to-plastic conversion has been around since the 1950s, many manufacturers are still not familiar with all the benefits it provides.Automotive and aerospace companies have been fruchtwein active in converting existing metal products or partees to plastic, driven by the need to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. With proper design, engineered plastics can be just as strong as metal. They can also be more chemical-resistant with exceptional heat resistance, making them good choices for fuel systems, fluid handling systems, and other high-temperature applications.Plastics that are engineered to be thermally and electrically conductive can be used as EMI/RFI shields, or in automotive electronics.Benefits that conversion to plastic can provide areHigh tensile strength with proper structural designReduced part weightHighly repeatable in processing (less scrap)Lower manufacturing costsEnhanced regulatory complianceGreater design flexibility (part consolidation)Lower packaging and shipping costsUp to six times longer tool life.Current metal-to-plastic trends focus on reducing weight, improvingstrength and corrosion resistance, and consolidating multiple metal parts into one plastic part.Plastic parts can be just as tough as metal parts and achieve the same tight tolerances, with fewer secondary operations. In general, companies can expect to achieve an overall cost savings of 25% to 50% by converting to plastic parts.A comparison of the specific gravity values of metals to plastics shows how dramatic the difference in weight can be.Design FreedomConverting to plastic parts gives manufacturers more freedom in product design, including greater variety in material selection and being able to create more complex geometries. It is much easier to produce complex shapes out of plastic than metal, due to injection molds allowing for under-cuts, threads, ports, and tight tolerances allowing a net shape to be produced to the finish level specifications.Plastics can be made to flow to produce thin-walled parts with uniform wall dimensions, replacing the more costly thicker-walled design features of most die-cast metal parts, says Ken Glassen, vice president of engineering for Kaysun Corporation, an injection molder in Manitowoc, WI. Multiple metal parts can be replaced by one injection-molded part made of tough engineered plastic, eliminating the need for fasteners and assembly.Plastic parts can actually be stronger than metal parts by using engineering-grade materials with proper structural design. The ability to mold in features for structural strength such as ribs, bosses, and gussets when the part is originally produced (instead of fastening, welding, and gluing afterwards) can increase the total strength of the assembled part as well as reduce additional costs.There are many more options available for materials and additives/fillers when using plastic inst ead of metal, adds Glassen. Converting from metal to plastic gives designers the ability to produce final net shape and dimensions, all in one process.Material SelectionPolymer science has advanced to the point where vendors can compound a variety of plastic materials with specific fillers and reinforcements that provide a tremendous amount of structural integrity.Plastic can be as strong as metal with proper material selection paired with design optimization, and weigh far less.Choosing the right plastic can take some time, depending on the project. One of the greatest advantages of plastics is the availability of more than 25,000 engineered materials for manufacturing applications. New, higher-performance blends and hybrids can also be custom-designed to meet very specific performance requirements.Key considerations for type of plastic areCrystalline vs. amorphous evaluate requirements such as chemical resistance, impact, flow, processing, etc.Additives additives will affect stren gth, stiffness, temperature performance, appearance, package requirements, and cost.Carbon and stainless steel fillersimprove conductive and/or shielding properties.Lubricant fillersimprove wear and friction properties.Mineral fillersimprove electrical performance, weighted feel, sound dampening, and higher specific gravity and improve dimensional stability.Impact modifiersimprove toughness.Making the SwitchThe first step is finding out if the project is suitable for metal-to-plastic conversion. This requires considerable analysis and is not necessarily a quick determination. It is essential to fully understand the end-use application, environmental conditions, material evaluations and analysis, manufacturability, and economic feasibility. The design engineers must be able to accuratelyevaluate the real-world environment that will impact the product, including chemical exposure or contact solutions, temperature ranges, shielding, and forces (including worst-case scenarios). All this information must be analyzed together to make the best material choice.With plastic, youcan prove it out using finite element analysis before ever molding a part and investing in tooling, says Glassen. With analysis of the entire system up front (system loads, temperatures, chemicals, and UV considerations), you can be sure that plastic is the right choice for your application.Mark Crawford is an independent writer. For Further DiscussionWith plastic, you can prove it out using finite element analysis before ever molding a part and investing in tooling.Ken Glassen, Kaysun Corporation

The daily ritual that makes me a calmer, more present dad

The daily ritual that makes me a calmer, more present dadThe daily ritual that makes me a calmer, more present dadWelcome to How I Stay Sane, a weekly column in which real dads talk about the things they do for themselves that help them keep grounded in all the other areas of their lives. Its easy to feelstrung-out as a parent, but the dads we feature all recognize that, unless they regularly take care of themselves, parenting will get a lot harder. The benefits of having that one thing are enormous. Just ask Zack, who is 41 years old and lives in Miami. Hes a busy guy he owns a nightclub and recently published a childrens book,Made for Me, while also raising two kids with his wife. Zack maintains balance via a twice-dailymeditationbung that he says keeps him zen even in moments of extreme parenting chaos.I always knew I wanted to be a dad. But I often overlooked just how challenging it was going to be. I specifically remember my wife being pregnant. I was excited. And then, a couple of nights before the baby was due, I thoughtOh my god, Im going to be a father.I started to go through a whirlwind of emotions. I was always a person that enjoyed my own time. After becoming a dad, I really started to lean on meditation. It helps me get a moment for myself and be the best version of myself that I can be. It helps me be abetter dad, person, friend, colleague - everything.I practicetranscendental meditation. I do it in the morning and try to do it in the evening. I rarely miss a morning session. Its the first thing I do in the after I wake up, before I shower.I would say I do the second session probably 90 percent of the time, but I am guilty of sometimes missing it, because the days get crazy and busy. The rare times that I do, or that my schedule doesnt allow it, I feel it.During my meditation sessions, which are 15 minutes each, I welcome any thoughts that come into my mind, but I really just try to clear it. I just try to provide myself some clarity for the mome nt. People often think that, to meditate, there has to be complete silence or that you have to be in a spa-like environment, but you really can do it anywhere.Its so incredibly helpful. There are times where, especially withtwo kids, chaos exists- obviously - and its very easy to get upset. But babies are babies and kids are kids. They dont know the ways of the world. So I use meditation as a tool to excuse myself for 15 minutes, gather myself, and make sure that Im composed.Without meditation, I couldlose my temper. Youre allowed to lose your cool and if you dont have kids. Theres no one there that youre a role model for. But when you have kids, youre always setting an example. At the end of the day, I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and be proud that I set a good example for them. Meditation helps with that.Early on after becoming a dad, there were days when I would lose my cool and wasnt a good role model. Id go to sleep or look in the mirror at the end of the d ay and it would bother me. So I made sure to learn from those times and really focus on my meditation.Now, when chaos ensues - which, it does, - whether itsin the car in traffic,or if the kids are hyper and screaming and want to have the toy that the other one wants and you have to try to have a full day at work, Im able to handle it better.The little screams? I can handle them, If someone spills something on the new couch or whatever? Meditation helps me remember that its a material thing. Its not the end of the world. I use meditation as a method to escape, come back in 15 minutes, and be the best man and father that I can be.What I love most about meditation is that it allows me to take 30 minutes a day to clear my mind. It helps me be more productive and balanced. It allows me to set myprioritiesand really keep a firm grasp on what it is that I want to accomplish that day, that week, that month, that year.Theres nothing in life where youre needed like parenting. You might feel needed at work. But, youre not really truly needed in the saatkorn way. That child is born and brought into this world and needs you. Meditation helps me be my best self for them.This article was originally posted on Fatherly.com.

Learn How to Ace an Interview for a Temporary Job

Learn How to Ace an bewerbungsgesprch for a Temporary JobLearn How to Ace an vorstellungsgesprch for a Temporary JobInterviews for temporary jobs are just as important as bewerbungsinterviews for permanent positions. Even though youre interviewing to be a temp, its a competitive job market and its important to stand out from the crowd of job seekers seeking temporary employment. What a Temp Agency Interview Is Like When youre interviewing for a temp job through a staffing agency, you will interview with staff from the agency. If youre hired, you may also interview with the company where youll be working, or you might just be sent directly to an assignment without having to interview again. If youve applied directly for employment with a company hiring temp workers, youll interview with a hiring manager at the company. You may also be asked to interview with the department in which youll be working. In either case, its important to make the best impression you can on the interview er. Research the Company Take some time to look up information on the company. Find out what types of temp staffers theyre looking for as well as what kinds of placements they offer. Dress Appropriately in Neat, Clean Attire Dont make the mistake of letting go of your professionalism. Since youre essentially an ambassador for the temp agency at the companies in which theyll place you, the staffing agency needs to believe that youll make a good impression. Wearbusiness casualattire at the minimum- and nix the sneakers, jeans, wrinkled shirts or dirty shoes. Depending on the job, it may be a good idea to go with full business attire. Have Your Resume, a Notepad, and a Working Pen on Hand In some cases, individuals seeking temp work may elend have a resume. Though you should do your best to prepare one, if its not possible, at the very minimum bring a list of your work, volunteer, educational, and extracurricular experience. Know Your Availability If youre a student, kn ow the exact dates that classes start and end, and your class schedule if its during the semester. If you have other engagements, keep a list of them. You dont want to flounder when asked whether or not youre available, as the staffing agency could easily pass you up for someone who is definitely available. Review Sample Job Interview Questions Reviewsample temp job interview questions,and spend some time thinking about your answers. Temp job interview questions can differ from regular interview questions in that they can be highly specific to the role. For example, if youre applying for a data entry job, you may be asked to perform a typing speed test as part of the interview process. How to Ace the Interview Be on time, or a few minutes early (not more than 10 minutes early)Also, dont rush out. Be prepared to spend up to a couple hours with the temp agency as they identify and analyze your skills in order to assign you to an appropriate position.Have a breath mint on the w ay there, but nothing in your mouth when you arriveAnd, finish your coffee, soda or snack before you arriveSmile,introduce yourself and offer a firm handshaketo everyone you meetOnce again, at each company you work for, youre technically a representative of the agency. Put your best foot forward during your staffing agency interview, so they can trust youll do the same wherever they place you. Be honest about your goalsIf you are looking for a temp-to-permanent position, make sure they know that. If youre pursuing an education to further your professional development goalsor one that relates to the type of temp job you want, speak up about it, with the goal of communicating the fact that youd make a dedicated employee.Answer questions honestlyand try to put a positive spin on all your answers.Think of afew questions of your own to askwhen you have the opportunityIts fine to write them down ahead of time on your notepad. Remember peoples names and use them when speakingCommunication skills are important in literally every job you could have, so emphasize them during your interview. After the Interview Check these signs to see how well you did, and think about whether theres anything you need to mention when you send athank you note or email message after the interview. Its good etiquette to thank your interviewer, it gives you an opportunity to mention something you neglected to say during the interview or a point you want to clarify, and it keeps you in their mind when its time to decide on which person to hire.