That Plastics Guy

In this episode, Kurt revisits his first Tech Tip Friday from May 2024.   Two considerations for draft angle are discussed - part depth and texture. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahl...

Today's TTF is a quick overview of the article "Standard Solution" in the February 2025 issue of Canadian Plastics.  The CSA Group has created standard R117:24 to assist in defining what recycled plastics really are. Credit to CP editor Mark Stephen and his guest Michael Leering of CSA Group. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on...

Join Kurt as he interviews Chloe Linsmeier (Marketing Manager) and Brent Berquist (Senior VP of Sales and Marketing) of Advanced Blending Solutions in Wallace, MI. ABS is a specialist engineering and fabrication company that builds conveyance and blending equipment.  "From the silo to the extruder".  We discuss the company's history, product offerings, gravimetric vs volumetric mete...

This short PSA is simply about looking after yourself and making sure you take time to rest and recharge. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In this episode, I offer my take on tariffs.  Their function, why a country would want to impose them, a brief history of tariff agreements and free trade agreements.  Most importantly, what's behind the current US administration's desire to implement punitive tariffs against their two biggest trading partners. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics...

In today's episode, Kurt discusses what material density is, and why it should matter to you and your molding operation.  Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In today's episode, Kurt discusses the implementation and use of check lists to support shop floor operations such as mold changes and PMs of tools or equipment.  The inspiration came from a book summary on the app Headway. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our n...

In this "Encore Presentation", Kurt interviews Dharmendra Khanolkar of ExCista Corporation and they discuss the Silaplast molding additive. Silaplast is more than just a mold release agent.  Use it to left med void and sinks in parts, too.  Dharmendra (or "DK") discusses the product range and the many applications for the Silaplast product. Contact Simcoe Plastics (info@simcoep...

In today's TTF, Kurt starts to revisit previously recorded segments that discussed various physical property characteristics of polymers that you would find on the typical datasheet.  Better studio and A/V equipment this time around! Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscrib...

In this episode, Kurt discusses UV inhibitor packages and what they protect and how to specify them. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

Join Kurt as he talks polystyrene recycling with Justin Riney, the Sustainability Commercial Manager for the Americas, for INEOS Styrolution America, LLC. We talk about success in the US with major retailers and municipal recycling projects alike that cover not only polystyrene, but foamed polystyrene for packaging.  The recycling process is very straight forward and very effective! For those who...

On today's episode, Kurt discusses the factors that can effect gloss level on your parts. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In this video, I discuss a mold clamp sensor system, offered by Bill Hartwick of Filter Specialties that can measure the clamp force of your machine and help to pinpoint a possible failure in the tie bars. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoe...

In this episode, Kurt discusses the many factors that will impact our economy for 2025.  This includes the incoming Trump administration and the possible threat of tariffs, interest rate predictions, Canadian dollar predictions, and the outcome of the Global Plastics Treaty.  This podcast was recorded prior to the announcement of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigning today, January 6th, 2025. Fi...

Welcome to 2025! Hope you had a great break and took some time to rest and recharge.  Now, let's get that machinery roaring back to life and earning its keep! Today's tech tip talks about staggering the start up of your equipment to avoid hydro spikes. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Lin...

Today's show talks about a topic that is crucial to the success of industry in Ontario and across Canada...the skilled trades. Overlooked for decades, our province needs youth to consider the trades as a viable and fulfilling career opportunity. We have an in depth discussion with Darryl Gratrix of Moulded Precision Components, who has adopted the promotion of the skilled trades as his passio...

Getting ready for the holiday shutdown?  Use an appropriate purge compound to clean your screw and barrel before powering down.  Make sure the purge you use is suitable for staying in the barrel for a prolonged period of time. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our new...

In this episode, Kurt discusses the unique characteristics of impact modified nylon. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

On today's episode, Kurt interviews the renowned author of “The Plastics Paradox”, keynote speaker, and advocate for the truth about plastics, Doctor Chris DeArmitt. We discuss how Chris became involved in researching the real effects of plastics in the environment and the new hot topic of microplastics.  The truth is fascinating! Chris has started a non-for-profit called "The Plastics R...

In this episode, Kurt discusses the basics of white commodity masterbatches and what impacts pricing and quality.  Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In today's #TTF, Kurt discusses what mineral fillers do, and when a mineral filled masterbatch would be used. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In this episode, Kurt gives a high level overview of antimicrobial use in plastics.  Specifically talking about the various types of antimicrobials, how they work, applications, and pros and cons of their use. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.si...

In this episode, Kurt discusses the importance of a planned maintenance schedule for your equipment and tools. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In this episode, Kurt discusses what makes a "film grade" masterbatch different and special...and more costly. Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram. Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube. Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.com All links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

Join Kurt as he celebrates the 50th episode of "That Plastics Guy" by revisiting its creation (both the concept and the supporting technology), revisiting the guests that we have been on the show, and what will come in future episodes. Kurt then offers his thoughts on what a Trump administration may mean to Canadian manufacturing and trade.   Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Ins...