For those interested in seeing Europe without the constant, hectic bustle of tourism, relaxing cruises on the Rhine River have proven to be a hit. In addition to a never-ending opportunity to learn to speak German, here is a list of several fun activities to partake in during a Rhine River cruise: Allstate: This town includes a medieval castle, a parish church dating to 1794, a historical museum, and numerous delicious restaurants. Glattfelden: Situated on the River Glatt just above its junction with the Rhine, this town is the hometown of Swiss writer Gottfried Keller and is frequently referred to in his novel “Der grüne Heinrich.” Over an old stone bridge is the nearby old town of Eglisau. Rheinfelden: A little town of 7,000 inhabitants situated on the left bank of the river, Rheinfelden is home to a popular salt-water spa, ancient walls and towers, the Fricktaler Museum, and St. Martin’s Church, which dates back to the 15th century. German Beer: Germans produce the best beer in th...
Nearly all forms of plastic are made from natural gas, oil, and some types of vegetation. Plastics have been demonized as a symbol of all that is wrong with society, but nearly everyone still uses them. Even the most vocal opponents express their disapproval using a plastic computer keyboard. The manufacturing method that makes these finished products possible is called thermoforming.
The environmental impact of hydrocarbon use is difficult to ignore. Surprisingly, production of plastics uses less than 3% of all the oil and gas burned each year in the United States by vehicles. That is still a huge number, but illustrates how halting all production of plastic would do very little to end reliance on oil as a primary fuel, and would force consumer prices upward.
The material used in this process begins as a continuous sheet of acrylic, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other similar polymer. That thin layer is carefully heated to the point that it becomes pliable, but not liquid. Using one of three methods, it is then applied to a specifically designed mold, allowed to cool, and trimmed. The result is a smooth, finished piece or component.
During production, radiant electric devices five inches from the sheet produce heat. The amount of time plastic takes to become malleable is determined by the variety of polymer, and there are three methods that are most commonly used during molding. Vacuum forming uses principles similar to an everyday vacuum cleaner, sucking the warm plastic into a mold with carefully measured force.
Vacuum processes are limited to a relatively low maximum force, but pressure forming can achieve consistently stronger levels, and is more versatile. Before heating, the sheets are pre-stretched to eliminate thin spots over uneven surfaces. Once inserted into a mold under pressure, the air trapped inside is released, and any remaining excess can be trimmed away.
Mechanical forming uses both positive and negative molds. When plastic sheeting is placed between the two, pressure is applied, and the material assumes the shape and texture of the space between pieces. This gives manufactures better control over detailing, but is somewhat more expensive. No matter which process is being used, only thermoplastics can be reheated successfully.
Thicker sheets are used to make different vehicle components, are molded into health care accessories, and even make an appearance in the bathroom. Thinner gauge plastic sheeting is used to package cosmetics, small individual products like screws, and fresh and processed foods. While not yet biodegradable, recycling and disposal methods have been greatly improved.
The environmental impact of hydrocarbon use is difficult to ignore. Surprisingly, production of plastics uses less than 3% of all the oil and gas burned each year in the United States by vehicles. That is still a huge number, but illustrates how halting all production of plastic would do very little to end reliance on oil as a primary fuel, and would force consumer prices upward.
The material used in this process begins as a continuous sheet of acrylic, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other similar polymer. That thin layer is carefully heated to the point that it becomes pliable, but not liquid. Using one of three methods, it is then applied to a specifically designed mold, allowed to cool, and trimmed. The result is a smooth, finished piece or component.
During production, radiant electric devices five inches from the sheet produce heat. The amount of time plastic takes to become malleable is determined by the variety of polymer, and there are three methods that are most commonly used during molding. Vacuum forming uses principles similar to an everyday vacuum cleaner, sucking the warm plastic into a mold with carefully measured force.
Vacuum processes are limited to a relatively low maximum force, but pressure forming can achieve consistently stronger levels, and is more versatile. Before heating, the sheets are pre-stretched to eliminate thin spots over uneven surfaces. Once inserted into a mold under pressure, the air trapped inside is released, and any remaining excess can be trimmed away.
Mechanical forming uses both positive and negative molds. When plastic sheeting is placed between the two, pressure is applied, and the material assumes the shape and texture of the space between pieces. This gives manufactures better control over detailing, but is somewhat more expensive. No matter which process is being used, only thermoplastics can be reheated successfully.
Thicker sheets are used to make different vehicle components, are molded into health care accessories, and even make an appearance in the bathroom. Thinner gauge plastic sheeting is used to package cosmetics, small individual products like screws, and fresh and processed foods. While not yet biodegradable, recycling and disposal methods have been greatly improved.
About the Author:
Genevive B. Mata has over 20 years of professional sales experience, 10 of them directly in the plastic pallets and materials handling industry. On her spare time she works on applied-sustainability projects. If you are interested in plastic pallets price, she suggests you check out her friends PTM.