This was a topic that I received many questions about over the years. In general, the lamination strength is measured by a 90° peel test, such as ASTM D3330, and the answer is simple. At some point in the laminated structure, there is a weak layer or interface where the failure occurs. However, the result of a peel test will depend greatly on the structure of the test … [Read more...] about Determining the Cause(s) of Lamination Failures

When selling slitting equipment and when working as a slitting consultant, I traveled the world visiting web slitting customers and attended Web Converting shows. I often was asked how Shear Slitting knife life could be improved. The reasons for the questions always related to reducing slitting defective rolls and lessening production “downtime,” along with the amount of knife … [Read more...] about Three Ways To Extend Shear Top-Knife Life

In the last quarter’s article, we reviewed the four requirements for patentability of an invention, which are 1) utility, 2) patentable subject matter, 3) novelty and 4) non-obviousness. In particular, we reviewed the utility, patentable subject matter and novelty requirements in great detail. However, the fourth and most difficult hurdle to satisfy for getting a patent is the … [Read more...] about Does My Invention Satisfy the Non-Obviousness Requirement For Patentability?

The US Consumer Price Index rose 0.3%, as expected, in June. Excluding food and energy prices, the CPI rose 0.2% (0.23% unrounded), less than the expected 0.3%. While these increases were larger than in May, pushed up year-over-year inflation measures, and still are inconsistent with the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for inflation, they were less than feared by those who expected … [Read more...] about Prices Rising Because of Tariffs; Why Haven’t They Risen More?