The QSO® Quick Shut-off Valve from Glycon Corporation

A better quick shut-off non-return valve for the Plastics Industry.

QSO Valve by Glycon
Injection molding applications require two important criteria from a non-return valve:

  1. Rapid material shut off for part weight consistency
  2. A smooth, high-flow profile to prevent material degradation. 

The Glycon QSO® valve is the only valve that provides you both. The result is higher quality parts, fewer rejects, improved yield, and a better return on every pound of material you run.

Compared to traditional ball and ring check valves, only the QSO® Quick Shut-off Valve delivers both high flow and raid shut-off. Plastics molders prefer the QSO® because:

  • The QSO® ends short shots!
  • The QSO® reduces scrap rates
  • The QSO® optimize part weight consistency
  • The QSO® prevents material degradation
  • The QSO®is perfect for filled materials
  • The QSO® eliminates need for decompression or “suck back”
  • The QSO® maintains smooth material flow path
  • The QSO®is designed for long lasting and durable
QSO Valve by Glycon


Which Melt Pressure Sensor Is Good for My Application?

Melt Pressure Sensor Selection

So how do I choose the right melt pressure sensor for my application? 

A sensor is defined through the following specifications:

  • Pressure Range
  • Process connection
  • Electrical output and connection
  • Capillary configuration (rigid/flexible)
Melt Pressure Sensor

There are more variables come into play, but let's focus on these four since they are the most critical.

Melt Pressure Sensor Pressure Range


The pressure inside a plastics processing machine can usually be estimated well enough to determine a sensor's good pressure range. The typical working pressure should be within 20%-80% of the sensor's pressure range to balance accuracy and lifetime.

Melt Pressure Sensor Process Connection


For threaded connections in plastics processing, a standard has developed over time, which is the ½"-20UNF thread with a conical sealing face. There might be situations where different thread sizes or a flange connection is required. There are numerous options available from manufacturers, such as Dynisco, to satisfy customer needs regarding the process connection.

Melt Pressure Sensor Electrical Output


Melt Pressure Sensor Electrical Output

A pressure sensor is an electro-mechanical device that converts a mechanical effect (pressure deflects a thin piece of metal) into an electrical signal through a strain gauge. The strain gauge changes its resistance by following the deflection of the metal piece. In the simplest case, the strain gauge signal can be used directly to feed a read-out device to display the pressure.  In order to accommodate industry-standard equipment, such as process control equipment, manufacturers like Dynisco supplies sensors with different amplified output options such as 4-20mA or 0-10V.

Melt Pressure Sensor Capillary Configuration

Melt Pressure Sensor Capillary

A typical pressure sensor has a liquid-filled capillary that connects the process-connection diaphragm (which is deflected by the process pressure) and the measuring diaphragm (where the strain gauge is bonded). This capillary is necessary to create a heat barrier, as the strain gauge cannot withstand the typical process temperatures at plastics processing. Also, the sensor's electronics need to be kept away from heat sources as well as possible. To find a suitable mounting location for the electronics, countless combinations of the rigid stem and flexible connection lengths are available.

Other Considerations in choosing a Melt Pressure Sensor:

  • Diaphragm materials
  • Diaphragm coatings
  • Approvals and certifications

For assistance in selecting or applying any plastics molding equipment, contact AP Corp. by calling (508) 351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.

Web Tension Control in Paper Production

BLH Nobel web tension systems comprise off-the-shelf standard modules and electronics, as well as customized systems. BLH Nobel designs force measurement modules according to the customers’ mechanical requirements and forces, ranging in size from just a few Newtons to mega-Newtons. The combination of digital signal amplifiers and stable force transducers means that BLH Nobel systems can handle anything from applications with a low tare and large forces, to those with a large tare and small forces.

For more information about BLH Nobel products in New England, contact AP Corp. Call them at (508) 351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.

EASYHEAT Induction Heaters from Ambrell Corporation

Easyheat Induction Heaters
EASYHEAT advanced induction heating systems by Ambrell Corporation provide a flameless, non-contact, reliable, compact solution for heating your parts with a quick, clean source of heat. Available in models from 500 Watt to 10 kW, all are ideal for repeatable, energy-focused heating of your parts.

Flameless, non-contact induction heating minimizes energy waste by focusing energy only on the part and zone to be heated. Select and monitor power levels from the front panel LCD and sealed touch pad. Remote power control is available for employing contact inputs, analog inputs or optional serial data port. Easily control the length of the heating cycle with a built-in programmable digital timer.

Download the Ambrell EASYHEAT® 500 Watt to 10 kW Induction Heater Catalog here.

For more information about Ambrell products in New England, contact AP Corp. Call them at 508-351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.

Happy Labor Day from AP Corp!

Happy Labor Day

 Honoring all the hard working people that make the US economy run each and every day. 

Thank you.

Melt Processing of Thermoplastics for Extrusion and Injection Molding

Melt Processing
Extrusion and injection molding are the most important conversion techniques used by the thermoplastics processing industry. Certain factors need to be considered before a thermoplastics material is processed, regardless of whether it is injection molding or extrusion molding that is used. Dynisco, a global leader in the measurement of measurement of polymer rheology, pressure, and temperature, provides and excellent technical bulletin on the critical factors you need to understand.

Melt Processing of Thermoplastics for Extrusion and Injection Molding Table of Contents:

  • Introduction
  • Hygroscopic Behavior
  • Granule Characteristics
  • Thermal Properties and Heat Input Thermal Stability
  • Flow Properties
  • Thermal Properties and Cooling Crystallization and Shrinkage Molecular Orientation


For more information about Dynisco products in Upstate New York or New England, or about any plastics molding or extruding application, contact AP Corp. Call them at (508) 351-6200 or visit their website at https://a-pcorp.com.

New Bench Top Series of Shaker Systems from Sentek Dynamics

Bench Top Series of Shaker Systems

The BT Series shakers from Sentek Dynamics are designed for demanding vibration test applications. Typical applications included structural analysis, calibration and testing of smaller assemblies. The BT-100 through BT-400 shakers utilize light weight rare earth magnets in lieu of traditional Alnico magnets. The use of these magnets decreases the total shaker mass to a third of similar size system, making these shakers easy to handle and portable. 

The systems range in size from 100 N (70 lbf) to 1000 N (224 lbf). Systems 400 N (99 lbf) and smaller are permanent magnet shakers and use lightweight rare earth magnets, making these systems easy to handle and portable. There are three versions of the BT Series of shakers: the BT, BT-M and BT-MTH.  

The BT Series is recommended for vibration testing of small assemblies and components. These shakers have armature diameters from 60 mm (2.36 in.) to 120 mm (4.72 in.). The BT-1000 is equipped as standard with Automatic Armature Centering (AAC) and Air-Isolation Feet (AIF).  

The BT-M and BT-MTH Series are our modal shakers lines. BT-M will use standard stingers while the BT-MTH is our through-hole version. On the 100 N and 200 N system the BT-MTH offers over double the displacement. The BT-MTH Series allow you to use piano-wire stingers. The BT-1000-M is ideal for the structural and modal analysis of high-mass structures. The addition of ZPR (electronic zero-point regulation and adjustable suspension stiffness) allows the user to pre-load the structure prior to applying a dynamic load.

The new Sentek Dynamics Bench Top and modal exciters are based upon years of practical experience. These systems all exhibit a high lateral stiffness and high force-to-weight ratio. They are specifically designed to help ensure the best possible performance with minimum setup time. 

Contact AP Corp. regarding any Sentek Dynamics product in New England and Upstate New York. Call us at (508) 351-6200 or visit our website at https://a-pcorp.com.