Osborne Company News and Industry Updates

Regarding the manufacturing costs of plastic parts, it is often noted that thermoplastic prices are lower than thermoset plastics. While this may be true to a certain degree, thermoplastics offer limited advantages when compared to their thermoset plastic counterparts. Upfront tooling costs, part strength and performance, and even appearance play an important part in determining which materials to choose, and although cost is a factor, it’s not the only one to take into account when determining which process to utilize. When it comes to material costs, without a doubt there are some key advantages to consider in using one type of plastic over the other. Upfront costs for thermoset materials are generally greater than thermoplastic, and the process takes longer to complete. Thermoplastic has the potential for rapid, high-volume production if needed. However, there are still limits to this advantage, and it’s more than just in the material costs, production time, or the many applications of either thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics. So, let’s look at the factors of thermoplastic and thermoset plastic manufacturing and some of their associated costs. Read more >

Thermoset plastic is a synthetic polymer known for its resilience, strength and durability. It is how thermoset plastics are made and manufactured that make it an ideal material for a variety of applications across many industries. Automotive, aerospace, construction, medical, military, agriculture, and corrosion control are all such industries that utilize parts made with thermoset plastic. Read more >

The usefulness of gel coat vs paint for thermoset plastic parts is relative to the applications, needs, and requirements of the specific part. Gel coating is ideal and cost-effective for products produced via Resin Transfer Molding, because throughput is reduced when compared to a secondary painting process. However, if a part requires multiple colors or has a texture requirement, painting is a better alternative to gel coating. There are pros and cons to each. Here are a few for consideration. Read more >

In the world of material sciences and plastics, the difference between monomer vs polymer is often confused, if not confusing. Because the terms relate to plastic, they are seen in the broader, wider range of malleable synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that are molded into solid objects. Nevertheless, synthetic monomers and polymers played a significant role in the history of plastics, revolutionizing material sciences in the early twentieth century and consequently emerging to play a prominent role in the modern industrial economy. The ability of chemists to engineer synthetic molecules to achieve a desired set of properties such as electrical conductivity, heat resistance, impact resistance, strength, stiffness, and density changed the world. Read more >

Creep resistant plastics are an important consideration in the design and application of any plastic molding. You want to choose a material that has all the best characteristics for your intended application! Read more >

Stop and take a look around you. Whether you are inside, outside, or even in your vehicle, chances are you see something that is made out of plastic. Today, more and more manufacturers are substituting metals for plastics, as the properties of plastic make it a durable, flexible and cost-effective material. So how did we get to this point? Before we get to the history of thermosetting polymers, let’s dive into exactly what thermosets are. Read more >

The applications and uses for thermosetting plastics have grown substantially over the years. The success and benefits of this type of plastic is due in large part to its favorable plastic properties. Thermoset plastics polymers cross-link together when curing to form an irreversible chemical bond. It is one of two organic polymer-based plastic materials, the other being thermoplastic. However, the difference between thermoplastic vs. thermoset plastics lies in their ability to be remelted or reshaped; thermoset plastics permanently form a rigid three-dimensional structural network that immobilizes the molecules. Read more >

June 18, 2018 – Osborne, Kan. – Osborne Industries Inc, a leading manufacturer of thermosetting plastic components for leading OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) around the U.S., is pleased to announce their April 16, 2018, certification under ISO 9001:2015. The company has maintained certification under ISO standards since October 2000. Read more >

Polymers and Plastics are encountered in everyday life and used for a variety of purposes. A large number of everyday household items are comprised of plastics and polymers. If someone asked you on the spot to explain the differences between polymer vs plastic, would you be able to give a cohesive answer? Today we discuss the straight forward differences between the two, provide some everyday use examples of plastics and polymers, and list the pros and cons of each. Read more >