In the intricate world of plastic injection moulding, creating a prototype is a pivotal step that bridges the gap between conceptual design and full-scale production. Prototyping serves as a real-world test, offering invaluable insights that can significantly enhance the final product's quality, functionality and manufacturability. In this blog the Amey Plastics team delves into the essence of prototype creation within the plastic injection moulding process, highlighting its importance, methodologies and benefits. Why Is Prototype Creation Vital? Prototype creation is not merely a prelimin ..read more

You may have already noticed that a significant shift has been taking place across the country’s manufacturing landscape. Companies are increasingly moving their manufacturing bases back to the UK. This process, known as reshoring, offers a myriad of benefits ranging from economic to environmental advantages. Here’s why we think your business should consider reshoring its plastic injection moulding operations to the UK: 1. Enhanced Supply Chain Resilience The COVID-19 pandemic and more recently, the Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, have underscored the fragility of global supply chains. Re ..read more

In today's environmentally conscious world, the emphasis on sustainability is more pronounced than ever. For industries reliant on plastics, integrating recycled plastics into the manufacturing process is not just an environmental imperative but also a potential competitive advantage. At Amey Plastics, we understand the importance of making informed choices about the materials we use. In this blog, the Amey Plastic’s team explore the landscape of recycled plastics and provide insights on how to select the best materials for your projects. Understanding Recycled Plastics Recycled plastics come ..read more

Selecting the perfect material for an injection moulding project is akin to picking the right foundation for a building—it's crucial for the success and longevity of your product. With the vast array of plastic materials available, each possessing unique properties, strengths and weaknesses, navigating through the options can be a complex task. This blog from the Amey Plastics team aims to demystify the process, offering a step-by-step guide to help you choose the most suitable material for your injection moulding needs. Understanding Plastic Material Properties The first step in selecting a m ..read more

Plastic Futures: Emerging Trends in the Plastics Industry for 2024 As we move into 2024, the Amey Plastic’s team thought it was the perfect time to consider how the industry might evolve over the next 12 months. As we write this, the plastics industry stands at a crucial juncture, balancing economic viability with environmental sustainability. The industry has long been a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, yet it faces increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns. This blog explores the anticipated trends that are shaping the future of plastics, offering a glimpse into what 2024 might h ..read more

‘Real’ vs. Plastic Christmas Trees: Understanding the Environmental Impact As the festive season arrives, many of us face that annual dilemma: should we choose a ‘real’ or a plastic Christmas tree? While traditions vary, the environmental impact of this choice is a growing concern for many. In this blog, we thought we’d delve into the question: How long do you need to keep a plastic Christmas tree to make it more environmentally friendly than buying a ‘real’ one each year? Can it be more environmentally friendly to go for a plastic Christmas tree? Read on to find out… The Life Cycle of ‘Real ..read more

Exploring the Exotics: PEEK, PES, and PAI As our exploration of plastics continues, we delve into the world of high-performance polymers, often referred to as the 'Exotics'. This group includes remarkable materials like PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), PES (Polyether Sulphone), and PAI (Polyamide-Imide). These polymers are known for their exceptional properties and are used in some of the most demanding industrial applications. PEEK: The High-Performance Powerhouse PEEK is renowned for its excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties, even at high temperatures. It's widely used in aer ..read more

Polyethylene: The Ubiquitous Polymer Continuing our voyage through the world of plastics, we now explore Polyethylene (PE). Recognised as the most commonly used plastic worldwide, Polyethylene's omnipresence spans from grocery bags to intricate medical devices. Historical Background: The story of Polyethylene began in 1933 when it was serendipitously discovered by chemists at Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in the UK. Initially perceived as a waxy, white material, its potential soon became evident, leading to vast commercial production by the end of the 1930s. Properties: Variability: Pol ..read more

PVC: The Dual Character of Flexibility and Rigidity Diving deeper into the realm of plastics, our spotlight now focuses on Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC. Synonymous with construction materials, medical applications, and even fashion, PVC's chameleonic nature is evident in its two primary forms: flexible and rigid. Historical Background: While PVC's first synthesis dates back to the 19th century by German chemist Eugen Baumann, its true potential and commercial value began to unfold in the early 20th century. By the 1920s, industry giants such as B.F. Goodrich championed its commercial production ..read more

Polycarbonate: The Versatile Virtuoso As we journey further into the diverse world of plastics, we encounter Polycarbonate, a high-performance material renowned for its range of colours, unmatched clarity and strength. From colourful eyewear frames to crystal-clear protective screens, Polycarbonate's adaptability is evident in its myriad applications. Historical Background: The quest for Polycarbonate began in the mid-20th century. Dr. Hermann Schnell from Bayer in Germany and Dr. Daniel Fox from General Electric in the USA independently discovered it around the same time in the 1950s. Recogni ..read more