“Founded in 1989, Plastics News covers the business of the global plastics industry. It focuses on commercial, financial, legislative, and market-related developments worldwide that affect North American plastic product manufacturers and their suppliers and customers.” – Excerpt from ‘About Us’ page on plasticsnews.com

In June 2020, Team 1 Plastics, a plastic injection molding company for the transportation industry, received an email from Plastics News’ then-Vice President, Brennan Lafferty: describing a new expansion to their website.  Lafferty explained that this site expansion, titled “Shop Floor,” would include resources for operators and “some basic info and some ‘how to’ sections for those new to the industry or for those who might need a refresher on certain aspects of the shop floor.”  It was explained that most of the material for “Shop Floor” would be communicated in text format but wanted to enhance the information with some videos.  Lafferty was eager to request Team 1 be featured in some of those videos.  Team 1 agreed to allow the Plastics News film crews to visit their plant in Albion, Michigan and film some basic operations; eventually capturing the videos seen below.  It was in August 2020 that “Shop Floor” was finally launched on the Plastics News website, featuring Team 1 Plastics videos titled “Injection Molding,” “Purging,” and “Robots.”

“Shop Floor: Injection Molding”

Describes the process of injection molding on a Sodick hybrid injection molding machine.
Narrated by Team 1 Plastics Process Engineer Chris Seidel.

“Shop Floor: Purging”

Explains the importance and process of purging material from a molding machine, when switching to a new part.
Narrated by Team 1 Plastics Process Engineer Chris Seidel.

“Shop Floor: Robots”

Describes the packaging abilities of a Yushin rectilinear robot, with an Epson scara robot, in the molding process.
Narrated by Team 1 Plastics Process Engineer Chris Seidel.