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A short course on plastics technology

A new book promises to explain plastics packaging technology to scientists, engineers, even college graduates who begin new jobs and need a quick tutorial.

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The book, aptly titled Understanding Plastics Packaging Technology, is written by Dr. Susan E.M. Selke, a professor at Michigan State University's School of Packaging. It is published by Hanser Gardner Publications (Cincinnati, OH).

Its scope is ambitious, attempting to cover in 206 pages the entire gamut of plastics packaging. It explains all the major resin types, converting processes, rigid container molding and forming methods, sealing methods and printing processes. It also covers shrink and stretch wrapping, thermoforming, barrier and migration issues, labeling/decorating/pigmenting, foams and cushioning, regulatory issues and environmental considerations.

The $34.95 paperback book is designed to "let the reader 'understand' the topic rather than to overwhelm him/her with a mass of facts and data," writes E.H. Immergut, editor of the plastics-oriented "Understanding" series to which this book belongs. It's supposed to allow readers to "reap immediate benefits when applying this knowledge to their research or work-related problems."

We found both claims to be justified. Although authored by an academic, the writing is lucid and accessible in most cases. Even when the discussion turns technical, such as in detailing chemical formulas, these sections can be skipped without compromising most of the value of the rest of the material. The book is even suitable for marketing people who often specify a particular package or process without fully understanding the economic and manufacturing implications involved.

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