title: Rotational molding cycle time reduction using a combination of physical techniques

authors: Abdullah, M.Z.

subjects: rotational molding

abstract: Rotational molding is a process used to manufacture hollow plastic products, and has been heralded as a molding method with great potential. Reduction of cycle times is an important issue for the rotational molding industry, addressing a significant disadvantage of the process. Previous attempts to reduce cycle times have addressed surface enhanced molds, internal pressure, internal cooling, water spray cooling, and higher oven air flow rates within the existing process. This article explores the potential benefits of these cycle time reduction techniques, and combinations of them. Recommendations on a best practice combination are made, based on experimental observations and resulting product quality. Applying the proposed molding conditions (i.e., a combination of surface-enhanced molds, higher oven flow rates, internal mold pressure, and water spray cooling), cycle time reductions of up to 70% were achieved. Such savings are very significant, inviting the rotomolding community to incorporate these techniques efficiently in an industrial setting.

text: Rotational molding cycle time reduction using a combination of physical techniques Rotational molding is a process used to manufacture hollow plastic products, and has been heralded as a molding method with great potential. Reduction of cycle times is an important issue for the rotational molding industry, addressing a significant disadvantage of the process. Previous attempts to reduce cycle times have addressed surface enhanced molds, internal pressure, internal cooling, water spray cooling, and higher oven air flow rates within the existing process. This article explores the potential benefits of these cycle time reduction techniques, and combinations of them. Recommendations on a best practice combination are made, based on experimental observations and resulting product quality. Applying the proposed molding conditions (i.e., a combination of surface-enhanced molds, higher oven flow rates, internal mold pressure, and water spray cooling), cycle time reductions of up to 70% were achieved. Such savings are very significant, inviting the rotomolding community to incorporate these techniques efficiently in an industrial setting.

year: 2009

title: From lines to circles: reshaping waste policy

authors: Blumhardt, Hannah

subjects: Zero waste

abstract: The impacts of waste transcend landfills and litter; emissions and pollution occur at every stage of the linear ‘take–make–waste’ economy. Zero waste and circular economy theories offer systemic perspectives and practical solutions. The New Zealand government has committed to a circular economy vision for Aotearoa. Given New Zealand’s ‘rubbish record on waste’, the social and economic transformation required will take extraordinary collaboration and a common direction of travel. This article diagnoses the extent of global waste problems, the circular pathways forward, and New Zealand’s early steps along them. With the government re-oriented to act, we urge an ambitious, joined-up approach that avoids locking in inadequate responses to existential threats.

text: From lines to circles: reshaping waste policy The impacts of waste transcend landfills and litter; emissions and pollution occur at every stage of the linear ‘take–make–waste’ economy. Zero waste and circular economy theories offer systemic perspectives and practical solutions. The New Zealand government has committed to a circular economy vision for Aotearoa. Given New Zealand’s ‘rubbish record on waste’, the social and economic transformation required will take extraordinary collaboration and a common direction of travel. This article diagnoses the extent of global waste problems, the circular pathways forward, and New Zealand’s early steps along them. With the government re-oriented to act, we urge an ambitious, joined-up approach that avoids locking in inadequate responses to existential threats.

year: 2022-05-20

title: Feminist geographies in Aotearoa New Zealand: cultural, social and political moments

authors: Adams-Hutcheson, Gail

subjects: Social Sciences

abstract: Aotearoa New Zealand is a nation of promise, potential and enigma: it was the first country in the world where women gained the vote in 1893 and now boasts the youngest woman world leader in 2017. It is also a postcolonial nation where structural racism, homophobia, and sexism persist, yet it has also given legal personhood to a river. Our Country Report foregrounds Aotearoa New Zealand feminist geographic scholarship that responds to, reflects, and sometimes resists such contrasts and contradictions at the national scale. We employ the lens of the 2017 national election to critically engage with current gendered and indigenous politics in the country. Analyzing these politics through three ‘feminist moments,’ our paper highlights the breadth and scope of current Aotearoa New Zealand feminist geographic scholarship and directions.

text: Feminist geographies in Aotearoa New Zealand: cultural, social and political moments Aotearoa New Zealand is a nation of promise, potential and enigma: it was the first country in the world where women gained the vote in 1893 and now boasts the youngest woman world leader in 2017. It is also a postcolonial nation where structural racism, homophobia, and sexism persist, yet it has also given legal personhood to a river. Our Country Report foregrounds Aotearoa New Zealand feminist geographic scholarship that responds to, reflects, and sometimes resists such contrasts and contradictions at the national scale. We employ the lens of the 2017 national election to critically engage with current gendered and indigenous politics in the country. Analyzing these politics through three ‘feminist moments,’ our paper highlights the breadth and scope of current Aotearoa New Zealand feminist geographic scholarship and directions.

year: 2019