When...
A lot of people are asking questions beginning with "When" these days. When will the economy start moving forward? When will energy prices stabilize? When will stagnation be replaced by expansion?

The answer is when CEOs and business owners stop asking when things are going to get better and start leading again. We all need to expand markets, develop new products, generate excitement about existing product lines and take risks instead of waiting for someone else to take the lead and reap the benefits.

This issue features our Seventh Annual Nylon & Acetal Shapes Special Advertising Section. The Special Section features new materials, expanded capabilities and an overview of the shapes offered by a dozen manufacturers and suppliers. The opening article, "Dimensional Stability Issues In Nylons And Acetals," by Michael Worthington, Chief Engineer for Cast Nylons, Ltd., covers material- and machining-induced stress, thermal expansion and moisture absorption. In it, he provides five points to remember that will increase your success when working with these popular materials.

"CNC Mills,"  highlights seven manufacturers with machinery well-suited for working with plastics.  All are designed to increase productivity and profitability. A complete contact directory can be found by clicking here.

In our routing series, Van Niser addresses "Router Bits For CNC Mills." He covers how to select tooling and the machining process for plastics.

If you have a forklift in your facility, you should read Safety Solutions by John Podojil. Most forklift accidents result from operator error, or a term Jack prefers, a program management failure. Jack offers several suggestions on how to reduce accidents in your facility.

In Plastic Perspectives, Mel Ettenson discusses energy costs, oil and innovative thinking. All critical issues to our industry's future.

Coming in July/August 2003, our Sixth Annual Buyer's Guide featuring the products and services offered by all our advertisers from the past year. Traditionally our biggest issue of the year, it will also include a preview of some of the products that will be featured at the AWFS® Fair July 31 - August 3 in Anaheim, CA.

Don't miss an issue. If you are moving, forward your new address to us by completely filling-in the eReader Service Form. You can also use it to add qualified individuals at your company to our mailing list free of charge.

Enjoy the issue.

David Whelan
Editor / Publisher