Polyethylene resin, a major component of several types of plastic that Packnet purchases, has been increasing in cost throughout 2013. In September, prices for the resin jumped 5 cents per pound. They have increased a total 16 cents per pound since the first of the year.Several manufacturers of plastic products...
ShockWatch™ has introduced a new product called “ShockWatch 2”. Packnet is a distributor of ShockWatch™ products, which are monitoring and detection solutions for impact, tilt, temperature, vibration and humidity. These products may be single use or reusable indicators set at various thresh hold levels. ShockWatch 2 indicators help assign accountability...
VpCI stands for Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitors; it comprises a unique family of corrosion protection products made by Cortec. The generic name for VpCI is VCI which stands for Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors. VpCI molecules react with metal in a way that prevents corrosion; it forms a thin barrier on the...
When shipping metal products overseas, one must consider the possibility of product corrosion. Corrosion is a chemical reaction that occurs when a metal surface is exposed to an electrolyte and moisture (and oxygen). Electrolytes are substances that carry free ions such as acids, bases or salts. The higher the level...
Metal products or components will often require finishing steps or added processing. Some of the more common finishing steps include painting, plating, welding, soldering, brazing and mechanical assembly. Most metals in their “pure virgin” state are very receptive to any of the processes mentioned, however given time and environmental stresses...
ISPM 15 is a global standard for packaging wood used for international shipments. The standard requires that wood be either heat treated to 56 degrees C to the core for 30 minutes, fumigated with Methyl Bromide to the schedule in the ISPM15 document or dielectric heated with microwave or radio...
Brass is an ideal alloy for many applications because of its smoothness, hardness, conductivity and beauty. It is not a precious metal such as gold or silver but it does have properties that can come close. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and it is much less susceptible...
The US housing market, which has a significant effect on framing lumber prices, showed a modest increase in August from July. The lumber pricing and housing starts have a very similar 5 month rolling average with both trending slightly downward.Many are hopeful that the housing trend starts its upward surge...