Flash-Removal Sharpened By New Knife Design.

American Mine Door Co. in Willoughby, Ohio, has developed a new trim knife for blow molders that is said to increase operational efficiency and operator safety during flash removal. Dan Zenisek, AMD's president, says large-part blow molders traditionally have used pointed aluminum-and-wood trimmers, creating risks of puncture wounds to operators and of inadvertent introduction of non-ferrous materials into regrind streams that use magnets to catch tramp metal. The new knife uses steel that is easily picked up by magnetic detectors, as well as polypropylene plastic that is more compatible with many regrind streams than is wood.

One feature of the knife is a laser-cut V-notch just behind the steel blade's point. This reportedly retains cutting and puncture efficiency, yet also reduces risk of puncture of protective clothing worn by operators. Further, the injection molded PP knife handle affords high grip strength.