Press Release - 4.26.99

TEC AIR, INC. USES SCIENTIFIC MOLDING TECNOLOGY TO MAKE BETTER FANS & BLOWER WHEELS

"Scientific Molding is a technology that has given us a real advantage in molding plastic air movement components and systems" said Archie Eschborn, National Sales Manger for TEC AIR Inc. a Chicago based injection molder of plastic fans and blower wheels for the Automotive, HVAC and Appliance industries. "Scientific Molding allows us to produce fans and blower wheels with lower unbalance and lower run-out than previously possible while, at the same time, improving the structural integrity of these dynamically rotating plastic parts" said Mr. Eschborn.

"Currently, this new processing technology is being used by less than 10% of the injection molders nationally and I believe TEC AIR is the only molder in our field to employ this molding technology." Mr. Eschborn said.

Robert J. McMurtry -Vice President of Tec Air added , "Scientific Molding in concept is rather simple to grasp, but to put into practice requires a high degree of molding expertise and a working knowledge of material properties. The degree of sophistication of the molder is paramount to the success that can be achieved utilizing this method."

For example, "Scientific Molding" is a process by which we characterize the relative viscosity of a specific material for a specific mold in a specific molding machine. This process is critical to ensuring the highest quality dynamically rotating part. The key to Scientific Molding for us is the ability to ensure uniform density of plastic in each and every part. Uniform density translates into low levels of unbalance and the best structural part possible. Since we began Scientific Molding we have seen dramatic improvements in the dynamic and static specifications on our fans and blower wheels.

Scientific Molding has given us a definite advantage. What we are really talking about is an injection molding philosophy, that is to say, "Scientific Molding" is a disciplined, systematic approach to molding based on a fundamental understanding of what happens to plastic during the injection molding process. Scientific Molding is a machine independent process focusing on the key parameters of temperature, pressure and injection velocity coupled with the melt rheology of the plastic. "This process allows us to provide great product improvements without additional costs to our customers for holding tighter specifications" according to Mr. McMurtry.

Archie Eschborn added, "In fact, this technology is so new, we have developed a computer presentation on "Scientific Molding" to give to our customers. Our first presentation was for the "Technical Club" at Chrysler Engineering Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mi. They were so impressed that they asked us to share some of our information with their other plastic suppliers!

Eventually, other molders may learn to use "Scientific Molding" technology. By that time, however, TEC AIR will have already "looked around the corner" and implemented the next technological advancements into our process for fans and blowers." It is our commitment to be the technological leader in products and processes in the plastic air movement market" concluded McMurtry.