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articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
As societies progress, people have become busier than ever. Employers, customers, friends, and family demand more, leaving less time to do chores, prepare meals, and preserve perishable items. That is why appliances have become so important.
From keeping food fresh to washing dishes with little labor, appliances reduce the time and effort spent on household tasks. This enables people to…
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| Sep 15, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Although you may not see nor directly handle plastic gaskets and seals, these components are critical to the functionality and longevity of many devices you use every day. They eliminate leakage pathways between items, making everything from temperature control to equipment operation possible.
At Preferred Plastics, we specialize in the manufacture of standard and custom plastic…
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| Sep 01, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Accidentally discovered almost two centuries ago when a flask was exposed to sunlight, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has revolutionized the way people live, work, and play. Versatile and economical, it has become one of the world’s most widely used thermoplastic polymer.
PVC has improved or made possible an enormous range of consumer and industrial products,…
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| May 08, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Strong, lightweight, and moldable, plastics improve the performance, convenience, and safety of thousands of products we use every day. Plastics that make up carpets, window trim, and exterior siding keep us comfortable, whereas components in portable electronic devices let us access the Internet or communicate with family and friends on the go. Plastics in sports helmets and bullet-proof vests…
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| Apr 21, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Plastics are a vital asset that often provides functionality other materials can’t easily or economically replace. While synthetic plastics are usually cheaper, lighter, safer, and stronger, they don’t mix well with nature.
Biodegradable plastics are a way to keep the enormous advantages of conventional plastics while mitigating their disadvantages. As a leading turnkey plastic…
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| Mar 23, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
From space devices to bulletproof vests and prosthetic limbs, plastics are a vital component of technological advancement and manufacturing innovation. Crucial to any cutting-edge product is the performance of the materials from which it’s made. The co-extrusion process is an emerging way to manufacture plastics for demanding applications.
Producing better-performing and longer-lasting…
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| Feb 26, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Whether or not you wield a hammer or operate heavy equipment, the construction industry has a profound impact on just about everything you do. Modern society is built, from roads and bridges to houses and offices.
Arguably, no material has a more significant impact on the construction industry than plastic. Adaptable and customizable, plastics help make the infrastructure we use every day…
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| Feb 20, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Versatile plastics inspire innovation and help make life better, healthier, and safer. From containers and packaging to appliance components and construction materials, plastics play a pivotal role in just about everything around us.
The average American goes through more than 250 pounds of plastic waste annually, and much of that comes from packaging. Reuse of plastics is critical for environmental…
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| Jan 29, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Whether on the manufacturing floor or a retail store shelf, the color of a plastic product is critical. It’s the first thing a prospective customer sees, and the right choice sets you apart.
Improve the viability of your plastic parts with precision color-matching services from Preferred Plastics. As a top custom…
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| Jan 14, 2020
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Plastics are vital to just about all aspects of society, from consumer products and transportation to heavy manufacturing and infrastructure. Two of the most widely used thermoplastics are Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, or ABS, and Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC.
While ABS and…
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| Dec 23, 2019
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Plastics play a pivotal role in making daily tasks better, healthier, and safer. They are used to make bicycle helmets, child safety seats, and automobile airbags. These materials are also found in cell phones, televisions, computers, and other electronic equipment. Additionally, plastics are a part of the roofs, walls, floors, and insulation that improve building efficiency, and the packaging that…
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| Dec 11, 2019
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
The automobile is arguably one of the most significant inventions of the last century. Cars and trucks not only improve personal transportation, but they enable businesses to transport goods and services economically and effectively.
Drivers have begun to expect a lot from their vehicles, such as getting more miles per gallon or better reliability. Improved automotive performance demands…
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| Sep 17, 2019
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
When your application requires continuous transport of free-flowing materials, nonconformities like rollbacks, spillages, and blockages can hinder production throughput. Belt cleats, however, give your conveyor system the extra grip needed to move product from one activity to the next.
Belt cleats are used to convey material during inclines or declines, and to prevent product rollback. Also,…
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| Sep 03, 2019
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Mass production of plastics has increased so rapidly that more than 8.3 billion metric tons have been created in the last six decades. Much of it comes in the form of hard-to-recycle products that accumulate in landfills, are incinerated, or discarded in natural environments.
Light yet durable, plastic is great – until it’s no longer needed. Because plastics contain numerous additives…
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| Aug 20, 2019
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: extrusion tolerances, plastic, plastic extrusions, tolerances
What is a tolerance? Simply speaking, it is the amount or measure of room given from the dimensional ideal. Often, the dimensions of a product will fluctuate, which allows for tolerances to be determined at +/- measurements. Tolerances are essential in manufacturing processes…
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| Oct 18, 2018
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Check the shelves of your local mega-store and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a product that doesn’t have a plastic component. Since the introduction of Bakelite in 1907, plastics have become essential materials for manufacturers of all product types. Synthetic plastics are found in home exteriors, car interiors, clothing, product packaging, toys, tools, medical components and electronics. Lightweight,…
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| Feb 13, 2018
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
The most desirable properties of plastics—their durability and resistance to environmental degradation—are also their biggest drawbacks. Environmentalists have long worried that plastic waste is taking over the planet, clogging landfills and polluting the ocean. Now, worldwide attention to environmental health and sustainability has given rise to a new group of plastics and improved efforts…
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| Jan 30, 2018
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
Though humans have used natural polymers like horn, rubber and cellulose for centuries, the modern history of plastics began in 1907 with the patenting of Bakelite, a petroleum-based synthetic. During the next three decades, foundational modern plastics emerged as versatile, pale-colored materials produced from petrochemical processes.
With the advent of World War II and a scarcity of natural…
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| Jan 16, 2018
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics
The current emphasis on using American-made products in infrastructure renewal has presented compelling opportunities for U.S. companies to expand transportation-related services. At Preferred Plastics, we’re continually improving our material supply chain and extrusion processes to keep up with these developments. We have the superior capabilities to produce rail boots and insulators…
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| Mar 27, 2017
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: abs plastic
Extruded plastics are an indispensible part of modern life, and many of the plastic products you use on a daily basis are made of a thermoplastic polymer called ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). If you have played golf, stored parts in a plastic bin, or helped a child construct…
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| Jul 19, 2016
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: plastic extrusion
Composite windows, vinyl fencing, freezer gaskets & many other products are produced using a high-volume manufacturing process called plastic extrusion.
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| Jun 08, 2016
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: custom extruded products, plastics extrusion, preferred plastics, USTCAI excellence in manufacturing
Preferred Plastics was honored to receive the U.S. Trade & Commerce Institutes 2013 Excellence in Manufacturing award.
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| Apr 06, 2015
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: 3D manufacturing, 3D plastics, 3D printing, 3d printing and manufacturing processes, Makerbot, plastic extrusion, plastic manufacturer, preferred plastics
In February of 2014 we posted some brief comments about Preferred Plastic’s interest in 3D printing and the opportunities it could bring to our customers and our industry. Well, we are pleased to announce the addition of our Makerbot Replicator Z18 3D printer that will be used to help Preferred bring your custom plastic extrusion project to life.
Our 3D printer has a massive build volume…
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| Nov 13, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: chemical exposure, exposure, extrusions, Polyvinyl Chloride, preferred plastics, PVC
The following list is a general reference guide for chemical exposure on PVC that we use in our custom profile extrusions in Plainwell, MI and Louisville,…
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| Oct 08, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: plastic bags, recycling plastic bags, should plastic bags be banned, sustainability and plastics, why plastic bags shouldn't be banned
Polyvinyl chloride (also known as vinyl or PVC) is a very versatile thermoplastic that is utilized in the production of lots of products that consumers encounter in everyday life and many more that are encountered less frequently, but are nevertheless very important in appliance, building and construction, electronics, healthcare, packaging, transportation, and…
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| Sep 10, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: applications for plastic materials, plastic materials, Plastics for High Temp Applications
Question: What material can a product be constructed of in order to withstand damage, abuse, harsh conditions, low temperatures, high temperatures, and everything in between?
Answer: Plastic.
Okay, we may be biased, but we truly believe that plastics are the most prolific, universally-effective materials that exist; designed for the most delicate…
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| Jul 30, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: plastic bags, recycling plastic bags, should plastic bags be banned, sustainability and plastics, why plastic bags shouldn't be banned
Whether in a supermarket, department store, or restaurant, when it comes to carrying items, there has been one constant staple over the years: plastic bags. Recently, plastic bags have received a lot of negative attention, due to the fact that there is a misconception…
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| Jul 15, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: custom plastic extrusions, custom plastic manufacturing, plastic extrusions, plastic extrusions and tooling, plastic manufacturing
The quality of your products is crucial to your success, and we know that. It’s equally important that you stay ahead of the competition, maintaining the best position in the market. We understand that as well.
Through our superior custom extrusions, our clients achieve this, receiving the highest quality products that are tailor made to their exact specifications and application, ensuring…
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| Jun 30, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: advancements in plastics, applications for plastic materials, custom plastics, history of plastics, plastic materials
What do hair combs, Barbie Dolls, car interiors, jet engine parts, and the first American flag to be planted on the moon have in common? All are made from plastics.
Of course there are myriad of other products that fill both our history and our daily lives that are made from plastics—too many to list here—but the point is that plastics are one of the most widely used, indispensible materials…
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| Jun 10, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: american manufacturing, custom plastic manufacturing, plastic manufacturing, reshoring and american manufacturing, reshoring and plastics industry, reshoring and plastics manufacturing
You’ve most likely heard a great deal about reshoring and manufacturing by now; it’s a buzzword and a popular trend, for good reason.
In fact, when the founder of The Reshoring Initiative, whose mission is to “bring good, well-paying manufacturing jobs back to the United States,” spoke at the Plastic News Executive Forum, he stated that…
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| May 30, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: automation and custom plastic extrusions, automation and manufacturing, automation and plastic extrusion process, automation and plastics, automation and plastics extrusions, automation and plastics manufacturing, custom plastic profile extrusions, secondary extrusions processes
Automation is one of the fastest upward trends in manufacturing today, from advancements in materials and machinery to robotics and 3D printing. Technology in this area has progressed considerably in a relatively short amount of time. Companies of all sizes are relying on it to keep production up, costs down, and quality consistent. It’s also one of the reasons why American manufacturing, as a…
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| May 07, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: advantages of bioplastics, bioplastic materials, bioplastics, bioplastics and the construction industry, the use of bioplastics
As the world becomes more concerned about the environment, we are starting to look at plastics in a different light. Our businesses and homes rely heavily on plastics, and it is no wonder, as it is the perfect material for almost every situation. That is why scientists are working so hard to find a way to make plastics more “Green”. One promising alternative is bioplastics.
First introduced…
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| Mar 31, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: 3d printing and manufacturing processes, 3d printing and plastics, 3d printing of plastics, 3d printing vs plastic extruding, how is 3d printing affecting manufacturing
Preferred Plastics has worked throughout its many years in business to be at the forefront of technology and design. We understand that our customer’s concepts are important and we spend in-depth time and energy so that our tool designs and engineering are done with care and strategy in mind.
With that regard, we have been watching both the initial hype and now the progression of 3D printing…
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| Feb 25, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: lightweighting in the auto industry, plastics and auto industry, plastics and automotive industry, plastics used for auto applications, plastics used for automotive applications
Plastics are known to reduce costs and boost efficiency in a number of industries, with their countless applications and advantages. One of the industries that continues to be aided by the use of plastics—and by the consistent innovations—is the auto industry.
According to the latest…
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| Jan 31, 2014
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: benefits of antimicrobial plastics, benefits of plastics for healthcare, healthcare and plastic materials, plastics and the healthcare industry, plastics and the medical industry
In many industries, from automotives to agriculture, plastics are consistently proving to be an advantageous material and are presenting new solutions to common problems. From energy efficiency and better environmental practices to lowering costs, innovations in the plastics industry are changing industries for the better.
The healthcare industry is one example. As hospitals and doctor’s…
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| Dec 31, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: bad plastics vs good plastics, green building and plastics, leed certification and plastics, plastic materials, plastics manufacturing and policy changes, sustainable plastic materials
There has been a lot of talk recently about the best ways to incorporate sustainability into the manufacturing industry. As the talk has spread to the building and construction industries, it should come as no surprise that plastics have also been a part of the conversation. Here are a few thoughts on a controversy that is swirling through the world of plastics manufacturing right now concerning…
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| Dec 02, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: plastic materials, plastic sustainability, plastics, recyclable plastic materials, recyclable plastics, sustainability and plastics
For well over 100 years, humans have been finding new and better ways to incorporate plastic into nearly every part of daily life. It’s only been in the last 40 years or so that we’ve begun to realize that the disposal of plastics can be problematic; only in the last decade have we begun to make a serious attempt to find a solution to the problem. Today, sustainability has become everyone’s…
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| Oct 31, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: plastic materials, plastic materials for bridges, plastic materials for infrastructure, plastic materials for railroads, plastic materials for the construction industry, post-consumer plastics, post-consumer plastics for infrastructure
In many areas throughout the country, the infrastructure on which Americans rely—bridges, railroads, buildings, and more—is in need of repair. Environmental damage, years of overuse, and the need for more energy-efficient solutions has created a challenge for those in charge of fixing them. And the solution they keep coming up with again and again? Polymers.
As engineers are finding…
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| Sep 30, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: are plastics an environmentally friendly option, how plastics are a sustainable option in construction, plastic materials for the construction industry, plastics
There seems to be a common misconception among Americans that plastics are not environmentally friendly. The thinking often goes that since they are made from fossil fuels, they can’t be good. However, the reality is quite different. In fact, plastic products save more energy than it uses to make them.
According to the American Chemistry Council, “plastics, even those sourced from fossil…
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| Sep 11, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: how plastics are a sustainable option in construction, plastic materials, plastics, plastics and sustainability, plastics for construction, use of plastics in the construction industry
After a few tough years in the home and commercial construction industry, it seems that we are in the middle of the rebirth. According to this report, new housing projects in June 2013 were 10.4% higher than during the same period in 2012, while commercial construction was up 6.2% year-over-year in May. Without question, this…
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| Aug 13, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: automotive industry, plastic extrusions for automotive applications, plastics for the automotive industry
As the American manufacturing industry is making a major rebound, helping the economy grow, consumer confidence is up and constantly gaining. In general, people are hiring more and spending more. One of the industries leading all of this is the automotive industry. According to this article,…
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| Jul 19, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: international shipping, international shipping standards, what to consider when shipping goods internationally
Recently, we have heard so much news about the trend of reshoring emerging in American manufacturing—the idea of companies bringing manufacturing back to the United States from foreign countries, so that there is pride in “Made in the USA.” But what about the opposite effect? American companies manufacturing goods here and then shipping them overseas? As plastic extruders, we are beginning…
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| May 22, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: choosing a plastic vendor, choosing the right manufacturer, manufacturing, what to consider when choosing a plastic manufacturer
You’ve sent your drawings and RFQ out for bid, and several quotations are sitting on your desk for review. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the lowest price option. But as we all know, low price does not always imply good value. How well do you know the vendor who’s offering you this great deal? It’s time to put on your interviewer’s hat and ask a few questions. What are some of the factors…
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| Apr 02, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: manufacturing and packaging, packaging, packaging and extrusions, plastics and packaging, what to consider with packaging
A lot of hard work went into your part design, and now it’s time to get it manufactured! You’ve sent out your drawing and RFQ, honed in on a vendor, and negotiated pricing. Everything is all set and ready to go, right? Not so fast! Have you done your packaging homework? As the final part of the manufacturing process, how the product will be packaged is often overlooked until the end. Defining…
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| Mar 04, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: extrusion, extrusion technology, plastic extrusion, types of extrusions
In order to be considered a leader in your industry you must obviously stay at the forefront of technology, and the extrusion market is no different. Preferred Plastics keeps up with state-of-the-art processing techniques and raw material advancements with constant research and development of new custom products. A strong focus on technology, from processing, to tooling design, to material selection,…
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| Jan 28, 2013
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: annual volumes, customer drawings, part material and function, plastic extrusions, plastic fabrication, plastic parts, plastics, purchase quantities, rfq
When you invite Preferred Plastics to quote on a job, we commit to utilizing our experience and expertise to provide you with a high value product that will help you achieve your goals. We will carefully listen to your needs, and might have to ask you a few questions — it’s our way of making sure we understand your requirements so we can deliver the best possible outcome.
How does the…
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| Dec 20, 2012
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: environmentally friendly materials, environmentally friendly plastics, plastic sustainability, plastics, sustainability, sustainable materials, sustainable plastics
Is there sustainability in plastics?
This seems to be a common question throughout industry today. As the need for green materials grows in commercial construction and other industries, and organizations such as LEED and MBDC are promoting tax incentive opportunities and “green points” for those who utilize sustainable materials in applications, companies are increasingly looking for…
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| Nov 30, 2012
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: die, plastic extrusion tooling, plastic extrusions, plastics tooling, streamlined dies, tooling, tools and dies
In this second of our ‘educational’ blogs we introduce the subject of tooling. When asked what the word “tooling” means in the context of the plastic extrusion process, there is a two-part answer. Part one is the die, which is used to shape the cross-section of the profile as the plastic is extruded. If you have ever played with a Play-doh machine or own a pasta maker, you are already familiar…
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| Oct 17, 2012
articles.posted_by Preferred Plastics | articles.tags: custom extrusions, extrusions, plastic extrusions, plastics
Welcome to Preferred Plastics. We are a custom extruder of thermoplastic resins, specializing in the manufacturing of rigid, flexible, and co-extruded products for a wide range of markets worldwide. And to what do we owe our success? Largely to a knowledgeable, supportive team that works cohesively and comprehensively to give you the best engineered product at the highest possible quality.
Preferred…
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| Aug 22, 2012