Photo courtesy of Stratasys Ltd. and Yoram Reshef.
hoto courtesy of CSP Technologies, Inc.
hoto courtesy of CSP Technologies, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Conair
Photo courtesy of Polymer Cleaning Technology, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Polymer Cleaning Technology, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Raumedic Inc.
Photo courtesy of SPE Automotive Div.
Artwork, Printed in 3-D
Stratasys Ltd., 3-D printing and additive manufacturing specialist, announced that it has collaborated with esteemed designers to create the world’s first 3-D-printed artworks using the company’s full-color, multi-material J750 3-D printer, launched in April. The printed pieces—Wolfkiam (shown below) from Nick Ervinck and Polyomino from Jose Sanchez—are the first two art and design projects to exploit the advanced capabilities of the new printer, enabling an unprecedented array of colors and level of detail, as well as geometric complexities.
Polyomino marks the final evolutionary phase of a two-year professional collaboration with Stratasys, while Wolfkiam celebrates the launch of a brand-new series of high-profile collaborative 3-D printed works from the company entitled “The New Ancient,” exploring the juxtaposition of ancient crafts and cultures with modern technologies.
With a spectrum of over 360,000 colors available on the J750 3-D printer, Ervinck explains that the Wolfkiam sculpture was designed with these specific capabilities in mind, in order to maximize the potential of the new technology. “The vibrant colors and intricate details of the piece, such as the central lines representing the figure’s veins, were integral to the sculpture, both in creating a sense of movement and fluidity and in reflecting the traditional cultural styles that inspired the work.”
As the first piece to be unveiled as part of the company’s “The New Ancient” 3-D-printed collection, Ervinck’s sculpture epitomizes the dialogue between old and new. It combines traditional designs inspired by Inca and Maya cultures with the advanced technological forms inherent to digitally produced artworks. “The nature of 3-D printing has allowed me to redefine traditional design methods, facilitating the creation of complex, futuristic forms in which the empty space is equally as meaningful as the vibrant patterns and fluid shapes,” he adds.
Both artworks feature ultra-smooth surfaces enabled by the J750 3-D printer, with a layer thickness as fine as 0.014 mm—around half the width of a human skin cell.
According to Stratasys creative director Naomi Kaempfer, the two artworks mark a milestone for digital art and design. “‘The New Ancient’ is a tribute to ancient wisdoms and lost crafts,” she says.
“The collection focuses on revisiting timeless design concepts from different cultures and antique eras and exploring the way in which these are interpreted with our modern tools, technologies, and contemporary visions. Merging these historical design elements with our new breakthrough 3-D printing technology is the perfect way to celebrate this transformation of art, design, and manufacture.”
For measuring heat-deflection temperature (HDT) and Vicat softening temperature, Instron’s new HV Series includes three different systems—the entirely manually operated HV3S with two (optionally three) testing stations, plus two systems with a larger bath size and higher automation level—the HV6M and HV6X—for up to six testing stations.
All of them use advanced electronics that automatically zero the position of the LVDT (linear variable differential transformer) measuring sensors before starting a test, reducing test time and human errors, the company says.
With its manual lifting station and weights application, the HV3S suits laboratories that perform HDT or Vicat tests at a low volume. Its compact size make it an ideal system for busy laboratories with a lot of test equipment.
When HDT or Vicat testing is part of daily activity, the HV6M features manual weights application on up to six stations, with a motorized lifting mechanism designed to significantly reduce operators’ efforts. And when time is absolutely crucial, the HV6X system offers both a motorized lifting station and weights application on all of its testing stations (up to six), making it suitable for laboratories with a continuous backlog of specimens.
The design of weights in the systems eliminates the risk of selection mistakes. The weights are stackable and enable the user to handle them with confidence. A wide range of stress values can be achieved without the need for any additional tools.
All three systems use silicone oil as heat-transfer medium to cover a temperature range from 20 to 300°C with a resolution of 0.1°C. A continuous oil-monitoring routine helps reduce the risk of running invalid tests and increases productivity, alerting when the bath level is out of range or oil degradation could adversely affect test results.
And the optional Instron Bluehill® HV Software allows users to run tests, edit methods, analyze results, or configure the system with a few mouse clicks. It also secures the test methods, preventing inadvertent changes, to ensure repeatability and ISO and ASTM standard compliance over multiple shifts and numerous operators, the company adds.
CSP Technologies, Inc.,a leader in packaging solutions, has announced Activ-Blister™, an innovative technology that protects moisture- and oxygen-sensitive solid dose pharmaceuticals. Activ-Blister addresses product protection concerns related to buffering humidity and removing moisture, oxygen, and odors.
CSP Technologies says it developed Activ-Blister to control the internal atmosphere of existing individual blister cavities, allowing for improved product performance and enhanced shelf life. Offering moisture, oxygen, or “combo” (moisture plus oxygen) absorption, the technology can be applied without the use of adhesives and without changes to the existing footprint of a packaging line.
Activ-Blister solutions can be incorporated into a wide range of blister packaging formats, including push-through blisters, peel/push blisters, cold-form foils, and high-barrier films containing Aclar® laminates.
The technology enables pharmaceutical manufacturers and packagers to achieve premium moisture protection without automatically resorting to the use of expensive cold-form foils, says CSP. Eliminating the need for cold-form foils also allows for a smaller blister footprint, up to 40-60% size reduction, and provides clear visibility of the tablet/capsule in the blister cavity. Additionally, products that are normally packaged in bottles with desiccant sachets can now be thermoformed into blister cards without sacrificing moisture protection.
“By integrating precise desiccant and/or gas-absorption into the individual blister with adhesive-free technology, products are protected against moisture, oxygen, and odors,” says Craig Voellmicke, vice president, business development, CSP Technologies. “In addition, products enjoy enhanced shelf life when compared to cold-form foil and standard thermoform solutions.”
New EZLoad Series single-tube loaders from Conair offer processors simple, reliable, and low-cost solutions for a range of everyday, point-to-point material conveying and loading applications. Based on the proven design of Conair’s popular Access series loaders, EZLoad loaders offer the same angled canister design and hinged filter lid that tilts back and locks to enable easy access for cleaning or filter maintenance.
The new EZLoad control was specifically developed to serve loading applications where advanced load-control features aren’t necessary. There’s no programming required, says Conair; once it’s turned on, the control manages load and dump times automatically. A standard reed switch located on the base of the loader indicates demand, while the control automatically adjusts loading time based on resin bulk density to ensure complete hopper fill.
“These new EZLoad loaders are [at] prices about $300 lower than similarly sized loaders,” explains Doug Brewster, Conveying Products manager. “The trade-off is that higher-level loading functions—like line purging and ratio loading—are not available. Still, for 10-15% of loading applications, these capabilities are not necessary, and, in those situations, why pay for functionality you don’t need?”
Nordson Corp. has developed a complete injection-unit package for liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding that reportedly meets the special mixing and metering requirements of low-viscosity thermoset ingredients and can be readily retrofitted on standard injection molding machines.
The Xaloy® LSR Package includes a specially designed screw, barrel, seal, valve, and nozzle, along with other components where needed, such as a feed-pipe adapter. Nordson recommends the package for manufacturers of seals, gaskets, cushioning pads, medical devices, infant feeding items, ruggedized electronic devices, and kitchenware such as baking pans and spatulas.
“The low-viscosity liquid ingredients for LSR pose a very different set of mixing and metering requirements from those of thermoplastics, and their temperatures must be maintained below the curing point until homogenized material reaches the mold cavity,” says Mark Colella, global product manager for the Xaloy brand. “Our LSR package addresses these unique challenges, yet can be retrofitted on a standard injection molding machine in what amounts to a bolt-on conversion.”
Multiple components are included in Xaloy LSR Package:
- zzle is provided by a partner company that is a longtime supplier to the LSR industry, reports Nordson.
Carbon dioxide is being used more widely as a novel raw material in plastics production. Materials manufacturer Covestro is working with RWTH Aachen University and the Technical University of Berlin, both in Germany, on a further process that will enable the greenhouse gas to be used in the environmentally friendly manufacture of elastomers on an industrial scale.
Elastomers are normally made entirely from petroleum. Now, some 25% of the oil used to manufacture a precursor can be replaced with CO2. The resulting polyether carbonate polyurethane can be processed into elastomers, Covestro says.
Individual batches of the innovative material have already been manufactured in the lab. The focus is now on developing a continuous process that will support cost-effective production on an industrial scale.
“By participating in the BMBF Production Dreams collaboration, we are redoubling our efforts to develop cost-effective and climate-friendly production processes that use CO2 as an element in high-performance plastics,” says project manager Jochen Norwig, who works in catalysis research at Covestro in Leverkusen.
Small-scale tests have so far shown that elastomers manufactured using this process exhibit the same impressive qualities as those produced using only petrochemical raw materials. At the same time, the new process that the project partners want to develop and put into practice is much more energy-efficient and uses a much lower quantity of solvents.
The company says it’s aiming to open the first production facility this year at its Dormagen site, where it will manufacture a polyol with a 20% CO2 content as a precursor. This precursor will be used primarily in flexible foam applications such as upholstery and mattresses.
Polymer Cleaning Technology, Inc. (PCT), a leading independent provider of parts, repairs, and service for all brands of hot runner systems, has introduced its new line of brass nozzle heaters for hot runner systems. The new Imperium line of heaters is available as direct replacements for all standard OEM nozzle heaters. They can also be customized for non-standard systems and applications.
Imperium heaters are constructed of solid brass. The heater cable is mechanically deformed into the heater grooves, and, along with the use of a tight-fitting stainless steel over-sleeve, the design guarantees the elimination of “hot spots.” The design offers not only dramatically longer heater life but increased temperature uniformity across the face of the mold. Thermocouples can be integrated into the heater or mounted externally, the company adds.
“These design features make Imperium heaters the ideal choice for molders involved in demanding applications where long heater life and high temperature uniformity are critical,” says Bob Duffy, president of PCT.
Dow Corning, a global leader in silicones and silicon-based technology, is showcasing optical-grade silicones in two commercial LED lighting applications developed by customers Pathway Lighting and SoundOff Signal.
“Three years ago, with the launch of Dow Corning® Moldable Silicones, our company not only expanded its portfolio of optical-grade solutions, it also multiplied the design flexibilities of LED lighting designers worldwide,” says Hugo da Silva, global industry director for LED lighting at Dow Corning. “The industry was quick to explore the unique possibilities enabled by silicone technology’s superior processability, reliability, and thermal stability.”
Pathway Lighting launched a tunable downlight developed with Dow Corning’s MS-2002 Moldable White Reflector Silicone. This highly reflective white silicone forms the parabolic mixing chamber of Pathway’s downlight, helping to ensure the fixture maintains its consistent color temperature even when dimmed.
“While the spectrum of light often narrows as a light source is dimmed, MS-2002 White Reflector Silicone enabled our fixture to maintain lumen consistency across all offered color spectrums,” says Russell Budzilek, director of engineering at Pathway Lighting.
“We looked at three primary areas when deciding. First, the thermal properties of Dow Corning MS-2002 Silicone were equal to or exceeded the temperature range of reflective films and coated metals. Second, the silicone’s reflectance was the same or better than competitive reflective films and coated metals. But when it came to both flexibility of design and ease of installation, these were silicone’s main benefits on our end.”
Meanwhile, SoundOff Signal, a global leader in lighting and electronic warning solutions, selected high-clarity MS-1002 Moldable Silicone to fabricate a complex lens array, and then overmolded it with translucent, easily colorableMS-0002 Moldable Silicone in a two-shot process. The finished one-piece housing and optic architecture reportedly delivers a number of advantages over traditional polycarbonate lenses, including:
- a small footprint with optimized candela output;
- greater resistance to gravel pitting, scratching, or cracking;
- improved sealing to minimize moisture ingress; and
- higher ultraviolet and photothermal stability to prevent lens yellowing over time.
“The uniquely expansive design latitudes afforded by Dow Corning’s Moldable Silicone technology were a clear fit for SoundOff’s ‘Smart Design’ approach, which progresses from understanding the initial challenge through discovery, experimentation, development, and product launch,” says Keith McRobert, director of marketing for SoundOff Signal.
Raumedic Inc., a development partner and system supplier of polymer-based components and systems for the medical and pharmaceutical industry, has opened its new headquarters in Mills River, North Carolina. The modern, full-service development and production center allows Raumedic to provide its customers in North America with high-quality polymer extrusion, injection molding, and assembled products on-site.
A two-story production and administration building with a total area of 60,000 ft² (5,600 m²) serves as a production and development center for customer-specific polymer components and systems, including 13,000 ft² (1,200 m²) of cleanroom production according to ISO class 7.
Raumedic in Mills River started production in January 2016 with 56 employees. Specialists in the fields of engineering, research and development, cleanroom production, quality management, logistics, marketing and sales, and management have settled into their new workplace. The architecture is reminiscent of the Raumedic’s German headquarters, the company says. High-quality polymer products will be custom developed, produced, and packaged at both locations.
“This is an important step for Raumedic,” says CEO Martin Bayer. “We will now offer our customers the same quality and service they have come to expect from us as a development partner and system supplier at the Mills River location in the USA.”
Capabilities include multi-component injection molding (with hard-hard and hard-soft connections), micro-injection molding, insert molding, fully automated assembly systems, and micro-extrusion, with an internal diameter of 0.1 mm and multiple layers in the tubing wall. These advanced technologies will be introduced gradually at the new Mills River plant, the company explains.
Sun Plastech is inviting visitors to explore its new Asaclean website and “insider blog” ( www.asaclean.com and blog.asaclean.com). The new website has been designed to provide “the ultimate user-friendly experience,” with improved navigation and functionality throughout. This will allow customers to access detailed product information, with the option to share information across all major social networking sites.
The site includes extensive product information to help customers understand the company’s complete range of Asaclean mechanical and chemical purging compounds. Technical data, videos, and case studies work together to provide a detailed overview of their capabilities across a wide range of processes, including injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. In addition, Asaclean’s “Resource Center,” at the website, allows users to access the latest technical information, a Cost Savings Calculator, and up-to-date technical data sheets.
Meanwhile, the new Asaclean Blog features weekly blog posts written by expert technical sales representatives who boast over a combined 120 years working in the plastics industry, the company says. Each post draws from their real-world experiences with customers, and shares easily relatable anecdotes to walk them through specific scenarios. Posts answer frequently asked questions and offer best practices for purging, presenting a wide array of expert opinions on industry topics.
The organizing committee for the SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition(ACCE) has issued a call for nominations for its fifth-annual parts competition at the group’s 2016 conference, to be held September 7-9 in Novi, Michigan, in the Detroit suburbs. (Preliminary descriptions and photos about the parts innovations are due July 30, 2016, and should be emailed to ACCEpapers@ speautomotive.com. Nomination instructions may be found at speautomotive.com/comp.htm.)
Prizes for the “Most Innovative Composites Application” will be awarded in three categories—Materials Innovation and Process Innovation (selected by media and members of the SPE ACCE planning committee) and People’s Choice (selected by conference attendees)—with winning teams receiving recognition and a trophy on the last day of the show.
There is no cost to enter the competition. Any registered conference participant (speaker, sponsor/exhibitor, or attendee) may nominate original equipment or aftermarket composite parts on passenger cars or light trucks, from any geography. The only requirement is that parts must be on a vehicle available for commercial sale, and the vehicle producer must give its permission.
Last year, the Materials Innovation award went to the nomination jointly submitted by Bright Lite Structures, LLC and Huntsman Polyurethanes for the carbon composite chassis system on the Zenos E10 street-legal track car. The Process Innovation and People’s Choice awards both went to the first composite coil spring on model year 2015 Audi A6 Avant 2.0-L TDI Ultra sedans, nominated by Hexion Inc.