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SPE recently announced newly elected Board of Directors members as well as a newly appointed president. Conor Carlin will assume the position of SPE President starting on January 1st, 2024. The president’s term will run from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024. Scott Eastman, Senior Manager R&D – DeWal, Rogers Corporation, will serve as SPE’s President-Elect from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024, when he will start his term as SPE president starting on January 1, 2025.

In the realm of plastics engineering, additive manufacturing stands as a game-changer, slashing lead times and enabling the creation of intricate, custom parts through techniques like fused filament fabrication (FFF). While hailed for its prowess, challenges persist in achieving consistent isotropic bulk properties and ensuring reliability in the printed components.

If the plastics industry wants to continue to be a part of that stream of commerce it is important for all engineers to know how to design high quality plastic parts and product that can be efficiently produced.

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) invites you to join their team of instructors as they develop educational programs and workshops for their audience of plastics professionals seeking to enhance their work skills and abilities. Instructors will lead workshops that break the mold, offering unique perspectives and insights that resonate with their audience.

Researchers from Cornell and the University of Alberta, Edmonton, have pioneered a novel technique for treating Type 1 diabetes. Their innovation involves implanting a revolutionary device, a removable polymer thread, beneath the skin.

In a bid to combat microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, scientists have drawn inspiration from an unlikely source – the Hawaiian apple snail. This innovative venture has resulted in the creation of a robot prototype designed to scoop up microplastics from the surfaces of oceans, seas, and lakes.

Jay Dinsmore, the new Chairman and an industry veteran, shares insights on the group’s mission and his perspectives, shedding light on the dynamic future of additive manufacturing and 3D printing within the plastics engineering community.

SPE has recently announced that the ANTEC® 2024 program will feature a Symposium Honoring the Career Achievements of Mr. Glenn Beall. His indelible legacy has significantly contributed to the growth of plastics and SPE.

Plastics play a pivotal role in additive manufacturing, catering to diverse needs in various sectors. This article delves into the world of two polymer forms—filaments and pellets—exploring their characteristics, applications, and compatibility with 3D printing processes.

The successful design of plastic parts is complicated, primarily as they are made of plastic. Plastics create a significant challenge not only to manufacturing but also to part design and performance. We commonly overlook the degree of complexity as the benefits of using plastic overwhelm their negatives. However, many have accepted the shortfalls rather than trying to advance beyond these limitations.