Aerospace

Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells have emerged as a game-changer in the automotive sector due to their operational efficiency and eco-friendly nature. The impact of NAFION and the Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) technology extends beyond the automotive industry, contributing to a broader shift toward sustainable energy solutions.

The future of commercial aviation is heading towards supersonic flights, and the development of new composite materials that meet the highest thermal and stiffness requirements will be the keystone for this new era in air transportation.

At first glance, aircraft windows might appear as mere transparent barriers between passengers and the skies. However, these essential components of air travel are designed with sophisticated technologies to withstand extreme conditions, blending durability with safety and passenger comfort.

Proprietary taggant systems empower plastics security by serving as authentication tools, integrating seamlessly into any resin.

The petrochemical industry, a vital yet often underappreciated player in the global energy landscape, is undergoing transformative changes. This sector is now the fastest-growing demand driver for global energy.

A pair of U.S. defense-related organizations –– America Makes and NCDMM –– have awarded funds to a project designed to optimize recycled PET (rPET) and rPET-based composites in filament-fed material extrusion 3D printing.

Injection molding simulation has already achieved a high level of precision. Industry leaders’ recent collaboration promises enhanced precision in material data, elevating manufacturing efficiency and quality standards.

Companies worldwide are gathering efforts to develop flame retardant systems based on renewable sources providing an eco-friendly alternative to halogenated flame retardants. Additives with flame-retardant properties, such as phosphorus-based compounds, can chemically modify carbon sources like cellulose, chitosan, and lignin. This results in the successful design of intumescent flame retardants for use in many applications.

The emergence of hydrogel and aerogel-based flame-retardant polymeric materials marks new and innovative options in fire safety and protection. Henri Vahabi and his team’s review article for the SPE Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology thoroughly explores this cutting-edge concept, revealing its makeup, capabilities, and potential future developments of these innovative materials.

Glass stands as a high-performance material vital across multiple fields, notably in optics, chemistry, and medical technology industries. However, conventional glass processing faces constraints, particularly in designing very small structures. The new process developed by Glas­somer in Freiburg, Germany, makes it possible to process transparent quartz glass in the plastic injection molding machine.

Polymeric materials play a pivotal role in diverse engineering applications, from aerospace to environmental and civil engineering. However, the traditional approach to designing these materials has been experimental and often inefficient, relying on trial and error. This Edisonian method, driven by experience and intuition, comes with inherent drawbacks, including high costs, slow progress, and limited exploration of chemical space.

Stratasys partners with the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) to introduce a High-Standard FDM Process Certification. The global 3D printing market in terms of revenue was estimated at USD 15 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 34.5 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 18.1%. This makes it an appealing market for young professionals, although certifications may be necessary.