February 16, 2024Proprietary Taggant Systems: Empowering Plastics SecurityProprietary taggant systems empower plastics security by serving as authentication tools, integrating seamlessly into any resin. Read more
February 16, 2024Recycled ABS Contributes to a More Sustainable ShowerHansgrohe and Phoenix Design have partnered to enable recycled ABS and upcycled PET to contribute to a more sustainable hand-held shower. The effort earned them a prestigious German eco-design award. Read more
February 13, 2024Thermally Conductive Plastic for Cooling ElectronicsA novel, low-pressure molding system called Controlled Viscosity Molding is enabling the use of thermally conductive resins in electronics to help manage heat buildup. Read more
February 12, 2024Eco-Friendly Elegance: Leather in Automotive DesignOn the journey towards sustainability, car manufacturers have faced a significant challenge in reducing the carbon footprint associated with the use of animal leather in vehicle upholstery and interiors. Some have chosen to rigorously trace the supply chain of animal leather, while others have partnered with innovative emerging companies. A few have embarked on designing their own leather using recycled materials. Read more
February 10, 2024Do Plastic Bottles Release Microplastics?Microplastics, particles measuring less than 5 mm in length, have emerged as a pressing environmental concern, necessitating a detailed examination of their impact and ecological repercussions, but do microplastics in bottled water come from plastic bottles themselves? Read more
February 3, 2024Maximizing Injection Molding SimulationInjection 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. Read more
February 1, 2024Embracing Sustainability With Bio-based Flame RetardantsCompanies 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. Read more
January 13, 2024First Additive Manufacturing Certification by Stratasys and NOCTIStratasys 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. Read more
December 29, 2023Solving Material Development Bottlenecks With AIHitachi High-Tech developed an AI tool that enabled them to reduce their research on biodegradable additives from 120 days to two days. Researchers have used AI in the development of new materials and additives for the production of plastics. Some companies are looking for alternatives to suit their customers’ needs. Read more
December 18, 2023AI for Enhanced Materials Development and ManufacturingAI has become an important tool for the development of new materials, enabling R&D scientists to develop new materials with improved properties and functionalities. Data analysis and prediction A significant form of AI’s contribution is data analysis. By sorting through… Read more
December 15, 2023PFAS-Free Flame RetardantsToday’s flame-retardant technologies rely strongly on PFAS, but regulations around the globe are pushing the industry to find alternatives that aim to balance fire safety with environmental and health considerations. Read more
October 20, 2023Sandwich Injection Molding to Increase Post-Consumer Recycled ContentEngel developed a technology that allows the production of parts with recycled plastic (PCR) at their core and virgin plastic at the skin. Read more