Process

Specialized equipment that enhances skin recovery in chronic wounds usually needs biocompatible, sterilizable, and durable materials. For this reason, Vaporox developed the VHT-200 to foster revascularization and tissue growth in chronic skin wounds using a high-tech polycarbonate. Tailored for clinic and physician office use, the medical device required a robust material for its vaporizer component. Due to the device’s significance, technical support from the plastic supplier was a crucial factor in the decision-making process.

In a groundbreaking endeavor, mechanically recyclable thermoplastic materials were harnessed to craft lightweight and highly efficient aerogel filter media for air filtration. Leveraging the fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technique, this project focuses on creating an all-polyolefin composite filter media.

Dutch startup Squad Mobility BV displayed at CES 2024 what it calls “the world’s first solar buggy” –– a compact, affordable, plastic-bodied solar car that charges itself through an integrated solar panel on the roof.

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.

Jedsy AG, a Swiss startup, has developed a lightweight, autonomous drone designed specifically to speed delivery of laboratory samples and medical supplies to where they are needed.

The use of recycled polymers in manufacturing, particularly for lower-value items like trash bags, has become common but presents challenges in achieving a truly self-sustaining circular economy. Addressing the degradation mechanisms during the processing and use of plastic parts is crucial for developing high-performance materials.

Experts recognize reusability models in packaging as a solution to minimize waste. McKinsey & Company’s use-case scenarios indicate that there are still challenges to resolve before realizing and scaling up the benefits.

PLA flax pot plays a role in bioengineered plant system designed to act as a natural air-purification system in users’ homes. Injection molder M4Factory partnered with French startup Neoplants on the project.

Most companies would like to improve their sustainability but they do not know where to start and do not have a method of assessing their current status. Without knowing where you are starting from it is impossible to plot a route to where you want to get to. 

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.

3D printing has emerged as a game-changer in the medical field, particularly in the development of prosthetics and orthotics. While the technology allows for highly customizable solutions, challenges persist, especially concerning the limited availability of these prosthetics. However, a recent breakthrough in 3D printing research by Loughborough University could potentially revolutionize the creation of prosthetic sockets.

The first two articles in this series dwelt with the history of product design and the creative process that culminated in hypothetical new injection molded product sketches. The next challenge is to reduce the concept sketches to detailed piece-part drawings or CAD data bases. However, before starting that time consuming process it is highly desirable to determine whether or not the parts of the new product are moldable and what the molds and molded parts will cost.