Process

The robustness of materials under cyclic loading is a critical factor often overshadowed by their tensile strength. Plastics, by nature, exhibit lower fatigue strength than their measured tensile strength, emphasizing the need for meticulous fatigue testing in material selection processes.

Stratasys and Siemens Healthineers partnered to develop a technology that translates information from scanned patient images (CT) into 3D-printed phantom models with specific material characteristics that emulate the radiopacity of human anatomy.

3D printing specialist Formlabs on Jan. 9 launched two materials and a new accessory for some of its printers that it says will enable increased production with less hassle, lower resin costs, and reduced waste. The products include a resin pumping system, a polypropylene powder and a new dental resin.

In the face of escalating concerns over food loss, waste, and the imperative need for robust antimicrobial technologies exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a groundbreaking study introduces polymer-based antibacterial films. This innovative approach seeks to merge antibacterial efficacy with durability, offering a multifaceted solution to contemporary challenges.

The additive aids biodegradability by changing the polymer structure, converting it into a wax-like material after being exposed to light, water, moisture, and microbes.

AI will help to drive the pace of development in robotics and automation predicts Anders Billesø Beck, VP of innovation and strategy for Universal Robots.

The quest for advanced epoxy formulations has led to a groundbreaking development—fast-curing epoxies that achieve full curing within a mere two hours. This remarkable achievement is attributed to the integration of Vitrimer chemistries, ushering in a new era of rapid turnaround times for epoxy applications.

Hitachi 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.

In an era dominated by Industry 4.0, where optimization and sustainability are paramount, companies are turning to cutting-edge technologies to enhance their product offerings. Among these technologies, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative force, addressing the needs of rapid prototyping and end-use part production.

The process of designing a plastic product to be made by injection molding is the same as designing a product for any other manufacturing process or material. Each combination of material and manufacturing method has its own unique design guidelines. However, the design process itself is independent of the kind of material or manufacturing method being used.

Imagine a future where organs or tissues can be 3D printed directly inside the human body. This once far-fetched idea is now on the horizon, thanks to a pioneering 3D printing process developed by researchers at Duke University and Harvard Medical School.

PVC stands tall among commercial plastics, but its thermal instability at processing temperatures poses challenges. To fortify PVC products against high temperatures, conventional heat stabilizers are often employed, yet they come with toxic baggage harmful to both humans and the environment.