All articles

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.

One of the quickest ways to start to control energy use is to integrate reporting into the accounts package (along with all the other vital business numbers). Energy use and management is not a ‘technology fix’, it is a vital business measurement and tool. Some of the most effective energy management efforts can come directly from the accounting function. 

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.

The plastics industry mainly uses PFAS as polymerization aids and this would be the main cause of PFAS emissions related to the life cycle of fluoropolymers.

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.

Universal Robots A/S, the Danish maker of collaborative robots, launched its latest model this week in Japan –– a cobot with a 30-kg (66-pound) payload. The UR30 is the second in the firm’s new range of cobots and is built on the same architecture as its award-winning UR20 model.

No sustainability management program will be successful unless top management is committed to it. Top management will generally respond better to a well-reasoned financial argument but there is no conflict – it is entirely possible to be more sustainable and to improve profits at the same time. 

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.

Companies that produce Fluoropolymers may try to switch to PFAS-free solutions or ask for an exemption, which could be temporary.