Plastics Engineering articles from September 2006

Plastics Engineering archives from September 2006

Plastics Engineering 2007 editorial calendar.(Brief article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2006... The Society of Plastics Engineers is preparing for the 2007 calendar year. Below is a list of the North America cover features along with several Europe features scheduled to be published next year. But there's much more than what we've listed....

LCP-PPS Alloys for Complex Components.(Materials)(liquid crystal polymer-polyphenylene sulfide )(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Ticona (Florence, Ky.), the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corp., introduces two liquid crystal polymer-polyphenylene sulfide (LCP-PPS) alloy blends that combine the properties (e.g., tensile stress, flexural strength, compressive...

Bio-based polymer lines are gearing up for launch.(Materials)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... DuPont (Wilmington, Del.) has developed Sorona and Hytrel thermoplastic resins and elastomer products with bio-based materials. Targeting automotive, electrical/electronic, and other industrial markets, the products will be made with corn sugar...

Nylon nanocomposite resin; transparent nylons.(Materials)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Nycoa (Nylon Corp. of America, Inc.) of Manchester, N.H., has engineered a nylon nanocomposite to meet CARB (California Air Resource Board) and U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requirements for gas permeation of fuel tanks and fuel...

Glass-microsphere additives offer superior strength.(Materials)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... 3M has announced glass-microsphere additives for thermoplastics capable of withstanding injection molding and extrusion pressures of 30,000 psi. 3M Performance Additives' iM30K is being offered as an alternative to conventional...

High-clarity antiblock masterbatch.(Materials)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Ingenia Polymers of Houston designed an antiblock masterbatch to produce high-clarity polyethylene (PE) films. Ingenia 1091 provides a permanent antiblocking effect as its particulates are bound with the polymer matrix. Its ability to...

For thermoforming large parts.(Materials)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.) says its Inspire EFP 500 performance polymer for cut-sheet thermoforming is designed to overcome difficulties facing thermo-formers of large parts using existing thermoplastic olefin (TPO) technology....

Halogen-free polyamides meet European fire-safety standards.(Materials)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... BASF offers two Ultramid polyamide products that comply with the stricter fire-protection requirements of the European Union's revised Household Appliance Standard IEC60335-1. Both types contain halogen-free flame retardants. And both offer...

DSM Somos rolls out new SL materials.(Materials)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... DSM Somos (Elgin, Ill.) presented its new lineup of stereolithography (SL) materials at the Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing 2006 event held in St. Charles, Ill. (May 23-25). * Somos NanoToo--third in the company's line of reinforced...

Low-pentane EPS.(Materials)(expandable polystyrene )(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Huntsman Corp. (Salt Lake City, Utah) has added a low-pentane expandable polystyrene (EPS) to its portfolio of performance polymers. Containing an average of 3.6% pentane by weight, the new product meets U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection...

Clear film offers low MVTR.(Materials)(moisture-vapor-transmission rate )(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Compos-a-vac 40 (CAV-40), a new laminate from ITW Richmond Technology (Houston), combines transparency with low moisture-vapor-transmission rate (MVTR) to provide protective film for sensitive products during transport or storage. It suits...

Transfer adhesive offers high bond strength.(MATERIALS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Scapa Industrial (Windsor, Conn.) has introduced Unifilm U741, a 3-mil acrylic transfer adhesive designed to bond to a variety of low-surface-energy materials including plastics such as Lexan (polycarbonate from GE), ABS...

Medical sealing film.(MATERIALS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Expanding its family of health-care polyolefins, Borealis offers Bormed TD 109CF, a polypropylene (PP) sealing material that combines processing advantages with high transparency, purity, excellent sealing performance, and sterilizability....

Flame-retardant masterbatch targets polypropylene.(MATERIALS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Vibatan offers a new flame-retardant masterbatch specifically formulated for polypropylene (PP). Vibatan PP Flame Retardant 03281 has a very low halogen content. According to the manufacturer, it can provide UL 94V-2 rated safety to a broad...

Low-VOC dry film additive.(MATERIALS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Acheson Colloids Co. (Port Huron, Mich.) has introduced Emralon TM-008, a water-based, dry film lubricant coating that provides a low coefficient of friction along with corrosion and solvent resistance in permanent lubrication applications. The...

Defoamer features electrolyte tolerance.(MATERIALS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Goldschmidt GmbH, a wholly owned business of Degussa AG, has introduced Tego Antifoam 7001 XP, a defoamer for the textile industry that offers high electrolyte tolerance. Tego Antifoam 7001 XP is said to be an excellent defoamer for jet dyeing...

Microcellular foam could increase appeal of nylon in underhood parts.
September 1, 2006... The use of injection molded nylon by automakers in large underhood applications may get a boost from a technology initiative between Trexel Inc., which licenses the MuCell microcellular foam process, and resin supplier Rhodia Polyamide. The...

Direct devolatilization of elastomers.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)
September 1, 2006... The synthesis of most elastomers is carried out by either solution or emulsion polymerization. After polymerization, the polymer is separated from the solvent or from the emulsifying agents, which requires several process steps, including...

Film system coextrudes up to 80 layers.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... A flat-die system that is said to produce films and coatings with a far greater number of layers than are produced by conventional coextrusion--yielding microlayer structures that improve moisture-barrier and gas-barrier capabilities,...

Software monitors test conditions.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Software that oversees test times and isolates problems in leak-testing applications is available from InterTech Development Co., which specializes in automated leak testing and functional testing. The software helps provide the means to show...

Flow properties studied under vacuum.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... An accessory for Freeman Technology's FT4 powder rheometer allows the flow properties of powders to be studied under vacuum. Reducing the air pressure, and hence the entrained air in the powder, can lead to dramatic changes in flowability....

Clean-Room Granulators.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... In the controlled environment of the clean room, Cumberland Engineering Co.'s Clean Room Granulator for the medical and electronic molding industries reprocesses malformed parts, sprues, and runners from specialty molding operations, allowing...

Dust collection, five times.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Process-equipment manufacturer Precision AirConvey (PAC) has introduced five dust collectors. Expanding its line to seven, the new models feature the company's reverse-pulse jet technology, which offers performance down to 2 microns at...

Mold material for large parts.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Alcoa's QC-10 aluminum mold alloy is said to be especially suited to the manufacture of large parts in larger presses. The material features high-purity composition and quench-insensitive microstructure that provides minimal reductions in...

Retrieval of test information.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... For easy retrieval of test information and data, Atlas Weathering Services Group (AWSG), a division of Atlas Material Testing Technology, has introduced electronic reporting with extensive web-based access. Available at no cost to customers,...

Color measurement.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... VeriColor Spectro is a noncontact spectrophotometer that provides inline color measurement for most industrial processes, including plastic injection, extrusion, and blow molding. About the size of an overhead projector, the unit mounts...

Readout system for video-based metrology.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Quadra-Chek 300 (QC300) from Metronics, Inc., a developer of software and digital readout devices for metrology applications, offers a readout system that combines multiple video measuring functions in a compact display unit. The technology...

Monitoring, control, and material handling.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Conair recently introduced two new products: the ControlWorks Monitor and Control System and the IL-64 Material-Handling System Control. The ControlWorks System monitors the operation of blenders, loaders, dryers, mold-temperature control...

High-volume system.(MACHINERY & PROCESSING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Husky Hylectric 300 machine with a 72-cavity mold for the manufacture of closures produces 1500 parts per minute. The company says its closure systems are engineered specifically to meet the needs of high-volume applications such as those...

Automotive plastics: adding functionality, reducing vehicle cost.(Cover story)
September 1, 2006... Plastics professionals attending NPE 2006 in June ranked the automotive and general transportation markets the highest in terms of growth opportunities for plastics. Surveyed on behalf of DuPont Engineering Polymers, the attendees indicated...

Focus on automotives.(Upcoming SPE Conferences)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The 6th Annual SPE Automotive Composites Conference and Exposition, sponsored by the Automotive and Composites Divisions, is scheduled for September 12-14 in Troy, Mich. The theme, "Composites: Efficiency, Value, Performance," reflects topics...

Innovation Awards Program.(Upcoming SPE Conferences)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Automotive Division's 36th Annual Innovations Awards Gala is scheduled for November 8 in Livonia, Mich. The program is the largest competition of its kind in the world. Awards will be presented in nine categories: body exterior, body...

Patents of interest.(Horizons)
September 1, 2006... The patent is a legal document giving the holder a license to capitalize on his or her invention without competition for a few years. In exchange, the holder teaches us the basis of the invention. The patent is forward-looking, representing a...

Owens Corning, BMCi launch thermoset composites venture.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Bulk Molding Compounds, Inc. joint venture with Owens Corning )(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Owens Corning (Toledo, Ohio) and Bulk Molding Compounds, Inc. (BMCi) (West Chicago, Ill), have launched a joint venture to speed development of thermoset composite bulk molding compounds (BMC) as preferred alternatives to steel, wood, and...

Huntsman acquires Ciba textiles.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Ciba Special Chemicals (Basel, Switzerland) has completed the sale of its Textile Effects business to Huntsman Corp. for a consideration of CHF 332 million, consisting of cash and assumed debt of CHF 75 million. Approximately 4000 Ciba...

Mannesmann changes hands.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Chicago-based investment group Madison Capital Partners has acquired the German company Mannesmann Plastics Machinery from Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. The transaction was initiated by Goldsmith Agio Helms, a U.S.-based private...

Umicore & Solvay partner in MEAs for fuel cells.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Umicore and Solvay's joint venture)(membrane electrode assemblies)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Umicore and Solvay (Brussels) have begun operations at SolviCore, their 50-50 joint venture for the development, production, and sales of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and related compounds for fuel-cell applications. Based in Hanau,...

Dow, Russian firm target PUR systems.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Dow Chemicals joint venture with Izolan )(poyurethane)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.) has teamed with the Russian company Izolan in a joint venture serving Russia's growing poyurethane (PUR) systems market. To be based in Izolan's headquarters city of Vladimir, Dow Izolan will employ...

Clariant drops "Sand" prefix.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Consequent to its 1995 spin-off from Sandoz, reports Clariant of Muttenz, Switzerland, its Pigments & Additives Division must change the brand names of products prefixed "Sand." The rebranding, officially launching on Jan. 1, 2007, applies to...

BASF rebrands itself.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... For rebranding and integrating its newly acquired Engelhard businesses in the United States, the BASF Group has registered a new corporate name, BASF Catalysts LLC. BASF will extend its brand to Engelhard companies in other regions within the...

PolyOne expands in Central Europe.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... PolyOne Corp., headquartered in northeastern Ohio, is expanding its presence in Central Europe with the construction of a manufacturing facility in Kutno, Poland, which will initially produce color masterbatches for extrusion and molding...

Rohm and Haas divests Automotive Coatings.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Based in Philadelphia, Rohm and Haas reports that it has agreed to sell its global Automotive Coatings business to Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. (NPC). The sale includes facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and interest in two Rohm and...

Solvay to produce PTFE powders in China.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(polytetrafluoroethylene)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Solvay has announced that it plans to build a world-class polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) micronized powder production unit in the People's Republic of China. Pending authorization, the plant would be located...

Dow increases investment in China.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Dow Chemical Co contracts with Texhong Textile Group )(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Announcing that it plans to significantly step up investment in China, The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Administrative Committee of Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone in Jiangsu Province. The LOI...

Moldflow names sales managers in Eastern Europe, South Africa.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Based in Framingham, Mass., Moldflow Corp. reports that its has appointed two new sales managers, one in Eastern Europe and the other in South Africa. Based out of Moldflow's office in Huerth-Efferen, Germany, Gerd Over will serve as territory...

EDI names rep in Middle East.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Extrusion Dies Industries L.L.C., Arabian Commercial & Industrial Services)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Extrusion Dies Industries, LLC (EDI), headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wis., has chosen Arabian Commercial & Industrial Services (ACIS) as its agent in nine Mideast countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait,...

Itec recycling business begins operations.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Itec Environmental Group, Inc., has begun recycling operations at its plant in Riverbank, Calif. Using its patented Eco2 plastic recycling system, the plant is producing 14,300 lbs of recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) flakes per day....

Chemtura HQ receives certification.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(headquarters)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Chemtura Corp. announces that its world headquarters facility in Middlebury, Conn., has achieved RC 14001 certification for its Integrated Responsible Care and environmental management system. Chemtura Corp. was formed in July 2005 by the...

PUR system helps secure Caspian-Mediterranean pipeline.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(polyurethane)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Pipeline, which traverses 1760 kilometers (1094 miles) from the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oilfield in the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, officially began operations on July 13, 2006, under the protection of a...

Polymer products shore up structures in harm's way.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The BASF subsidiary Elastogran has developed an elastomer polyurethane (PUR) system called Elastocoast for reinforcing stone ballast revetments for dikes. A flexible covering made of an elastic composite of crushed stones and the PUR...

SPE conferences.(UPCOMING EVENTS)
September 1, 2006... Oct. 8-11. SPE's Automotive TPO Global Conference. Site: Sterling Heights, Michigan. Oct. 9-11. SPE's Decorating & Assembly Technologies TopCon. Site: Indianapolis, Indiana. Oct. 11-12. SPE's Industrial Blow Molding Automation &...

SPE seminars.(UPCOMING EVENTS)
September 1, 2006... Contact: SPE's Customer Relations Department, at 203-740-5403, or email seminars@4spe.org. For further information on seminars or workshops, visit www.4spe.org/conferenceseminar.htm.

SPE meetings.(UPCOMING EVENTS)
September 1, 2006... Oct. 12. Philadelphia Section. Site: Holiday Inn Select, Wilmington, Delaware. Subject: Leistritz Forum. Contact: Joe Sarver, 800-355-2422 ext. 5631; joseph.sarver@cibasc.com. Nov. 9. Philadelphia Section. Site: Holiday Inn Select,...

Other upcoming events.(UPCOMING EVENTS)(Calendar)
September 1, 2006... Oct. 8-11.2006 ICMA Expo. Site: Athens, Greece. Contact: International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA), phone 609-799-4900; email info@icma.com; website www.icma.com. Oct. 9-11. Performance Sheet 2006 Building & Construction, Signage...

Fellows of the Society.(Society of Plastics Engineers Annual Technical Conference 2006)
September 1, 2006... At ANTEC 2006 in Charlotte in May, 13 new SPE Fellows-of-the-Society were recognized for their contributions to the field of plastics engineering, science or technology, or in the management of such activities. Nominated by an SPE Division or...

Honored service members.(Society of Plastics Engineers)
September 1, 2006... The Society of Plastics Engineers proudly introduces 23 new Honored Service Members, who are being recognized for their contributions to the Society. According to SPE Bylaws, "To be elected an Honored Service Member, a candidate shall have...