polymerguru

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐆𝐄 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬. It’s tempting to consolidate production across fewer presses. It saves floor space, reduces changeovers, and simplifies scheduling, in theory. But when too many molds are forced to run on the same machine, cracks start to show: - Compromised process settings to make it “work” for multiple tools - Frequent changes to EOAT or automation layout - Limited screw or barrel flexibility for different materials - Reduced uptime due to longer changeover times or more setup tweaks - Overloaded operators juggling incompatible mold-handling routines What started as a lean approach becomes a source of process drift, scrap, and maintenance headaches. The truth is, not every mold belongs on every press, even if the tonnage is right. Mold stroke, tie-bar clearance, shot size, material requirements, and even ejection timing can all disqualify a press ...

Thermoplastic elastomers provide superior sealing, UV resistance, and recyclability for automotive mirror gaskets, meeting demanding industry standards while enhancing vehicle durability. Out of sight but never out of function — car mirror gaskets discreetly do the work most drivers never notice. These unobtrusive yet vital components seal the gaps between the mirror housing and the vehicle body, keeping out water, dust, and wind. #Mirrorgaskets serve a dual purpose: they reduce vibration and noise, keeping mirrors stable for clear visibility and safer driving, while also creating a more polished exterior finish. #Thermoplasticelastomers (TPEs) suit sealing applications due to their soft, elastic properties, delivering reliable #sealingperformance , durability, and resistance to varying environmental conditions. #KraiburgTPE offers its UV/AP series with excellent sealing performance, durability, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, as well as the added benefit of recyclabilit...

These developments mark a transition beyond traditional hand lay-up techniques, positioning natural fibres as credible, scalable solutions for high-performance industrial applications. European flax-linen and hemp bio-composites are rapidly evolving, with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies unlocking new levels of performance, precision and repeatability. As a result, flax-linen and hemp are emerging as serious contenders across demanding sectors including automotive, construction, design and advanced engineering. Recent progress in thin-ply prepreg technology has enabled flax rovings, such as those developed by Depestele, to be transformed into ultra-lightweight, high-performance composite structures. Leveraging the ‘thin ply effect,’ these materials demonstrate enhanced damage tolerance, while automated prepreg systems and back-injection moulding are facilitating efficient, high-volume production, particularly within the automotive sector. Advanced fibre placement and filament wi...

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share (Polymerization process) Key Polyester Types & Applications: PCT, PEN, PTT, PET,PBN and PBT are all members of the thermoplastic, sharing similar chemistry (aromatic diacid + dihydric alcohol) but differing in the specific alcohol used (ethylene glycol for PET, butanediol for PBT, propanediol for PTT) or diacid (naphthalene for PEN), leading to distinct properties like melting points, stiffness, and chemical resistance, making PET ideal for bottles/films, PBT for electrical connectors/automotive parts, PTT for fibers/textiles, and PCT/PEN for higher heat applications, with grades varying by additives for enhanced performance. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Most common polyester, used for beverage bottles, food trays, and films due to good clarity, strength, and barrier properties; can be heat-set for ovenable trays. PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): Similar to PET but with lower melting point, better impact resistance, and faster crystallization; exce...

China’s ambition to conquer the depths of the ocean is entering a new phase. After years of investing in scientific exploration and deep-sea technologies, the country is now preparing to bring tourists into the underwater world. Chinese state media China Daily revealed plans for a new manned submersible capable of carrying passengers to depths of #1000metres . The project is being led by the China Ship Scientific Research Center ( #CSSRC ), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp ( #CSSC ). According to Ye Cong, director of the CSSRC in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, engineers of the rearch team plan to build a prototype before the end of this year. “After more than four years of research, engineers have finalised the structural design,” he said, adding that if everything goes according to plan, the #deepseatourism #submersible will be ready for launch and commercial operation before 2030. One of the most striking features of the future submersible is expected to be its panoramic #und...

Deutsche Aircraft and Hexcel today jointly announced the signing of a long‑term industrial partnership and supply agreement focused on advanced composite solutions for the D328eco, the next‑generation regional turboprop designed, certified, and industrialised in Europe. The agreement was formalized at the ILA Berlin Air Show, at the BDLI Pavilion, emphasizing the role of ILA as Germany’s leading aerospace exhibition and a key platform for advancing Europe’s aerospace industrial ecosystem. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to long term cooperation, industrial resilience, and technological excellence anchored in Europe. Under the agreement, Hexcel and Deutsche Aircraft will collaborate closely to integrate advanced composite solutions into the D328eco airframe. The materials are engineered to meet the programme’s stringent mechanical, weight, and environmental requirements, supporting both performance and sustainability objectives. The composite solutions will be applied in pr...

Evonik develops solutions to enhance the chemical recycling of plastics, offering specialized catalysts and adsorbents to improve the quality of pyrolysis oil. In the pyrolysis process, plastic waste is broken down into its chemical building blocks at high temperatures and in the absence of oxygen. The primary product of this process, pyrolysis oil, can supplement fossil feedstocks like naphtha derived from crude oil. Pyrolysis oil is further processed in steam crackers, which produce the essential building blocks for new plastics, such as ethylene and propylene.  However, pyrolysis oil often contains impurities such as chlorine, nitrogen, or silicon, which can compromise the efficiency and operational safety of steam crackers. “Cracker operators apply strict quality standards to the feedstocks they use,” says Hendrik Rasch, who is responsible for Circular Packaging and Plastics Recycling in Evonik’s Next Markets Program. “This is precisely where our products come in. They help to ...