Dassault Systèmes and Solar Impulse define a new chapter in the future of solar-powered aviation

The Solar Impulse 2 airplane, revealed on April 9 and successfully test flown in June of this year, is designed using Dassault Systèmes’ 3DExperience platform.

Solar Impulse uses Dassault Systèmes’ 3DExperience platform, including its Catia and Enovia applications, to design, build, and validate this second solar airplane. Solar Impulse 1 was a test bed for the incredibly complex new technologies required to fly day and night using solar energy alone. Solar Impulse 2 will carry the mission forward and fly around the world in 2015.

The team faced new challenges and trade-offs in designing such an innovative plane, including a new design for the fuselage and wings, and using new materials to achieve strict weight objectives. Designing a cockpit providing safety, comfort, and command accessibility for a pilot on an around-the-world flight required sophisticated design and management tools. Dassault Systèmes applications, in use by the team since 2006, helped ensure smooth execution of the ongoing development process and milestones.

“For over a century, pioneers have been pushing the limits of aviation and transforming ideas into ‘firsts,’ from the first human flight to balloon flights and space missions once thought to be impossible,” said André Borschberg, Co-founder CEO and Pilot, Solar Impulse.  “We continue to apply this entrepreneurial spirit to engineering and research programs that blend 21st century technologies like the 3DExperience platform with a mission to improve mankind’s impact on the environment.”

More information: www.3ds.com

Verdezyne & Bio-XCell to Set-up First Biobased DDDA Production Facility in Malaysia

Verdezyne, Inc., a privately-held industrial biotechnology company focused on producing renewable chemicals, recently announced it has reached an agreement with Bio-XCell Malaysia to construct Verdezyne’s first commercial-scale renewable chemicals manufacturing facility in Bio-XCell’s premier biotechnology and ecosystem park in Nusajaya, Iskandar, in southern Malaysia. With construction scheduled to commence in 2015, the plant will be capable of producing approximately 30 million pounds per year of diacids, including dodecanedioic acid (DDDA), and will be the world’s first bio-based plant for the production of DDDA. 

The exchange of agreement ceremony took place during the official opening ceremony of “BioMalaysia: Bioeconomy Asia Pacific 2014 Conference & Exhibition,” and was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. 

“This agreement is part of our comprehensive strategy of expansion into Asia, and represents a huge step toward our goal of replacing petroleum-derived chemicals with renewable drop-in replacements,” commented E. William Radany, Ph.D., President and CEO of Verdezyne. “We are thrilled, and are eagerly anticipating breaking ground in the near future on this major new manufacturing plant for the production of renewable diacids.” 

The multi-faceted agreement includes: 
• Leasing a 6.9-acre site owned by Bio-XCell in Malaysia’s premier biotechnology park located in Nusajaya, Iskandar, Malaysia, 30 minutes’ north of Singapore. The 13-year, renewable lease provides for expansion options on other adjacent lots, and all major utilities will be supplied by Bio-XCell. 
• A loan of approximately $75 Million (approximately RM 250 Million) from Bio-XCell. 

“We are happy to welcome Verdezyne to the Park. The investments related to building Verdezyne's new factory here will bring the total investment into Bio-XCell to RM250 million, and with a couple more companies in the pipeline, we expect to have secured RM1.86 billion [approximately $555 Million] in investment by year-end. The investments will further augur and strengthen the value proposition of the Bio-XCell ecosystem as a regional hub for industrial biomanufacturing and bioprocessing,” said Rizatuddin Ramli, Chief Executive Officer of Bio-XCell Malaysia. 

“We are proud of our successes with our Malaysian partners, who recognize the strong value proposition we bring to the table,” added Dr. Radany. “To review, in June of last year we reached a collaboration agreement with Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation, and in September of last year we were awarded BioNexus Status by the Malaysian government. In April of this year we secured $30 Million in financing from Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby, and our signing ceremony was attended by none other than President Barack Obama. As rewarding as our projects in Malaysia have been thus far, though, we feel that the best is yet to come.” 

The manufacturing facility will leverage Verdezyne’s yeast fermentation technology with the abundant supplies of non-food, plant-based feedstocks in Malaysia to produce a variety of commercial diacids, including DDDA. These diacids may in turn be used to produce nylon or other polymers for use in a variety of applications including: engineering resins, automotive parts, athletic apparel, carpeting and toothbrush bristles, at lower cost than traditional, petroleum-derived nylons. 


Source: Verdezyne

KRAIBURG's Medically-compliant TPE Finds Application in Single-use Membrane Valve

Cross-contamination must be eliminated in valves used for sensitive pharmaceutical process technology. The safest method is to use one-way valves, which until now has meant replacing the entire valve. With its controlled single-use membrane valve GEMÜ SUMONDO®, with a special TPE membrane from KRAIBURG TPE, GEMÜ is introducing a safe and cost-effective system. With it, only the valve unit has to be replaced, because thanks to the interior membrane, it is the only part that comes into contact with the pharmaceutical media. The actuator itself remains in the system for re-use. The valve unit, which is manufactured in a cleanroom out of sterilized polypropylene, is equipped with a TPE membrane. The ultrasonically heat-sealed membrane hermetically separates the media from the environment and from the valve's actuator. Moreover, it also regulates the volume flow in the valve during operation. 

"Using THERMOLAST® M, the medically-compliant TPE from KRAIBURG TPE, represents a fundamental contribution to our new development. The elastic properties, together with the extensive chemical stability in conjunction with the Medical Service Package, are contributing to this progress," says Valentin RÜttimann, Product Engineer for single-use systems at GEMÜ, on the first collaboration between the two companies. 

A microbe-proof barrier with THERMOLAST® M

THERMOLAST® M has also generated interest thanks to its simple, time-saving, and cost-effective manufacturing process with polypropylene. This processing method enables short cycle times and makes post-processing the component unnecessary. In addition, the procedure makes it possible to create a microbe-proof barrier. THERMOLAST® M allows direct contact with a pharmaceutical medium or blood. It has comprehensive medical certifications (USP Class VI, USP 661, DIN ISO 10993-4 "Haemolysis, Indirect in Human Blood", ISO 10993-5 "Cytotoxicity", ISO 10993-10 "Intracutaneous Irritation", ISO 10993-11 "Acute Systemic Toxicity"). 

The Medical Service Package

KRAIBURG TPE ensures product reliability and safety for all of its THERMOLAST® M materials as part of its Medical Service Package. The compounds from the medically-compliant portfolio are manufactured on a separate production system. There, only materials that correspond to the requirements of the medical industry are used, and contamination with other products or parts, such as raw materials of animal origin, is eliminated. For this quality assurance in the medical and pharmaceutical technology industry, KRAIBURG TPE guarantees composition consistency and security of supply for two years. 


Source: KRAIBURG TPE 

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Nikon D750 with carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastics

With features inspired by D4S and D810, the D750 brings dazzling image quality, cinematic video capabilities and pro-inspired handling in a nimble design with a tilting Vari-angle LCD and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Enthusiasts upgrading from a DX-format D-SLR will marvel at the D750's full-frame performance.

Pros seeking a primary or secondary camera for fast-paced shoots will appreciate the D750's familiar handling and speed. And filmmakers looking for a compact D-SLR to bring a production to life or to capture B-Roll will find the D750 a perfect fit. The D750 is a thrilling centerpiece of an exceptional imaging system. 

Another first for a Nikon full-frame D-SLR, the D750 employs a compact, lightweight and slim monocoque body design. The front body and front cover are constructed from carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastics, while the rear and top covers are magnesium alloy, for a balanced combination of nimbleness and ruggedness. This slim styling and ergonomic layout allows for ample grip space and comfortable handling. And with its energy saving EXPEED 4, you can expect to keep shooting for up to 1,230 shots* and up to 55 minutes of recording time.

Source:Nikon

DuPont's Renewably-sourced Sorona® EP Polymer Finds Use in DTR's Cervical Biopsy Punch

DTR Medical, among the leading manufacturers of single-use surgical instruments, has specified Sorona® renewably sourced polymer for six components in its new Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch. This grade is a 15-percent glass filled grade of Sorona® EP providing high strength and stiffness. Further attributes of Sorona® useful in this application include resistance to gamma sterilization and excellent dimensional stability.

The Cervical Rotating Biopsy Punch is used to take a tissue sample, on patients undergoing cervical cancer biopsies, for cell analysis by microscopy. The DuPont material, which is supplied with full regulatory compliance for use in healthcare applications and is produced according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, is used in the handle and trigger mechanism to mold the rear hand left and right, front handle, connector pin, rotational controller and the rotational controller with chamfer. These parts are used to activate a spring, driving the inner rod which, assisted by the Sorona® inserts, generates a clamping force to cut the tissue sample.

The Cervical Biopsy Punch with Rotation from DTR Medical is designed for single-use, which eliminates cross contamination that occurs when re-using hard-to-clean instruments and saves considerable time and cost incurred by sterilizing the equipment for re-use.

According to Andrew Davidson, Managing Director at DTR Medical: "The surface finish of the handle is fundamental for instrument quality, replacing stainless steel and for good grip in the clinical setting. The part must deliver durable mechanical performance in use throughout the five year shelf life and the benefit of renewably sourced material is an added advantage for a single-use manufacturer. We tested many polymers for these components, and the DuPont material was superior."

Glen Wells, General Manager at St Davids Assemblies added: "Sorona® EP from DuPont combines the benefits of renewability with processing and performance advantages. The material can be processed similarly to PBT and PET, offers very low shrinkage and warpage, enhanced surface finish, and scratch resistance in finished parts." Sorona® contains 20% to 37% renewable material made with a renewably sourced propanediol (PDO) made from technical starch.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, The miracles of science™ and all product names denoted with ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.

Source: DuPont

Lehvoss Unveils High Performance LUVOCOM® 70 PK Compounds for Engineering Applications

Lehvoss North America announces the introduction of its LUVOCOM® 70 series of high performance compounds based on polyketone (PK). These compounds fill the gap between compounds based on technical polymers like PA6, PA66, and acetal and high performance polymers such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyaryletherketone (PAEK). In having a combination of select features of these other polymers, the PK polymer offers an exceptional property profile with unique advantages for applications having multiple engineering requirements.

"The introduction is actually a re-launch," explained Michael Sandeen, Sales and Business Development Manager at Lehvoss, "Various LUVOCOM 70 products had been available until the year 2000 but had to be cancelled due to Shell Chemical's discontinuation of Carilon PK polymer production. With the polymer now available, Lehvoss decided to start the development of these new high performance compounds because of their unique and outstanding properties."

With its unique profile, PK polymer is a multi-use material that offers inherently good tribological performance. "In many cases it is better than acetal and polyamides (PA)," said Sandeen. "It can replace even high temperature resistant polymers in tribological applications." PK also offers good hydrolytic stability, low permeability, good weld line strength, and good processability with shorter cycle times compared to other technical polymers such as PA 66 and acetal.

"The polymer's low wear rate offers excellent advantages for gear wheels and bearings," said Sandeen. "Its low water absorption makes it suitable for applications where parts come in contact with moisture, and its high level of chemical resistance makes it suitable for applications such fuel filters and other fuel system components. Its chemical resistance together with its mechanical properties and tribological performance makes it particularly suited for stock shapes and seals."

The LUVOCOM 70 line consists of three grades: 70-9045 reinforced with carbon fibers; 70-9046 lubricated with PTFE, and 70-9113/BK formulated for low wear and friction. Lehvoss will also develop made-to-measure compounds based on customers' needs.

Source: Lehvoss

BASF's New Elastollan® AC 55D10 HPM TPU Finds Application in Citroën C4 Cactus' Airbumps

As a manufacturer of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), BASF has successfully optimized the material so that it can be applied extensively and unpainted on the vehicle exterior. The automotive manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroën uses the new TPU grade Elastollan® AC 55D10 HPM (High Performance Material) for cladding the Citroën C4 Cactus with so-called Airbumps®. These are large air-filled cushion bumpers in contrasting colors: They are fitted on the sides as well as on the front and rear of the vehicle, protect the car exterior from impact and scratches and give the vehicle its distinctive look. This world first is the result of many years of development work between the French automotive manufacturer, the supplier Rehau, Switzerland and BASF. Rehau manufactures the side Airbumps®, while the company Faurecia, France produces the bumpers at the front and back.

"With their characteristic Elastollan® surface, Airbumps® embody the philosophy of the Citroën C4 Cactus perfectly — they have style and are multifunctional. Together with BASF and the suppliers of the Airbump® parts, we have shaped material development and the manufacturing process in such a way that the two have resulted in models offering the optimum combination of quality, aesthetics and costs", explains Jérôme Vinot Préfontaine, Purchasing General Manager for the C4 Cactus program at PSA Peugeot Citroën. The advantage of Elastollan® HPM lies in its freedom of design and long-term durability together with attractive haptics and a high-class appearance. The new material combines the properties of conventional TPU, such as good tensile strength and abrasion resistance, elasticity, excellent impact resistance at low temperatures and high media resistance, with new features: It has outstanding surface properties even at low wall thicknesses, it is scratch-resistant, UV- and weather-resistant, is easy to clean and has a high service temperature of 120 to 150°C.

Good assembly properties

This makes it an ideal surface for the impact-absorbing Airbumps® which give the C4 Cactus its characteristic graphic looks. The injection-molded Elastollan® component is mounted to a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) support shell, thus forming flexible cavities that can be dented and bounce back again. The entire structure is fixed to the metal chassis. Because of the good mounting properties of the HPM grade a tight assemblage is possible which conventional trim materials such as polypropylene do not achieve.

Elastollan® HPM can be pigmented, so the Airbumps® do not have to be painted. Thus, they do not require any special maintenance and in case of an accident help reduce the repair costs for the vehicle. The bumpers are available in four contrasting colors (black, brown, light and dark gray) and contribute to the harmonious individual color design with the automotive coatings, primers and clearcoats from BASF's Coatings Division.

Processing: short cycle time and good flow properties

BASF has also further developed the processing properties of the new Elastollan® grade. The material can be injection-molded within a wide process window with a cycle time that is 50% shorter compared with conventional TPU. It has excellent flow properties, which means that low wall thicknesses of 1.5 to 1.8 mm can be produced without affecting the surface quality. "Because of the high demands on surface and color, hardness and flexibility the close cooperation with BASF in material formulation and application development was a decisive factor for us", explains Bernard Delles, Project Head at the automotive supplier Rehau which manufactures the side Airbumps®. Faurecia uses the new Elastollan® HPM for manufacturing the bumpers at the front and back of the C4 Cactus. "The innovation lay not only in the material but also in the mounting. BASF has developed a plastic that required a new assembly technology. We worked closely to meet the requirements for the industrial mass production of these unusual parts", says Sébastien Bret, Development Manager at Faurecia.

Up to now, Elastollan® has been used in the automotive industry as cable sheathing, in the engine compartment and in the vehicle interior, e.g. for door handles, gear knobs and cupholder linings. BASF's TPU can be injection-molded, extruded or blow-molded.

Meet BASF at Fakuma 2014, Friedrichshafen, October 14-18, 2014, hall B4, booth 4306.

Airbump® is a registered trademark of PSA Peugeot Citroën.

Source: BASF