US President Barack Obama Names Evonik as Key Partner of IACMI

Evonik Corporation, Parsippany, USA, was recently named by U.S. President Barack Obama as a key partner of the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation Institute (IACMI), a $250 million public-private partnership of academia, federal and state government, and companies seeking to advance the commercialization of novel material sciences and composites solutions to the automotive, wind energy and compressed natural gas tank industries.

Led by the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the IACMI reflects a $70 million commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy and $189 million from IACMI’s partners. IACMI is the fifth named institute of President Obama’s National Network for Manufacturing Innovation.

“Evonik is proud and excited to have an opportunity to work with technology leaders across academia and industry to bring composite solutions to life,” said Dr. Matthias Kottenhahn, head of Evonik High Performance Polymers business line. “Evonik’s participation in IACMI is right in our sweet spot, as we have a strategy of offering the world commercially viable ideas on how to utilize resources more efficiently. Our involvement complements other investments we’ve made, including a Composites Project House which is working to develop new materials and innovative light-weighting system solutions.” 

Evonik manufactures a range of products that can be found in almost all components of fiber-reinforced composites. The company supplies core materials for sandwich construction, thermoplastic and thermosetting resin matrices, as well as the essential components for matrices such as crosslinkers, catalysts, impact strength modifiers or processing and process additives. Some of these products are used in sizings for glass or carbon fibers, and in adhesives for joining fiber-reinforced composites. 

Source: Evonik 

3D printing Conference in Feb 17-19,Las Vegas

The automotive industry has adopted of 3D printing technologies and has been one of the main drivers for their growth and evolution since 1980.Current 3D printing business volume has reached above 250 million dollars for both materials as well as hardware technologies.3D printing projects have been supported by governments in recent years. It is estimated that 3D printing industry’s CAGR is above 20 % and will reach 1 billion dollars in next 3-4 years. Companies like Mercedes, BMW, Porshe, Kepler motors, Aston martin, Nissan etc have adopted 3D printing for their process in recent years.

Global premier companies listed below will share the advances being made at their respective institutions:

• GE Aviation

• Siemens Energy

• John Deere

• Reebok International

• Lockheed Martin

• IBM

• Accenture

• World-Class Healthcare & Materials Institutions

.............................................................................

Keynote Presentation: 21st Century Industrial Manufacturing to be Re-Shaped via 3D Printing Larry Doerr, COO-North America, Stratasys, USA

Flavor of Revolution in Healthcare Industry:

World’s 1st Total Cranial Skull Implant using 3D Printing Technology: Entering A New Era in Surgical Procedures

Dr. Bon Verweij, Neurosurgeon, Univ Medical Center-Utrecht, Netherlands

..........................................................................................

Flavor of Revolution in High-Tech Industry:

3D Printed Jet Engine Nozzle: From Prototype to Production

Mike Cloran, Marketing Director, GE Aviation, USA

Portfolio of Real-Life Products Enabled via 3D Printing James Orrock, VP-FDM Materials Development, Stratasys, USA

3D Printing of Optical & Precision Parts for the Aerospace Industry Joni Mici, OptoMechanical Engineer, Lockheed Martin Adv Tech Center, USA

3D Printing @ Siemens Energy Dr. Vladimir Navrotsky, Technology & Innovation Manager, Siemens, Sweden

Smart Collaboration: America Makes – The National Accelerator for Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing Dr. Kevin Creehan, Deputy Director-Technology Division, America MakesNational Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, USA

LaserCusing® Industrial 3D Printing Process: Impact on Global Engineering & Manufacturing – Cost Reduction, Shorter Lead Times & Improved Product Performance John Murray, President & CEO, Concept Laser Inc., USA

3D Printed Award Winning Models for NASA & Aerospace Industry Dr. Gregory Dodge, Director, Novajo Technical Univ, USA

.....................................................................................

More details @

http://DDDPrintingConference.com

Lehvoss Launches Highly Resilient CF-reinforced PA 66 for Automotive Gear Wheels

Plastic gearing in the automotive industry is increasingly being subjected to extremely demanding applications having higher loads and operating temperatures. Lehvoss North America has responded to this trend by developing new thermoplastic compounds that make it possible to produce gear wheels that are more resilient when compared to acetal, nylon, and PBT even at elevated temperatures.

New LUVOCOM® 1-8181 and LUVOCOM® 1-8520 compounds polyamide 66 fortified with carbon fibers and impact modifiers have been developed for gear wheels subject to high stresses. The strengths of these compounds at room temperature and at 120°C (240°F) have been increased by approximately 80% compared with standard polyamide 66 compounds. As an additional benefit, these new materials also exhibit an increased impact strength that meets or exceeds the requirements of many gear wheel applications. Depending on the service life of the component, the continuous operating temperature is 120°C (240°F) and up to 150°C (302°F) for short periods. “This combination of properties expands the engineering envelope for ultra-high performance plastic gearing,” explained Lefteris Valsamis, General Manager, Lehvoss North America.

Because of their technical and economic advantages, plastic gear wheels are currently displacing conventional metal designs in many industrial applications. In addition to their good processing characteristics, excellent design freedom, and mass production cost effectiveness, plastics also offer benefits such as high noise insulation, weight reduction, functional integration, and chemical resistance. Incorporating lubrication into the materials leads to an improvement in the tribological properties of plastic gear wheels which also contributes to a cleaner operating environment due to the elimination of external lubrication. Ultimately both higher performance and lower maintenance costs are achieved. “We offer formulations to create tailor-made compounds meeting the customer’s exact engineering requirements” said Valsamis. 

Source: Lehvoss North America 

Brand-Owners around the Globe on 3D-FABRICATION of Materials: FEB 17-19

3D Printing has begun reshaping the manufacturing base and promises to be the 21st Century's industrial revolution. In short, it can deliver "Real-Life Objects" FASTER, CHEAPER, and more importantly, ON-DEMAND. Major impacts on industrial Manufacturing & Productivity are to be realized as the prototypes can be rapidly fabricated and perfected without tooling limitations or wastage of materials and manpower. 

Practically all industries will be impacted; examples include (1) Defense, (2) Medical, (3) Aerospace, (4) Automotive, (5) Consumer Products, (6) Sporting Goods, (7) Architectural, (8) Wearables, (9) Customized Foods, and (10) Household Items. 

....................................................................................................Global premier companies listed below will share the advances being made at their respective institutions:• GE Aviation• Siemens Energy• John Deere• Reebok International• Lockheed Martin• IBM• Accenture• World-Class Healthcare & Materials Institutions
.............................................................................Flavor of Revolution in Healthcare Industry:World’s 1st Total Cranial Skull Implant using 3D Printing Technology: Entering A New Era in Surgical ProceduresDr. Bon Verweij, Neurosurgeon, Univ Medical Center-Utrecht, Netherlands..........................................................................................
Flavor of Revolution in High-Tech Industry:3D Printed Jet Engine Nozzle: From Prototype to ProductionMike Cloran, Marketing Director, GE Aviation, USA
.....................................................................................More details @ http://DDDPrintingConference.com

PlastiComp Reveals Enhanced Aesthetic Capabilities of Nylon 6 & 66 LFT Composites

PlastiComp, Inc., among the global leaders in long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) materials and technologies, recently revealed the enhanced aesthetic capabilities of its Velocity® high flow nylon long fiber reinforced composites. The products simplify the injection molding of high fiber content LFT components by more easily producing the smooth, fiber-free finish desired on external surfaces.

PlastiComp developed its Velocity series of high flow nylon (polyamide) 6 and 66 LFT composites to facilitate easier and quicker molding of high glass or carbon fiber content materials. Standard LFT materials with fiber loadings of 50% or above exhibit high viscosity characteristics which can make them problematic to mold, especially in thin wall sections.

“What was originally a side benefit of improving flow has turned out to be a very desirable attribute of our Velocity long fiber products,” said Eric Wollan, business development manager at PlastiComp. “As the use of LFT’s progresses from industrial goods and internal structural elements to consumer goods and exposed housings, their appearance and surface finish has become a more important selection criteria.”

With standard high fiber content materials, higher molding temperatures are required to obtain a resin-rich surface, which results in slower cycle times and increased operating costs. When using PlastiComp’s Velocity long fiber grades, enhanced, fiber-free surfaces are obtainable at 30-40°F (17-22°C) lower processing temperatures. A smooth to the touch, resin-rich surface free of fibers makes colors appear more vibrant and is capable of holding finer embossed details – such visual characteristics are important to establishing high product quality perceptions among consumers.

“The superior surface finish of our Velocity LFT products virtually eliminates the need for any type of secondary finishing operations and it’s possible to achieve a near class-A surface finish with polished molds,” said Wollan. “Combining these aesthetic benefits with Velocity’s capabilities for producing thinner wall sections that facilitate more complex designs while utilizing less material and PlastiComp has long fiber reinforced materials that are ready to take on a new generation of applications.”

Source: PlastiComp, Inc. 

Why BioPlastics / BioChemicals when Crude Oil is Crashing ?

Bio Plastics are not only an alternate to fossil based plastics but also they are going to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and litter on the environment.
The biodegradation by microorganisms not only helps the soil but also act as a fertilizer. At present nearly 4%-5% of fossil oils are being used to produce all types of fossil based plastic materials for various applications.In recent days the world has witnessed the over dependence on fossil based plastics, but the fluctuating crude oil process along with the environmental concerns has slowly started the recognition and need for bio-based products.

A number of renewable chemicals have emerged in the last 5 years with the potential to enable traditional polymers while opening the path for newer materials using renewable food, especially non-food biomass as opposed to PetroChemicals. There has been a new wave of bioplastics entering the high-end consumer products such as auto-parts in TOYOTA,MERCEDES, FERRARI, and MASERATI; the field is continuously and rapidly evolving.

 The latest developments in PLA, PHA ,PEF and bio-sourced nylons,bio-PET and polyester show the entry of Bio plastics into newer applications in the automobile, electronics,medical, packaging and disposable products.

This bioplastic conference will bring more presentations from the leading bioplastic peers in the bioplastic industry with their latest developments takes place in their bio monomers and biopolymers for various applications.

The following Companies will have their presentation in the BIOPLASTICS conference Toyota,Natureworks,Dupont,DSM,Celanese,Arkema,Braskem,Henkel,RE:Chem,Enerkem,Global Bioenergies,Bioamber,Verdezyne,Riverdia,Avantium,Innoplast Solutions,Plaxica,Fraunhofer Institute,Corbion-PuracCathay Industrial Biotech,Zeal Optics
Meredian Holdings Group.

It is really a very good opportunity for the professionals in the polymer industry to learn more about bioplastic industry and also drive others in the right direction to make the ecofriendly atmosphere for the future.

Bioplastics conference will be held at InterContinental on Biscayne Bay,Miami,Jan 28-30 2015.

More details via the link, http://bioplastconference.com

US Army Selects DSM’s Dyneema® Force Multiplier Tech.-based Body Armor for Ballistics Safety

DSM Dyneema, the manufacturer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) fiber, branded as Dyneema®, and among the world leaders in life protection materials and high performance fibers, announced that the U.S. Army has chosen a new body armor system that incorporates Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology to deliver unparalleled ballistics protection combined with unprecedented weight reduction.

Point Blank Enterprises, one among the worldwide leaders in the production of soft body armor, designed the advanced ballistics package incorporated in the new system – the Generation II Soldier Plate Carrier System (SPCS).

Using revolutionary Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology, Point Blank developed the core ballistics package for the SPCS to create the lightest soft armor system ever to be fielded to the U.S. Army. The lighter weight ballistics package meets the Army’s requirement for the SPCS to provide protection equal to the current Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), but in a standalone capacity that reduces the soldier’s load and provides optimum mobility.

“Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology helps armor manufacturers achieve the goal of combining the best protective performance with the lightest possible weight,” said Shitij Chabba, Global Segment Director, Life Protection, DSM Dyneema. “We are very pleased that our latest material innovation has achieved qualification for an advanced program like SPCS that must meet modern mission requirements.”

Built on the company’s Radical Innovation Platform and manufactured in Greenville, N.C., Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology combines breakthroughs in polymer science, next-generation UHMwPE fiber technology and unique uni-directional engineering. Compared to body armor made from traditional materials such as aramid, protective vests engineered with Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology can reduce weight by up to 30 percent, while enhancing comfort and agility with fewer layers of material.

“Current and near-term predicted threats dictate that service personnel exhibit greater flexibility than ever before and an ability to respond quickly and decisively to changing conditions,” said Sam White, Executive Vice President, Point Blank Enterprises.

“The combination of our cutting-edge ballistics package design and DSM Dyneema’s breakthrough
Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology has resulted in an unmatched ability to accomplish the critical objectives of SPCS specifications, all while delivering the lightest and highest-performing protection. We’re honored to partner with DSM Dyneema to bring this game-changing system to our service men and women, and remain committed to protecting those who risk their lives every day to safeguard ours.”

Dyneema® and Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™ are trademarks of DSM. Use of these trademarks is prohibited unless strictly authorized.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: DSM