r-pac to Deliver Solegear’s Plant-based Bioplastic Packaging for Smartphone Case

Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc. and r-pac International has recently announced a replenishment order from r-pac International, to provide Solegear’s proprietary TF4000 bioplastic for the production of smartphone case packaging to support an upcoming launch at a leading US-based consumer electronics retailer. 

“Following an initial launch of plant-based smartphone case packaging last fall, this latest order represents an ongoing commitment from the retailer to meet demand from consumers for more sustainable products and packaging,” said Paul Antoniadis, CEO of Solegear. “Our collaborative partnership with r-pac International means that we continue to develop packaging materials that meet real-world performance and manufacturing requirements for Fortune 500 brands, and these solutions are resulting in long-term customer relationships and commitments.”

Solegear’s Traverse TF4000 is a USDA BioPreferred® packaging material with independently verified plant-based content and enhanced thermal properties. Designed as a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based plastic packaging, TF4000 can be readily processed in standard thermoforming equipment and contains no BPAs, phthalates or other chemicals of concern.

“Delivering innovative solutions is key to nurturing long-term partnerships with our clients,” stated Michael Teitelbaum, CEO of r-pac. “Through our continued collaboration with Solegear, we have been able to execute on this goal with industry-leading plant-based plastic packaging without sacrificing logistic or brand performance.”

Source: Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc.

Hexagon Composites receives U.S. DOT permit for Titan XL

The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) has granted Hexagon Composites' wholly owned subsidiary Hexagon Lincoln permit for Titan XL.

The Titan XL was first introduced in Latin America in 2015. It represents the highest-capacity road trailer in the world in a 40-foot container, capable of transporting 525,000 scf (15,000 scm) of compressed natural gas (CNG) with only 31.5 metric ton including trailer weight. The unique, ultra-light carbon fiber Type 4 cylinders are key to it meeting Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) limitations of several US states.

"Titan XL transports 44% more gas than Titan 4. Companies will benefit from fewer trips, reduced operating costs and increased competitiveness."

Hexagon Composites' Mobile Pipeline products have become the industry standard for moving large amounts of compressed gas.

 Source:Hexagon Composites

Polymer Failure & Defects: Problem Solving $MM Case-Histories, Atlanta, OCT 4-6; Discount Ends JULY 15

This uniquely practical and industry’s UN-RIVALED course, to be offered in Atlanta, USA,  OCT 4-6,  “Polymer Failure & Defects: Problem Solving Case-Histories” has been attended by 500+ participants with representation from premier global companies. A highlight of the course is the presentation of 50+ Case-Histories of $MM business impact via skilled investigation of problems; solutions backed by PATENTS, PUBLICATIONS in prestigious journals & documented COMMERCIAL VALUE. There will be a major presentation on “How to Identify Innovation Opportunities During Routine Technical Operations”. 

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• EXAMPLE #1 of 50+ : During occasional longer breaks, the extruder froze resulting in lengthy tear-downs & cleaning, thus adversely affecting the productivity. "Melt-Polycondensation" was established as the root-cause. Rather than changing the “near Impossible” manufacturing process for the plastic resin, a change in lubricant system with an unexpected catalytic effect, solved the problem. The Case-History leading to $10M+ in preserved business will be discussed including technical fundamentals & product development.

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• EXAMPLE #2 of 50+ : Multi-layered film upon shipping from Location-A to the Location-B shrank consistently by 0.5% along the TD creating "Nipping" problems during thermoforming. Upon returning the reject lots back to Location-A, only 0.2% shrinkage was identified, consistently. Both measurements were correct, although different. After understanding the root-cause, solution was based on handling the reversible effect of %RH differences at the A vs B locations and the irreversible effect of post-crystallization before slitting at Location-A. 
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• EXAMPLE #3 of 50+ : A PET based soft drink bottle with opacity in the neck-region was measured for its “Ultra-Precise Tm” vs a normal bottle. Based on this 1-measurement, it was concluded beyond any doubt that the manufacturer 8,000 miles away had missed the necessary 1-2% comonomer. Following initial denials and then later confirmations via GC-MS, manufacturer took the corrective actions.

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• EXAMPLE #4 of 50+ : Challenged by a sale at stake led to the discovery of reactor induced memory in NYLONS after 50 years of their existence. This led to proliferation of  ideas for technical marketing; signing of a $37M/year contract being just one outcome !

Click the link below for TESTIMONIALS and BROCHURE:

https://innoplastsolutions.com/courses

Discount Ends on JULY 15

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Upcoming Events: 2016-2017; Registrations Now OPEN

Sept 20-21, 2016 (Minneapolis)

Mind-to-Market in Months: Technology Development

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March 7-9, 2017 (Atlanta)

Plastics Modification: Industrial-to-Medical Products

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April 4-6, 2017 (Las Vegas)

3D Printing: Medical-to-Industrial Products

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May 23-25, 2017 (New York City area)

BioBased Re-Invention of Plastics

Victrex to Develop PAEK Grades for 3D Printing Targeted for Aerospace Industry

 Victrex is leading a consortium of companies and institutions pursuing innovation in 3D printing (additive manufacturing or AM). As part of its key role, Victrex will develop new grades of high-performance polyaryletherketone (PAEK) polymer based on innovative chemical formulations that are specifically designed to work in additive manufacturing processes. Although utilized in some AM applications today, current PAEK materials were originally developed for use in injection molding or extrusion manufacturing process. 

The new grades are targeted in particular at the aerospace industry, which is the consortium’s main focus, but will also consider applications in other areas, notably medical. Possessing intellectual property covering the new polymers being developed, Victrex was awarded funding from the UK's agency for innovation, Innovate UK, to help drive the project forward. Members of the consortium are other industry leaders such as Airbus Group Innovations, EOS e-Manufacturing Solutions, University of Exeter, E3D-Online, HiETA Technologies, South West Metal Finishing, and Avon Valley Precision Engineering.

A key objective is the improvement of the recycle rate for powders used in the additive manufacturing technique, laser sintering. This would significantly reduce polymer wastage in this type of additive manufacturing process and reduce costs. The project will also address unpredictability of inter-layer adhesion and parts surface finish in filament-based printing.

"Everyone is now keenly aware that additive manufacturing has the potential to revolutionize industrial production, since it no longer involves the high tooling and set-up costs of traditional manufacturing," noted David Hummel, Chief Executive of Victrex. "It also allows the production of very complex shapes and geometries that cannot be made by conventional means. High value, lower-volume applications such as aircraft components are the type of application that could benefit the most, although there are other areas, including medical that may also benefit."

The project now being undertaken by the consortium was originally conceived during a conference on polymer-based additive manufacturing at the University of Exeter in 2014, where Victrex presented some early-stage results on a new polymer with significant potential for additive manufacturing. The University of Exeter had already acquired experience and contacts in PEEK polymer-based additive manufacturing and was able to help bring the consortium into existence.

In fact, Victrex´s PAEK polymer is already being utilized for 3D printed parts in both filament fusion and powder-based laser sintering, while the company actively pursues new solutions. Within the industry, the consortium is looking at the innovative use of new PAEK polymer grades for potentially revolutionary aerospace-focused AM techniques. 

"This innovative project is a great example of Victrex once again leading the way and demonstrating how we are seeking to further develop the opportunities for our polymers,” commented Hummel, “expanding the market for PAEK applications and differentiating our business. We are at the start of an exciting journey in the formulation of new grades that can efficiently and cost-effectively exploit all the advantages of additive manufacturing.” 

By 2018, the project hopes to have technology demonstrators that represent proof points and a way forward to realizing all the advantages of additive manufacturing – including reduced costs and a faster time-to-market for products that include parts too complex to be manufactured using traditional methods. "Although this consortium is a multi-year program, companies who see a value for the benefits of PEEK polymer combined with the value propositions for additive manufacturing should contact us now to discuss their ideas", emphasized Hummel.

Source: Victrex 

Adwen and LM Wind Power partner to present the longest blade in the world

Adwen and LM Wind Power have partnered to take a large step forward towards lowering the cost of energy in offshore, putting their respective technology expertise together to present the longest blade in the world.

The huge component of 88.4 meters has been specifically designed for Adwen's AD 8-180 wind turbine model, with 8MW nominal capacity and 180 meter rotor diameter. The first of these huge blades has just been manufactured at LM Wind Power's factory in Lunderskov (Denmark) and will be transported to a facility in Aalborg in the following days, where it will commence rigorous testing in the framework of Adwen's extensive product validation plan.

The engineering teams of both companies have been working together for months to design and integrate a blade that represents an important step forward in the race to lower the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE). With the largest rotor in the industry (180 meters), the AD 8-180 has the highest annual energy production (AEP) of all wind turbines. 

The LM 88.4 P blade has been designed with manufacturability and reliability in mind, benefiting from the unique know-how of LM Wind Power, developing large blades for offshore application for the past 25 years and resulting in a 925 MW installed base. LM Wind Power's track record combined with Adwen's powerful turbine, technology and unique experience from operating 630 MW offshore wind farms has resulted in a state of the art rotor integration with innovative features, building on proven technologies.

The 88.4 meters length of the blades is the best compromise between swept area, energy production, and the weight as well as the loads transferred to the wind turbine. This combination provides the optimum balance of plant costs and contributes to one of the most competitive LCoE in the industry. In addition, the blade design has been conceived with scalability in mind to enable the further development of Adwen's 8 MW platform.

"When you are building the largest wind turbine in the world, almost everything you do is an unprecedented challenge. We are going where no one else has ever gone before, pushing all the known frontiers in the industry. Having developed and integrated together with LM Wind Power the first unit of the longest blade ever and being able to start testing is a key step forward in the development of our AD 8-180 and proves that Adwen is at the forefront of the industry", says Luis Álvarez, Adwen General Manager.

LM Wind Power's CEO, Marc de Jong adds: "The LM 88.4 P blade is an extraordinary example of industrialized innovation at record breaking scale. It is based on innovation building blocks, rooted in 35 years of real life experience, in the design, technology and manufacturing of ultra-long, reliable blades. This blade is a strong proof point of the shared ambition of Adwen and LM Wind Power to bring forward best in class and proven rotor solutions for offshore application, increasing Annual Energy output through efficient and reliable technology."

Source:LM WIND POWER

Oxeon’s TeXtreme® Carbon Fiber Fabrics Improve Durability & Strength of Tennis Paddles

Spanish-based Enebe Padel has launched its 2016 range of paddle tennis paddles featuring its top-of-the-line Spitfire TeXtreme®– manufactured using TeXtreme® carbon fiber fabrics.

TeXtreme® is a unique carbon fiber material that differs from conventional carbon fiber materials as a result of its proprietary production processes. The company’s history of contributing to successful product releases – for companies including Bauer Hockey, Prince Tennis, Cobra Puma Golf, Stiga Table Tennis and Bell Helmets – stands proof to the real-world performance improvements achieved using TeXtreme® technology.

Pilar Osca, Chief Marketing Officer of Enebe Sports Group, says, “Using TeXtreme® carbon fiber fabrics in our paddles has contributed to increased durability along with improvements in strength while achieving ultra-light weight. This fiber is definitely lighter than the carbon fiber generally used and resulted in a measurable increase in power and shot accuracy. Our technical team has been able to deliver a high performance paddle to players that weren’t possible with other carbon fiber materials.”


“We are excited to have a presence in yet another sport and see that our materials bring value to so many different applications. For producing lightweight composite products, the TeXtreme® Technology again proves to be the best choice in materials,” says Andreas Martsman, VP of Marketing & Sales at Oxeon – the makers of TeXtreme®.

Enebe Padel is a subsidiary of Enebe Sport Group, an international company with over 50 years of experience in the field of sports and a presence in more than 60 countries. The Enebe Padel Team counts among its players Matias Nicoletti, Pitu Losada (three-time world paddle tennis champion), Jake Benzal and Ricky Martinez - all participants in the World Padel Tour.

In addition to the use of TeXtreme® in paddle tennis paddles, its innovative carbon fiber materials are applied in Formula 1, NASCAR and America’s Cup racing, as well as in the manufacture of bicycles, golf clubs, ice hockey sticks, surfboards, rowing shells, skis and snowboards – and in various industrial and advanced aerospace applications.


Source: Oxeon 

ROBIN Radar Selects DSM’s Dyneema® Crystal Technology for Elvira® Radome

THE NETHERLANDS -- DSM Dyneema, the manufacturer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber, branded as Dyneema®, announced that ROBIN Radar Systems has selected industry-leading Dyneema® Crystal Technology for the radome of its new Elvira® drone detection system.

Protection Benefits of Dyneema® Crystal Technology for Elvira® drone detection system

• With near-zero signal loss it helps Elvira® detect drones and classify them
• It distinguishes drone detection system from birds or other flying objects
• It differentiates drone systems from traditional radar systems even at longer distances
• It helps in detecting larger fixed-wing drones at a range of nine kilometers and smaller multi-rotor drones at up to three kilometers
• Offers electromagnetic transparency
• Provides superior protection to sensitive equipment in harsh outdoor environments 
• Results in extreme weight reduction which aids easy transport

Elvira® radomes are produced by DSM Dyneema’s partner Airbrone. The two companies collectively manufacture next-generation radomes made with Dyneema® Crystal Technology for customers worldwide.

Gerben Pakkert, head of R&D at ROBIN Radar Systems: Dyneema® Crystal Technology fulfills the most desired requirements of Elvira® which is looking for small targets and distinguishing fine details to prevent false positives. It provides high transparency to minimize signal loss, therefore rules out existing alternatives. Dyneema® Crystal Technology delivers lower signal loss than any other radome material available today, allowing to realize the full potential of advanced radar system. 

Elvira® was specifically designed for drone detection. After winning a tender from the Dutch Ministry of Justice, ROBIN Radar applied its expertise in tracking small targets to design the new system, which launched in April 2016. Elvira® provides military-grade radar capabilities, including advanced Doppler processing that enables it to track even the most agile drones. The system is offered at a competitive price that supports broad usage in professional security scenarios, such as protecting high-profile events, airports, harbors, prisons and other critical infrastructures against drones. By combining detection and classification in just one sensor, the technology saves precious time in the decision process.

Danielle Petra, new business development manager at DSM Dyneema: The most important requirement of drone detection it to accurately detecting and classifying them. Elvira® is an excellent example of how Dyneema® Crystal Technology is helping customers create radically new detection technologies and underscores DSM Dyneema’s commitment to supporting its customers with the most advanced security materials on the market today.

Properties of Dyneema® Crystal Technology

• provides an extremely low loss tangent
• offers approximately half the dielectric constant compared to aramid, e-glass and quartz
• electrical properties maintain superior performance even at higher frequencies from X band to millimeter band
• electrical properties allow military, civil and telecommunications organizations to realize the full potential of their advanced antenna, radar, radio astronomy or communications systems
• offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and high impact resistance 
• can be used in thinner gauges that enhance transmission quality even more
• Its weight-reduction property makes radomes more energy-efficient to ship and easier to maneuver and install

Dyneema® Crystal Technology is inherently hydrophobic without the need for time-consuming and demanding secondary resin application, a property that virtually eliminates the need for regular maintenance.


Source: DSM