Infusion: Testia automates the monitoring of manufacturing processes

Generated using linear sensors to detect process deviations at an early stage, In-line Infusion Monitoring’s real-time information can be used to guarantee high-quality parts, reduce process development time and automate controls.

Unlike its competitors, the solution developed by Testia does not use point sensors: it evaluates the progress of the flow using linear sensors that enable spatially resolved data to be interpreted.

The solution is available in 2 versions: a portable device for process development and an embedded system for integration within industrial processes. These different versions meet the needs of different customers, whether in research and development, process industrialisation or mass production.

‘Our sensors are designed to operate in combination with all standard fibre, resin and tooling materials, and to withstand temperatures of up to 200°C. They can therefore be used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, wind energy, marine, transport and automotive,’ says Christopher Buchmann, product manager for In-line Infusion Monitoring. He also points out that Testia offers ‘linear sensors from as little as 0.1mm, which reduces the effect on the infusion process to a minimum’.

A customisable solution that enables digitalisation in production

The In-line Infusion Monitoring technology package combines the monitoring device with a software framework to enable intuitive interpretation of the recorded data. This configuration provides the operator with real-time information on the position of the flow front, which is easy to interpret and enables the manufacturing process to be adapted according to the data measured.

Testia offers different sensor geometries depending on the application. Specially designed components will be available for different applications, such as vacuum-tight connectors for LRI processes and feedthroughs with increased pressure resistance for RTM processes. The focus is also on tooling for integrated sensors, which are particularly attractive for industrial applications because of their low recurring costs. Cables of various lengths will complete the product range, ensuring a highly versatile application.

‘We see our technology as a catalyst for the digitalisation of production, because the digital interfaces can also be customised,’ adds Christopher Buchmann. ‘This means that the system can be easily integrated into our customers’ production lines.

Among the early adopters, Axel Herrmann, CEO of CTC GmbH, said: ‘In RTM processes, small deviations can have a big impact. Thanks to the In-line Infusion Monitoring technology, we can monitor in real time whether the process is proceeding as planned and optimise the infusion strategy accordingly.’

source:jeccomposites.com

Cover photo: In-line infusion monitoring SF16 (source: Testia)

Engel expands market share amid global uncertainty

Despite a continued decline in market conditions, the injection moulding machine manufacturer held its ground against European competitors and continued to expand its market share – driven by innovation and targeted regional strategies.

Resilience in a challenging market:

Although revenue fell by nearly 10% compared to the previous year, Engel has demonstrated its resilience. The past financial year was marked by reduced investment activity and a significant drop in incoming orders across all areas of industry. Engel not only remained stable in this environment, but also systematically increased its market share in multiple sectors and regions. “We have learnt to remain capable of action during crises – and once again proven that Engel can act reliably and with foresight even under difficult conditions,” says Stefan Engleder, CEO of Engel Group.

Segment performance: strategic progress despite headwinds

To address the global decline in demand, Engel is pursuing a triad strategy focused on Europe, the Americas and Asia. This approach is supported by independent hubs with sales, sales support, production and after sales – strengthening local presence and technological innovation.

Particularly in the areas of automation and service, the company has launched key initiatives to enhance customer proximity, delivery reliability and solution orientation. “Especially in economically challenging times, the importance of a reliable service partner becomes clear. Our goal remains to ensure maximum system availability throughout the entire lifecycle,” says Engleder.

While the automotive sector continues to face structural uncertainties, interest is growing in solutions for lightweight construction and alternative materials. In technical injection moulding, Engel was able to strengthen its market position through expertise in applications technology, despite the overall market trend. The packaging division proved to be much more resilient, benefiting from an increase in demand. The medical division remained stable, with sustained interest in specific applications such as auto-injectors helping to offset a slight overall decline.

Investing in young talent for the long term

International apprentice training remains a cornerstone of Engel’s personnel development efforts. Worldwide, a total of 397 apprentices are currently completing their training at Engel, including 227 in Austria. In today’s competitive labour market, developing young talent remains a key pillar of the long-term personnel strategy.

“We are making targeted investments in the next generation of skilled professionals – offering hands-on training and international development opportunities. This enables us to maintain our ability to innovate well into the future,” says Engleder.

source:jeccomposites.com /wwwlengelglobal.com

Cover photo: The headquarters of the Engel Group in Schwertberg, Austria

Wanhua Chemical Signs a Joint Venture Agreement with Petrochemical Industries Company

Wanhua Chemical formally signed a joint venture agreement with Petrochemical Industries Company ("PIC"). Under the terms of the agreement, PIC invested USD 638 million to acquire a 25% equity stake in Wanhua Petrochemical(Yantai) Co., Ltd.​​

 

The signing ceremony was witnessed by leaders from both parties, including Zengtai Liao, Chairman of Wanhua Chemical Group, and Shaikh Nawaf Al Sabah, Deputy Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). The agreement was formally executed by Guangwu Kou, President of Wanhua Chemical Group, and Nadia Al Hajji, CEO of Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC).

This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in the longstanding collaboration between Wanhua Chemical and PIC, ushering in a new chapter of mutual growth and innovation. The two companies will combine their industrial strengths and resource advantages, unlocking new avenues for cooperation across a wider range of sectors and deeper levels of synergy. This collaboration is expected to elevate global petrochemical industry development while driving economic growth and setting a new benchmark for international cooperation in the sector.

source:Wanhua Chemical

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share :Avoid branched polymers in Injection molding

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Why should we avoid branched polymers in Injection Molding and always keep thickness constant when possible ?

In a transition from thick to thin, the polymer undergoes substantial extensional flow. This aspect of flow is challenging to measure in a lab and difficult to implement correctly in Flow Analysis. When polymers are non-linear in their chain structure a strong "strain-hardening" will appear, resulting in unexpectedly high pressure drop at these thickness transitions. Runner to gate transitions may present significant pressure drop due to this elongational viscosity effect (possibly hundreds of bar, thousands of psi).

We have of course many other good reasons to keep thickness as uniform as possible, first of which, the attempt to have uniform freezing rates everywhere, get uniform packing and minimize differential shrinkage...

source:Vito leo

Henkel's New material properties for sealing car door modules

Nowadays, drivers no longer want to do without the technology and electronics installed in the car door in the areas of safety, infotainment, lighting and air conditioning technology. The carrier of these electronic and mechanical units is the so-called door module, made of galvanized stamped sheet metal or glass-fiber reinforced plastic. 

The door module is installed in the car doors and serves as a barrier that protects the interior of the car against external weather influences. For sealing, a polyurethane sealing foam is applied to the contour of the door module fully automatically via a CNC-controlled mixing head of the Sonderhoff dosing system. However, the units installed in the door module of a vehicle door, such as electronic window regulators, door locks or loudspeaker mounts, must also be sealed against water and dust and to prevent driving-related vibrations.

Henkel has developed a new foam gasket system for these applications – the 2-component polyurethane seal foam Sonderhoff Fermapor K31-A-5055-1-G / K31-B-4. It meets the mechanical property requirements demanded by OEMs and suppliers and is hydrolysis and temperature stable in accordance with delivery specification DBL 5452.

One of the outstanding material properties is the combination of a relatively long pot life with fast curing of the foam gasket, which is crucial for the fully automated production process of door modules. On the one hand, the foam gasket must remain workable after being dispensed onto the door module until the foaming time begins; on the other hand, the foam gasket must be cured quickly enough so that it can be installed at short notice.

This also saves costs, as there is no need for intermediate storage and only short curing bands are required for curing the foam seal. Another advantage is the approx. 5 % lower specific density with the same material properties, which results in lower material consumption and is therefore more economical compared to systems available on the market. 

The low installation forces of the foam gasket are an advantage when installing the door module in the body-in-white door and when installing the sealed components for additional units such as loudspeakers, window regulators and locking system in the door module. When installed, the foam seals of the door module and the components mounted on it are pressed evenly over their entire contour. In addition, the foam gasket compensates for any dimensional tolerances of the components. The sealed parts therefore achieve a consistently high level of tightness. 

As a result, the new sealing foam is groundbreaking for manufacturers of door modules and achieves a corresponding efficiency potential with short cycle times and large quantities in door module production thanks to lower material consumption and less weight.

 

source: Henkel

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : A Game-Changer for Sustainable Carbon Fiber Recycling!

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

A Game-Changer for Sustainable Carbon Fiber Recycling!

Nova Carbon and Epsilon Composite have forged a strategic partnership to revolutionize the way we recycle carbon fiber. This collaboration focuses on transforming carbon fiber waste, including production scraps, into high-performance, reusable materials through a closed-loop recycling process.

The goal? To create a regional

#circulareconomy that reduces waste and preserves the value of carbon fiber. By converting #EpsilonComposite's production off-cuts and coil ends into a high-quality material, #NovaCarbon ensures that the recycled fibers maintain their strength and integrity, which has traditionally been a challenge in recycling carbon fiber.

The patented technology developed by Nova Carbon preserves the length and alignment of fibers, making them suitable for reuse in new pultruded composites.

This collaboration aims to drastically reduce the 20,000 tonnes of unrecycled carbon fiber waste in Europe, contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective industry. The new process not only reduces environmental impact but also offers significant cost savings — with recycled fibers priced 20-30% lower than virgin fibers.

With an eye toward scaling, Nova Carbon plans to expand its production capacity and has already secured over €3 million in funding. By 2027, the company aims to produce up to 500 tonnes of recycled carbon fiber annually, advancing the goal of a circular #carbonfiber economy.

As industries like automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure strive for more sustainable solutions, this partnership highlights the potential for #carbonfiberrecycling to become an integral part of the green manufacturing landscape.

Check out their video: https://lnkd.in/dUE23cun

source: Pontis Engineering

Vioneo appoints Wood to design world’s first industrial scale fossil-free plastics facility

Vioneo has awarded Wood, a global leader in consulting and engineering, a multi-million FEED contract to deliver the front-end engineering design for its revolutionary plant which will produce fossil-free plastics using green methanol. Based in Antwerp, Belgium, the renewably powered and energy efficient plant will be the first facility in the world capable of achieving this at industrial scale.

The plant will be energy efficient, powered by renewables and have the capacity to produce 300 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of high-quality, virgin polyethylene and polypropylene plastics made from green methanol and free of fossil feedstock.

These plastics will be fully traceable, segregated and carbon negative, enabling customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions, and are a high-quality drop-in replacement, with no performance compromises, and require no changes to existing production lines or processes. In addition, the production of these plastics does not affect the feedstock supply for food production, ensuring the project is sustainable.

Wood will apply its extensive experience in delivering sustainable and innovative engineering solutions to large-scale energy transition projects.

“Vioneo is driving the transition of the plastics industry by demonstrating the economic viability of large-scale, cleaner production using green methanol instead of fossil fuels. This initiative offers Europe the opportunity to lead the €5 trillion chemicals and materials sector’s defossilisation. Our collaboration with Wood is a crucial step in realising this vision,” said Alex Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, Vioneo.

Gerry Traynor, President of Eastern Hemisphere Projects at Wood said, “Demand for fossil-free plastics in Europe is growing and Vioneo is developing an exciting project that will accelerate the decarbonisation of Europe’s plastics sector. Wood’s strong track record of delivering world-first projects of this size and scale will support Vioneo’s ambitions of becoming the leading producer of fossil-free plastics in Europe.

Vioneo is owned by A.P. Moller Holding, the parent company of A.P. Moller Group, and was launched as part of its commitment to advancing green methanol production and promoting sustainable practices in the plastics industry.

source: Vioneo