Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Injection mold cons and pros for spring-loaded lifters:

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Injection mold cons and pros for spring-loaded lifters:

Spring-loaded lifters, often used in injection molding to help demold intricate parts with undercuts or features that can't be ejected straight out, offer a blend of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

Ability to handle undercuts: Spring-loaded lifters facilitate the release of internal undercuts or faces without draft, expanding design possibilities for molded parts.

Space-saving design: Spring lifters are well-suited for situations where space within the mold is limited due to their simpler processing and convenient use.

Reduced waste: Properly designed and maintained lifters minimize part damage during ejection, leading to lower scrap rates and reduced waste.

Increased efficiency: They can potentially shorten the production cycle by efficiently releasing parts,

Cons:

Limited to shallow undercuts: Spring-loaded lifters are generally suitable for products with shallow undercuts (typically less than 3mm deep).

Potential for fatigue: For deeper undercuts, the required angle change is greater, which can lead to lifter elasticity fatigue and potential failure,

Susceptible to "read-through" and gloss issues: Lifters can cause cosmetic problems on the molded part, such as read-through (visible marks of the lifter) and variations in gloss, potentially due to factors like insufficient cooling or lifter deflection.

Requires careful design and maintenance: Proper lifter design, including factors like draft angles, clearances, and a flat surface near the melt flow, are crucial for optimal performance and preventing dragging or sticking.

Maintenance considerations: Regular cleaning, inspection, and appropriate lubrication are essential to ensure spring-loaded lifters perform reliably and have a long lifespan.

Additional considerations:

High temperatures: The heat resistance of the die spring needs to be considered, especially in molds using hot oil for temperature control, as high temperatures can lead to spring relaxation and loss of force.

Part retention: Some parts may tend to stick to the lifters after ejection, potentially requiring additional ejector pins or gripper details to ensure proper part release.

Safety and durability: Choosing the right materials, such as hardened alloys and tool steels, for lifter components is crucial to ensure durability and resistance to deformation under operational stresses.

source : Amer

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Enhancing padel performance with TeXtreme® bio-based flax

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Enhancing padel performance with TeXtreme® bio-based flax

In the evolving landscape of sporting goods, the demand for materials that effectively combine high performance with sustainability continues to grow. TeXtremeR has engineered an innovative bio-based composite, TeXtreme R Biobased-Flax, offering superior mechanical properties, reduced weight and exceptional performance, making it an ideal material for high-performance applications. The collaboration between TeXtremeR, EcoTechnilin and FLAXX Rackets has brought these advancements to the forefront of padel, integrating sustainable materials with cutting-edge technology.

Advancing sustainable fibre solutions

EcoTechnilin, a division of the agricultural cooperative NatUp, provides premium flax fibres for TeXtremeR Biobased-Flax. Sourced from Europe, which accounts for 80% of global flax fibre production, these fibres are cultivated under stringent sustainability standards, minimal agricultural inputs and natural rainfall irrigation. Fully mechanised harvesting and natural retting ensure an environmentally responsible process. The resulting fibres are lightweight, durable and possess inherent vibration-damping properties, making them ideal for high-performance composites. The long fibres used in flaxtape achieve a low-carbon footprint compared to other fossil-based fibres like glass or carbon, given by an addition of mechanical processes and CO2 sequestration during the plant growth.

Merging sustainability with high performance

TeXtremeR Biobased-Flax exemplifies the fusion of natural flax fibres with advanced composite technology to create sustainable, high-performance solutions. Configured in 0/90 and +/- 45° fibre orientations, these fabrics offer enhanced structural integrity while maintaining lightweight construction. The spread tow design eliminates twisted yarns, resulting in straighter fibres that improve material uniformity and processing efficiency. This leads to enhanced load-bearing capacity, improved structural efficiency, better fatigue performance and a reduction in overall weight. The material’s natural vibration-damping properties make it an ideal choice for sports equipment, combining sustainability with elite performance while providing an exceptionally unique appearance. These unique characteristics make TeXtremeR Biobased-Flax particularly well-suited for padel rackets, where precision, comfort and high-level performance are essential.  

source: FLAXX padel racket with TeXtreme/ JEC Composites

Infinite Composites achieves multi-domain flight heritage

Infinite Composites (IC) reported the successful use of its proprietary Infinite Composite Pressure Vessel (iCPV) technology on 2 operational satellites currently in orbit. This represents the 1st recorded deployment of IC’s linerless type 5 composite pressure vessel in an operational satellite. The tanks have now travelled over 20 million kilometers in orbit.

The successful validation of iCPVs in the demanding orbital environment showcases the reliability and performance capabilities of the technology, establishing new benchmarks for pressure vessel technology in space applications.

“This achievement represents a significant advancement in pressure vessel technology for space exploration,” said Matt Villarreal, CEO at #InfiniteComposites. “Our innovative linerless type 5 #compositepressurevessels deliver superior performance and reliability, enabling more efficient and cost-effective space operations.

Expanding application range:

This space flight experience follows a series of technical developments by IC in 2024. The company demonstrated the versatility of its pressure vessel technology through successful integration and flight on a hypersonic aircraft operating near Mach 5. IC also tested its hydrogen storage capabilities in a technology demonstration on a military aircraft, illustrating the range of potential applications for its engineered composite solutions.

These accomplishments reinforce IC’s position as an industry leader in advanced composite pressure vessel technology, delivering innovative solutions across space, aviation and defence sectors.

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source : Infinite Composites

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Alkyd Coatings Vs Epoxy Coatings

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Alkyd and epoxy coatings differ significantly in their composition, curing mechanisms, and performance characteristics. Epoxy coatings are known for their superior chemical and abrasion resistance, making them suitable for harsh environments like industrial facilities. Alkyd coatings, while more cost-effective, offer good overall performance for general use and are often used in situations where cost is a primary factor.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Epoxy Coatings:

Composition:

Epoxy coatings are thermosetting resins, typically formed by the reaction of an epoxide resin with a hardener or curing agent.

Curing:

They cure through a chemical reaction between the resin and hardener, forming a strong, cross-linked network.

Properties:

Epoxy coatings generally exhibit high chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and adhesion to various substrates.

Applications:

Epoxy coatings are often used in environments requiring high durability and protection against chemicals, such as industrial settings, food processing plants, and areas requiring hygienic surfaces.

Alkyd Coatings:

Composition:

Alkyd coatings are based on alkyd resins, which are polyesters modified with fatty acids derived from vegetable oils.

Curing:

Alkyd coatings typically cure through oxidation, where the resin reacts with oxygen in the air.

Properties:

They offer good overall performance, including decent chemical and abrasion resistance, but are generally not as robust as epoxy coatings.

Applications:

Alkyd coatings are widely used in general industrial applications, storage rooms, and exterior spaces where cost efficiency is a priority.

Key Differences in Standards:

Chemical Resistance: Epoxy coatings generally have superior chemical resistance compared to alkyd coatings.

Abrasion Resistance: Epoxy coatings are also known for their higher abrasion resistance.

Curing Time: Alkyd coatings may require longer drying times compared to epoxy coatings, especially when relying on oxidation for curing.

Cost: Alkyd coatings are generally more cost-effective than epoxy coatings.

Application: Epoxy coatings may have specific application requirements regarding temperature and humidity, while alkyd coatings are more flexible in their application conditions.

Examples of Standards:

ASTM D16: Defines alkyd resins and related coating materials.ASTM D4060: Standard test method for abrasion resistance of organic coatings by the Taber abraser.ASTM D412: Standard test methods for vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers - Tension.ASTM D522: Standard test methods for Mandrel bend test of attached organic coatings.

In summary, the choice between alkyd and epoxy coatings depends on the specific application requirements, considering factors like chemical exposure, abrasion resistance needs, cost considerations, and desired curing time.

source : Hussien Elkaluoby

Chemours and SRF Limited Partner in India to Enhance Industrial Intermediates Production

Chemours has signed strategic agreements with SRF Limited in India, a manufacturer of industrial and specialty intermediates, including fluoropolymers. The agreements aim to expand Chemours' presence in India and leverage SRF's expertise in the region. This move is expected to enhance Chemours' product portfolio and drive growth in the Indian market.

#ChemoursCompany (Chemours) has entered into strategic agreements with #SRFLimited, a diversified chemical-based multi-business conglomerate headquartered in India. The collaboration aims to expand Chemours' presence in the Indian market and leverage SRF's expertise in the region. This move is expected to enhance Chemours' product portfolio and drive growth in the Indian market.

The agreements will strengthen Chemours' global supply chain footprint, bolster operational flexibility, and provide access to capacity for fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers. These materials are essential across various industries, including semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, and oil and gas. By leveraging SRF's established manufacturing excellence alongside Chemours' advanced product technology and rigorous quality standards, the collaboration will deliver a reliable supply of high-quality products. The agreements will supplement Chemours' existing global operations, allowing the company to efficiently bring supply flexibility without requiring upfront capital investment.

Denise Dignam, Chemours President and CEO, noted that the arrangement exemplifies the company's Pathway to Thrive strategy, which involves shifting the product mix to higher value applications. This move will enhance Chemours' position as a trusted supplier while maintaining a commitment to responsible manufacturing practices .

Prashant Yadav, President and CEO – Fluorochemicals and Technical Textiles Businesses, SRF Limited, stated that the strategic relationship with Chemours is a testament to SRF's proven capabilities in complex chemical production. The collaboration marks the beginning of a strong relationship with a global leader in performance chemicals and advanced fluoropolymers .

The agreements are expected to provide additional supply to the market by 2026, aligning with rising demand in India's fluoropolymer sector. According to Grand View Research, the market was valued at $817.7 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% from 2024 to 2030 .

The collaboration underscores Chemours' commitment to expanding its global footprint and leveraging strategic partnerships to meet market needs. As the demand for advanced materials continues to grow, these agreements position Chemours to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Indian market.

source : Chemours / AInvest

Cortec® Achieves 100% Biobased Content in New Compostable Bioplastic

Cortec launches certified compostable 100% biobased bioplastic

Cortec Corporation has introduced Eco Works 100, a new packaging film that combines full #biobased content with industrial compostability. The film is certified as industrially compostable by TÜV Austria (certificate #TA8012509046) and contains 100% USDA-certified biobased content.

Eco Works 100 is designed to address sustainability across the product lifecycle. Made entirely from renewable raw materials, the film is intended to be processed with conventional equipment and, at end-of-life, to break down in commercial composting facilities without producing ecotoxic residues.

#Cortec reports that ecotoxicity testing included a seed-germination trial in which sunflower seeds grown in a 50/50 mix of standard compost and compost derived from Eco Works 100 showed germination and early growth nearly identical to the control. A 25% Eco Works compost sample also met the requirements of ASTM D6400.

The launch expands Cortec’s portfolio of specialty bioplastics, which already includes industrially compostable stretch films, shrink wrap, corrosion-inhibiting films and organics collection bags. With its 100% biobased content and industrial #compostability, #EcoWorks100 is aimed at manufacturers and brands seeking fully renewable options for shopping bags, waste-disposal bags and other commercial or industrial flexible packaging solutions that can be certified as compostable.

 

source: Cortec/ Sustainable Plastics

Covestro expands specialty isocyanate footprint with two former Vencorex sites in the US and Thailand

German materials manufacturer Covestro has signed an agreement with Vencorex Holding SAS, a subsidiary of Thai chemical company PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, to acquire two legal entities with stand-alone production sites for HDI (Hexamethylene Diisocyanate) derivates in Rayong, Thailand and Freeport, USA. The legal entities and sites were formerly part of the French aliphatics specialist Vencorex. With this acquisition, Covestro strategically expands and improves its aliphatics production portfolio in the US and in the Asia-Pacific region. Thereby, the company further advances the implementation of its "Sustainable Future" corporate strategy by continuing its growth in profitable and innovative business areas like Coatings and Adhesives.

"The acquisition of these two former Vencorex sites fits perfectly to our portfolio and our strategic goals," says Christian Baier, Chief Financial Officer of Covestro. "While we maintain cost discipline to secure our short-term performance, we strengthen our long-term competitiveness through targeted investments like this one.

Covestro is a renowned supplier for HDI derivatives. It is an essential component for example in polyurethanes coatings, adhesives and sealants. It can therefore be found in a myriad of applications, like coatings and adhesives for cars, trucks, bridges, ships, wood furniture and electronics, to name just a few. Through the acquisition, Covestro complements its existing capacities in the US, Germany, China, and India, among others.

These new capacities in Thailand and the US will augment our existing comprehensive production capabilities across all major regions. They will enable us to produce and deliver according to our customer’s demands even better, especially during current market challenges," says Thomas Roemer, Head of the Business Entity Coatings and Adhesives at Covestro. “After the acquisition of the Resins & Functional Materials (RFM) business from DSM and investments in organic growth this is yet another sign of confidence the company has in the coatings and adhesives business. I look forward to welcoming the new colleagues into our organization!

Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025.

source : Covestro