Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Why tie-bar-less machines are getting more attention in North America

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Why tie-bar-less machines are getting more attention in North America

Tie-bar-less machines have been around for decades, but they’ve always been a bit misunderstood in North America. That’s changing.

As automation, mold accessibility, and floor space become bigger concerns, more shops are starting to see what they offer.

Here’s what’s driving that interest:

1. Easier mold changes and setup

No tie-bars means better access. That makes mold install, EOAT setup, and manual inspection simpler and safer. Less time in the press. Less risk of damage.

2. Automation flexibility

With full access from three sides, it’s easier to bring in side-entry robots, insert feeders, or end-of-line handling without clashing with machine hardware.

3. More compact footprint

You get the same clamping force in a smaller package. For shops trying to fit more output into the same square footage, that’s a real advantage.

4. Wider mold space for tricky tools

If you’re running molds that are wide but not heavy think multi-cavity medical or family molds tie-bar-less lets you fit those tools without bumping up a tonnage class.

So why hasn’t adoption been faster? Mostly habit. Many molders default to what they know. But as layouts get tighter and automation becomes the norm, this machine design is worth a second look.

Have you worked with tie-bar-less machines?

If not, what’s been holding you back, space, application fit, or just familiarity?

If you're curious whether your parts or tools are a good match, happy to walk through it.

source : Roman Malisek

#TieBarLess #injectionmolding

Teijin Carbon and A&P Technology launch TPUD biaxial braided fabric:

Teijin Carbon and A&P Technology launch IMS65 PAEK Bimax biaxial fabric, a rate-enabling solution using Teijin Carbon’s Tenax TPUD IMS65 PAEK product, a thermoplastic unidirectional (UD) tape. It is designed to meet growing demand for scalable, high-speed production of composites in aerospace, space, defence and other evolving markets.

Teijin’s Tenax TPUD IMS65 PAEK is a high-quality UD tape based on polyaryletherketone (PAEK) resin slit into narrow widths and braided by A&P Technology into a 65” wide +/-45° fabric. The +/-45° braid architecture has minimal crimp, offering a high translation of tape properties while providing excellent

drapability for complex geometries. With a fibre areal weight of just 184 gsm and 34 percent PAEK content, IMS65 PAEK Bimax enables out of autoclave (OoA) processing and vacuum bag only (VBO) consolidation, significantly reducing manufacturing time while enhancing mechanical performance and impact resistance.

Features and benefits of IMS65 PAEK Bimax fabric:

*High fibre volume and low crimp for superior mechanical performance

*Extreme drapability for deep-draw parts

*Reduced lay-up time per layer – 65” wide fabric enables quick laydown of biaxial reinforcement

*Native air evacuation pathways for optimal consolidation of thick components

*Room temperature preform placement with spot tacking to simplify production workflows

This innovative braided fabric meets or exceeds the properties of existing National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP)-qualified PAEK prepregs, offering a robust and scalable solution for next-generation composite structures.

source: Teijin/Jeccomposites

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share :The Hidden Graveyard of Aramid Garments

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

The Hidden Graveyard of Aramid Garments

Here's a shocking statistic: Less than 1% of aramid textiles (Kevlar, Nomex, Conex) are ever recycled.

Where do your end-of-life protective garments actually go?

The vast majority is landfilled or incinerated. Literally out of sight, out of mind. Some gets incinerated, but burning flame-resistant materials releases toxic gases like hydrogen cyanide. Many are classified as hazardous waste, contaminated with oils, chemicals, or PFAS, making disposal even more complex and costly.

The irony? These materials are engineered to be virtually indestructible, which makes them incredible at protecting lives, but a nightmare when it's time to dispose of them.

The Real Problem

We've created a linear system: Produce → Use → Bury/Burn

These expensive, resource-intensive garments live short lives protecting our first responders, military personnel, and industrial workers, then spend eternity polluting our planet.

The dirty little secret? The protective garment industry has no viable exit strategy for end-of-life products.

Tomorrow: just how toxic and persistent this waste really is, and why it’s not just “going away.”

source : Justin Norton

#aramid #textiles

Syensqo PEEK polymer enables lightweight and precise orthopedic surgical guide through Brazilian partnership

Syensqo’s high-performance, medical-grade #KetaSpire® PEEK has enabled the development of a new generation of #orthopedic surgical guides made from the advanced polymer. Through a collaboration between #HanischMedical and #TechImport, two leading Brazilian health technology companies, these new guides provide surgeons with a lighter and more #radiotransparent alternative to traditional metal instruments.

For decades, the rigidity and weight of metal have limited the evolution of surgical guides. The new guides, developed in Brazil, are up to 70% lighter than traditional metal versions, while maintaining equivalent strength and durability.

The true revolution lies in the radiotransparency of KetaSpire® PEEK. Unlike metal, this advanced polymer does not interfere with intraoperative imaging such as X-rays, delivering:

Greater precision: Surgeons benefit from a clear, unobstructed view, ensuring exact positioning.

Optimized efficiency: Reduced procedure times and increased surgical confidence.

Enhanced ergonomics: The ultra-light design minimizes surgeon fatigue, which is crucial during lengthy procedures.

Manufactured with #Syensqo’s high quality polymer, the new guides are fully compatible with all major #sterilization methods, including steam, ethylene oxide, and gamma radiation, ensuring reliability and consistent performance in any surgical environment.

According to TechImport’s management, the decision to innovate with KetaSpire® PEEK “was born from the commitment to deliver solutions that truly transform surgical practice.” Hanisch Medical adds, “Our role is to translate advanced engineering into tangible solutions that change lives.”

Supported by Syensqo’s materials expertise, this partnership demonstrates the potential of high-performance polymers to successfully replace metal in critical medical devices, marking a significant step forward in global surgical innovation.

source : Syensqo

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Biodegradability is the wrong problem to solve

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Stop trying to make plastics disappear.

Academia is currently jumping through every imaginable technical hoop to make biodegradable plastics work.

New catalysts. Fancy polyesters. Enzyme friendly additives. Microbial magic.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth 👇

Biodegradability is the wrong problem to solve.

⚠️ Medical plastics rarely end up in nature they are incinerated for safety.

⚠️ When they do degrade, they release CO₂ and methane – not exactly good for the climate.

⚠️ They suffer from poor shelf life and stability, making them unfit for most uses in medtech.

⚠️ plastic shouldn't need to biodegrade, if they end up in the environment waste management failed.

So we spend years of research just to make materials that…

👉 don't have the performance

👉 can’t be recycled currently

👉 and don’t even solve the environmental problem.

If we truly want impact, the solutions are clear:

♻️ Recycling-compatible design and

🌱 bio-based drop-in polymers with identical performance.

Let’s stop chasing decomposition and start engineering circularity.

👉 Let’s talk about how to make that shift in MedTech.

source : Lucas R. Pianegonda

Sunday's THOUGHTFUL Post : The real measure of wealth isn’t what you keep — it’s what you give.

 Sunday's THOUGHTFUL Post

Warren Buffett turns 95 today — and he’s quietly given away more money than any billionaire in history.

Millions study his investing strategies hoping to mirror his wealth…

but his greatest lessons were never about money.

In his biography The Snowball, Buffett shared this truth:

“The people you spend time with — your friends, your partner, even your coworkers — can shape your future.

If they are kind, honest, and caring, you’ll become more like them.

But if they bring anger or sadness, that pain will follow you too.

It’s better to hang out with people better than you.”

That’s not financial advice.

That’s life mastery.

Back in 1998, speaking to students at the University of Florida, Buffett asked:

“If you could buy 10% of one classmate’s future success, who would you pick?”

He told them not to choose the smartest… but the one with character —

the kind, consistent, humble one.

Because brilliance might open doors, but integrity keeps them open.

Unlike most investors, Buffett never chased the noise of Wall Street.

He stayed in Omaha, where he could think clearly — and live simply.

He still lives in the same modest home he bought in 1958 for $31,500.

Drives a practical car. Eats breakfast from McDonald’s.

And yet he’s promised to give away 99% of his fortune to help others.

Because for Buffett, the real measure of wealth isn’t what you keep —

it’s what you give.

At 95, his fortune continues to compound.

But so does his impact.

The man who mastered money reminds us that the richest life

is built not on possessions — but on purpose, humility, and kindness

source : Gary K.

Ampacet Introduces HyperLustre Collection: Enhancing Packaging with Subtle Luminosity

Ampacet Corporation, a global masterbatch leader, has launched HyperLustre, a new collection of semi-translucent effect colorants designed to elevate the visual appeal of packaging.

HyperLustre is a TiO2-free colorant for PET that creates a refined, pearlescent alternative. This makes it well-suited for applications in hair care, personal care and beauty packaging, where a touch of elegance can make a difference.

“With the HyperLustre Collection, designers can incorporate a sophisticated luxury aesthetic unlike any other effect currently in the market, without utilizing TiO2,” said Mercedes Landazuri, Ampacet Market Insight Manager.

The collection is compatible with PET in blow molding and injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) processes. It features a unique appearance free from traditional effect pigments, supporting efficient production for personal care and beauty applications.

Available in six versatile colorways Cloudstone, Fresh Lichen, Misty Petal, Papaya Breeze, Ocean Whisper, and Obsidian Glow HyperLustre offers options inspired by ephemeral and natural elements.

source :Ampacet