Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : The Importance of Material Selection in Injection Molding

 Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

💡 The Importance of Material Selection in Injection Molding

🔹 Material Selection: The Foundation of Flawless Injection Molding In injection molding, the right material choice isn't just a step—it's the cornerstone of performance, durability, and cost-efficiency. At SCSplastic, we know that selecting the optimal plastic can make or break your project, balancing factors like strength, heat resistance, and sustainability.

Why it matters:

- Ensures parts meet industry standards (e.g., ISO, UL).

- Minimizes defects like warping or cracking.

- Supports eco-friendly designs with recyclable options.

Below is a quick comparison of the top 20 common engineering plastics for injection molding, highlighting key properties like tensile strength, heat deflection temperature (HDT), and typical uses. This table is based on industry data from sources like DuPont, BASF, and Ensinger (2024-2025 benchmarks).

Pro Tip: For high-heat applications, go with PEEK or LCP. For cost-effective strength, PA66 or ABS shine.

source: SCSplastic

Chinese bamboo fibre composites: an opportunity for automotive interiors

Key technology and application of bamboo fibre composite materials for automotive interiors and a new product – a bamboo fibre automotive interior headliner-, developed under the leadership of the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration, have passed expert evaluation.

This new technology fully leverages the inherent properties of bamboo fibre to develop bamboo fibre automotive interior parts, opening the door for the widespread application of bamboo products in the automotive field. Under the global aim of “health and safety, green and low-carbon and lightweight”, finding a material that can meet mechanical, safety and process requirements while reducing environmental burden has become an urgent issue for the automotive industry.

The research team led by the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan recognised the enormous potential of bamboo as an engineering material. However, transforming flexible bamboo fibres into irregularly shaped structural components that meet stringent automotive standards is no easy task. Over more than a decade, the research team has continuously tackled a series of key technologies, including bamboo fibre manufacturing and its material properties, bamboo-plastic composite interface control and bamboo fibre composite moulding.

Technical challenges

First, lightweighting was achieved. The bamboo fibre lightweight manufacturing technology developed by the R&D team allows the bamboo fibre content in the board to reach up to 75% while the density can be controlled to ≤ 0.5 g/cm³. This means that, for the same volume, bamboo fibre composite materials are much lighter than traditional plastics and other materials. In addition, its irregular moulding depth can reach more than 25 mm, meeting the complex three-dimensional shaping requirements of components such as trunk side panels and automotive interior headliners, achieving a balance between irregular structures and lightweighting.

Secondly, the team overcame the challenge of interface integration, achieving a balance between rigidity and flexibility. Bamboo fibre is a hydrophilic natural organic material, while polymer resin is a hydrophobic chemical material.

First applications in Chinese electric cars

Currently, one bamboo fibre production line and two bamboo fibre composite material production lines with an annual output of 200,000 square metres have been established, enabling mass production of a series of products such as automotive interior headliners and seat back panels. The Baojun Enjoy model, equipped with bamboo fibre interior trim, made its debut at the recent World Forestry Congress.

source: Wuling/ Jeccomposites.com

BASF, San Fang and Nichetech collaborate to advance circular economy in footwear industry with new TPU films

BASF, San Fang Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd. (San Fang), and Nichetech Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. (Nichetech) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop sustainable solutions for the footwear industry, with a focus on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products and a shared ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The first milestone of this collaboration will be the introduction of Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified TPU films, combining high performance with environmental responsibility. The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an internationally recognized certification that verifies the use of recycled materials in products. It provides a robust framework for tracking recycled content throughout the entire supply chain, ensuring transparency and integrity.

These films will enable footwear brands to incorporate recycled materials without compromising quality or durability. Building on this foundation, the partners will expand the portfolio with additional GRS-certified products that meet international recycling standards, delivering innovative solutions for brands and consumers worldwide.

The strategic alliance leverages each partner’s expertise. BASF is one of the world’s leading chemical companies and has extensive know-how in sustainable and high-performance materials and applications. Founded in 1973, San Fang develops key raw materials and application technologies and actively promotes environmentally friendly products for a circular economy such as recycled polyester polyols. Nichetech specializes in high-performance flexible films and possesses advanced manufacturing capabilities and a strong footwear market knowledge.

“We are proud to collaborate with BASF and Nichetech to pioneer innovative sustainable solutions for the footwear industry that meet global standards and deliver real value to brands and consumers in Taiwan and beyond,” said Chih Yi, Lin*, President, San Fang.

Leveraging on San Fang’s expertise in recycled polyester polyols, Nichetech brings deep knowledge in TPU film applications and a dedication to driving industry-wide change.

“Our expertise in TPU film applications allows us to set a new benchmark for sustainable materials in the footwear industry,” said Chih Yi, Lin*, President, Nichetech.

BASF complements these strengths with advanced TPU technology and global reach, enabling large-scale adoption of recycled materials.

source : BASF

Graphene-driven 300mm FabONE marks Europe’s big chip bet

 A new fully automated 300mm semiconductor pilot line is being developed in Aachen, Germany, where Black Semiconductor has selected Critical Manufacturing to support operations at its FabONE facility. The collaboration is intended to advance graphene based chip interconnect technology toward mass production readiness, representing one of Europe’s most ambitious initiatives in next generation #semiconductor development.

FabONE takes shape as a fully automated greenfield fab

FabONE is being built as a fully automated frontend manufacturing facility. Black Semiconductor selected Critical Manufacturing following a competitive Request for Proposal process, citing the company’s extensive background in advanced semiconductor automation. Its established frameworks were considered essential for managing the operational demands of a next generation fab and for supporting future scaling requirements.

“FabONE represents a significant step for our technology enablement and for the European semiconductor ecosystem,” said Samivel Krishnamoorthy, Senior Director of Fab Automation and Integration. “We knew that we needed a Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) partner with deep experience in fully automated frontend environments. We hope this platform gives us the foundation to do exactly that now and in the future.

Advanced MES, automation and AI

The project incorporates the complete Critical Manufacturing MES suite, equipment integration through Connect IoT, connections to Black Semiconductor’s AMHS and ERP systems, and an AI enabled data platform. FabONE is designed to operate with minimal operator involvement, enabling the company to assess process stability, confirm manufacturability and advance toward eventual high volume production.

A major milestone for European semiconductor competitiveness

For Critical Manufacturing, the collaboration represents a notable milestone in Europe, demonstrating its capability to support advanced 300mm semiconductor frontend production.

“This project is important not only because of its scale, but because of what Black Semiconductor is trying to unlock,” said Tom Bednarz, Managing Director at Critical Manufacturing, Germany. #Graphene based chip interconnects represent a bold step for the industry. It is precisely the kind of challenge our MES was designed for.”

As Europe expands its semiconductor ecosystem, the partnership positions both organizations to grow together as FabONE moves from pilot line operations toward future volume manufacturing.

source : Advanced Carbons Council

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : How injection speed affects both part quality and mold longevity

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

How injection speed affects both part quality and mold longevity

Injection speed is often set based on what works for cycle time, but its impact goes much deeper. The speed at which the melt enters the mold can influence part quality, surface finish, and even the long-term health of your tooling.

Here is why this one setting deserves more attention:

1. Flow front control

A properly managed injection speed ensures uniform flow front advancement, which helps prevent flow marks, jetting, and weld line weaknesses. Too fast, and you risk trapped air and burn marks. Too slow, and you may not fill complex geometries.

2. Shear rate and heat buildup

Higher speeds increase shear in the gate and runner, which raises melt temperature. This can help with flow but also increases the chance of material degradation if not monitored closely.

3. Cavity pressure stability

Consistent injection speed leads to a more predictable cavity pressure profile, improving repeatability and reducing flash or short shots.

4. Tooling wear and erosion

Running high speeds on filled materials like glass-reinforced nylon can gradually wear down the gate or cavity edges, especially without proper gate design and surface treatments.

Injection speed is not just about cycle time. It is one of the few parameters that directly connects process control to both part function and tool life.

If you are seeing cosmetic defects, early tool wear, or weight variation, reviewing injection speed might be a smart place to start. Happy to walk through it if needed.

source : Roman Malisek

#InjectionMolding #MoldingOptimization

Invention of precast pipe in Canada in the year 1920

It has capacity to take load of 21300kg , but as testing mechanism was not developed , they tested like this. To give confidence on strength of pipe . The inventor sat inside the pipe

Public load test in Canada, 1920

The test:

The inventor conducted a public demonstration to showcase the strength of the new precast concrete pipe.

The setup:

The pipe was placed on the ground, and a massive weight was built up by stacking heavy sandbags and having several men sit on top.

The result:

The pipe, capable of withstanding up to 23 tons of pressure, held firm without breaking. The inventor sat inside the pipe throughout the test to show his complete confidence in its durability.

The impact:

This demonstration was a pivotal moment that helped establish precast concrete pipes as a reliable and strong material for modern water and sewage systems.

source: Dr.Abdelhakim Ismail Amer

One Among You : Mind Awakening

One Among You

Beloved soul, if you find yourself in depression, your spirit dwells in the shadows of yesterday. If anxiety grips your heart, your consciousness wanders in the illusions of tomorrow. But if you rest in divine peace, you have experienced an awakening to the sacred present moment—the eternal now where the Divine resides.

Remember, dear one, if you live seeking the approval of the world, you shall remain a prisoner of their judgments. Break free with indomitable will and honor the truth that lives within your sacred soul.

The spiritual journey of a thousand miles begins with one faithful step... Surrender to grace and simply try...

Water, blessed and gentle, flows with divine softness. Yet through patience and faith, it penetrates even the mightiest mountains and the sacred earth beneath. This reveals eternal wisdom: gentleness, rooted in compassion and Spirit, overcomes and conquers all hardness...

With the Divine, nothing is impossible in this earthly existence... Success is destined when you align your will with universal truth...

Your body is a temple—your greatest earthly treasure... Cherish and protect this sacred vessel... Cultivate gratitude for all you possess. Find joy in the divine abundance already bestowed upon you, exactly as it is. When you reach enlightenment and realize that your sacred soul lacks nothing, the entire universe reveals itself as your own divine inheritance.

Knowing others is worldly intelligence; knowing your true Self is enlightenment. Mastering others is temporal strength; mastering your own consciousness through indomitable will is spiritual power.

Cease wandering from your sacred purpose, and destiny shall embrace you. Stop seeking externally, and your inner awakening will illuminate the path. Stop fleeing from your calling, and the universe will bear witness to your light. If you resist the path of transformation, you may manifest the very destiny you fear.

To walk this earthly plane doesn't mean remaining stagnant—it means moving with divine grace, compassion, and tranquility. When you speak, you merely echo what your ego knows. But when you listen with your spirit, you open yourself to divine revelation and sacred wisdom.

The mind, when aligned with Spirit and indomitable will, becomes the foundation of infinite strength. Purify your consciousness, and your entire existence transforms into bliss. Before you become a healer of souls, first heal the wounds within your own sacred soul with compassion...

The Divine never hurries, yet all of Creation unfolds in perfect, sacred timing. Meet ignorance with the light of spiritual wisdom and compassion. New blessings often arrive disguised as painful closures—these are portals to deeper awakening. Trust the journey, beloved...

Victory is assured when your sacred soul embraces its divine truth through enlightenment and indomitable will...