Fraunhofer IWU experts present new materials for additive manufacturing at their self-printed booth

This year’s exhibits at Formnext focuse on materials particularly suited for aerospace applications but so far rarely used in LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) processes, as well as on printed components with integrated electrical functions. But the booth itself is also a highlight: It is fully 3D-printed, using elements made from biodegradable plastic and recyclable polypropylene (PP). After the event, the modular system will not be discarded.

In the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process, metal powder is selectively melted and solidified layer by layer using a laser beam, creating components with high geometric precision. #FraunhoferIWU's Dresden branch has recently acquired a high-temperature LPBF system that enables preheating of the powder bed surface to temperatures up to 1200 °C, depending on material requirements. This allows easier processing of refractory metals such as tungsten, as well as metallic materials with similar thermal properties, like titanium aluminide. While these materials have primarily been processed using Electron Beam Melting (EBM) in industry, high-temperature LPBF enables new possibilities for higher resolution, especially thin-walled structures, and precise control over the resulting microstructure.

Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly (Large-Scale) #3DPrinting: Ideal for Exhibition Furniture, Durable Components, Special Tools

For the trade show booth, experts from Zittau and Chemnitz used biodegradable plastic (for light-colored components) and recyclable polypropylene (for black components). The latter significantly reduces manufacturing costs. The base material is an inexpensive granulate that already contains recycled carbon fibers and can be remelted indefinitely. Only 55 kg of black-colored granulate was needed to "print" the three shelving units and the counter, with a total manufacturing time of just under 13 hours. With a lean sales concept, a counter like the one presented in Frankfurt could be cost-effectively sold for about €1500. The modular system, which is easy to assemble and reconfigure, offers great flexibility for exhibiting items. When there is enough space, the shelves and counters can be freely placed in the room, offering "unobstructed" views from multiple angles. In tight spaces, the system can also be aligned with (temporary) walls. The individual components are space-efficient for transport; the counter (170 cm wide, 110 cm high, and 50 cm deep) is an excellent example of large-scale 3D printing. Thanks to its sandwich construction, it is lightweight yet has high load-bearing capacity. These properties are also beneficial for installations in special vehicles, for example. Fraunhofer IWU takes advantage of the geometric freedom and relatively short manufacturing times to produce custom special tools, such as handling systems for industrial robots or molds and fixtures.

source : Fraunhofer IWU

China Airlines orders five more Airbus A350-1000s

Taiwan’s China Airlines has placed a firm order for five additional #AirbusA350-1000 aircraft, taking its total order for the type to 15. The A350-1000 aircraft will complement the carrier’s existing long-haul fleet of 15 A350-900s.

“Expanding our A350-1000 fleet marks another important step in our long-term growth strategy. The A350’s exceptional efficiency and passenger comfort align with our goals to modernise our fleet, enhance long-haul competitiveness and deliver an elevated travel experience to our customers,” said Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of #ChinaAirlines. 

“We greatly value our long-standing partnership with China Airlines. This follow-on order is a strong vote of confidence in the A350-1000 as the right aircraft for China Airlines’ future network ambitions. Its next-generation efficiency, range and cabin comfort brings even greater value to the airline and its passengers,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, #Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

​The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. The aircraft includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. 

Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A350’s unique Airspace cabin offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of November 2025, the A350 Family had won nearly 1,500 orders from 66 customers worldwide.

source : Airbus

BLUETTI presents more sustainable power station with partially bio-based Covestro materials at CES 2026

Portable power solutions have evolved from simple emergency backups to essential equipment for a variety of outdoor activities, from camping to RV travel and van life. At CES 2026, #BLUETTI – a global brand for portable power stations and home energy storage – will present the Elite 100 V2, a partially bio-based edition of its Elite 100 portable power station. The housing is made from #CovestroBayblend® RE #polycarbonate, which is attributed 25 percent bio-based raw materials through mass balance accounting.

According to calculations, this can reduce the housing's CO2 footprint by over one-fifth compared to the conventional model.1 The market launch demonstrates how advanced materials shape the performance, appearance, and sustainability of the next generation of portable power products.

For BLUETTI, the main challenge lies in ensuring that the device's housing lasts as long as its internal components. With more than 4,000 charging cycles – about 10 years of use – BLUETTI's LiFePO4 battery requires a housing that withstands aging, brittleness, and wear, even under extreme temperatures and UV exposure. Safety is equally crucial, as the material must tolerate heat during operation without fire risk. Beyond these high material requirements, BLUETTI is strongly interested in reducing the CO2 footprint of its products, which is why the material must also meet this requirement.

Covestro's Bayblend® polycarbonate meets both requirements: It offers high impact resistance even at low temperatures and complies with UL 94 V-0 flame retardant standards for safe operation. The Bayblend® RE grade used in the Elite 100 V2 power station is also manufactured with renewable ingredients attributed through mass balance accounting from bio-waste and biological residues, while meeting high performance requirements.

The material is also part of Covestro's CQ (Circular Intelligence) product portfolio, which marks products attributed with at least 25 percent alternative raw materials through mass balance accounting.

Beyond technical performance, Bayblend® enables refined surface textures and diverse color options through Covestro's advanced CMF (Color, Material and Finish) capabilities. This design flexibility allows BLUETTI to meet evolving consumer preferences for more expressive, aesthetically appealing products without compromising performance standards.

The Elite 100 V2 will be launched on January 7 afternoon at BLUETTI’s CES booth #9837 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center and be available globally.

source : Covestro

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Moisture absorption rate of Hemp,Polyester and Cotton Fabrics

 Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

🌿 Hemp fiber is one of the most absorbent natural textile fibers available and its unique hollow, porous structure gives it an edge over many other fibers. Because hemp fibers have an internal cavity and irregular surface with micro-cracks and pores, they offer excellent moisture absorption and capillary wicking, drawing water and sweat away from the skin quickly and effectively.

This hollow, porous morphology increases surface area and enhances water adsorption compared with cotton’s more solid fiber structure, allowing hemp fabrics to absorb moisture at a higher rate under the same conditions and with faster moisture release.

Technical tests show hemp fabric’s moisture absorption rate can be roughly 27 % higher than comparable cotton fabrics, and the moisture dissipation (drying) rate can be about 32 % higher, thanks to its superior capillarity and porosity.

These properties make hemp fabrics not just more comfortable to wear in warm, humid conditions but also ideal for towels, bedding, activewear, and performance garments where moisture management matters — keeping you drier, cooler, and more comfortable throughout the day.

source : Lawrence Serbin

Innovation in Mould Making: BÜFA Composite Systems presents new resin component for emission-free working

BÜFA Composite Systems, Rastede, presents a significant expansion of its established mould making system: The newly developed moulding resin BÜFA®-Resin #VE6699 Tooling Infusion now completes the already highly successful system on the market and specifically addresses the growing requirements of the GRP industry. Moulding is essential for GRP components, as almost every part is created in a negative mould – high quality standards and process reliability are required.

#BÜFA has already been recognised by the AVK, the German Association of the Fibre Reinforced Plastics/Composites for the first electrically conductive mould-making system. The reason for this was the use of nano-carbon materials, which create electrostatically conductive mould surfaces – the result: increased safety (TÜV-tested) and durability of the moulds. The system consists of the conductive BÜFA®-Tooling Conductive Gelcoat, the 1. Layer Resin BÜFA®-Resin VE 0910 and the low-profile tooling resin BÜFA®-Resin VE 7100. With the new innovative BÜFA®-Resin VE 6699 Tooling Infusion Resin, it is now possible to manufacture the mould in a virtually closed, emission-free system.

In this way, BÜFA fulfils its guiding principle of ‘protecting people and the environment’ and provides further advantages in terms of the process: increased mechanical and thermal resilience as well as expanded application possibilities in demanding applications.

source : BÜFA

Polyplastics Expands LAPEROS® LCP Range to Meet Demands of Electronics Industry

Polyplastics Group, a global leader in engineering thermoplastics, has expanded its #LAPEROS® #liquidcrystalpolymer (LCP) product line with the launch of the new LH and TF series materials which meet the electronics market's growing demand for higher performance and miniaturization.

These new LCP series grades will accelerate expansion into a broader range of applications and next-generation product development through two distinct approaches: versatility in meeting diverse design needs and high flowability.

LH Series 

The LH series has very well-balanced performance, combining flowability, mechanical properties, and heat resistance. The materials’ adaptability allows them to accommodate a broad range of product designs, making them suitable for various electronic component applications.

 

TF Series 

The TF series is engineered for exceptional fluidity for better molding of complex geometries found in smartphones and precision electronic components. While maximizing flowability, the TF series also maintains excellent mechanical properties and a flexible molding window, providing materials that support miniaturization and high-density integration in #electronicdevices.

#Polyplastics is leveraging Materials Informatics methods that utilize AI and data analysis to streamline materials development. By analyzing extensive material data accumulated over many years, the company derives optimal properties, enabling shorter development cycles and highly precise designs.

Produced in Japan and Taiwan region, LAPEROS® LCP has an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons and holds a 34% share of the global market (according to Fuji Keizai 2025 report). The high-performance material has long supported advancements in the electronic components sector.

LAPEROS® LCP’s exceptional properties, including mechanical strength, heat resistance, and coefficient of linear thermal expansion, are driving its adoption in next-generation, high-speed transmission uses, such as ultra-thin fine-pitch connectors for #smartphones and tablet devices.

source : Polyplastics Group

Technip Energies completes acquisition of Ecovyst’s Advanced Materials & Catalysts business

Technip Energies announces completion of its acquisition of the Advanced Materials & Catalysts (AM&C) business from #EcovystInc., a global leader in specialty catalysts and advanced materials.

This strategic transaction expands #TechnipEnergies’ portfolio by broadening its capabilities in advanced catalysts. It supports its disciplined growth strategy for the Technology, Products & Services (TPS) business segment in established markets by increasing recurring revenues while accelerating opportunities in sustainable fuels, circular chemistry, and carbon capture - key drivers of long-term value creation and critical areas for the energy transition.

Following completion, the AM&C business will continue to operate under its existing leadership team, supported by dedicated R&D, manufacturing and commercial teams across its three facilities in the US and Europe. 330 employees will join Technip Energies. The portfolio includes Advanced Silicas, a leading supplier of specialty silica-based materials and catalysts, as well as Zeolyst International, a joint venture with Shell Catalysts & Technologies focused on custom zeolite-based materials and catalysts for hydrocracking, sustainable fuels, and advanced recycling.

With over 40 years of proven expertise, AM&C is expected to deliver immediate earnings and cash flow accretion, reinforcing Technip Energies’ financial profile and unlocking new value-creation opportunities.

Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies, commented: “Closing this transaction is an important milestone in the evolution of Technip Energies. With Advanced Materials & Catalysts, we are combining a differentiated catalysts and advanced materials platform with our process technologies and engineering expertise, creating an integrated offering that helps our customers to improve efficiency, reliability and emissions performance across their assets. Advanced Materials & Catalysts’ strong recurring revenue base, attractive margins and long-standing customer relationships are fully aligned with our disciplined capital allocation strategy to drive long-term value creation and to grow the TPS segment. We are very happy to welcome Advanced Materials & Catalysts teams and look forward to working together to deliver the next phase of growth for our customers and stakeholders.”

Kurt Bitting, CEO of Ecovyst, commented: “As a leading provider of technologies that are highly-valued by the energy industry, we believe Technip Energies provides the scale and technology development expertise that will further enhance product development and market reach for the Advanced Materials & Catalysts business.

source : Technip Energies