Extruded long-glass thermoplastic siding developed for building applications

These composites have a combination of desired thermal properties and performance characteristics that enable use in building & construction applications as well as other markets where these combined characteristics offer improved performance over traditional products and materials. The developed #thermoplasticcomposites offer exceptional thermal properties & impact-resistance for such applications as siding, railing, dark coloured fencing and window parts.

After starting to study the development of a new class of siding in 2023, #GaMra realised that this material would not only be suitable for siding, but could also be used in many other products. Thanks to its knowledge of the existing siding industry and its extensive experience in improving the properties of thermoplastics, the company was able to develop a thermoplastic-based siding that could compete with products such as fibre cement (James Hardie) and oriented strand board (LP SmartSide). To be truly competitive, GaMra decided to manufacture a product that could be ‘hard nailed’, available in 16-foot-long (488 cm) panels, lightweight with good impact properties, a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) above 200°F (93.3°C), good weather resistance, & ideally, the ability to be used in ground contact situations where existing materials cannot be used.

One of its most important attributes of GaMra’s siding is that it is capable of being fastened by ‘hard nailing’. “We used the ancient Euler equation for column buckling to guide us toward specific coefficient of thermal expansion (COTE) goals,” said Greg Mitsch.

GaMra started out with a small strip die to begin the screening process and looked at a variety of resins including PVC, Polystyrene, PP, PE, ABS, #Polycarbonate and researched various methods to reduce the COTE of these materials to the target value. The result of GaMra’s development efforts is a siding material that can be hard nailed like any wood siding, cement board or oriented strand board, is #lightweight and strong enough to be handled, in 16’ (488 cm) lengths, by one person, cuts and drills with standard wood-working tools, resists winds up to 170 mph (274 km/h), remains undeformed at temperatures up to 250°F (121°C), is undamaged by 2” (5 cm) hail stones, can be used in ground-contact applications and can be recycled.

The extruded siding product is composed of about 40 wt% long-glass fibre and 60 wt% polypropylene co-polymers. Its density has been reduced to about half that of an unmodified composite.

Performance testing and weatherability development

Siding products are co-extruded with a weatherable polyolefin compositions capping at a thickness of about .015” (0,04 cm). This coextruded capping material gives a superior finish that is weatherable and far superior to paint. 

source : GaMra/Jeccomposites

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Understanding the Critical Difference Between Mold Weight and Clamping Force

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Understanding the Critical Difference Between Mold Weight and Clamping Force

My mold is 5 tons, can it run in a 500-ton press? 🚨

As a quick rule of thumb: Comparing mold weight (tons) directly to machine clamping force (tons) is like comparing apples to orbital rockets. They are related but fundamentally different forces.

Let’s break down why this distinction is crucial for safety, quality, and machine longevity.

1. Clamping Force (The Machine's "Tons")

This is the force the machine exerts to keep the mold closed against the immense pressure of injected molten plastic. It's determined by your part's projected area and material pressure.

❌ Too low: You get flash. The mold bursts open.

✅ Correct: Clean, precise parts.

❌ Too high: You waste energy and risk damaging the mold.

2. Mold Weight (The Tool's Physical Mass)

This is simply how heavy the steel block is. It matters for machine compatibility, not process physics.

The Real Relationship & Common Pitfalls

The correlation is indirect but strong: a mold needing high clamping force is typically large and robust, thus heavier. But the machine's physical limits are the deciding factor:

"Can a 38-ton mold run in a 100-ton press?"

Almost certainly NO. This is a catastrophic mismatch.

A 100-ton machine is designed for small molds (likely < 1 ton). Its tie bars, platens, and mechanics cannot support 38 tons of static weight and dynamic inertia.

Risk: Permanent machine damage (bent tie bars, cracked platens), mold damage, and severe safety hazards.

"Can a 1-ton mold run in a 1000-ton press?"

Very likely YES, and often ideal.

A 1000-ton machine is built with a large platen, strong tie bars, and a wide mold space specifically to handle heavy, large tools (commonly 1-3 tons).

If the part requires 1000 tons of clamp force, the 1-ton mold weight is a typical byproduct of its necessary size and strength.

The Takeaway & Actionable Checklist

Never guess. Always verify these Three Critical Machine Specifications from the press manual before attempting a mold setup:

Tie Bar Distance (Clearance): Will the mold physically fit between the bars?

Max/Min Mold Thickness: Is the mold too thick or too thin for the machine's stroke?

Platen Size & Bolt Pattern: Can the mold be securely fastened?

#MoldWeight #ClampingForce is not a comparison.

ClampingForce is a process requirement. Mold weight is a machine compatibility check.

Getting this right is the foundation of #InjectionMolding safety, efficiency, and part quality.

What's the biggest machine-mold mismatch you've encountered or prevented?

source : Kim Su

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), also known as Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) , is a spectroscopic technique used to study materials containing unpaired electrons. In polymer science, ESR/EPR is valuable for investigating various aspects, including polymer structure, dynamics, degradation, and the behavior of free radicals.

EPR focuses on materials with unpaired electrons. Polymers, by their nature, are often diamagnetic (all electrons are paired). However, unpaired electrons can be introduced or generated in polymers through various processes, making them amenable to EPR study.

source : Roberto Yanez

#polymers #EPR #Spectroscopy #Polymerchemistry

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