DOCSLIB.ORG

Plastic Molding

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Plastic Molding The Magazine for ENERGY EFFICIENCY in Compressed Air Systems March 2016 Plastic Molding 12 Innovative Blow Molds Reduce Pressure in PET Blow Molding 18 PET Power Containers & Compressors aiR Us Design Expansion FOR 26 Demand-Side Demons at a PET Bottle 2 Blowing Plant BAUER ON-SITE N 32 GAS ASSIST INJECTION MOLDING COMPRESSED AIR WITH A VAST PORTFOLIO Powering You With Extraordinary Solutions Whether the compressed air you need is for machining, fabrication, material handling or finishing, we can help you save money while increasing your productivity. That’s a promise. www.atlascopco.us – 866-688-9611 Atlas Ad 8.375 x 10.875 - CABP.indd 1 9/1/15 11:20 AM T ire d o f d o w n tim e a n d s c ra p a s a re s u lt o f p o o r c o m p re s s e d a ir q u a lity ? M o is tu re is fo u n d in c o m p re s s e d a ir lin e s a n d e x h a u s tin g fro m v a lv e s a n d a c tu a to rs o n e q u ip m e n t th e re b y re d u c in g c o m p o n e n t life a n d m a c h in e e ffi c ie n c y . T ire d o f d ra in in g w a te r a n d o il fro m y o u r c o m p re s s e d a ir lin e s e v e r y s p rin g ? T ire d o f c le a n in g o r re p la c in g p n e u m a tic c o m p o n e n ts w e ll before their lifespan? T h e S o lu tio n : Rem ove the M oisture SMC Full S M C D r y e r s p r o v id e lo w e n e r g y c o n s u m p t io n a n d e ffi e c ie n t o p e r a t io n in s iz e s t o w o r k w it h a ir c o m p r e s s o r s � r o m � � � t o � � � h o r s e p o w e r � � �� � k w � t o � � k � � a n d � o w r a n g e s � r o m � � s c � m t o � � � s c � m � T he SM C Dryer Advantage: Environm entally friendly R134a/R407C Refrigerant Sim ple Control System , incorporating easy to read evaporator gauge Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger providing lo n g -life a n d lo w -p re ssu re d ro p s | 03/16 COLUMNS SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING FEATURES 12 Innovative Blow Molds Reduce Compressed Air Pressure in PET Blow Molding By Vincent Duvernois and Stephane Larcade (SKV Services) and Jean Pilnard (COMEP) 18 PET Power Containers and Compressors aiR Us Design Plant Expansion By Clinton Shaffer, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine 26 Compressed Air Demand-Side Demons at a PET Bottle 12 Blowing Plant By Pete Rhoten (Hope Air Systems) and Greg Fitzpatrick (Compressed Air Technologies) 32 Bauer Compressors On-Site Nitrogen Generation for Gas Assist Plastic Injection Molding By Clinton Shaffer, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine 39 Fiberglass Parts Plant Finds Savings Beyond the Air Compressor Room By Ron Marshall, Compressed Air Challenge® 18 COLUMNS 6 From the Editor 7 Industry News 46 Resources for Energy Engineers Technology Picks 47 Advertiser Index 50 The Marketplace 32 Jobs and Technology 4 airbestpractices.com | 03/16 COLUMNS FROM THE EDITOR Plastic Molding Here are some “plastics fast facts” provided courtesy of SPI, the plastics COMPRESSED AIR BEST PRACTICES® industry trade association, at www.npe.org. The plastics industry: EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Manager, Demand Side Ball Doug Barndt pp is the 3rd largest pp creates $374 billion Energy-Sustainability Corporation manufacturing in annual shipments Richard Feustel Senior Energy Advisor Leidos industry in the U.S. William Jerald Energy Manager CalPortland pp operates nearly Global EH&S/ Varroc Lighting pp employs nearly 18,500 plastics Jennifer Meier Plant Engineering Systems 900,000 workers facilities in the U.S. Manager Mission Point Thomas Mort Chief Operating Officer Our lead article is written by former Sidel employees who have formed SKV Services, a Energy Corporate Energy Team company dedicated to servicing PET blow-molding machines and introducing new blow Brad Reed Toyota Leader mold base technology able to lower compressed air pressure requirements. These French Koch Brad Runda Global Director, Energy gentlemen really know how compressed air is used in bottle blowing! Industries Industrial Energy Managers Uli Schild Energy Engineer Darigold PET Power Containers, a Canadian manufacturer of PET plastic containers, had plans to Corporate Energy Don Sturtevant Simplot add more blow-molding equipment. Our second article details the utility-incentive-winning Manager compressed air system assessment, performed by Shannon de Souza of Compressors aiR Energy Performance Michelin North Thomas Sullivan Us. His assessment was used, and a new compressed air system was installed to efficiently Manager America Paint & Energy Fiat Chrysler Bryan Whitfield support the plant expansion. Management Automotive US Director Marketing David Andrews Sullair Pete Rhoten, from Hope Air Systems, and Greg Fitzpatrick, from Compressed Air Technologies, Communications describe a plastics plant whose compressed air system suddenly couldn’t support the 5th Compressed Paul Edwards President SIPA blow molding machine when it kicked on. The reciprocating compressors appeared to Air Consultants National Sales Manager, SPX Flow be working fine, so what had changed? This article describes the system assessment leading Jay Francis IPG Industrial to the discovery of the “demons” hidden inside the blow-molding machines. This project is Tilo Fruth President Beko USA the subject of our March 2016 Webinar titled, Purging Demand-Side Demons at a PET Bottle Blackhawk Chris Gordon President Blowing Plant (Details about the Webinar are on page 31). Equipment Vice President Erik Arfalk Atlas Copco Bauer Compressors is a leader in on-site nitrogen generation for gas-assist plastic injection Communications molding. Members of their dedicated Plastics Technology Group explain, in a feature article, Paul Johnson Global Sales Manager Parker Transair how nitrogen is used to pressurize mold cavities – rather than liquid mediums like melted Universal Air & Kurt Kondas President plastic. The benefits include reduced material waste, shortened cycle times and improved Gas Products Director Global Service product quality. Mark Krisa Ingersoll Rand Solutions ® Frank Langro Director Marketing Festo Thank you for investing your time and efforts into Compressed Air Best Practices . Compressed Air System Assessments Pierre Noack President Aerzen USA ROD SMITH Hank Van Ormer President Air Power USA Editor Wayne Perry Technical Director Kaeser tel: 412-980-9901 Atlas Machine Andy Poplin Sales Manager [email protected] & Supply Gardner Kenny Reekie Product Manager Denver Compressed Air & Gas Institute, Compressed Air Challenge 2016 MEDIA PARTNERS 6 airbestpractices.com COLUMNS 03/16 | INDUSTRY NEWS SPX FLOW Opens New Dehydration “Our testing capabilities validate product R&D Lab and Training Center performance to better serve our customers Through its Dehydration business, SPX FLOW in a highly competitive, global market place," is a global leader in the supply of compressed stated Jay Francis, National Sales Manager for air and gas dehydration and filtration Dehydration’s Industrial Product Group. solutions. The company recently announced SPX FLOW’s globally recognized Dehydration the opening of a new 10,000-square-foot brands include Hankison, Deltech, Pneumatic Research & Development Lab and Training Products, Delair and Jemaco. As part of SPX Center at its Dehydration headquarters in FLOW’s continual work to give better customer Ocala, Florida. The center offers advanced experience, the new facility also serves as an testing capabilities to conduct compressed The new SPX FLOW Dehydration R&D Center provides expert product sales and field service training the ability to test products to international standards and air dryer and filter performance validation to center for channel partners, service providers validate product performance to better serve customers. international standards. Other competencies and end users. include testing and performance validation of product and applications knowledge of channel filtration media, condensate drain valves and “We provide both in-depth classroom and partners that promote, maintain and service desiccant material.EOTM 03.pdf 1 2/2/2016 4:46:46 PM practical 'hands-on' training to enhance the our products," Francis added. Experience of the month C M Customer: A well-respected manufacturer of sintered metals in the Southeast required a robust, dependable, Y high capacity process chiller to remove heat from their ƉůĂŶƚĐŽŽůŝŶŐŇƵŝĚƐ͘dŚĞŝƌůŽĐĂůĚŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŽƌĐĂůůĞĚŶĂŶŽĨŽƌ CM ĞdžƉĞƌƟƐĞĂŶĚĂƌĞůŝĂďůĞƐŽůƵƟŽŶ͘ MY Service: ŵƉůŽLJŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŶĂŶŽ ^dϭϯϬE ϭϬϬ dŽŶ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ CY chiller, the company was able to: CMY • extend the life of their hydraulic equipment K • ŐƌĞĂƚůLJƌĞĚƵĐĞĚŽǁŶƟŵĞĂŶĚŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞĐŽƐƚƐ • ĚƌĂŵĂƟĐĂůůLJƌĞĚƵĐĞĐƵƌĞƟŵĞŽŶĮŶŝƐŚĞĚŐŽŽĚƐ • ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞƋƵĂŶƟƚLJŽĨŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞĚĂŶĚƐƉĞĞĚŽĨŐŽŽĚƐƚŽ market “nano and their local distributor calculated exactly what size chiller we needed and provided a product which met our needs and could be ŝŶƐƚĂůůĞĚŽƵƚĚŽŽƌƐ͘ƐǁĞĐŽŶƟŶƵĞƚŽŐƌŽǁ͕ǁĞ͛ůůĐĞƌƚĂŝŶůLJďĞďĂĐŬŝŶƚŽƵĐŚ͊͟ nano-purification solutions [email protected] 704.897.2182 airbestpractices.com 7 | 03/16 COLUMNS INDUSTRY NEWS Compressed Air Dryer Performance temperatures are controlled in the range 35˚F of coalescing filters for oil aerosol removal Validation (2˚C) to 130˚F (54˚C). Air saturation levels performance, Part 2 quantifying vapor removal To validate product performance, SPX FLOW are a critical design condition in air dryer capacity of adsorption filters, and Part 3 constructed an environmentally controlled capacity rating, and a moisture saturator is outlining requirements to test particulate laboratory in the new center to test further used to precisely control air saturation filters for solid contaminant removal.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Polymer Extrusion Cooling for the 21 Century
    Polymer Extrusion Cooling for the 21st Century A white paper by: Wesley J. Sipe, Mechanical Systems Manager, GAI Consultants On Behalf Of: NOVATEC, Inc. Baltimore, MD USA Considering all of the plastic produced and With these keys, required cooling times can used every day, it is surprising that very little be determined through the use of advanced is documented on the cooling process for computer models. continuous profiles of extruded shapes. The bulk of the cooling process is The challenge to this methodology is in accomplished through the application of obtaining accurate thermal conductivity and “rules of thumb” learned and used by heat capacity of polymer compounds for use cooling tank manufacturers, and through in predicting thermal response. Since there trial and error methods of individual are literally thousands of compounds that processors. In spite of the desirability of are used in polymer extrusion, this paper processors to minimize space and elapsed concentrates on only six commonly used: time required to effectively cool profiles, the Polyethylene (PE) cooling process remains a “black art” as no Polypropylene (PP) tools exist that will accurately predict the Polycarbonate (PC) time response of cooling plastics with Polystyrene (PS) liquids. This is remarkable in itself because the cooling puzzle can be solved through Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) the simplification of the transient heat Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene transfer equation for the materials involved. (ABS). Even more remarkable is that through the All of the analyses described in this paper use of powerful personal computers, the assume isotropic forms with temperature process can be modeled and a solution dependent properties.
    [Show full text]
  • Ask Me About Microscope & Magnification…
    ASK ME ABOUT MICROSCOPE & MAGNIFICATION… Today, an instructor from The Discovery Museums in Acton visited my classroom and led a hands-on program about microscopes and magnification. Ask me to tell you what amazing things I observed looking through lenses! I can tell you how I used water as a magnifier and we can explore together by trying the water lens activity below. I also really enjoyed using the 30x handheld microscopes. Ask me to tell you about all of the objects we checked out in our classroom such as the carpet, my desk surface, my hair and my skin. The hand held microscopes are sold at The Museums’ gift shop, science stores and some electronic shops. WATER SCOPE The first magnifiers were made with water lenses. Try making you own water lens. You will need: Small or large plastic yogurt containers, plastic wrap, pair of scissors, water, large rubber bands What to do: 1.) Ask an adult to cut the bottom of the yogurt container off, leaving at least a 3 inch wide ring. 2.) Cut a piece of plastic wrap and stretch it over the mouth of the yogurt container. Secure it with a rubber band. 3.) Push down gently on the top of the plastic wrap to make a shallow well. 4.) Pour a little water into this well. 5.) Place objects under the container and look through the water at the object. What do you notice? 6.) What happens if you change the amount of water you are looking through? Take it to the next step: Experiment with making additional water scopes.
    [Show full text]
  • Extrusion Foaming of Bioplastics for Lightweight Structure in Food Packaging
    EXTRUSION FOAMING OF BIOPLASTICS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURE IN FOOD PACKAGING A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Sitthi Duangphet School of Engineering and Design Brunel University December 2012 i Abstract This thesis reports the systematic approaches to overcome the key drawbacks of the pure PHBV, namely low crystallisation rate, tensile strength, ductility, melt viscosity, thermal stability and high materials cost. The physical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the pure PHBV were studied systematically first to lay a solid foundation for formulation development. The influence of blending with other biopolymers, inclusion of filler, and chain extender additives in terms of mechanical properties, rheology, thermal decomposition and crystallization kinetics were then followed. Creating lightweight structures by foaming is considered to be one of the effective ways to reduce material consumption, hence the reduction of density and morphology of PHBV-based foams using extrusion foaming technique were studied comprehensively in terms of extrusion conditions (temperature profiles, screw speed and material feeding rate) and the blowing agent content. The material cost reduction was achieved by adding low-cost filler (e.g. CaCO3) and reduction of density by foaming. The thermal instability was enhanced by incorporation of chain extender (e.g. Joncryl) and blending with a high thermal stability biopolymer (e.g. PBAT). The polymer blend also improved the ductility. Adding nucleation agent enhanced the crystallization rate to reduce stickiness of extruded sheet. The final formulation (PHBV/PBAT/CaCO3 composite) was successfully extruded into high quality sheet and thermoformed to produce prototype trays in an industrial scale trial. The effect of the extrusion conditions (temperature profiles, screw speed and material feeding rate) and the blowing agent content are correlated to the density reduction of the foams.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Course Outline
    Fundamentals of Packaging Technology Seminar Course Outline Semester 1 Day One • Course Introduction • Course Overview 1-3 Market Research • Course Logistics • Why perform market studies • Market study tools 1-1 Perspective on Packaging • Broad based studies • Demographic Workshop: Part One • Focused studies • A definition of packaging • Updating persona through market • The historical evolution of packaging research and packaging materials • The industrial revolution and packaging 1-4 Graphic Design • Growth of modern packaging roles • Demographic Workshop: Part Two • The modern packaging industry • Technical and communication roles compared 1-2 Package Development • The importance of demographic and Process psychographic information • Management of the packaging function • The modern retail environment • The package as the purchase motivator • Project Scope and objectives • Fundamental messages: Cords of • The package development process familiarity and points of difference • The package design brief • Equity and brand names • Specifications • Emotional aspects of color • Basics of graphic design: balance, unity, direction, typography and Day Two illustrations 1-5 Introduction to Printing 1-6 Printing Methods and Printing Methods • Preparing the artwork, prepress proofing Flexographic and Related Relief Printing Processes • Package printing methods and printing presses • Nature and production of the printing plate • Line art, color selection and Pantone Matching System • Configuration of the printing station • Halftone art, screens and
    [Show full text]
  • Plastic Extrusion
    The Magazine for ENERGY EFFICIENCY in Compressed Air, Pneumatics, Blower and Vacuum Systems April 2013 Plastic Extrusion 10 Plastic Extruder Saves $116,000 in Energy Costs 16 MGM Industries Reduces Chilled Water Requirements with Dry Vacuum Pumps 22 Air Audit of a Powder Coating System 28 Filtration Improves Pneumatic Performance REMOTE AIR COMPRESSOR SENSING 36 Atlas Dry Air Ad 8.375 x 10.875:Layout 2 3/5/13 1:33 PM Page 1 Clear the way for quality air 140 years of history, and the present is yours Optimizing air supply quality is a way of life at Atlas Copco. Our dryers, aftercoolers, filters and oil-mist eliminators help ensure that your air is always clean, dry and ready for the summer heat. And it doesn’t stop with quality air because the right air system components also save energy. Atlas Copco knows you have challenging targets to reduce energy costs. We know because we face those targets, too! With 14 production facilities in the United States and dozens more globally, we never stop looking for ways to help our manufacturing teams, and yours, save energy and increase productivity. In 2013 Atlas Copco celebrates our 140th birthday. To celebrate this key milestone we are offering a series of gifts: starting with simple air studies for free. We’ll log your plant’s actual air usage, show you ways to save money and compute the payback on any new investments. Sign up now and you’ll receive a limited edition anniversary baseball cap. Register at www.atlascopco.us/mboxusa or call 866-688-9611.
    [Show full text]
  • Blow Molding Solutions Selection Guide
    FRESH SOLUTIO FOR BLOW NS MOLDE D CO NTA INE RS YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR BLOW MOLDING SOLUTIONS As the world’s leading polyethylene producer, The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) is uniquely positioned to be your supplier of choice for blow molding materials. By collaborating with customers and other key members throughout the value chain, Dow helps drive innovation and promote sustainability with solutions that successfully address the needs of virtually every blow molding market, including: • Water Juice Dairy (WJD) • Pharmaceuticals (Pharma) • Household & Industrial Chemicals (HIC) • Large Part Blow Molding (LPBM) • Agricultural Chemicals (Ag Chem) • Durable Goods • Personal Care Our rich portfolio of sustainable solutions is backed by industry-leading technical expertise, deep understanding of the marketplace, a highly responsive supply chain, and an unmatched set of global resources. In addition to offering excellent performance and processing, Dow solutions are integral to developing containers that help reduce costs, improve retail visibility, and enhance shelf life. 1 The following pages provide an overview of Dow plastic resins designed for use in blow molded rigid packaging applications: • UNIVAL™ High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resins are industry standard, “workhorse” materials for everything from food and beverages to household, industrial, and agricultural chemicals. • CONTINUUM™ Bimodal Polyethylene Resins offer opportunities for increased competitive advantage with enhanced performance that creates the potential for lightweighting, incorporation of post-consumer recycle (PCR) content, and more. • DOW HEALTH+™ Polyethylene Resins deliver the high levels of quality, compliance, and commitment needed to meet the stringent requirements of healthcare and pharmaceutical applications. • DOW™ HDPE Resins are available in bimodal and monomodal grades that offer Dow customers in Latin America excellent top load strength, ESCR, and more for a wide range of applications.
    [Show full text]
  • Thinwall Packaging High Performance Systems for High Performance Parts
    Thinwall Packaging High performance systems for high performance parts Benefits • High performance production systems— fast, repeatable • Lighter, more sustainable high performance parts • Consistent part quality • High productivity, low scrap • Complete melt delivery systems with all elements optimized for each application: - machine - hot runner - Altanium® controller With more than 50 years of experience in Our dedicated global thinwall team sup- • Single point of contact for the thinwall packaging industry, Husky is ports customers on multiple levels offering integrated workcell a leader in developing high performance skills, software and services that ensure packaging solutions. Our complete high- the best return on investment. In the early speed systems are optimized to meet our product development stages, we offer • In-mold labeling solutions customers’ specific packaging needs while a wide range of services, including part that help parts stand out on lowering overall part costs. design, flow simulation analysis, finite ele- store shelves ment analysis and resin validation tests. We are committed to being a long-term Once in production, our locally-based partner to help thinwall packaging custom- Service and Sales network is accessible for ers grow their business. To achieve this, 24/7 spare parts and technical support to we maintain collaborative relationships keep systems running efficiently and with with other industry-leading companies to maximum uptime. deliver integrated, best-in-class thinwall packaging systems. Thinwall systems tailored for performance requirements HyPAC two-stage injection HyPAC with two-stage injection is ideal for customers running the highest cavitation molds with the largest shot weights at fast cycles. HyPAC reciprocating-screw injection The unique HyPAC injection unit design offers 30% more throughput and more than twice the melt acceleration for a given screw size.
    [Show full text]
  • Simulation of Extrusion of High Density Polyethylene Tubes
    MATEC Web of Conferences 112, 04004 (2017) DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/20171120400 4 IManE&E 2017 Simulation of extrusion of high density polyethylene tubes Antonios Koutelieris1, Kyriaki Kioupi1, Onoufrios Haralampous1, Konstantinos Kitsakis1,2,*, Nikolaos Vaxevanidis3, and John Kechagias1 1Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly, Mechanical Engineering Department, 41110 Larissa, Greece 2University of Western Macedonia, Mechanical Engineering Department, 50100 Kozani, Greece 3School of Pedagogical and Technological Education, Mechanical Engineering Educators Department, 14121 N. Heraklion Attikis, Greece Abstract. The production of extruded polyethylene films rods, tubes and pipes is a typical industrial process that has been extensively investigated over many years. In this study the extrusion of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) tubes was simulated by using the 3D finite element simulation software StarCCM+®. The simulation was applied in order to examine the influence of design and operational parameters on the characteristics and the soundness of the tube and for optimizing the overall quality of the product. Two alternative die configurations were studied; one with a four inputs head and the other with an eight inputs head. From the results obtained it is concluded that extrusion with the eight inputs head die design results in better overall pipe quality; this design was implemented successfully in an industrial production line. 1 Introduction High-density polyethylene (HDPE) tubes are typically used in many applications such as to convey potable water, waste water, chemicals, etc. HDPE has high strength, toughness, durability and resistance to chemicals. In order to manufacture solid wall pipes the following steps should be followed: heat, melt, mix, and convey the raw material into a mold to achieve the final form.
    [Show full text]
  • Solutions for Injection Molding Applications Selection Guide
    TOUGH, RELIABLE SOLUTIONS FOR INJECTIONMOLDING APPLICATIONS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR INJECTION MOLDING SOLUTIONS As the world’s top producer of polyethylene, • CONTINUUM™ Bimodal Polyethylene The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) is uniquely Resins offer opportunities for enhanced qualified to meet your needs for injection closure performance and increased molding solutions. Our product portfolio competitive advantage with the potential covers everything from industry standards for lightweighting, incorporation of post- to the latest breakthroughs – all backed by consumer recycle (PCR) content, and more. a singular understanding of material science • DOW HEALTH+™ Polyethylene Resins and processing, plus global manufacturing deliver the high levels of quality, compliance, capabilities. By working closely with customers and commitment needed to meet the and other key members of the value chain, stringent requirements of healthcare and Dow helps drive innovation and promote pharmaceutical applications. sustainability in applications such as: • DOW™ HDPE Resins feature excellent • Caps & Closures (C&C) flow, impact strength, rigidity, ESCR, and downgauging capabilities – plus low warpage • Industrial Containers and taste/odor contributions – making • Thin-wall Containers (TWC) them a solid choice for injection molded and • Lids extruded/thermoformed applications like The following pages provide an overview of tubs, pails, and single-serve containers. Dow plastic resins designed for use in injection • DOWLEX™ IP HDPE Resins offer the high molded rigid
    [Show full text]
  • Processing of Bioplastics – a Guideline – Photo: Fraunhofer IAP Fraunhofer Photo: Photo: Fraunhofer IAP Fraunhofer Photo: IAP Fraunhofer Photo: Ifbb Photo
    Photo: Fraunhofer IAP Photo: Fraunhofer IAP Processing ofBioplastics Processing Photo: Fraunhofer IAP – aguideline Photo: IfBB Preface For more than 20 years, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) has been promoting, via its project co-ordination agency FNR (Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V.), the research and development of energy and products based on renewable raw materials. Bioplastics have always been a major priority in this context. Their promotion has, however, never been closer to real practice than with the collaborative project “Kompetenznetzwerk zur Verarbeitung von Biokunststoffen” (Competence network for the processing of bioplastics), which has been supported financially by the BMEL since the beginning of 2013. With the establishment of four regional centres of excellence for the material-related processing of bio-based polymers, research funding has left the laboratories and placed itself at the side of the user. The goal of the project is, on the one hand, to accelerate the transfer of know-how from research and development to the processors of bioplastics and, on the other hand, to address and resolve the suggestions, questions and problems of, in particular, the many medium-sized companies who genuinely want to pursue innovative approaches. In the past three years, the four alliance partners have moved much closer to this goal. An important result of this work is the brochure which you are holding in your hands today. The brochure provides an overview of the data compiled over the last three years concerning the processing of bioplastics. The brochure primarily represents a showcase which will encourage you to look deeper, as the specific technical data concerning the materials and the processing can be found on the Internet in the corresponding database.
    [Show full text]
  • Silicone Molding with FDM Patterns
    TECHNICAL APPLICATION GUIDE Silicone Molding With FDM Patterns Silicone molding, also known as room temperature vulcanized (RTV) molding, is a fast and affordable solution for prototyping and short-run production. Offering lead APPLICATION times of three to seven days at just a fraction of the cost of an aluminum tool for COMPATIBILITY injection molding, silicone molding is an attractive alternative for the production of TECHNOLOGY IDEA DESIGN PRODUCTION plastic parts. FDM 2 3 3 PolyJet NA 5 5 A silicone mold is made by pouring liquid silicone rubber over a pattern. After the rubber cures, it becomes firm, yet flexible. The result is a mold that can hold tight (0 – N/A, 1 – Low, 5 – High) tolerances while reproducing extremely complex geometries, intricate details, COMPANION AND and undercuts. REFERENCE MATERIALS By replacing machined patterns with FDM® patterns, the mold-making process Technical • Document can be completed in two to three days. And unlike machining, complex and application guide intricate shapes have little effect on the time or cost of the FDM pattern. Application brief • Document • Commercial An important consideration, which is often overlooked, is that FDM patterns can Video • Success story endure the mold-making process. They can withstand the weight of the rubber • How It’s Used and heat from an accelerated curing process. Additionally, the strength of the Case Studies • ScanMed FDM material makes it possible to extract complex patterns from the silicone mold • Best Practice: without breaking, which means that patterns can be reused to make Referenced processes Orienting for multiple molds. Strength, Speed or Surface Finish • Best Practice: CAD to STL • Best Practice: Sectioning an Oversized Part • Best Practice: Applying Custom Toolpaths for Thin • Walls and Bosses • Best Practice: Bonding • Best Practice: Optimizing Seam Location • Best Practice: Media Blasting Silicone molded MRI cover and tooling.
    [Show full text]
  • Plastic Industry Awareness of the Ocean Plastics Problem
    Fueling Plastics Plastic Industry Awareness of the Ocean Plastics Problem • Scientists became aware of the ocean plastics problem in the 1950s, and understanding of the nature and severity of the problem grew over the next decades. • The major chemical and petroleum companies and industry groups were aware of the ocean plastics problem no later than the 1970s. • Plastics producers have often taken the position that they are only responsible for plastic waste in the form of resin pellets, and that other forms of plastic waste are out of their control. The use of plastics in consumer resins and the fossil fuel companies the twentieth century. Early observ- goods has been expanding exponen- supplying them with chemical feed- ers concerned about marine plas- tially since the late 1940s. Within stocks — have known about this tics were specifically worried about years of that expansion beginning, problem and for how long. The re- marine animals becoming entan- observers began to document plas- mainder of this document presents a gled in discarded fishing gear and tic pollution in the environment, brief overview of the history of pub- other plastic wastes. As noted by including in the world’s oceans. lic and industry awareness of marine the United States’ National Oce- Plastic is a pollutant of unique con- plastic pollution. Although this his- anic and Atmospheric Administra- cern because it is durable over long torical account is detailed, it is far tion (NOAA), “[p]rior to the 1950s periods of time and its effects accu- from comprehensive, and additional much of the fishing gear and land- mulate as more of it is produced and research is forthcoming.
    [Show full text]