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In-mold electronics (IME) is often touted as a forthcoming revolution in how automotive touch-sensitive interfaces will be manufactured. However, while smooth capacitive touch sensors are increasingly common in many recently launched vehicles, especially on steering wheels and parts of the center console, they are not currently produced by IME. Instead, other methods, such as applying functional films to existing 3D parts, are employed. This apparent discrepancy poses an important question:…

The trend toward “smart factories,” Internet of Things (IoT) or Industry 4.0 is often summarized as comprising three main components: smart machines, smart processes, and smart services. In the third category, equipment suppliers have been developing internet portals, remote servicing and, more recently, augmented reality (AR). The latest proposed addition to the “smart services” toolbox is voice control of injection molding machines.   Voice control is an experimental addition to…

Teknor Apex has added an Arvitec co-extrusion line to its application development lab in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. Completely commissioned and trialed, the extrusion line expands capabilities to support customer as well as internal development projects at the company’s European Center of Excellence for plastics research and development. By offering lab-scale testing for co-extruded applications, Teknor Apex enables customers to optimize quality control and manufacturing operations before a full-scale production…

Sounding an optimistic rallying cry, Amcor’s Eric Roegner asserted today that the plastics industry has a clear advantage in turning the tide of public perception in its favor by aligning behind a simple fact: Plastic packaging, especially the PET bottle, is the most sustainable option vis-à-vis aluminum cans and glass bottles. President of Amcor’s $3 billion rigid packaging division, Roegner made that case in his opening keynote address, “Break Glass.…

Honeywell today announced the commercialization of what it calls a “revolutionary process” that will advance the circular economy by expanding the types of plastics that can be recycled. It will use the recycled materials to produce feedstock to make recycled plastics with a smaller carbon footprint. Honeywell said that its UpCycle Process Technology utilizes industry-leading molecular conversion, pyrolysis, and contaminants management technology to convert waste plastic back to Honeywell Recycled Polymer Feedstock, which…

Milton Guerry, president of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR; Frankfurt, Germany) reported on 2020’s robotics wave in the association’s online discussion of the global market last year, noting shutdown low points occurred at different times in different locales. “Order intake and production in the Chinese manufacturing industry began surging in the second quarter of 2020,” Guerry said, “The North American economy started to recover in the second half of…