Sony disc operations head overseas, costing 100 jobs in Indiana
Entertainment giant Sony is moving disc production from Terre Haute, Ind., to Austria.
New Family of Bioplastics Boast Property Retention as well as Degradability and Recyclability
Last year, I reported on the development of a type of polyester biomaterial, designed for use in soft tissue repair or flexible bioelectronics, that a team of researchers from U.K.’s University of Birmingham and U.S.’s Duke University had succeeded in ‘fine tuning’ to enable both the rate at which it degrades in the body and its mechanical properties. We were recently contacted about another collaborative development from the two universities,…
BASF adding nylon 6/6, feedstocks capacity
Nylon 6/6 resin capacity will be added in Freiburg, Germany, this year. The firm also is building a new plant making hexamethylene diamine feedstock Chalampé, France, with production expected to start in 2024.
Medical-Grade Elastomeric Resin Introduced for 3D Printing
A new biocompatible elastomeric resin has been introduced by 3D printing technology company B9Creations. BioRes – Silicone is suited for the custom fabrication of medical and consumer products that have prolonged skin contact of up to 30 days, per ISO 90993. Applications include medical wearables, silicone-based components for medical devices, headphones, and hearing aids. “This material has really opened up our design space,” said Kevin Herrera, a senior engineer specializing…
In Micromolding, Material Flow Follows Its Own Set of Rules
As components for medical devices and consumer electronics continue to shrink, micromolding is playing a bigger role in the manufacturing mix. Generally speaking, according to MTD Micro Molding of Charlton, MA, parts qualify as “micro” if they have: Wall stocks between 0.002 and 0.004 in.; aspect ratios in the 250:1 range; a finished-part weight so low that 520 parts can be made from a single pellet of plastic. However, MTD…
Packaging firms join call for global treaty to ‘reduce virgin plastic production’
Several global plastic packaging makers are part of a statement from more than 70 businesses and financial institutions urging a new global plastics treaty that would reduce virgin plastics production and try to cut its link to fossil fuels.
Ocean Plastics in My Wallet
Now I carry a reminder that something can be done about this. (Photo: Angela Compagnone) In a recent blog, I imagined what an energy shot it would be for ocean plastics recycling if it were to become used in major automotive parts. What a pleasant surprise, then, to open an envelope containing my new American Express Corporate Green Card and read the following: “Your new Green Card is made from…
Collaboration Targets Carbon-Fiber Synthesis from Bio-Based Acrylonitrile
Solvay and Trillium Renewable Chemicals have signed a letter of intent to develop the supply chain for bio-based acrylonitrile (bio-ACN). ACN is widely used as a precursor for carbon-fiber synthesis. Trillium will supply Solvay with bio-ACN from its planned commercial asset, and Solvay will evaluate bio-ACN for carbon-fiber manufacturing as part of its long-term commitment to developing sustainable solutions from bio-based or recycled sources. The aim of this partnership is…
OSHA fines Ohio plastics firm for ‘work-related’ COVID-19 death
Federal safety inspectors said two employees died after a 2021 coronavirus outbreak at auto parts maker Sanoh America Inc. in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
Preformed Line Products buys Brazilian maker of substation connector systems
A news release stated that the deal will “greatly expand PLP’s operational and technical capabilities in the region while supporting its overall global substation strategy.”