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I often report on research underway at universities regarding developments on either new biobased plastics or novel plastic recycling technologies. Typically, researchers are looking to get the word out to prospective industry partners that can help in expanding  their work to commercial fruition. Sometimes, they are aiming to license their already patented technologies. Photo Credit: University of Burmingham This is the case with U.K.’s University of Birmingham which has announced that…

Agilyx has formed a strategic partnership with London-based Virgin Group to produce lower-carbon aviation fuel from recycled plastic. Agilyx has operations in Oregon and Switzerland, and Virgin Group is based in London. The partners will use Agilyx’s proprietary pyrolysis process to break down mixed plastic waste and convert it to synthetic crude oil. That oil will be further refined for use as a lower-carbon fuel. Thus, plastic waste that would…

As technology continues to advance, medical device designers are being asked to increase performance and longevity of devices while decreasing costs. One of the most effective methods of achieving both goals is through a metal-to-plastic conversion using a medically compatible resin. Newer polymers allow for the design of multiple features into one molded component and can replace metal components or multiple smaller parts. By improving the product design and manufacturing process…

Image used by John Bozzelli in his training seminars shows a short shot with a weld line forming around a square hole. In his experience, a microscopic air gap is apt to remain between the flow fronts even after the part is fully packed. (The training tool was designed by consultant Glenn Beall to illustrate design and molding problems.) Who knows what evil lurks within weld lines? One who does…

Greiner Packaging has developed a technique for thermoforming cups with in-mold labels (IML) that requires less material, is lighter in weight, and is more recyclable than similar IML cups produced via injection molding. In addition, the sheet used in the thermoforming process to make the cup can be embedded with barrier properties, which can extend the shelf life of packaged food and help reduce food waste, according to Sebastian Eisenhuber, Global Product…

Sabic has collaborated with leading Chinese truck maker Dongfeng Motors to develop a novel plastic composite hybrid solution to produce a strong, lightweight truck-mounted toolbox. The application is made with a combination of Sabic’s Stamax resin, a long-glass-fiber polypropylene (PP), and continuous glass-fiber composite laminate inserts via a single overmolding process. The finished part is up to 30% lighter compared with a similarly designed steel part, and use of the…