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A negative photosensitive polyimide developed by Toray Industries maintains the characteristic thermal resistance, mechanical properties, and adhesion of the material while increasing resolutions and enabling high-definition pattern formation on 100-micrometer and other thick films. To accommodate the increased speed and capacity of 5G and 6G networks, smartphones and other mobile devices will require more miniaturized electronic components and higher density mountings. This will necessitate more refined fabrication processes for the insulating…

Painting of exterior automotive parts, such as fenders, bumpers, tank flaps, grilles, mirror housings, and rear quarter panels, is complicated by the necessity of separate operation lines for metallic and polymer components, as plastics are insulative. This generally makes in-line electrostatic spray painting impossible, leading to additional costs while slowing down the entire painting process. Consequently, automotive part makers normally select temperature-stable thermoplastic grades and modify these systems with electrically…

TotalEnergies has started up a new reactor in Feluy, Belgium, for production of performance polypropylene (PP) materials. Through this investment, TotalEnergies aims to augment its position in the value-added polymers market. The company, therefore, is increasing its production of grades that meet the highest quality standards and technical requirements of specialty markets, including medical and automotive. In the automotive sector, PP and other engineering resins are replacing metal to reduce…

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,…

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…

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…