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Studying the feeding behavior of mosquitoes, to test the effectiveness of repellents, for example, typically requires human volunteers or animal subjects. That takes a chunk out of lab budgets, and the data can take many hours to process. Researchers have found a better way — 3D-printed patches of synthetic skin, eliminating the need for live subjects, and automated collection and processing of data using inexpensive cameras and machine-learning software. In addition…

The colossus of Lossburg, Arburg is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in fitting fashion with the introduction of new models in its hybrid Allrounder 470 H plastic injection molding machine portfolio. Available in Comfort, Premium, and Ultimate versions, the presses have been designed with an eye toward reduced acquisition and operating costs, energy efficiency, and overall sustainability. It marks the start of a new generation of machines, said Arburg. The hybrid…

Food packaging is a growing segment of the plastics market but the need for controlling safety has been one challenge limiting recycling rates. The existence of a market for high quality rPET and rHDPE has likely been a factor in the higher recycling rates relative to other plastics such as flexible food packaging. In 2018, the EPA estimated recycling rates of 29.1% and 29.3% of generation for PET bottles and…

The properties of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes — robustness, temperature resistance, and longevity — make them a popular choice in the buiilding and construction sector for energy-efficient heating and safe plumbing. The material’s interconnected polymer chains, however, make PEX nearly impossible to recycle by conventional methods. Enter chemical recycling. A partnership of four companies has succeeded in the successful production of new pipes based on feedstock from chemically recycled post-industrial waste…

Plastic injection defects can lead to large scrap events and lost profits, and splay is one of the more frequent defects a processor must correct. The three main causes of splay are heat, moisture, and shear. This three-part series in the Troubleshooter column outlines key signs used to evaluate splay conditions. It will also profile key analysis points and recommend procedures to fix various splay scenarios. Last month, we focused…