3D printing for automated pre-assembly of thermoplastic CFRP integral frames
01/07/2022
In the "OSFIT" (One Shot Fully Integrated Thermoplastic Frame) project, automated processes were developed to reduce both the time required and the complexity of the assembly and joining steps in aircraft production.
Solvay extends its sustainable polymer offering for smart devices and wearables
21/06/2022
Solvay launched the Kalix® 10000 series, a partially bio-based material made with renewable feedstock from non-food competing sources, is produced with 100% renewable electricity.
Create a quote for plastic testing services in just minutes
07/06/2022
Plastics are versatile and come in every conceivable shape, size, color, and function. Yet before plastic products can fulfill their desired function, they are subject to testing to confirm they comply with various standards. It takes testing labs hours, if not days, to create a quote for materials testing.
Intelligent software for 3D printing optimises properties of plastic components
06/06/2022
Researchers at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern have developed intelligent software that can adjust parameters such as temperature and printing speed during printing.
Economical and non-destructive inspection of thick-walled CFRP components
17/05/2022
The more complex carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) components are, the more difficult they are to examine. As a rule, the robot-assisted examination systems required for this are therefore designed for a limited range of components, which can hardly be used for examining other components.
A stretchy display for shapable electronics
25/04/2022
Zhenan Bao, a chemical engineer at Stanford University, and her research team have provided proof of principle for a stretchable, potentially reshapeable display using a method to fabricate an elastic light-emitting polymer with high luminosity.
Integrated electronics make for sleek, smart surfaces
08/03/2022
Technological advances and evolving user preferences are redefining the look (and feel) of future electronic devices. Some examples were on display at the big CES 2022 consumer technology show in Las Vegas during the first week of January.
eCampus offers online training for employees in the plastics industry
04/03/2022
Knowledge is power – this also applies to the plastics industry. But training courses cost time and tie up participants, although they are actually needed elsewhere. So that companies do not have to do without employees for entire days during such training courses, the SKZ has developed the eCampus together with Hanser Verlag.
App, AI, data glasses: digital toolbox for the plastics industry is well filled
28/02/2022
We live in a world in which processes are becoming increasingly complex. This also applies to the plastics industry. One way to support people in production with their demanding tasks is through digital tools – and not only on site at the plant, but also remotely. The increasing amount of data also contributes to predictive maintenance of machines.
Digital watermarks: sort post-consumer waste more intelligently
16/02/2022
How can plastic packaging become intelligent? By providing them with digital watermarks that can be read by sorting systems and thus simplify the sorting process. The fact that this technology works was proven in the pioneering HolyGrail 1.0 project with a proof of concept.
DarWIN research project accelerates multi-manufacturer machine learning
07/02/2022
New AI-based process optimisation tools have been developed specifically targeting injection moulding machines. Plus10 and the SKZ performed a series of thorough AI pilot tests on Sumitomo (SHI) Demag machines.
3D printing: InfraredTags make plastics communicative
31/01/2022
Shopping can be exhausting, for example when you first have to find the price label of a product or rush through the aisles looking for alternative products. All of this could be done at a glance while shopping – if InfraredTags were integrated into a product's packaging.
New additional service in the run-up to K 2022 in Düsseldorf: Monthly K-Talk starts online on January 20, 2022!
18/01/2022
Outlook, orientation, hot topics +++ exciting live discussion rounds with industry experts, users, and representatives from the media and politics +++ K-Talk enables global dialog even before the Leading Trade Fair in the fall +++ on-demand service
Scientific Council of K 2022 convenes First Meeting
08/12/2021
Renewable energies, resource-saving processes, climate neutrality – rising to major challenges is key. These global tasks require creative minds, innovative technologies and high-performance materials.
Digital marketplace for recyclates: cirplus networks entire value chain
25/11/2021
Sometimes you have to see a problem with your own eyes – or feel it with your own feet – to want to do something about it. At least that's how it was for Christian Schiller, who launched cirplus, a digital marketplace for recyclates.
Digital education: Increase knowledge about plastics without holding up operations
09/11/2021
One way to address the shortage of personnel in the plastics industry is to hire lateral hires – but that requires a good continuing education program. But especially in production, this is usually not so easy to do without taking the employee away from his or her job - which results in production coming to a standstill.
URI launches 'Plastics: Land to Sea' web platform
08/11/2021
A new University of Rhode Island web platform, "Plastics: Land to Sea," has been launched to provide the science community with a burgeoning array of data resources and tools designed to inform and support dialogue concerning research focused efforts to start addressing plastics pollution. The platform can be found at: plastics.uri.edu.
The BPF Launches Online Recycling Resource with PlasticsEurope & RECOUP
22/09/2021
The British Plastics Federation (BPF), in conjunction with PlasticsEurope and RECOUP, has launched a new online recycling resource kit aimed at educating students about recycling plastics and the science of polymers.
Material development: getting there faster with co-pilot AI
24/08/2021
General conditions for chemical and materials companies are changing rapidly. But the thorough research, development and commercialization of new materials can be lengthy. AI can accelerate this process.
The many ways that 'going digital' is changing manufacturing
23/08/2021
There are many aspects and forms of digitalization in manufacturing, ranging from Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing, to augmented and virtual reality, 5G connectivity, mobile apps, blockchain technology, and more.
Circular Economy: using digital tools to produce high-quality recyclates
03/08/2021
Only a small percentage of materials currently used in plastic processing are recyclates. Yet these secondary plastics are in no way of inferior quality to virgin material. The culprit is often a lack of data and poor communication between recyclers and plastic manufacturers. Digital solutions can help close material cycles in the plastics industry.
Soft robots: smart elastomers are making the robots of the future more touchy-feely
19/07/2021
Imagine flexible surgical instruments that can twist and turn in all directions like miniature octopus arms, or how about large and powerful robot tentacles that can work closely and safely with human workers on production lines.
Supercomputer to help researchers develop more sustainable tires
12/07/2021
The environment around us is exposed to many different synthetic microparticles, potentially harmful for plants and animals. Some of these particles come from car tires and road surfaces and are generated when we drive.
Fraunhofer and the Technical University of Ostrava start German-Czech research collaboration for sustainable production
01/07/2021
In the scope of a future-oriented collaboration in the field of industrial production, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is cooperating with the VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO). The partners research and develop the potential offered by energy management technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent production in industry.