You can download this magazine in sections with all editorial and advertisement web addresses as live hyperlinks.
Other downloadable back issues.
Contact addresses for the Factfinder reader enquiry numbers in this month's magazine
ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC
Download this section (601 KB)
Plastics make electronics light, thin and flexible
Perhaps the most revolutionary of current electronic developments is the imminent emergence of polymer light sources and batteries to power them. Organic light emitting diodes - OLEDs - have been with us for some time but are now set move into wider scale commercial scale lighting applications. And alongside OLEDs themselves comes new technology for applying them on flexible film substrates.
PPA drops in to replace PBT for lead-free soldering
A 30 per cent glass fibre reinforced compound based on a hot water mouldable grade of polyphthalamide was a straight replacement for PBT which could not withstand the higher temperatures generated by the infrared reflow ovens used for lead-free soldering.
Smart fabrics could monitor your health and more
The University of Cagliari in Italy has produced a prototype undergarment made from fabrics which have semiconductors built into their fibres. These can be used as sensors to detect the life-signs of the wearer, without any need for probes or stick-on sensors. Contact with the skin is all that's needed.
More ecological flame retardant for circuit boards
A non-halogenated flame retardant for the protection of thermoset resin systems for printed circuit boards, such as epoxy-based FR-4 laminates, has been introduced by Clariant.
Stanyl provides the flow for high pin densities
Electronic components with high pin densities and thin walls are being moulded from DSM's Stanyl polyamide 4,6 to give thin wall performance and high reat resistance for lead-free soldering.
PEEK film protects membrane switches
US switch manufacturer Golden Valley Products has adopted polyetheretherketone film to protect its speciality membrane switches against moisture, chemicals and high temperatures.
PEI makes light work of vehicle aerial
Switching from machined aluminium to polyetherimide enabled ERA Technology of Leatherhead in Surrey to cut the weight of a vehicle satellite tracking aerial by a third.
PBT grades compounded for MID production
In a recent demonstration of innovative technologies that it has under development Lanxess re-emphasised the potential of the moulded interconnect device process in which it has been co-operating with LPKF Laser & Electronics in Germany.
Report plots trends in polymers for electronics
A new report from Rapra Technology seeks to provide an overall picture of the varied use of polymers in the manufacture of electronic components and to identify trends and future movements of the market.
FILM & SHEET CONVERSION
Download this section (1,297 KB)
Ultrasonics give tighter control of sheet sag
Ultrasonic sheet height detection is being fitted as standard on new thermoforming machines built by Independent Technical Services of St Ives, Cambridgeshire, improving on other devices such as photo cells.
New process optimisation improves Illig output
The third generation of Illig's RDK/RDKP forming machine series has detailed improvements to increase productivity.
Ridat makes an impression in Wales
Two Welsh companies have installed thermoforming machine from Ridat, itself having just moved to South Wales.
Edge trim removal system chops waste - literally and figuratively
An edge trim disposal system installed during the summer by London-based PSG Group is the most diverse such system supplied by Kongskilde. It removes continuous edge trim from all the machines in the factory, chops it into small pieces for compaction, and conveys these through air ducts to a central collection point.
More edge trim back for your money with Munchy
Smaller reclaim systems for edge-trim are now possible through upgrades from Munchy which increase the throughput of a given machine size.
Optimation claims savings for trim winder
Minimum power consumption compared with venturi air-based systems is claimed by Optimation for its intelligent trim winder. It is also quieter.
Static electricity:use it and lose it
Static control company Arrowquint can now offer core pinning systems to match the higher speeds and greater tensions found in the latest generation of film rewinders, and can supply ATEX-approved static dischargers for use within the hazard areas associated with most solvents.
SCAE names Keely as UK agent
Italian bagmaking machine company SCAE Europe has appointed Keely Machinery as UK agent.
World's fastest flexo press?
A printing press at US flexible packaging producer Excelsior Packaging has clocked 1 km/minute (3,281 fpm), which Excelsior and press manufacturer Fischer & Krecke are claiming as a world record.
Double sealing improves the appearance of meat packs
A secondary seal to avoid pack leaks and poor appearance that can occur with meat products with a high level of water activity is a key part of Amcor's OptiPack which it is introducing across Europe following success in Spain.
Twin track keder welding machine runs at up to 500 m/hour
The third in a new series of high frequency keder welding machines from Relco is being built for a Scandinavian company, following the delivery of the first two to Belgium.
Tiny holes control oxygen transfer rate
Edlon Machinery has taken on the UK and Ireland agency for Micro Laser Technology of Germany which makes equipment to perforate film and control its oxygen transfer rate.
EU levies anti-dumping duties on Asian plastic bags...
The European Union has gone ahead with its plan to impose anti-dumping duties on plastic bags from China and Thailand, and, as expected, has excluded Malaysia from the tariff.
...while Scots say no to plastic bag tax - again
The plan to impose a 10 per cent punitive tax on supermarket plastic bags in Scotland has been unanimously rejected by the Scottish Parliament.
FILM & SHEET PRODUCTION
Download this section (613 KB)
New gauging systemsfrom NDC
On-line measurement specialist NDC Infrared Engineering has rolled out new hardware and software systems for web gauging.
ENGINEERING MATERIALS
Download this section (745 KB)
Wood plastic composites could be based on nylon
A technology for making wood/plastic composites said to be stronger and less expensive than any others available has been developed at the College of Forestry at Oregon State University in the USA. It also enables wood to be compounded with higher melt temperature plastics.
Volume production planned for safe natural rubber latex
Revertex Malaysia has signed a letter of intent with Vystar Corporation to produce its Vytex safe latex, in which the antigenic proteins that trigger allergic reactions are deactivated without reducing elasticity.
Compostable moulding material is heat-resistant
The Biograde 300A injection moulding material developed in Germany by FKuR Kunststoff in co-operation with the Fraunhofer Institut is now also certified as a compostable material.
Window gasket compounds for co-extrusion
PVC and dry blend compounder Dugdale has developed two new nitrile PVC gasket compounds for PVC window systems.
Arkema adds high performance transparent polyamide
The Technical Polymers division of Arkema has introduced a new high performance transparent polyamide, Rilsan Clear.
Degussa has big hopes for small things
In the past few years Degussa has invested some Eur 100 million in nano-materials development and has now revealed some of the compass of its research.
BMC is tailor-made for solar tiles
A bulk moulding compound has been developed specifically for solar panels by IDI Composites International.
Non-yellowing TPUs are for automotive applications
Spanish TPU specialist Merquinsa has introduced a new automotive line of aliphatic-based thermoplastic polyurethanes.
New over-moulding TPEs bond to engineering thermoplastics...
ExxonMobil Chemical has developed new Santoprene thermoplastic elastomer grades that bond successfully to engineered thermoplastics in over-moulding applications.
...have food contact approval...
A new grade of Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanisate complies with US Food and Drug Administration regulations for food contact and bonds with engineering thermoplastics to reduce the need for multiple-component assembly.
...and you buy them somewhere else in the new year
UK representation for Santoprene thermoplastic elastomer is to move from Resin Express to Biesterfeld Petroplas at the end of the year.
Ceramifying polymers for fire protection
A polymer that transforms into a fireproof ceramic in a blaze has been developed in Australia by CSIRO and the CRC (Cooperative Research Centre) for Polymers.
Plastics use in cars hits 20 per cent
An analysis of plastics usage in modern cars conducted at the ABEX 2006 Automotive Benchmarking Exhibition in Germany showed that it has reached around 20 per cent by weight, compared with 5 per cent in the early 1970s.
INJECTION MOULDING
Download this section (1,068 KB)
In-mould adjustable melt flow control improves mould filling
Beaumont Technologies, developer of the MeltFlipper melt rotation technology for balancing filling in hot and cold runner applications, has extended the principle to create an in-mould adjustable rheological control system which it describes as a 3D moulding technology.
Husky to close Coventry technical centre
Husky's palatial technical centre in Coventry is to close and Husky is to relocate its UK operation to a smaller sales office with more personnel for local customer support.
Nozzle tips are sealed with plastic
Nozzle tips of the new Hasco Multi Shot Z10325 series are sealed individually at the gate with a cap made of a special plastic known as MurSeal which helps to reduce the volumes of material in the gate chamber.
Robot to service large stack moulds
The W746 has been added to the Wittmann range of robots specifically for use with 400 to 1,000 tonne stack moulding machines.
Hot runner system solves side valve gating problems
German hot runner and precision mould specialist Otto Männer has developed a valve-gated hot runner nozzle for side injection.
Unscrewing device prevents misalignment of eccentric screw caps
Boy has developed a new unscrewing device for its A series machines for the production of threaded parts, especially eccentric screw caps, to ensure precise stop positions of the rotating cores.
AMI charts shrinking moulding business...
AMI's latest report on injection moulding in Britain shows that since its last survey in 2003 there has been a 14 per cent drop in the number of companies carrying out injection moulding - a loss of more than 200 companies.
...and Hella is part of the trend
Automotive lighting manufacturer Hella of Germany is to close its remaining UK production plant at Banbury in Oxfordshire and move production to Eastern Europe with the loss of 450 of 500 jobs.
AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS
Download this section (543 KB)
Robot range is for heavy handling
Process automation and robotics specialist Barr & Paatz of Totnes has become a systems integrator for the Comau brand of heavy payload industrial robots through the Italian manufacturer's UK operation, Comau Estil.
Tool changing automated to improve productivity and safety
Automatic tool changers are built by Stäubli to extend the flexibility of its six-axis robots.
Wittmann adds KUKA robots
Robot manufacturers Wittmann and KUKA have joined forces with an exclusive agency agreement for Wittmann UK to sell KUKA six-axis robots into the plastics industry.
BLOW MOULDING
Download this section (543 KB)
Modular design for new single/double Uniloy machine
The new Uniloy Milacron UMS 12.D extrusion blow machine is of modular design and available in single and double station versions with 8 or 12 tonne mould clamps.
Jaycare installs new Bekum
Healthcare and pharmaceutical specialist Jaycare is expanding its extrusion blow moulding capacity with a Bekum BM 206 DL through Farrow Machinery Sales.
COLOUR MANAGEMENT
Download this section (543 KB)
Customised orange makes life brighter for pipe fitting moulder
A customised colour masterbatch was supplied by Clariant when a US moulder of pipe systems ran into colour shifting problems when using regrind.
Virtual colour samples cut product development time
Computerised colour imaging has cut development time of a new range of Wisdom toothbrushes.
Simpsons expands in plastics colouring
Industrial colours supplier Simpsons UK has expanded its position in plastics colouring by buying the textiles, plastics and coatings divisions of Intercolour of Leeds.
Ciba sells masterbatch business to Clariant
Clariant is to buy Ciba Specialty Chemicals' masterbatch business to strengthen its position in colour and additive concentrates for plastic products.
COMPOUNDING
Download this section (557 KB)
Lab extruder can be used for small batch production
The new Berstorff ZE 25 UTX Ultra-Glide twin screw extruder is a laboratory machine but can be used for small batch production at throughput rates between 20 and 150 kg/hr.
PP compounding line to process 72 tonnes/hour
A polypropylene compounding line with a capacity of 72 tonnes/hour and bigger still than its previous biggest is being built by Coperion Werner & Pfleiderer for a plant in the Near East.
Densified chopped strand glass for PBT
Johns Manville has introduced the first of a new generation of densified chopped strand glass fibre products developed for PBT compounds.
ADDITIVES
Download this section (557 KB)
Performance enhancer overcomes deficiencies in PLA
An additive that improves the performance of polylactic acid in packaging has been introduced by DuPont Packaging.
Silane systems simplify XLPE production
A family of pre-blended silanes for cross linking polyethylene has been introduced by Dow Corning. The aim is to simplify compounding when making cross-linked PE pipe in a one- or two-step process or to make cross-linked PE wire and cable insulation in a one-step process.
PP clarifier offers improved organoleptics
An improved clarifier for polypropylene has been added to Ciba Specialty Chemicals' Irgaclear series.
More PVC extrusion lubricants from Honeywell
Honeywell Specialty Materials has added six new standard formulations to its Rheochem line of high-performance lubricants for PVC extrusion.
Antistatic masterbatch for polystyrene
Italian company Viba has produced a new antistatic masterbatch for polystyrene that is suitable for use with foodstuffs.
TESTING & INSPECTION
Download this section (501 KB)
New testing software adds video and stills capture
Lloyd Instruments has released a new software interface for its range of Plus and EZ series materials testing machines.
Temperature control for critical applications
Thermo Electron Corporation has introduced the Haake DynaMax temperature control system for critical laboratory and pilot applications.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Download this section (501 KB)
Heater/chiller pitched at fast cycling processes
Conair has added three models to its RossoBlu heater/chiller units and introduced the RB Icepack range specially designed for fast cycling injection moulding machines.
Customised controllers for Jaycare
Newcastle-based pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging company Jaycare has bought four Eaton-Williams temperature control units mounted on a single skid.
Add-on free-cooling can pay back in a year
A retrofittable free cooling system is now available from Thermal Engineering Systems.
Low cost unit reclaims waste heat
A low cost method of reclaiming waste heat from the roof space is being introduced to Europe by Airius Europe. The Airius System is a destratification device that can be built into an office ceiling or hung in a factory/warehouse roof space, gathering hot air and sending it back down to floor level.
PIPE & PROFILE
Download this section (460 KB)
Compounding extruder drives 3-layer industrial pipe line
Bandera has developed a new coextrusion line with downstream manufacturer SICA for the production of triple layer PP pipes for factory drainage systems.
New ASTM method for pressure rating PVC pipe fittings
A new ASTM international standard provides a means for determining pressure ratings for PVC schedule 40 and 80 socket-type fittings by evaluating fitting failure test data derived by testing water-filled assemblies of pipe and fittings.
Battenfeld adds irrigation pipe line to its portfolio
A turnkey extrusion line for irrigation pipe has been designed by Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik in cooperation with Drip Research Technology Services of the USA.
FINISHING
Download this section (460 KB)
Phenolic threaded inserts cut costs where metals are over-specified
Phenolic glass threaded moulding inserts have been developed by AJR Polytron of Pennsylvania, USA, for use where brass or stainless steel inserts are expensive and over-engineered for low stress applications.
Cut drying times by combining infra red with an air knife
Drying times for water-based coatings can be reduced by up to 50 per cent by using infrared driers before articles are put into a drying oven, according to Heraeus Noblelight. Drying performance can further be improved with the use of an air knife.
SOFTWARE
Download this section (393 KB)
Sigma is relaxed about viscosity
Sigma Engineering's latest version of its 3D-Sigma moulding simulation software includes a new concept known as viscosity relaxation together with important new functions for hot runners and for analysing moulds for rubbers and elastomers.
ON-LINE
ON-LINE Home
You can download this magazine in sections with all editorial and advertisement web addresses as live hyperlinks.