Articles

MoldingNewsrss3rssLinkedIn

Elmet SMARTshot I to use AI intelligence to control mold flow

The pioneering “I” technology is based on online rheometry for continuously optimizing the process and determining the actual material viscosity in the shear rate range of relevance to injection molding. This technology uses a mathematical relationship between the volumetric flow rate of the injection molding machine, the geometric constraints of the cold runner, and the shear force at the needle to identify and quantify batch-to-batch fluctuations. This turns the cold runner into rheological measuring instrument.

In learning mode, the system automatically detects the volume of material required to fill a cavity, so facilitating setup and optimization, especially with family molds with a number of cavities of differing sizes. Ready for integrating artificial intelligence (AI), the system is set in future to be able to support self-controlled injection molding machines if SMARTshot I control is integrated into the machine at a later date.

Read More
ArticlesExtrusionFeatured

Continuous extrusion to cut energy costs and improve quality

By using high precision continuous extrusion with an integral, built-in gear pump, it is possible to move away from old style mills, which have a huge footprint, and generally include plenty of safety hazards. Continuous extrusion removes the need for ramping up production in batches, which simplifies and accelerates preparation; and also separates materials input from production output. Current users report that this improves both control of production and quality.

Read More
ArticlesFeaturedMixing

Simulation of rubber formulation development using AI-Graf Compounder

Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into rubber compound development is said to mark a transformative step in materials science, and the authors explore the use of AIGraf Compounder software to simulate and optimize rubber formulations. By leveraging feedforward neural networks, the system can predict material properties based on ingredient compositions.

Read More
ArticlesFeaturedThermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes

Surface modified polyester polyurethane foams with varying pore sizes for decanted water treatment in oil spill response

Testing of two polyurethane foams as absorbants for oil spill remediation is examined, and a surface treatment to enhance oil removal efficiency is explored by the authors. This work is said to be crucial in determining the optimal foam formulation for oil spill cleanup.

Read More
Newsrss3rssLinkedInSilicone & Medical

CNRS researchers develop new method for silicone recycling

A study conducted by the Centre de RMN à très haut champs at Lyon (CNRS) researchers describes a new method of recycling silicone waste (caulk, sealants, gels, adhesives, cosmetics, etc.). It has the potential to significantly reduce the sector’s environmental impacts. This is the first universal recycling process that brings any type of used silicone material back to an earlier state in its life cycle where each molecule has only one silicon atom. And there is no need for the raw materials currently used to design new silicones. Moreover, since it is chemical and not mechanical recycling, the reuse of the material can be carried out infinitely.

Read More
Automotive Elastomers & PartNewsrss4

Hutchinson innovates to slash carbon emissions without compromising performance for automotive sealing

Hutchinson’s solution involved the creation of two new materials: revea® TPE 428, which contains 37% biobased, biosourced, or recycled ingredients, and revea® TPE 426, which contains 29% biobased, biosourced, or recycled ingredients. These materials deliver the desired properties for various window seals, offering substantial CO2 savings—25% reduction with revea® TPE 428 and 16% with revea® TPE 426 compared to traditional materials.

Read More
ArticlesAutomotive Elastomers & PartChemicals & MaterialsFeatured

Reduction of zinc oxide in 10 compounds of a model passenger car radial tire

Excess zinc in the body of living organisms is problematic in nature, and zinc primarily enters the environment through rubber articles, including disposed tires. Work done to minimize the amount of zinc oxide consumption in 10 compounds of a typical passenger car tire is explained by the author.

Read More