August 2021
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2021
Medical rubber tubing process and die optimization: Die redesign and fine tuning
Part 1 of this contribution, published in the May 2021 edition of Rubber World, investigated a real manufacturer’s process that was set to produce medical tubing. It was found (through trials at the extruder, then through simulations) that the equipment available to the manufacturer was too large for the relatively low output that was required for this project, and consequently the polymer was degrading on the screw surface. It was ultimately determined through simulation that a smaller extruder, with a screw optimized for the low rate, would work better.
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SmartFlow analysis optimizes silicone and rubber tooling design
Mold design processes today benefit from sophisticated
design software that creates 3D models easily exported to
manufacturing, CAM programming and metal cutting
Improving profitability through innovative technologies and processes
Performance material usage is increasing in the manufacture of tires. These materials are composed of various additives with different properties that require a high level of expertise to maintain their properties throughout the production process and to deliver the desired, consistently high level of required quality. This is just one aspect that increases complexity in the manufacturing process. Market demands for more cost-effective products are also constantly increasing. Operating costs eserve special attention because process optimization is paramount on every manufacturer՚s agenda. Specialty chemicals group Evonik Industries and plant automation supplier Zeppelin Systems are working closely together to show how the use of innovative products and processes can both improve the performance properties of tires, while making their manufacture even more economical.
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Silicone and epoxy hybrid resins exhibit wide range of mechanical properties
The largest range of silicone and epoxy hybrid resins for the 3D printing of wearable devices, biomedical equipment and soft robotics has been developed by researchers from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). In a study published in Applied Materials Today, the range of tunable functionally graded materials, which displayed over five orders of magnitude of elastic modulus, demonstrated excellent interfacial toughness, higher precision in complex structures and better fabrication control for the integration of mechatronic components.
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Selection and use of water based dispersions in latex
When you step back and take a broader view of that industry, it can be viewed as a three-legged stool with three key elements: process/machinery, latex and chemical dispersions. These elements work in concert to provide a baseline for eventual success. This article will discuss the third element: dispersions.
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Progress in bio-based itaconate butadiene rubber
Bio-based itaconate butadiene rubber has been introduced by the Beijing University of Chemical Technology. This project was researched by professor Liqun Zhang’s team at the university. They started the research in 2008. After 13 years of hard work, a new generation of high performance and bio-based itaconate butadiene rubber has been successfully developed. Epoxy group functionalized poly(dibutyl itaconate-co-butadiene- glycidyl methacrylate) (PDBIBG) is the first class of macromolecular chain structures based on an itaconic acid resource which can realize the high value-added utilization of biomass resources and promote green and sustainable development within the rubber industry.
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Patents for July
Patents as compiled for the rubber industry in July
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HeatBoss EPDM: High heat resistant EPDM promising for SAE J200 applications
In modern cars, the space for the engine compartment is continuously shrinking for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Increasing vehicle compactness by reducing the space available for design engineers results in hotter engine components which restrict the rubber materials that can be used. This has boosted a fast growing demand in the rubber industry for elastomer parts with durability and increased resistance to temperature extremes. Among elastomers, silicone elastomers and fluoroelastomers show very effective heat resistance resulting from the strong Si-O and C-F bonds present in their chemical structure. However, the main drawbacks are their high price and high processing cost that make compounding, molding and final production very expensive
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