NPE 2024 Latest developments in plastic materials

Related Vendors

Lehmann & Voss & Co. KG

Jongen Werkzeugtechnik GmbH

Ramada Acos

Plastic materials supplier Lehvoss Group will be present at this year's NPE in Orlando. To underline the importance of the US market and US customers, the Lehvoss US team will be supported by a strong presence of material experts and top management from Germany.

Attendees at NPE will have the opportunity to explore the comprehensive portfolio of advanced polymer materials — compounds and masterbatches — designed for a wide range of applications and needs across multiple industries. Attendees will be able to discuss with Lehvoss experts economically and environmentally optimised solutions to their specific challenges and learn about the latest trends and requirements from the European and Asian markets.

The company will present materials from its state-of-the-art high performance compounds and masterbatches, demonstrating the Lehvoss interpretation of “materialising ideas” and effectively turning concepts into tangible reality.

The main exhibit is the Buddy X1 — an injection moulded frame for an e-bike made of a Luvocom carbon fibre compound. The material, which has been specially developed for the frame, is 60 percent stiffer than competing materials and can replace the typical epoxy/carbon fibre structures currently widely used in the high-end bicycle market. The frame is fully recyclable and offers a carbon footprint reduction of up to 64 percent compared to a similarly recyclable aluminium frame. In February 2024, three e-bikes passed all challenges in an extraordinary real-world test — the Xtreme Tech Expedition, a 1,400-kilometre (900-mile) ride in Morocco led by renowned adventurer Mike Fuchs, organised by Lehvoss and supported by many well-known industry partners. Frames and other components made of thermoplastic compounds easily withstood all mechanical and weather-related stresses.

A propeller for large agricultural drones will also be on display. This is a perfect example of how weight reduction and outstanding mechanical properties — maximum strength and stiffness — can be combined with good economy and a significant increase in customer value. By consistently applying lightweight design to all parts, the drones achieve 20-40 percent longer flight times, allowing larger areas to be covered in less time, making life easier for farmers.

Lightness and weight reduction with a careful balance of mechanical properties is also a key Lehvoss theme in the area of masterbatches & additives. With newly developed foaming agent masterbatches for injection moulding and extrusion, the addition of just 1 percent of masterbatch can produce components for the automotive industry that are 24 percent lighter while still meeting the mechanical requirements. These novel masterbatches are ADC free and have very good and easy processing properties. A significant reduction in sink marks can be achieved at a dosage as low as 0.1 percent. The products are non-toxic and physiologically harmless, making them suitable for use in other industries such as food.

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