Researchers at Fraunhofer IWU Zittau and Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences are developing sustainable sheet moulding compounds (SMCs) by replacing traditional glass fibres with natural hemp fibres. These new SMCs offer reduced environmental impact, lower CO2 emissions, and fewer health risks for workers.

The Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei will present new high-performance materials for automotive applications at the German Rubber Conference DKT from July 1-4, 2024, in Nuremberg, Germany.

Exhibition space at K 2025 is in high demand the world over. Under the motto: The Power of Plastics! Green — Smart — Responsible the coming K will focus on the industry’s relevant fields of action: Circular Economy, Digitalisation and Social Responsibility.

Less plastic, faster cycles and more accurate parts? All of these possibilities are offered by thermoplastic foam injection moulding. These and other topics will once again be presented and discussed by leading companies at a conference and exhibition on 5-6 June 2024 at the Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid.

Aimed at testing their performance on the moon's surface, Stratasys is set to contribute 3D-printed materials to a lunar mission. The experiments will explore the effectiveness of a tungsten-filled Antero 800NA FDM filament for radiation shielding, the space performance of Antero 840CN03 FDM filament with ESD properties used in the Orion spacecraft, and a new ESD photopolymer designed for high-heat environments.

Mencom introduces the TM Series plastic electrical junction boxes, designed for superior protection and functionality in harsh environments. These junction boxes, compliant with IEC 60670, offer safety and quality with their halogen-free thermoplastic construction and UV-resistant design.

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.

In a transformative move towards sustainable mobility, the EU is charting a path for the future of car manufacturing with a vision set for 2035: vehicles crafted almost entirely from recycled or reused materials. Spearheaded by the Fraunhofer IWU and supported by a consortium of 28 partners, including leading automakers, the ambitious Zevra project is pioneering the Circular Car Concept.

By offering a new class of materials, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is improving fire protection in electric vehicle drives. The material is called Quantix Ultra and it resists melting even at extreme temperatures of up to 1,200°C. Processing the material in injection moulding is both versatile and economical.

TPU has been available for the plastic laser sintering process for a long time, but what Speedpart offers is largely unique on the market. Post-processing makes the material even more flexible and waterproof.