DEARBORN, MI—Ford Motor Co. is formulating and testing new foam and plastic components that uses carbon dioxide as feedstock. Formulated with up to 50 percent CO2-based polyols, the new materials could reduce petroleum use by more than 600 million pounds annually.
Back in the day, engines were the exclusive domain of cast iron and steel. But, during the past decade, more lightweight materials, such as aluminum and hard thermoplastics, have been slowly creeping under the hood. The Holy Grail, an engine made almost entirely out of plastic, is finally close to reality.
When it comes to developing new production tools and assembly processes, it’s hard to beat Boeing. The company has always been ahead of the curve implementing new technology on its assembly lines.
DETROIT—General Motors is turning its employees’ recycled water bottles into noise-reducing fabric insulation that covers the engine in the Chevrolet Equinox. The bottles—collected from five of its Michigan facilities—are also being turned into air filtration components and insulation for winter coats for the homeless.
In numerous industries and applications, high-performing structural adhesives are replacing standard joining methods such as welding and the use of mechanical fasteners like rivets and bolts.
No matter which method you use to assemble plastic parts, you would have found the latest technologies at The ASSEMBLY Show. There were at least 10 suppliers of plastics joining equipment on the show floor, including first-time exhibitors Rinco Ultrasonics and Thermal Press International Inc.