Incompatible thermoplastic polymers can be welded by using polymer blends that are compatible with both components.
September 8, 2016
Ideally, every component in a plastic assembly would be made from the same material. However, cost, functional and aesthetic requirements often dictate that a mix of materials be used.
DEARBORN, MI—Ford Motor Co. is teaming up with Jose Cuervo to explore the use of the tequila producer’s agave plant byproduct to develop more sustainable bioplastics to employ in Ford vehicles. Ford and Jose Cuervo are testing the bioplastic for use in vehicle interior and exterior components, such as wiring harnesses, HVAC units and storage bins.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI—Robotic laser welding will play a greater role in body-in-white assembly lines, as automakers increase their use of lightweight materials, according to Peter Busuttil, director of technology for KUKA Systems North America.
Necessity is the mother of invention, or so the proverb goes. Such was the case recently at The Langen Group, a manufacturer of automated packaging equipment in Mississauga, ON.
Most rapid prototyping service providers specialize in one area of additive manufacturing, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) or metal sintering. ZARE SrL, however, offers expertise in several areas.
DEARBORN, MI—Ford Motor Co. is developing new foam and plastic components using carbon dioxide as feedstock. Researchers expect to see the new biomaterials in production vehicles within five years.