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For parts needing high heat and chemical resistance, thermoformers get a new way to compete with injection molding.

Whether it was molding thermoplastic and polyurethane foam into one part in one machine, continuously foaming insulation between a metal pipe and thermoplastic skin, or pouring rigid foam behind a thermoplastic skin to replace steel refrigerator doors, there were plenty of novelties in PUR machinery and material among the exhibits at the K 2004 show in Dusseldorf last October.

“We like challenges. We like to do things that other people are scared to do.”

For skeptics who may doubt that nanocomposites have yet proven themselves commercially viable materials, last year’s Nanocomposites 2005 Conference in San Francisco presented plenty of evidence that “nanos” are beginning to live up to their promise.

DuPont to Boost TiO2 CapacityDuPont Co., Wilmington, Del., will start up a third titanium dioxide pigment line at New Johnsonville, Tenn., in the third quarter.

Electric servo-drive technology, new controls, larger-part capability, and ability to handle lower viscosity resins were some of the themes echoed in the new group of welding, bonding, and joining devices exhibited last month at NPE 2000 in Chicago. Also shown were two new approaches to laser welding, a new adhesive that cures in UV or visible light, and new tape adhesives for gasketing or hard-to-bond applications. Two new mechanical devices, including an automated insert-setting device for plastics, were also shown.

Plastics processors are eyeing form able films as an economical, durable, and environmentally friendly means of producing fully decorated parts right out of the mold.

Sophisticated machinery, more engineering-grade materials, and more challenging applications are broadening the field for rotomolding.

Last fall’s K 2010 fair in Germany drew dozens of materials suppliers to show off hundreds of new products, aimed especially at packaging,medical, automotive, and electrical/electronics.

Although the worst may be over in soaring oil and natural-gas prices, recent hikes are still percolating through the petrochemical derivatives supply chain. So there’s no slowdown in commodity-resin price hikes, and engineering resins are going up too—some of them for the first time in more than two years.