When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
The European Commission has set a goal to improve fuel efficiency standards by cutting emissions from cars by 2012 through technology improvements. One way to do that is to rethink the car’s materials.
Plastics & Rubber Weekly reports that one European company has developed a lightweight polypropylene material that will not compromise on performance or design and has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 520,000 tons annually.
Luxus, a technical plastics company in the U.K., developed the material to replace standard talc-filled materials used for interior trim in cars. The material is made of 10% filler (down from a typical 25%), which could reduce the weight of the car by about 20 kilograms. The annual reduction figure assumes approximately 13 million cars driven approximately 12,000 miles per year.
The material is also made of approximately 60% recycled content. Luxus has used recycled material for other types of trim, but this plastic is unique, Peter Atterby, managing director at the company, told Plastics & Rubber Weekly. He added:
The impact of EU legislation together with the need for lower costs and improve performance has prompted us to develop a new highly innovative compound able to satisfy the rigorous demands of the automotive industry.
Atterby noted that Luxus is piloting the new plastic “with a number of major car manufacturers before it goes into general production on current models.”
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