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 ...
Just because you’ve passed away doesn’t mean you must stop helping the environment. A Swiss company Alento AG, a plastics processor that specializes in “enhanced wood plastic composites,” has come up with biodegradable urns.
The article in Plastics Today quotes Herbert Perschl, managing partner and founder of Alento, who says the company has been working on the wood-based material, Arboform, since 2002. According to the TECHNARO website, the company that markets Arboform, the material comes from lignin, one of the most abundant natural polymers found in trees. Lignin is a by-product of the pulp industry with about 50 million tons produced per year.
To make Arboform, lignin gets mixed with natural fibers and some natural additives. The result is a fiber composite that can be processed at raised temperatures. Just like a synthetic thermoplastic material, the fiber composite can be made into moldings, plates, or slabs in regular plastics processing machines. Computer, television, or mobile phone casings made from Arboform get that “wood” look.
Apparently, this isn’t the first foray of wood plastic composites into the valley of death. About two years ago, TECHNARO.
The Plastics Today article asks the obvious question: Why urns?
‘We were looking for an injection moldable product that we could launch quickly and directly onto the market,’ explains Perschl. ‘And the undertakers are increasingly looking for urns made from environmentally friendly materials that rot in contact with microbes. Furthermore, we had the St. Gallen Crematorium as a loyal customer for the product right from the start.’
Alento uses various grades of the material to make the urns. There are ones available for burial at sea that decompose in water within three days. There are ones that last for one to three years. They even have urns for pets in the works.
The company is churning out urns at the rate of about 5,000 per year. The demand is rising. According to the article:
Manfred Zoss, sales and finance manager at the processor, comments, ‘The surfaces are never identical. Every urn is unique. We achieve even more variety since we have succeeded in also producing white and reddish-brown urns.’ A customer also can choose between smooth and patterned or engraved surfaces. Coating with clear lacquer is not necessary.
You can watch a video of the urn production process here. The YouTube video is in German, but the visuals nicely convey what Arboform is all about.
Comments
Post a Comment