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 ...
United Parcel Service of America, Inc. (UPS) was looking to cut fuel costs for its delivery trucks. The company has a few thousand plug-in electric and natural gas-powered vehicles in its 70,000-plus fleet, but batteries only go so far, and natural gas stations aren’t usually along rural routes.
UPS was looking for a diesel-powered cargo van with increased fuel efficiency that could travel through city and country like the existing van. Turns out that Utilimaster Corp. and Isuzu Commercial Truck were developing just such a truck, reports Rhoda Miel at Plastics News.
Starting in 2008, Utilimaster and Isuzu began work on the Reach in response to customer requests for better fuel mileage. The new vehicle promises to be 35% more fuel-efficient than standard vans, which the designers estimate could save delivery companies $3,000 in fuel per vehicle, per year.
UPS is currently testing modified versions of the Reach, “which has a composite skin, structural plastic floor and roof and injection molded bumpers,” according to Plastics News.
“This was developed from a clean sheet of paper,” said John Knudtson, vice president of product development for Utilimaster told Miel. “The architecture is unique. It doesn’t exist just off the shelf.”
Many delivery trucks have a design traditionally called an aluminum step van because they are made with aluminum body panels that are connected to vertical structural supports. Miel gives more details about how plastics were used in the lighter-weight Reach:
By rethinking the entire vehicle, rather than merely replacing one material for another, Utilimaster was able to eliminate metal supports in favor of a composite body that is molded in color to eliminate the need to touch up paint from scratches.The floor is a one-piece composite structure with a polyester skin on the top and bottom and a urethane foam core. The PE outer layer also means that the floor will not corrode while the multilayer structure improves acoustic and thermal performance, Knudtson said.The side walls also are made of PE with a honeycomb inner core, while the front and rear bumpers are made of urethane.Utilimaster declined to name the plastics suppliers making the Reach’s components. Isuzu makes the chassis and engine and delivers them to Utilimaster, which builds the rest of the vehicle.
UPS spokesman Michael French told Miel that the company will be making a decision about whether or not to order more trucks after the trial period ends in December. The vehicles are currently being road-tested in various climates and terrains, including Roswell, GA, Flint, MI; Albany, NY; Lincoln, NE, and Tucson, AZ.
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