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 ...
Africa is moving away from importing all of its plastic goods as numerous companies decide to put manufacturing facilities on the continent. Indian companies are particularly interested, reports Steve Toloken in Plastics News.
He spoke with various executives at Indian plastics companies, and writes:
As Africa’s plastics industry grows, Indian companies say they are picking up substantial business there, with exports rising for machinery firms, and India’s resin and processing companies making investments.The India factory of U.S. machinery firm Milacron LLC, for example, said it sends more than 200 injection presses a year to Africa, its largest export market and more than 20 percent of its total production.On the resin side, PET maker Dhunseri Petrochem & Tea Ltd. in Kolkata is building what it says will be Africa’s first PET polymer plant, to make bottle and food grade material in Egypt. The 420,000 metric ton facility is scheduled to open next year.
Toloken reports that injection press maker L&T Plastics Processing Machinery “has identified Africa as a key growth market,” and that equipment maker Kabra Extrusiontechnik Ltd. said that Africa accounts for more than 25% of its exports.
Shirish Divgi, chief operating officer for Ferromatik Milacron India Pvt. Ltd. in Ahmedabad, noted that the African countries in West Africa and East Africa are really growing. The plastic industry in Africa is geared toward the household and furniture industries, “but recently we have seen many upgraded activities in other sectors, like writing instruments and construction molding like fittings,” he added. Political changes in North Africa have slowed business, according to the executives.
Chandu Shah, chairman of rotational molder Kentainers Inc., based in Nairobi, Kenya, pointed out that the expanding middle class in Africa is driving the growth because they have more purchasing power.
Gerry Markets, CEO of Rotomolded Plastic Dura Mais-Custa Menos in Maputo, Mozambique, said that mega projects` like mining are also pushing growth and bringing in foreign direct investment. In addition, he noted that several plastic products manufactured in India could also be applied in Africa because the customer base is similar.
The executives also pointed out that India is already entrenched in Africa in several ways, including becoming a source of machines, materials, and expatriates. Toloken writes that “The substantial numbers of expatriate Indians who live in Africa and run businesses there give Indian firms an advantage, with many Indian executives saying their Africa trade is largely within that group.”
Comments
Post a Comment