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 ...
To enhance the design and processing of plastic materials, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), which is the U.K.’s National Measurement Institute, has developed a pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) and thermal conductivity test kit with unprecedented temperature ranges, according to a press release.
Angela Dawson, a Higher Research Scientist for NPL’s Materials Division, said in a statement:
pvT testing kits are essential for improving design and processing of ubiquitous, everyday plastics and for more specialised polymers with advanced applications. NPL is the only laboratory where manufacturers can send materials for testing using this advanced equipment and this work has improved the reliability and accuracy of measuring pvT data.
The kit is backed by nine years of research. The kit’s applications include injection-molding processes used to make materials ranging from compact discs to advanced polymers. Although the kit is geared for plastics, according to the press release, other materials such as soap and chocolate have been analyzed.
The instrument operates at pressures ranging from 200 bars to 2500 bar. It is the only equipment in the world that can test materials at ultra fast cooling rates of up to 280 °C/min and down to temperatures approaching -100 °C, according to the press release.
The instrument also has a thermal conductivity measurement facility. NPL researchers have used it to study the thermal properties of polymers such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and provide valuable information to manufacturers about how to harness those properties to increase production rates and thus boost profits.
Comments
Post a Comment