Chinaplas

Leading Chinese machine builder Guangdong Yizumi Precision Machinery (Foshan) has developed its first two-platen injection molding machine. The machine debuted at the recent Chinaplas show in Guangzhou.

Hong Kong-headquartered injection machine builder Chen Hsong unveiled an upgrade of its Easymaster hydraulic machine series featuring servo-driven hydraulic pumps at the recent Chinaplas show in Guangzhou. The second generation SVP/2 Series comes in clamping forces of 80 tons through 560 tons, and claims overall energy savings of up to 70% versus constant displacement pumps.

Regulations governing the usage of flame retardants in polyurethane (PU) foam used in furniture and automotive applications are prompting additive suppliers to tailor their formulations to meet regional requirements.

The use of styrenic resins in automotive interiors remains widespread in Europe due to its excellent paintability according to Styrolution (Ludwigshafen), a leading supplier of such materials. Its adhesive bonding to thermoplastic polyurethanes is another plus when used in high-quality vehicle interiors according to Tetsuo Kobayashi, senior manager, Automotive at Styrolution Southeast Asia (Singapore).

The paintability of ABS resin has been enhanced through addition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in a compound development from Korea's LG Chem (Seoul). Lucon PS 6080EX grade from the supplier enables painting without the need to apply a costly primer layer. Polycarbonate, PC/ABS, mPPO and, and PPS grades are also available, offering electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties.

Although only 4% of Arburg's (Loßburg, Germany) injection machines shipped overall found their way to China in 2012, the breakdown of shipments is indicative of the higher demands processors there are placing in precision and energy saving.

Increasing demand for lithium ion batteries (LiB) coupled with pressures to reduce battery cost could open up a significant new market for biaxially oriented (BO) films based on a new low-cost process. Germany's Brückner (Siegsdorf) says it has developed technology for BO-polyethylene (PE)-based battery separator film (BSF) that is up to around 75% more cost-effective compared with existing processes. Three machines employing the new process are already on order for delivery in 2014.

Polypropylene (PP) is a key material in the quest to lightweight automobiles but it needs to be properly stabilized.

Chinese automakers have traditionally been a step behind European marques when it comes to polypropylene (PP) usage, employing an average of 45-55 kg per vehicles compared with 60-65 kg for a VW vehicle made in China. This is primarily due to smaller vehicle sizes but even in larger Chinese vehicles, there is limited application in structural components.

Plastic molders and extruders that serve automotive and packaging markets in China are finding that central material storage and conveying systems, and central chilling systems are good investments in today's manufacturing environment, according to auxiliary equipment and systems specialist Conair (Cranberry Twp., PA).