Design

Converting large CAD files between various formats is a cinch with TransMagic R8 SP4 conversion software from TransMagic Inc. (Westminster, CO) and it also got a whole lot faster with the Expert XL-64 option that transforms a 64-bit computer into a high-performance workhorse capable of processing extremely large CAD datasets of up to more than 2 GB.
 

Moving a metal part to plastic often carries with it inherent problems that can be a challenge to moldmakers. One company found a way to emulate a metal case that worked just fine with plastics.

Thermoforming processors of large automotive or industrial parts who are keen to knock metal off its perch have a new tool to work with as the Penn Fibre division of Ensinger has expanded its product range, adding long-glass-fiber-reinforced polyolefin sheet to its quiver.

Exatec (Wixom, MI) and Japan's ULVAC will collaborate on turnkey mass-production systems for the cost-effective, high-volume production of weatherable, scratch-resistant, plasma-coated Lexan polycarbonate (PC) vehicle windows.

The R&D pipeline has been a long one, but officials at Integral Technologies Inc. (Bellingham, WA) indicate that their conductive thermoplastic compounds, reportedly significantly more efficient than ones as yet available, are ready for broad market deployment using various thermoplastic matrices.

Procter & Gamble, Sidel, and PTI report they have codeveloped the means to use injection stretch blowmolding to create a new type of container handle. The trio says benefits to extrusion blowmolding, the standard process for handleware, include 20%-25% material savings and a higher output per cavity.

Offering the ability to measure a variety of light sources accurately and with ease, a next-generation chroma meter takes into account greater adoption of LED and OLED lighting. The CL-200A Chroma Meter from Konica Minolta Sensing Americas Inc. (KMSA; Ramsey, NJ) is the successor to the CL-200 Chroma Meter.

The problems with injection molding conventional PLA are well known, not least of which are its low heat resistance and limited injection-molding capability because of PLA’s increased cycle time. Teijin and Panasonic Electric Works announced their joint development of heat-resistant polylactide (PLA) molding compound made from 80% plant-based renewable feedstock and providing significantly reduced molding cycle time of around half that of conventional PLA compounds.

One of the world's largest Tier-One suppliers of automotive systems is expanding its footprint in India with a new joint venture, which will design—not manufacture—car air conditioning systems. The initial investment for the design center will be $3 million.

The In-Mold Decorating Assn. (IMDA) has created an opportunity for students to contribute to inmold labeling (IML) technology through the IMDA 2010/2011 IML/IMD Design Competition. This event recognizes the best original student designs of plastic packaging and durable products that incorporate IML or IMD (inmold decorating) as an integral part of the design. Awards will be made in two categories: Best IML (packaging) design and Best IMD (durable product) design.