According to Covestro, the wind energy industry pursues the development of maintenance-free systems. One important hurdle on the path to achieving this goal is the fact that the longitudinal edges of rotor blades are subject to the effects of weather: when it is raining and the blades are turning quickly, raindrops hit the edges of the blades at high speed and with a large amount of energy. Over time, this destroys the coating layer and the composite material beneath. This edge erosion can reduce annual energy performance by more than 5 %. In addition, the systems have to be serviced more frequently.

In a joint project, BASF and STR Automotive have brought components for premium vehicles into serial production for the first time using the new material Elastolit R 8819 Lightweight. In comparison to conventional processing with PU-RRIM materials, the new process is said to convince due to significant weight reduction. The usual component thickness of 3.0 mm can be reduced to less than 2.5 mm, without detrimental effects on processing, quality or mechanical properties.

Rampf Production Systems and its Indian partner Sanika Engineering & Consultancy are presenting mixing and dispensing technology for sealing, casting, bonding, and foaming at MatDispens 2019 (hall 5, stand B26), Bombay Exhibition Center, 14 – 16 November 2019.

Lubrizol has recently introduced halogen-free Estane ZHF TPU grades mainly for cable production that are said to feature low toxicity, low smoke and low gas conductivity. The company said that the design versatility of the new products polymers expands the scope of applications, including thinner or coloured cables.

The Hamburg-based German Lehvoss Group will exhibit at Formnext 2019 (hall 11.1, stand B48), which will take place from 19 – 22 November 2019 in Frankfurt a. M., Germany. The company announced that it will highlight Luvosint TPU for tailor-made orthopaedic insoles as well as its Luvocom 3F series of 3D printing filaments.

Icynene-Lapolla announced the launch of a new low-pressure, low density, two-component spray polyurethane foam. The product is available in two sizes and named OC-450 and OC-1350, with each referring to the maximum amount of board feet the material will cover (450 and 1,350 respectively). Each option provides a compact and convenient size for contractors looking to complete touch ups on the job, said the company.

Songwon has expanded its portfolio of Songstomer thermoplastic polyurethanes. Well-suited to a number of applications such as cables, tubes, films, profiles, compounds and masterbatches, Songstomer polyether-TPU products P-3280A10/P-3285A10/P-3285-A10U/P-3290A10/P-3295A10/P-3254-D10 are said to secure higher mechanical property stability, including less discolouration under long-term heat aging and thermoplastic processing and their high resistance to hydrolysis and microbe attack, make them products of choice for compounding.

At K 2019 Wanhua Chemical has launched a material platform for the additive manufacturing of shoes which integrates highly flexible printing materials, including Wanfab TPU filaments, powders, and waterborne coatings as well as Adwel waterborne adhesives. Based on Wanhua’s materials, the Chinese company Peak Sports has launched 3D-printed sneakers, marketed as The Next. These sneakers provide consumers with comfortable and personalised experience. One of the breakthroughs of the shoes is that they leverage 100 % recyclable 3D printing materials to design a unique circular lifecycle sneaker, which is eco-friendly, says Wanhua.

Huntsman has officially introduced its range of Iroprint additive manufacturing resins, powders and filaments to the global plastics market at K 2019 in Düsseldorf, Germany. During the trade show, visitors to the company’s stand were able to watch the new 3D printing materials in action – with an Iroprint F filament product printed on an Ultimaker S5 machine. There also were a number of 3D printed items for visitors to see and touch, demonstrating the elasticity of the additive manufacturing materials, which are soft and flexible, yet tough and strong.

According to Covestro, the automotive industry focuses on innovations as a driver for future growth. Its Insqin technology can contribute to increasing the quality, design and functionality of car interiors to ensure its customers and OEM partners can offer future-proof technology solutions to ensure the ultimate in style and comfort, said the company.