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Thermoplastic polyurethane* is a fully thermoplastic elastomer. It is elastic and melt-processable. TPU can be extruded, injection molded, and compression molded. Because TPU is a linear segmented block copolymer made up of hard and soft segments, it allows for a considerable number of physical property combinations. This diversity makes TPU an extremely flexible material, adaptable to dozens of uses. For even greater utility, the molecular weight, ratio, and chemical type of the hard and soft segments can be varied. … Read more

There are literally hundreds of screw drives. In this article, we will take a look at a few of the most popular kinds. A screw drive is part of the design of a screw that allows it to be turned into place using a mating tool like a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Most screw heads come in a range of styles, including a Phillips fillister head or a slotted flat head, as well as in various sizes. … Read more

The never-ending pursuit of higher levels of efficiency in manufacturing is leading to major advancements in production facilities all around the world. Expect to see further automation in manufacturing operations, more analytics, higher product quality and cleaner production floors. These trends are being driven by globalization, enhanced competition and rapidly advancing computer and robotic technology.

Versatile Robotics
Human and robot collaboration, energy efficiency and higher uptime for robotics are all trends expected to increase in 2016. … Read more

Biodegradable plastics have become more appealing in recent years as traditional consumer plastic products continue to choke landfills, negatively impacting the surrounding environment. Biodegradable plastics take between three and six months to decompose, which is a significant improvement over the hundreds of years most traditional plastics need. Biodegradable plastics are still in development and the current commercially available grades are far from perfect. Despite any drawbacks, scientists continue to develop and refine bioplastics because the potential benefits are hard to deny. … Read more

High-tech rockets, expensive propellants and billions of dollars in research aren’t the only things that have advanced space exploration. Plastic materials have played a vital role throughout the history of spaceflight, allowing astronauts to view their surroundings, breathe oxygen and travel comfortably in orbit around the earth, or on the way to the moon. Without plastics, space exploration would not be where it is today.
 
Stronger Helmets & Visors
When you think of the first astronauts to visit the moon, … Read more