Sabic’s New Smt-capable Ultem 3473 Resin Helps Reduce Weight Of Rf Filters In 5g Macro Cells By Up To 40%

BERGEN OP ZOOM, THE NETHERLANDS, July 26, 2022 – SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, today introduced ULTEM™ 3473 resin, its first polyetherimide (PEI)-based material with surface mount technology (SMT) capability. This new product addresses the growing trend toward smaller, lighter 5G macro cells by providing a possible replacement for metal. For example, ULTEM 3473 resin can help reduce the weight of an aluminum radio frequency (RF) cavity filter by up to 40 percent. In a typical macro cell with 64 filters, this weight saving can be significant. Furthermore, this new resin can help facilitate the design of new, integrated antenna filter units (AFUs), which is not achievable with metal. Using injection molding, the dipole antenna matrix and RF cavity filter body can be produced as one piece. This approach simplifies production and may lead to additional weight savings and system cost reductions.

“During close collaboration with the industry’s leading companies, we have witnessed a growing number of 5G infrastructure manufacturers validating the use of lighter materials to make it easier and faster to assemble, transport and install these components,” said David Wang, senior business manager, SABIC. “By offering an effective alternative to metal and helping enable the design of integrated antenna filter units, we aim to help them achieve these goals.”

Performance, Processing and Assembly Advantages
New ULTEM 3473 resin offers performance, processing and assembly advantages over die-cast metal and thermoplastics such as filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The new SMT-capable resin enables components to withstand very high temperatures, up to 260°C, during the assembly process. With a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) similar to that of metal, ULTEM 3473 resin provides dimensional stability under a wide range of operational temperatures, from -40°C to 150°C, over the long term. Dimensional stability of the material, in turn, helps ensure consistent signal filtering of the RF cavity filter by minimizing dimensional variations over these temperature ranges. In contrast, the CTE of filled PPS products increases significantly at temperatures above 85°C to 90°C, according to SABIC internal testing.

Apart from ULTEM 3473 resin’s advantages of low CTE and SMT capability, it provides excellent surface metallization performance during the chemical plating process. The result is good adhesion of the metal layer to the matrix, with low surface roughness. These factors help ensure low signal loss and long-term reliability.

Customers that opt for new integrated AFU designs made with ULTEM 3473 resin can significantly reduce cycle times compared to casting and machining aluminum. Injection molding multiple one-piece components can help manufacturers increase throughput, respond more rapidly to growing demand for 5G components and potentially reduce additional weight and system cost of 5G macro cells.

“Our new ULTEM 3473 resin is the first product in the portfolio that targets 5G macro cells and other electrical devices,” said Siguang Jiang, staff scientist, SABIC. “In addition to critical properties such as good dielectric constant and dissipation factor performance, the material offers increased heat resistance for the SMT assembly process. Its improved flowability helps customers achieve miniaturized, complex designs. Besides being an excellent candidate for 5G networking, ULTEM 3473 resin is potentially applicable to other sectors, such as industrial or electrical segments that require weight reduction solutions.”

SABIC’s new ULTEM 3473 resin is globally available.

Recycling Specialist Lindner’s New Plant Delivers on Automation, Robotics, Flow Manufacturing and Increased Depth of Production

Mission accomplished. Only one year after the topping-out ceremony, the move into the new offices and the modern, 14,000 m2 production area was completed in July this year. The high global demand for Lindner’s quality products made it necessary to expand the plant and the team. The motto in the new home of recycling, however, has not changed one bit: Make the most of waste.

Recycling has been experiencing a strong upswing for many years – worldwide. From the very beginning Lindner Recyclingtech has been considered a pioneer, which is why shredding solutions from Spittal in Austrian Carinthia have been used internationally for decades and are considered a benchmark in many areas. A growing awareness of energy costs, the scarcity of resources and raw materials have increasingly highlighted the importance of the circular economy. In 2019, due to the associated higher demand for efficient recycling solutions and Lindner’s endeavour to support its customers in the transformation of end-of-life materials into recyclables, the decision was made to build a new factory – the new home of recycling.

Even at the initial planning stage it was clear that the new office building and production facility had to be comprehensively and sustainably built in line with future requirements. In terms of production, the focus was on the further expansion of automation and robotics, the associated quality assurance, process optimisation in assembly and on extending the company’s own manufacturing capabilities. ‘The crisis has further reassured us that this is the right path. The disrupted supply chains have also shown how important it is for us to manufacture as many components as possible in our own production. Only by investing in our own manufacturing capabilities, robotics, automation and flow production we can ensure the quality of our products and reliable delivery times in the future,’ says Manuel Lindner, CEO and owner, with conviction.

‘We want our new headquarters to be perfectly equipped for future requirements and be well-positioned to maintain high quality standards and meet the increasing demand for our machines. The production area in the new plant has doubled, which means that we are ideally equipped to cope with the increasing capacities,’ says Michael Lackner, Managing Director at Lindner. ‘But it is just as important to us that we offer our employees a modern workplace. By using automation and robotics, we can make work more comfortable. Heavy physical work, such as mounting machines, is no longer necessary. Instead, the task is focused on the proper operation of the robots. We are also significantly expanding our team, which means that we are currently taking on 100
new employees.’

The new production area is not the only highlight; the three-storey office complex also impresses with its modern construction and facilities. All in all, a great deal of importance was attached to the use of environmentally friendly building materials and sustainability when building the new home of recycling. That’s why a photovoltaic system supplies the entire company with clean electricity from renewable sources. In keeping with the idea of an energy self-sufficient site, heating and cooling is also provided by groundwater and heat pumps. Laminated timber from the region, a renewable raw material, was used in the construction of the hall itself. And in the design of the employee car park, it was important to seal as little ground as possible,which is why special recycled plastic turf bricks made by a Lindner customer were used for the paving. Employees will get their own company canteen this autumn, which will take over the catering on site in line
with employees’ shifts.

Cosmo First Appoints Kulbhushan Malik As Global Business Head Of Its Films Business

With over 24 years of experience, Kulbhushan will be responsible for devising strategy on operations and business growth

Cosmo First Limited, a four-decade-old global business organisationwith entities– Cosmo Films, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, Zigly, and Cosmo Foundation, today announced the elevation of Mr. Kulbhushan Malik as the Business Head for their Films Business globally. He was earlier working as Head of Operations for International Businesses.

A seasoned business leader with over 24 years of experience, Kulbhushan comes to Cosmo Films with diverse experience in General Management roles with P&L responsibilities, business development and finance roles with a demonstrated record of working in the manufacturing Industry.

On the announcement, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First Limited said, “Kulbhushan has not only been an integral part of Cosmo Films growth but has helped navigate it via his leadership, strategy, and business acumen. I am confident that with Kulbhushan in-charge, Cosmo First will continue to achieve its strategic business goals.”

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Kulbhushan Malik, Global Business Head, Cosmo Films said, “Cosmo has been at the forefront of innovation and manufacturing capabilities in the packaging industry. I look forward to work with the team and leveraging their capabilities to seek challenges and continue to deliver upon our commitment to quality, trust, and innovation with our consumer-centric approach.”

Get In The Loop -windmöller & Hölscher To Present Live Machine Demonstrations At K 2022 And Concurrent Expo At Company Headquarters

Machine manufacturer Windmöller & Hölscher will exhibit at the K 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany with the slogan “Get in the Loop”. “New challenges to create a circular economy, new opportunities through digitalization, and the constant pressure to make production more efficient – the flexible packaging industry in 2022 is changing like never before. The W&H slogan at K 2022, “Get in the Loop” and the infinity symbol illustrate the way these three topics influence each other and contribute to the success of sustainability. At the K, we will demonstrate technologies and show examples that can give our customers a competitive edge in this time of rapid change”, says Dr. Sascha Witt, W&H’s Chief Sales Officer.

At K 2019, W&H focused predominantly on the feasibility of producing recyclable packaging solutions. In 2022, we will focus on how to manufacture these new products with maximum efficiency. “At the K 2022, once again we will present innovative solutions and show examples of specific end products. Our focus will be on particularly demanding applications, such as barrier films or packaging with an increased percentage of PIR/PCR”, says Dr. Falco Paepenmüller, Chief Technology Officer.

Automation and digital systems for improving efficiency, such as the RUBY IoTsystem, will also be a central theme for W&H in 2022. At K 2019, we showed live demonstrations of the TURBOSTART system for automated stops and start ups on blown film lines. This year, we’re going a step further by showing how automated machines can help operators boost productivity; live demonstrations
will be run on the VAREX II blown film line at our booth (Hall 17, Booth A57). Visitors will be able to see the advancements for themselves, explains the CTO. For even more machine demonstrations, W&H will be inviting visitors to the four-day EXPO at its headquarters in Lengerich. More than ten machines covering extrusion, printing, and converting will be running live demonstrations
several times a day. Anyone interested can register at the W&H booth at K.

K 2022 is of special significance for W&H, a family-owned company with worldwide operations: “After two digital W&H events, K 2022 will be the first major tradeshow to be held in person again. W&H will be represented by consultants from all over the world. We look forward to the personal discussions and face-to-face exchanges that are the basis of the trusting relationship wehave with our customers and partners”, says CEO Peter Steinbeck

Way2K: Industry interviews in the lead-up to the K 2022 trade fair

Circular Economy Won’t Work Without Information

Interview with Dr. Benedikt Brenken, Director of the Initiative R-Cycle

Dr. Brenken, what is R-Cycle and what are its objectives?
R-Cycle has two dimensions: on the one hand, it is an open standard for the realisation of the digital product passport for plastics. It is also a cross-industry initiative, an association of companies that want to promote and disseminate the digital product passport with corresponding applications. We are already using the standard in initial projects and have been able to demonstrate its effectiveness. It will be presented to the public at the K.

What kind of standard is it?
We work together with GS1. This is a non-profit organization that develops open standards for cross-company processes worldwide. Among them are the Global Trade Item Numbers, which we as consumers know as barcodes, plus numbers on most products. This allows products to be identified worldwide. Initially, we asked ourselves, what is the main thing we lack to achieve a circular economy? The answer was: information – for more accurate sorting and high-quality recycling of plastic products. We need to provide this information over the life cycle of each plastic product. If we want to share the information, we need a standard. GS1 already has appropriate standards that we can adapt to the plastics use case.

What are plastic-specific adaptations?
The first phase was in fact about finding out which data should be collected at all, and which should not. You need certain data about a package so that the sorter knows what it is made of for example and how it can be recycled. On the other hand, it must also be ensured that no data is recorded that would reveal company secrets, such as recipes. We have also discussed all this with other associations and initiatives from the outset because it is important to take into account the interests of the various stakeholders.

What does this kind of identification look like?
The product passport consists of three things: firstly, an ID number so that the product can be identified. Secondly, data that is recorded for it. We have defined that in the standard. The third is the marking that brings the product and ID number together – a barcode, a QR code, a digital watermark. We’re open to all kinds of marking technologies, and we’re working with different vendors and initiatives here, such as the HolyGrail 2.0 digital watermarks initiative. Our focus at R-Cycle is to capture and provide data along the life cycle. Depending on the requirements, we can then draw on different marking technologies.

How did the idea for R-Cycle come about?
The idea originated at Reifenhäuser. We develop technologies there for packaging that is easier to recycle. During the process, a basic problem emerged: What good is it if we develop fully recyclable packaging and our customers bring it to market, but the packaging still ends up in thermal recycling? In the current waste sorting process, packaging is only recognised as recyclable to a very limited extent. Sorting is not sufficiently precise, and yet all the information needed for better recycling is available in our machines and systems; we already use it to control the processes. Why therefore shouldn’t we be able to use this information across companies for recycling purposes? With this information, you can sort plastic waste better and achieve higher recyclate qualities. Such recycling-related information should be included with every product. That was the beginning of R-Cycle.

What pilot projects are already in place?
One example is the raw material bags we’ve produced with Exxon Mobil that we continuously moved in circles. That means they were produced and directly recycled again. Thanks to R-Cycle’s digital product passport, it was possible to read out the recycling-relevant packaging properties in the recycling process. This information makes it possible to selectively feed used bags into the recycling process as raw material. Together with other partners, our partner Brückner Maschinenbau has produced a chips bag that consists of a film with a metal coating and is still fully recyclable. In the end, the recyclate became a foil again. These are two of many examples that show how the use of the digital product passport enables data-based sorting and recycling.
The potential applications are not limited to packaging either: for a project with the German Society for International Cooperation (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ) and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, we have produced agricultural film that has a digital product passport. The scan registers which farmer applies which film on which field. When the film is collected, it is scanned again and a quantity balance can be drawn up of how much film was applied, and how much was collected, which ensures that all the film is collected again and recycled.

So, the digital product passport benefits extend beyond the circular economy?
There is much more potential. and we want to develop it further. The ambitious goal, of course, is to use the data to recycle better, but it will take some time before this is really applied on a large scale, and the corresponding infrastructures are established. In the meantime, however, we want to take advantage of the digital product passport. It can be used, for example, to assess the recyclability of a product. The data can be used to calculate the carbon footprint of a product or to optimize processes in the sense of Industry 4.0 for instance. These are all applications that we are discussing and implementing with various partners. More than 20 market-leading companies have already joined our R-Cycle Community, and we are constantly looking for more to test the potential of digital product passports in as many applications as possible.

Can we state that the digital product passport is a prerequisite for the circular economy?
Absolutely. Circular economy does not work without sharing relevant information between the stakeholders involved along the life cycle. It is not enough to provide information about the product only at the end of life. Machines networked with R-Cycle can obtain precise information about the respective upstream products from the digital product passport and supplement their own data accordingly, adding value for processors in the downstream process. Finally, with R-Cycle we are using the potential of digitisation for sustainable material cycles, as is also politically demanded within the framework of the Circular Economy Action Plan of the European Union.

Hot runner solutions from Oerlikon HRSflow at K 2022:

Advanced Hot runner solutions increase flexibility and sustainability in injection moulding

At K 2022, which will take place in Düsseldorf from 19 to 26October, Oerlikon HRSflow will focus on an extensive range of hot runners tailored to smallshot weights and the new Xp nozzle series for use in thin-wall injection moulding. Both support the trend towards greater sustainability by helping to reduce energy consumption in plastics processing. Applications of Oerlikon FLEXflow's hot runner technology and other advanced hot runner solutions specifically designed for PCR materials and biopolymers will be on display on the stands of several partner companies. In addition, the company, together with ENGEL and Borealis, will show in a presentation that a lot of time can be saved if all partners involved in a development proceed simultaneously and make full use of the possibilities of simulation.

Reduced dimensions for low shot weights
Hot runner specialist Oerlikon HRSflow has expanded its portfolio to include components for injection molding of demanding parts with small shot weights in stable and reliable processes. The manufacturer now offers complete systems for this market segment, which require tight nozzle pitch solutions. These include nozzles with small dimensions in all designs, from thermal gate to valve gate, as well as the associated manifolds and actuation mechanisms. For multi-cavity applications, a multi- valve plate (MVP) provides perfectly synchronized control of the injection channel across all cavities for high part-to-part weight consistency. Oerlikon HRSflow systems offer optimal colour change performance and easy system restart, reducing waste and increasing efficiency and sustainability.

With unique solutions, the new low shot weight system line covers market segments such as medical technology, thin-walled packaging, beverages, and home goods, e.g. caps produced in multi-cavity
moulds, as well as beauty and personal care and technical applications. The latest version of the system is highly reliable for processing even biopolymers and PCR compounds. A version with a specially coated nozzle tip is available for processing highly corrosive polymers including flame retardant compounds. For demanding applications, Oerlikon HRSflow uses its in-house additive
manufacturing process SLM (Selective Laser Melting) technology to produce cooling circuits for all market segments. Thanks to the joint experience with sister brand Oerlikon Balzers, Oerlikon HRSflow also offers innovative surface protection for all moulded part surfaces to increase their corrosion resistance.

For thin-wall injection moulding and stack moulds
The new Xp series of valve gate nozzles from Oerlikon HRSflow is designed to withstand high filling pressures up to 2200 bar and enables fast injection and cycle times in a stable process with high part weight consistency. An innovative, patent-pending solution for stack systems in thin-wall injectionmoulding has been developed. Assembly is extremely simplified and highly efficient thanks to a plug- and-play installation. This hot runner system, which enables the use of smaller injection moulding machines, fits a maximum plate thickness of 240 mm. This allows perfectly symmetrical systems with up to 8 plus 8 drops to be supplied, with a minimum pitch between cavities of 65 mm and between nozzle and inlet of 120 mm.

Trendsetting for automotive applications
A trend in automotive interiors are interactive panels controlled by touch sensors, whose elements and information only become visible when there is activity. For their production in the IMD process (In-Mold-Decoration), the FLEXflow hot runner technology from Oerlikon HRSflow with its servo-electric needle positioning is increasingly proving to be the tool of choice, because it enables precisely
Controlled, Gentle and Low-Warpage Overmoulding of the Sensitive Electronic Components With High- Quality Surfaces at the Same Time.

The cost- and energy-efficient applicability of FLEXflow for perfectly balanced family moulds, even with extremely different part volumes, ensures additional acceptance in this industry. This also applies to HRScool, Oerlikon HRSflow’s solution for hot runner injection moulding, which eliminates the need for water cooling of the associated actuators.

Both technologies help to reduce the environmental footprint of the injection moulding process. This starts with the lower energy consumption of the servo-electric system compared to the hydraulic system and includes the ability to use smaller injection moulding machines and family moulds, reduce wall thicknesses and reduce scrap thanks to better process repeatability.

Oerlikon HRSflow has recently made the operating software for controlling the FLEXflow hot runner systems even more intuitive and convenient. With the thoroughly revised Human Machine Interface (HMI) 4.0, systems with different nozzle types can be integrated and several parameter sets can bestored per mould. Extended possibilities exist for the individual control of the respective servo motorsfor nozzle needle positioning and for monitoring process stability. In addition, specific user accountsfor individual access authorisations can now be set up and managed. Thanks to the web connection,access to the control unit is possible regardless of location.

Turnkey Molding Solutions
In close cooperation with sister company Oerlikon Balzers, innovative coating protection for perfectmolded part surfaces can also be offered. One current application is BMW's iXe all-electric SUV,which uses Oerlikon Balzer's ePD™ technology (embedded PVD for Design parts). This forward-looking, environmentally friendly coating process can be used wherever high-quality, metallic-looking surfaces on plastic parts with intelligent functionality are required.

Systems from Oerlikon HRSflow in action
Systems from Oerlikon HRSflow can be experienced live on the exhibition stands of ENGEL (Hall 15,Booth C58, door panel and smart rear panel), Tederic (Hall 15, Booth D40, 2K High Gloss B pillar), Arburg (Hall 13 / Booth A13 – B13, multi-component tool box made of PC+ABS and RECOPOUND– the recycled compound based on PET by LEONHARD KURZ), Haitian (Hall 15, Booth A57, fruit box made of PE plus Tetra Pak recycled shredded flakes), Wittmann-Battenfeld (Hall 15, Booth C06, 3K coffee cup), Billion (Hall 15, Booth B24, garden tool), and Netstal (Hall 15, Booth D24 R-PP thin-wall cup).

Presentation: On the way to the digital process twin
During the show, Oerlikon HRSflow, ENGEL and Borealis will report at Oerlikon’s booth D10 in hall 1on a jointly realized project which, using a family mould with three different cavities, shows how close simulation and reality can be when the partners each contribute a maximum of know-how. Instead of the usual sequential approach, the participants accompanied the development steps simultaneously and provided all relevant data of the injection molding machine, the valve gate hot runner system and the processed material for a perfect flow simulation. The parameters determined there were finally transferred to the injection moulding machine's control system. Compared to conventional sequential cooperation, the time until the initial sampling of the mould and for the commissioning itself could thus be significantly reduced.

Enhanced comfort, and durability with TPE menstrual cups

KRAIBURG TPE, a global TPE manufacturer of a diverse range of thermoplastic elastomer products and custom solutions for a variety of industries, offers the medical-grade THERMOLAST M range of TPE compounds for menstrual cup applications.

Until recently, the selling points for mensuration items like cloth pads, sanitary pads, sea sponges, menstrual discs, and other disposable menstruation products were focused on convenience and comfort.Sustainability has since emerged as an essential factor in consumer appeal.

Menstrual cups, which are small, flexible vessels that come in a range of sizes, are depicted as a more environmentally friendly option than similar single-use items. They are also available in reusable variants, and with proper maintenance, can last up to 12 years.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are emerging as alternatives to silicones as common materials used in newer menstrual cups. Factors for consideration are that TPEs are hypoallergenic and sterile, ensuring safe use inside the human body.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global thermoplastic elastomer manufacturer with a broad range of products and custom solutions for a range of industries, offers a medical-grade TPE solution for menstrual cups.

Spot on material advantages
In KRAIBURG TPE’s medical-grade THERMOLAST M range, the MC/tl series is a perfect fit for menstrual cup applications, since it combines durability with flexibility, and safety.

The TPE series complies with medical approvals such as ISO 10993- 4,5,10,11, USP <88>, and VDI 2017, allowing for use in medical applications.

Additionally, the compound is sterilizable (autoclave 134°C, ß-/y-radiation 2×35 kGy, EtO) and is free from heavy metals, phthalates, latex, PVC, as well as animal ingredients.

Other features are the pre-coloring options, as well as good compression set in a wide range of hardness and its soft touch properties. Additionally, KRAIBURG TPE’s MC/tl series TPE compounds have good adhesion to PP and PE, allowing for flexibility in use.

Medical service package
Not only does KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST M MC/tl series deliver multiple benefits for menstrual cup applications, including comfort, safety, convenience of use, and cleanliness, but it also comes with a Medical Service Package.

The Medical Service Package is a component of every KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST M range of compounds and ensures the highest level of raw material purity and reliable 24-month supply security, during a defined change management procedure.

Furthermore, this compound series ensures maximum safety with superior control execution, making it an excellent material choice for medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Sustainability successes of our TPE

Besides the materials for menstrual cup application, KRAIBURG TPE’s recent sustainability innovations include a specially developed material solution for automotive, consumer, and industry applications comprising post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) content.

Ineos Styrolution And Sinopec Announce Joint Venture For Abs In China

•  … to serve rapidly growing markets in China
• Annual production of 1.2 million tons ABS

As part of the overall cooperation between INEOS and Sinopec1, the two organisations today announce the formation of a 50/50 Joint Venture to produce and sell ABS2. The Joint Venture will build production of 1.2 million tonnes of ABS to supply the rapidly growing domestic market in China.

The world-scale ABS plant in Ningbo3, which is currently under construction by INEOS Styrolution and planned to become operational in 2023, will become part of the new Joint Venture. This will provide a strong cornerstone in an organisation that is poised to become an ABS leader in China.

Steve Harrington, CEO INEOS Styrolution, comments: “INEOS Styrolution has come a long way from being a Joint Venture itself in its early years. After acquisitions and investing into new green-field production sites, setting up this Joint Venture with a strong partner in China feels like the natural next step for growth. We entered China with our first local production sites in 2019. The collaboration with Sinopec allows us to continue to grow in China in fast-
forward mode.”

Rob Buntinx, President APAC at INEOS Styrolution, adds: “We are particularly excited that our Terluran ABS is the basis for this cooperation. While INEOS Styrolution contributes to the Joint Venture with technology, customers, and market expertise, Sinopec provides feedstock integration, and an unequalled network in China. We are looking forward to the collaboration with Sinopec. A one-off opportunity to accelerate our growth ambitions in Asia.”

Ineos Styrolution Sells Its Entire Equity Interest In Ineos Styrolution India

INEOS Styrolution, the global leader in styrenics, announced today that it has entered into an agreement for the sale of its entire shareholding interest in INEOS Styrolution India to Shiva Performance Materials.

Upon completion of the transaction, Shiva Performance Materials will acquire INEOS Styrolution’s 61.19% equity interest in INEOS Styrolution India.

Steve Harrington, CEO INEOS Styrolution, comments: “The business continues in Shiva Performance Materials’ experienced hands, serving the existing customer base and seeking future growth potential to enhance the Company’s current position in the Indian market”.

The transaction triggers a mandatory tender offer (MTO) and the completion is subject to fulfillment of customary conditions.