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Automotive lightweighting drives plastics applications
Don Rosato EngineeringEvery car model that is launched in the coming years is expected to include lightweighting measures. Mazda, for example, has set a goal to reduce the curb weight of all its new model cars by 15 percent (up to 220 pounds per car), through material replacement and engineering, redesigning features and shrinking parts dimensions. The company is also planning to improve its global corporate fuel economy average by 30 percent by this year.
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Export-Import Bank perilously threatened by politics
Alan Kelsky Civil & GovernmentAccording to a report written by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, vice chair of the Senate Joint Economic Committee, there is no end to the importance of the Export-Import Bank to American industry. The report followed on the heels of a raucous summer in 2014 that featured a lot of discussion among legislators on the future of the Ex-Im Bank, with many wanting to shut it down. At the end of September, the Ex-Im Bank may not be continued by Congress, when its current authorization ends. The repercussions of this decision are staggering.
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Automotive lightweighting drives plastic materials and processes
Don Rosato EngineeringInnovative materials together with new production methods and reinforcing structures will play an important role in reducing automotive vehicle weight. Lower vehicle weight not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces the load on the brakes and suspension systems.
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F-Gas: Europe must act now or face the consequences
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingI wrote last month of the concerns swirling around Europe regarding the F-Gas Regulation, particularly what the HFC phasedown might do to supply and demand and pricing. Since then, we have talked to leading policy experts, end-users and suppliers, and I can report that the consensus is this: The industry must act sooner rather than later, or face the consequences in terms of high prices and refrigerant shortages.
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Small manufacturers need agile and adept robots
Alan Kelsky ManufacturingTwo industries that were important in the foundation and growth of the American middle class are the automobile industry and the steel industry. In the auto industry, Henry Ford is credited with creating the assembly line. Once it proved itself in Ford's factory, the assembly line was adopted by manufacturers in nearly every market. Steel was one of the few industries where the assembly line does not work, but hordes of workers were needed to make steel 24/7. After all, once the furnace cooled down, it was costly to turn back on.
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Soft-touch packaging: An innovative answer
Sharon Derbyshire EngineeringConsumers want cosmetic, personal care and household products that are convenient and easy to use. This has resulted in an increased demand for packaging where the applicator is included as part of the package and viewed as a key piece of the package design, rather than just an accessory.
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Wooing and helping manufacturing at the federal and state level
Alan Kelsky ManufacturingOn May 7, the Obama administration announced that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which is part of the U.S. Commerce Department, approved 16 advanced manufacturing grant proposals totaling $7.8 million. The approvals were announced in Gaithersburg, Maryland, by NIST's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Consortia (AMTech).
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Automotive lightweighting trends drive plastics technology
Don Rosato EngineeringThe global shifts in automotive manufacturing haven't slowed plastics innovation and the adoption of new plastic materials. In 2006, Japan passed the U.S. to become the world's largest car manufacturer. This position changed again when in 2009 when China overtook Japan for this top position with a current 35 percent market share in vehicles produced, while U.S. production has gone to 25 percent in the last five years.
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Whirlpool’s Dave Szczupak: Energy efficiency benefits businesses
Ryan Clark ManufacturingDave Szczupak, executive vice president of global product organization for the Whirlpool Corporation, was awarded the Visionary Award for his innovative work, leadership and commitment to energy productivity earlier this month at the 2015 Energy Efficiency Global Forum.
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Soft-touch packaging: A boost for brands
Sharon Derbyshire EngineeringWhen faced with revitalizing an iconic brand, Bayer wanted to differentiate itself from the competition with a package makeover. The company ultimately chose an oversized ergonomic cap for its aspirin and Aleve over-the-counter medications. The new cap — overmolded with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) — makes it easier for arthritis suffers to grip and get to the pain reliever inside. The easily-recognized caps with raised logo are preferred by consumers and are even endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation.
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