End Markets
Packaging Outpaces Overall Economy
Global market demand for processors of plastics packaging will grow at a rate of 4% to 5% in 2013 and beyond. Emerging markets and developing countries will experience the fastest growth, but gains in the developed countries will also be solid.
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Nylon Replaces Stainless Steel in Surgical Devices
WEB EXCLUSIVE: A 50% glass-filled Ixef polyarylamide (PARA, also known as MXD6 nylon) from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., delivers the high strength, rigidity, moldability, and ultra-smooth finish needed to replace stainless steel in new, single-use surgical devices.
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Ultra-Stiff Glass-Filled Nylon 66 in Photovoltaic Mounting System
WEB EXCLUSIVE: The new Aixtralight Clip rooftop solar-panel mounting system from Germany’s Aixtra Solar AG is made of ultra-stiff, 35% glass-reinforced, flame-retardant Ultramid A3WG10 nylon 66 from BASF (U.S. office in Wyandotte, Mich.). The plastic bracket is mounted on a roof, and the rails attached to the photovoltaic modules can be quickly and easily inserted into the bracket.Installing an Aixtralight Clip is said to avoid stresses caused by differences in the expansion coefficients of the trapezoidal sheet metal and the mounting rails.
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Construction Awakens from Long Slumber
Slowly but surely, the housing market is starting to perk up.
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Speed, Flexibility & Customization Spur Success at PS Extruder & Former
Commodore does it all in PS foam extrusion and forming. It builds most of its equipment and all of its tooling and combines that with innovative processing techniques, allowing it to carve a successful niche for itself in a field dominated by much larger companies.
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High-Flow PEEK Makes Small, Intricate Pipette Tips
WEB EXCLUSIVE: An unfilled grade of Victrex 90 Series high-flow PEEK from Victrex USA was used to mold small medical pipette tips.
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Laser-Transparent PBT in Novel Air-Flap Control Unit
WEB EXCLUSIVE: A 20% glass-reinforced grade of Ultradur LUX laser-transparent PBT resin from BASF is being used for the housing cover of a novel air-flap control actuator developed jointly by Germany鈥檚 Tier 1 supplier Rochling Automotive and motor developer Precision Motors Duetche Minebea.
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Noryl GTX in India’s First Injection Molded Plastic Fenders
WEB EXCLUSIVE: India鈥檚 first injection-molded plastic fenders are featured on the new global XUV500 SUV from Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M). They are made of Noryl GTX, a PPE/nylon blend from SABIC Innovative Plastics, Pittsfield, Mass.
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Surlyn Ionomer Overmolding of Cosmetic Jar Has Distinctive Printing Effect
WEB EXCLUSIVE: The kaleidoscopic visual appeal of Surlyn ionomer from DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers, Wilmington, Del., was exemplified last month at Luxe Pack 2012 in Monaco by Italian cosmetics packaging designer Lucchese Design.
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Octal Expands in PET Pellets for the Americas
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Octal Petrochemicals of Oman (U.S. office in Dallas) has started full production at its new PET plant, the second phase of a capacity expansion targeted specifically targeted for North and South American markets.
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