The front face of what is said to be first stethoscope that can detect heart/lung activity in high ambient noise (above 90 dbA), including combat casualty and civilian emergency medical environments, features Radel PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) from Solvay Specialty Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga.

Under the hood of the 2012 Nissan Altima is a water outlet assembly that looks like an injection molder’s nightmare.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: What is said to be the first range of nylon 6 powders specifically developed for SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) additive-layer rapid manufacturing of complex parts is now available from Rhodia Engineering Plastics, Cranbury, N.J., a unit of Solvay's Engineering Plastics business (U.S. office in Alpharetta, Ga.). Parts made with Sinterline nylon 6 powders reportedly display heat resistance and stiffness similar to injection molded nylon 6.

New barrier materials for small fuel tanks, tooling developments for large, flat, and odd-shaped industrial parts, new all-electric machines for large containers, and gravimetric extrusion control for bottles are some of the topics discussed at the recent SPE Blow Molding Div. annual conference in Pittsburgh.

Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, Alpharetta, Ga., has introduced a new class of high-performance polyester compounds that are said to deliver higher heat and light stability than competitive materials for LED television uses, as well as general indoor/outdoor lighting applications.

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.

Conventional molding techniques are not effective with high-temperature materials. Molders need to be aware of certain conditions and parameters to handle problems sometimes posed by high-heat injection molding.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., has expanded its range of Zeniva PEEK resins for implantable medical devices with a radio-visible grade.

“We like challenges. We like to do things that other people are scared to do.”

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Two new materials were presented at the recent SPE Annual Blow Molding Conference in Chicago.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: New Amodel Electronic (AE) grades of polyphthalamide (high-heat polyamide) from Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC are said to eliminate corrosion issues in conditions of high heat and humidity for automotive sensors, connectors, electric motors, electronic control housings, bobbins, solenoids, and other electronic devices.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: LTL Color Compounders Inc., Morrisville, Pa., has been named an authorized color compounder for AvaSpire polyaryletherketone (PAEK) resin from Solvay Advanced Polymers LLC, Alpharetta, Ga.

Solvay of Brussels, Belgium, signed an agreement last month to offer a friendly cash offer for Rhodia of Paris, France.

Last fall’s K 2010 fair in Germany drew dozens of materials suppliers to show off hundreds of new products, aimed especially at packaging,medical, automotive, and electrical/electronics.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., is supplying its KetaSpire PEEK to Entegris Inc., Billerica, Mass., which formulates Tego compounds using carbon nanotubes.

A new class of semi-aromatic, high-temperature nylons is being introduced to the U.S. by Kuraray America in N.Y.C.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., has expanded its AvaSpire series of lower-cost modified PEEK materials with the new AV-600 series.

Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., has a pair of new injection moldable Torlon polyamide-imide (PAI) compounds said to provide significantly better wear resistance than previous grades.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Solvay Advanced Polymers, LLC, Alpharetta, Ga., has a pair of new injection moldable Torlon polyamide-imide (PAI) compounds said to provide significantly better wear resistance than previous grades.

Two new developments in high-performance polyketone resins offer a choice of lower cost or higher performance relative to existing PEEK materials.

Availability of three new forms of high-performance PEEK resins has been announced by two suppliers. •Two types of PEEK have achieved ISO 10993 biocompatibility compliance for use in limited-exposure medical devices and instruments.

Solvay Advanced Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga., recently commissioned a new PEEK production facility in India.

W.

New polyphthalamide (PPA) grades from Solvay Advanced Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga., deliver higher flow and reflectivity in complex, thin-wall electronics applications.

The last two months have seen several resin capacity announcements: BASF Corp., Engineering Plastics, Wyandotte, Mich., opened what it calls the world’s largest plant for nylon 6 in Freeport, Texas.

Films based on KetaSpire PEEK and AvaSpire modified PEEK from Solvay Advanced Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga., are now offered by Ajedium Film Group LLC, Newark, Del.

Strong demand for smaller and thinner electrical components that must withstand higher temperatures is pushing the envelope for suppliers of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs). This trend has prompted development of a new range of ultra-high-heat materials that boast high flow for thinner walls and faster cycle times in lead-free, surface-mount connectors.LCPs’ predominant market is still connectors, but suppliers of these premium-priced resins are looking to diversify into electronic packaging, automotive lighting, and consumer goods like cookware.

New grades of high-temperature thermoplastics have been tailored for wear resistance in long-term use at 120 to 265 C (250 to 510 F) and brief exposure up to 280 C (535 F). These new grades have been added to the lines of KetaSpire PEEK, AvaSpire modified PEEK, and Ixef MXD6 nylon from Solvay Advanced Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga.

The top of the thermoplastic performance pyramid is growing more crowded and more finely differentiated due to heightened demand for lighter, tougher alternatives to metals, ceramics, and thermosets.

A new modifi ed polyarylamide (MXD6 nylon) from Solvay Advanced Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga., is offered as a barrier resin for small fuel tanks and fi ller tubes.

The industry’s broadest line of highly heat- and chemical-resistant thermoplastics is being fortified with several new amorphous and crystalline materials in the so-called “ultra-performance” category.

Solvay Advanced Polymers, Alpharetta, Ga., has launched a new low-warp polyarylamide (MXD6 nylon) that offers improved vibration resistance and excellent surface finish.

Solvay S.A. of Belgium has completed its acquisition of two makers of high-performance polymers that will be folded into Solvay Advanced Polymers LLC, Alpharetta, Ga.

Processing guidelines for molders interested in exploring the burgeoning field of wood-plastic composites was one hot topic at the Molding 2006 International Conference and Exhibition, held recently in Las Vegas by Executive Conference Management.

Solvay of Belgium has agreed to purchase Mississippi Polymer Technologies (MPT), Bay St.

 Higher flow, higher heat, higher barrier, higher clarity, higher stiffness, lower durometer, lower smoke, lower odor—materials exhibits at the recent K 2004 show in Dusseldorf were stretching the bounds of processing and performance properties in all directions.

Usage of polyamides in U.S. under-hood parts could double in the next decade if nylon 6 and 66 follow European trends toward large panels that not only protect but beautify the engine compartment.

Plastics are making new inroads in valve covers and air-intake manifolds on U.S.-built vehicles.