New polyphthalamide (PPA)- a bioplastic for consumer electronics applications

18-Oct-13

Solvay Specialty Polymers is introducing an all-new bioplastic for consumer electronics applications based on castor oil and its proprietary high-end amorphous polyphthalamide (PPA) chemistry. The material - Kalix HPPA 3000 series - offers a solution to the consumer electronics, has better mechanical properties and stain resistance than the plastics currently used, typically alloys of polycarbonate and ABS. They also wanted a plastic that is made from renewable resources. The material, which was synthesized in India, will be produced in Augusta, GA. The compounded grades consist of 16% renewable content. Wittmann Battenfeld’s expansions in Europe and North America Wittmann Battenfeld GmbH has expanded in Europe and North America expansions. The injection molding and automation equipment maker has expanded its headquarters plant in Kottingbrunn, Austria, and the factory can now manufacture injection presses with 1,600 tons of clamping force. The company also opened a new 3,000-square-meter automation plant in Nuremberg, Germany. The new factory, which employs 120, has been created as an automation competence centre for the Wittmann Group, and includes CNC 3-axis machining centre production, as well as a presentation room and high-bay racking for spare parts. The company said that going forward, the operation will prepare and assemble robots and automation systems, with an expected turnover of Euro 30 million (US$39.2 million) for 2013. Wittmann now has seven production facilities globally, four of which make robots and automation systems. US$2.4 million has also been invested to expand its U.S. location in Torrington, Conn. The extension of the facility, which began in July, consists of an internal expansion of the office space and a further addition of 1,850 m² to the existing building. The addition to the building will provide Wittmann with additional space to accommodate the larger machines from the MacroPower series with up to 1,500 tons clamping force, and for commissioning more turnkey lines consisting of machines, automation systems, and peripheral equipment.