Page 40 - Plastics News April 2024

FEATURE

The future of plastic materials for 3D printing

D printing has revolutionized the for 3D printing technology, both from A step forward in innovation:
3way we conceive and produce filament and granule. LATI3Dlab and the future of 3D
objects. With the launch of the new LATI3Dlab’s team of multidiscipli- printing
LATI3Dlab website, the future of 3D nary experts, consisting of engineers, The launch of the LATI3Dlab website
printing opens to a new era of innova- chemists, technicians and research- represents an important step forward
tion and possibilities. Indeed, LATI3D- ers, works tirelessly to offer cutting- in LATI’s ongoing commitment to in-
lab, the R&D division of LATI Industria edge solutions. LATI3Dlab’s “AM” novation and excellence in 3D print-
Termoplastici, has just made its range materials are distinguished by their ing. Enthusiasts, experts and industry
of AM technical materials for Additive optimized mechanical strength, sim- professionals are invited to explore
Manufacturing accessible through its plified processability, dimensional sta- the online catalog and discover the
online catalog. bility, and excellent adhesion between possibilities offered by LATI3Dlab’s
Advanced materials for 3D print- layers and to the printing surface. advanced 3D printing materials. LATI,
ing: innovation just a click away A universe of possibilities: charac- through its R&D division LATI3Dlab,
thus confirms itself as a leader in the
LATI3Dlab’s new website is a show- teristics of LATI3Dlab materials technical plastics industry, offering
case of innovative, high-quality solu- LATI3Dlab’s 3D printing materials cutting-edge solutions for 3D printing.
tions. The materials are designed to boast a wide range of functional prop- With the launch of the new website,
meet the growing needs of 3D print- erties and characteristics: from self- the future of 3D printing is just a click
ing in both industrial and maker en- lubrication to self-extinguishing, from away. Discover the endless possibili-
vironments. The LATI3Dlab division X-ray detectability to conductivity and ties offered by LATI3Dlab’s AM mate-
was established in 2019 as an integral thermal conductivity. These materials rials and get ready to bring your most
part of LATI’s R&D area. The goal offer a universe of possibilities for ap- innovative ideas to life.
has always been clear: to study and plications in industries such as electri-
develop advanced materials intended cal, industrial, and medical and food.

The Art of Plastic Injections in Manufacturing

I ntroduction: manufacturing technique that involves The choice of material depends on
injecting molten plastic into a mold the desired characteristics of the final
In the ever-evolving landscape of
manufacturing, the art of plastic injec- cavity. This method has become the product, such as durability, flexibility,
tions has emerged as a cornerstone of preferred choice for producing large or transparency.
efficiency, precision, and innovation. quantities of complex and high-quality Once selected, the plastic material
This intricate process has revolution- plastic parts with consistent precision. is fed into the injection molding ma-
ized the production of a myriad of The process typically involves several chine's hopper, where it undergoes a
consumer goods, from intricate medi- key steps: material preparation, injec- heating process to melt it into a vis-
cal devices to everyday household tion molding machine operation, and cous liquid state. This molten plastic
items. In this article, we will delve into the post-production phase. is then injected into the mold cavity
the fascinating world of plastic injec- Material Preparation: with precise control, a step crucial for
tions, exploring the technology be- The journey begins with the careful achieving the desired form and struc-
hind it, its applications across various selection of the raw material, usually ture of the final product.
industries, and its role in advancing in the form of small pellets or gran- Injection Molding Machine Operation:
sustainable manufacturing practices. ules. These materials can range from The injection molding machine plays
I. Understanding Plastic Injection common polymers like polyethylene a pivotal role in the success of the
Molding: and polypropylene to more special- plastic injection process. These ma-
At the heart of plastic injections lies the ized ones such as polycarbonate or chines come in various sizes and con-
process of plastic injection molding, a acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). figurations, but they all share common

42 PLASTICS NEWS April 2024