Page 56 - Plastics News - January 2024

TECHNOLOGY

technology to decompose these plas- search assistant professor in the De- important to use plastics responsibly
tics using microorganisms and their partment of Chemical and Biomo- to protect the environment and si-
enzymes and the upcycling technol- lecular Engineering at KAIST, said, “In multaneously achieve economic and
ogy to convert them into other use- the future, we will be able to easily social development through the new
ful compounds after decomposition find eco-friendly plastics made using plastics industry, and we look forward
were introduced, highlighting the microorganisms all around us,” and to the improved performance of mi-
competitiveness and potential of corresponding author Distinguished crobial metabolic engineering tech-
technology using microorganisms. Professor Sang Yup Lee said, “Plastic nology.”
First author So Young Choi, a re- can be made more sustainable. It is

Revolutionizing Plastic Manufacturing: Advances in Precision Molding
Technologies

Introduction: connectors, and implantable devices, One industry where multi-material
Precision molding technologies have where precision and biocompatibility molding has gained substantial trac-
undergone significant advancements are critical. tion is automotive manufacturing. In
in recent years, revolutionizing the In the electronics industry, micro- the automotive sector, combining ma-
plastic manufacturing landscape. injection molding is instrumental in terials with varying properties allows
These innovations play a pivotal role in crafting miniature components for for the creation of components that
elevating product quality and consist- micro-electromechanical systems excel in durability, performance, and
ency, addressing the demands of vari- (MEMS), sensors, and connectors. overall functionality. For instance, in-
ous industries. In this article, we will The ability to achieve sub-millimeter tegrating rigid and flexible materials in
delve into the latest breakthroughs tolerances and produce components automotive seals or gaskets enhances
in precision molding techniques and with intricate geometries positions their resilience and longevity.
explore their profound impact on micro-injection molding as a key en- Moreover, the ability to incorporate
enhancing the overall manufacturing abler for the miniaturization trend, materials with different textures and
process. driving innovation in diverse high-tech finishes in interior components con-
Micro-Injection Molding: industries. tributes to a more refined and visu-
Micro-injection molding has emerged Multi-Material Molding: ally appealing automotive cabin. The
as a transformative technology in the Multi-material molding technologies versatility of multi-material molding
realm of plastic manufacturing, ena- represent a significant leap forward positions it as a pivotal technology,
bling the production of intricate and in the field of plastic manufacturing, not only for improving the structural
miniature plastic components with offering unparalleled capabilities for integrity of products but also for en-
unparalleled precision. This tech- creating complex and functional com- hancing the overall aesthetics and user
nique involves injecting small amounts ponents. These techniques involve experience across various industries.
of thermoplastic material into pre- the simultaneous injection of different In-Mold Sensors and Monitoring:
cise molds, allowing for the creation materials into a single mold, enabling The integration of sensors and moni-
of intricately detailed and complex manufacturers to achieve a harmoni- toring systems directly into molds
structures at a microscopic scale. Par- ous blend of diverse properties within represents a groundbreaking ad-
ticularly valuable in industries where a single product. The advantages of vancement in plastic manufacturing,
precision is paramount, micro-injec- multi-material molding extend beyond ushering in a new era of precision and
tion molding has found widespread enhanced functionality to include im- efficiency. In-mold sensors and moni-
applications in sectors such as medical provements in product aesthetics. By toring enable real-time data collection
devices and electronics. seamlessly integrating materials with throughout the molding process, of-
In the medical field, this technology different colors, textures, or proper- fering manufacturers unprecedented
facilitates the production of tiny com- ties, manufacturers can elevate the insights into various parameters. This
ponents for devices like catheters, visual appeal of their products. technology allows for continuous

56 PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS January 2024
56 PL