Features
3D-printed connectors help COVID-19 patients breathe while waiting for ventilators
by Canadian PlasticsThe device was created by Belgium-based 3D-printing technology company Materialise, and is now being fast-tracked through the regulatory approval process in Europe and the U.S.
Eastman steps up material production for face shields
by Canadian PlasticsThe specialty material supplier has partnered with officials in Tennessee to support the local production of 10,000 protective face shields for medical personnel in the state capital of Nashville.
Formlabs partners with U.S. hospitals to 3D-print COVID-19 test swabs
by Canadian PlasticsThe nasopharyngeal swabs needed to collect samples for COVID-19 testing are in increasingly short supply in the U.S. as testing increases.
LASER FOCUSED: Southern Ontario startup really wants to clean your molds and platens
by Canadian PlasticsThis Ajax, Ont.-based company uses laser ablation as an alternative to the chemicals and abrasive blasting systems currently in use for surface cleanings.
Toronto researchers turn waste cooking oil from McDonald’s into high-end 3D printing resin
by Canadian PlasticsUsing waste cooking oil has significant potential, the researchers say: it’s cheaper to make and the plastics made from it can break down naturally compared to conventional 3D printing resins.
“Superworms” that eat polystyrene might help plastic pollution problem
by Canadian PlasticsResearchers in Beijing have discovered that scavenger worms will eat Styrofoam, which is one of the most difficult plastic materials to biodegrade.
In the bag: Recycled plastic bottles are being reused for designer backpacks
by Canadian PlasticsEach bag from fashionware designer Solo New York’s new Re:cycled Collection of bags repurposes plastic from between three to eight plastic bottles.
Clariant partners with Montreal firm to convert ocean-bound plastics into flame retardants
by Canadian PlasticsThe collaboration between Clariant and sustainable resin supplier Lavergne is developing flame-retardant polyester compounds targeted to electric and electronic applications such as laptop parts.
Suit inspired by Batman could protect wearers from coronavirus
by Canadian PlasticsBeijing design firm Penda has invented a shield-like suit with advanced coronavirus-fighting capabilities that it says can protect wearers from the potentially deadly virus.
Plastic additives make for more durable highways in India
by Canadian PlasticsBy preventing polymer degradation, light stabilizers from BASF are extending the service lifespan of geotextiles used as the country ramps up its road construction.
Researchers develop revolutionary reversible 4D printing process
by Canadian PlasticsA technique developed by researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design allows 4D-printed objects to resume their original shape.
New polymer patch can mend a broken heart
by Canadian PlasticsBioengineers at the Trinity College in Dublin have developed a prototype polymer-based patch that could be used to repair damaged heart tissue following a heart attack.
Toronto nurse creates mosaic from medical plastic waste
by Canadian PlasticsLongtime nurse Tilda Shalof turned 10,000 pieces of sterile plastic waste into a vibrant mural that’s on permanent display at Toronto General Hospital.
Polymer-based, 3D-printed pericardial tissue project could save lives
by Canadian PlasticsA new three-year research project is developing biomimetic polymers that can imitate the mechanical properties of pericardial tissue, with the goal of making artificially produced implants for heart disease patients who are waiting for a donor organ.
Molded Precision Components is pursuing perfection
by Canadian PlasticsLocated near Barrie, Ont., this full-service engineering, product development, and injection molding specialist produces over 70 million high-precision plastic parts each year. And you could probably count the rejects on the fingers of one hand.
Unbottled potential: Nova Scotia beach house made from 620,000 recycled PET bottles
by Canadian PlasticsBuilt by construction company JD Composites, the 2,000-square-foot, three-bedroom home has opened up a new way of turning plastic waste into eco-friendly housing.
Ford and McDonald’s collaborate to convert coffee bean skin into car parts
by Canadian PlasticsDrawing on Canadian research, the companies are giving vehicles a caffeine boost by using coffee chaff in vehicle parts such as headlamp housings.
Avoiding a hot mess: The right way to maintain hot runners
by Canadian PlasticsHot runners can improve part quality, enhance operational efficiencies, reduce scrap, and save money. But they’re complex and not exactly low maintenance. The good news is, you can overcome these challenges by addressing a few key issues.
W. Amsler Equipment Inc. just turned 25
by Canadian PlasticsAnd the company’s Swiss-born founder and industry veteran Werner Amsler still takes pride in staying ahead of the technology curve.
A look at some resonating new resins
by Canadian PlasticsWhen it comes to food packaging, plastic is almost always a better material to choose than the alternatives. And speaking of better, here are some of the newest plastic resins and additives designed for both rigid and flexible applications.