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Second phase of materials matter
International news
Second phase of Materials Matter 'Materials Matter' is an initiative of the UK's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aimed at accelerating UK industry's application of appropriate materials. The initial goal was awarenessraising - stressing the merits of new materials such as carbon fibre plastic composites and associated processing techniques. In its second phase it will establish permanent technology transfer facilities to disseminate information and expertise on materials. Ten manufacturing themes have been identified for this new phase; adhesives, plastics moulding, composite component manufacturing, prototype/short-run tooling, surface engineering, tribology, stereolithography, plastics recycling, foundries and independent metal founders, hand tools and finished metal goods. Teams of consultants will question SMEs to identify technological barriers to the exploitation of materials and processes, such as lack of information or expensive equipment. They will also pinpoint technology transfer 'vehicles'
areas of technical expertise in higher education, research organizations or industry, which can provide the technology to meet industry's needs. The teams will then propose a series of collaborative industrial projects, which both respond to industry's requirements and remove the barriers to technology transfer. Typical projects could include 'timeshare' purchase of expensive equipment, training programmes or the establishment of 'centres of excellence'. This practical approach is fundamental to the wider use of advanced materials technology, explains Dr Laurence Archibald of Pera International: 'Awareness can only go so far. After that, industry needs to have the benefits of new materials demonstrated in such a way that perceived risks are addressed, and misconceptions overcome.' Pera International is investigating three of the manufacturing areas composite component manufacturing, surface engineering and prototype/ short-run tooling.
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These three areas stand to benefit significantly from the proposed projects. Manufacturers of composite parts, now used mainly in the aerospace and motor industries, should see a burgeoning number of new applications for composites, plus an expanded composites market. Companies which gain accurate prototype or short-run tooling equipment from this initiative will minimize t i m e - and co st to market for products with moulded components, while achieving greater production flexibility. Surface engineering companies can expect rapid commercial application of new materials and techniques. Companies requiring further information on these three themes should contact Dr Laurence Archibald at Pera International's Technology Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0PB, UK. Tel: +44 (0)664 501501. For more information on Materials Matter, contact Dr Graham Hazeldean, DTI, Manufacturing Technology Division, MT2A 1/105, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SWlW 9SS, UK. Tel: +44 (0)71 215 1477.
New polyurethane elastomer with improved dynamic properties V-THane IDP solid polyurethane elastomers from Hallam Polymer Engineering Ltd (HPE) demonstrate very high elasticity and resilience, and are said to have proved very effective under cyclic, compressive load. The range is based on a polyurethane grade that limits internal heat build-up under mechanical deformation. Consequently, the materials resist degradation in dynamic use better than their existing counterparts. For components such as springs and bump stops, designed to handle repetitive stresses, V-THane IDP grades will give longer service life. It is also expected that new applications will arise as a result of VTHane IDP's ability to sustain more severe dynamic loading. An application in press forming has already demonstrated considerable success. At Ellison Metal Products, stripper springs, which part the press tool and component, have been made in V-THane IDP 2231. This grade replaced a conventional polyurethane formulation, giving a 400% increase in the service life of the springs. V-THane IDP is available from HPE in the form of machinable rod, block and
306
sheet, or as finished products or blanks. Alternatively, components may be cast in a variety of sizes and shapes. The polymers are available in the hardness range 90-95 Shore A.
Further information from Hallam Polymer Engineering Ltd, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, Sheffield $18 6XR, UK. Tel: + 44(0)246 415511. Fax: + 44 (0)246 414818.
Machinable rods, sheet and blocks in V-THane IDP polyurethane elastomer
MATERIALS & DESIGNVol. 13 No. 5 1992
Second phase of Materials Matter 'Materials Matter' is an initiative of the UK's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aimed at accelerating UK industry's application of appropriate materials. The initial goal was awarenessraising - stressing the merits of new materials such as carbon fibre plastic composites and associated processing techniques. In its second phase it will establish permanent technology transfer facilities to disseminate information and expertise on materials. Ten manufacturing themes have been identified for this new phase; adhesives, plastics moulding, composite component manufacturing, prototype/short-run tooling, surface engineering, tribology, stereolithography, plastics recycling, foundries and independent metal founders, hand tools and finished metal goods. Teams of consultants will question SMEs to identify technological barriers to the exploitation of materials and processes, such as lack of information or expensive equipment. They will also pinpoint technology transfer 'vehicles'
areas of technical expertise in higher education, research organizations or industry, which can provide the technology to meet industry's needs. The teams will then propose a series of collaborative industrial projects, which both respond to industry's requirements and remove the barriers to technology transfer. Typical projects could include 'timeshare' purchase of expensive equipment, training programmes or the establishment of 'centres of excellence'. This practical approach is fundamental to the wider use of advanced materials technology, explains Dr Laurence Archibald of Pera International: 'Awareness can only go so far. After that, industry needs to have the benefits of new materials demonstrated in such a way that perceived risks are addressed, and misconceptions overcome.' Pera International is investigating three of the manufacturing areas composite component manufacturing, surface engineering and prototype/ short-run tooling.
-
These three areas stand to benefit significantly from the proposed projects. Manufacturers of composite parts, now used mainly in the aerospace and motor industries, should see a burgeoning number of new applications for composites, plus an expanded composites market. Companies which gain accurate prototype or short-run tooling equipment from this initiative will minimize t i m e - and co st to market for products with moulded components, while achieving greater production flexibility. Surface engineering companies can expect rapid commercial application of new materials and techniques. Companies requiring further information on these three themes should contact Dr Laurence Archibald at Pera International's Technology Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0PB, UK. Tel: +44 (0)664 501501. For more information on Materials Matter, contact Dr Graham Hazeldean, DTI, Manufacturing Technology Division, MT2A 1/105, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SWlW 9SS, UK. Tel: +44 (0)71 215 1477.
New polyurethane elastomer with improved dynamic properties V-THane IDP solid polyurethane elastomers from Hallam Polymer Engineering Ltd (HPE) demonstrate very high elasticity and resilience, and are said to have proved very effective under cyclic, compressive load. The range is based on a polyurethane grade that limits internal heat build-up under mechanical deformation. Consequently, the materials resist degradation in dynamic use better than their existing counterparts. For components such as springs and bump stops, designed to handle repetitive stresses, V-THane IDP grades will give longer service life. It is also expected that new applications will arise as a result of VTHane IDP's ability to sustain more severe dynamic loading. An application in press forming has already demonstrated considerable success. At Ellison Metal Products, stripper springs, which part the press tool and component, have been made in V-THane IDP 2231. This grade replaced a conventional polyurethane formulation, giving a 400% increase in the service life of the springs. V-THane IDP is available from HPE in the form of machinable rod, block and
306
sheet, or as finished products or blanks. Alternatively, components may be cast in a variety of sizes and shapes. The polymers are available in the hardness range 90-95 Shore A.
Further information from Hallam Polymer Engineering Ltd, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, Sheffield $18 6XR, UK. Tel: + 44(0)246 415511. Fax: + 44 (0)246 414818.
Machinable rods, sheet and blocks in V-THane IDP polyurethane elastomer
MATERIALS & DESIGNVol. 13 No. 5 1992