The alchemist's kitchen in the plastics industry

Compounding is one of the key processes in the plastics industry. Formulations are currently becoming increasingly complex, new materials and fillers are being tested and special technical process features are being developed. The SKZ Plastics Center does not shy away from this challenge: thanks to extensive knowledge in formulation and process development, even unusual compounds with additives such as microcapsules or enzymes are possible.

Orange peel instead of oil

Successful completion of the OrangeOil research project: development of epoxy resin systems from renewable resources

Is it sticky enough?

SKZ tests the properties of various adhesive tapes with regard to adhesive strength and tear resistance

Carbon footprint for products

The SKZ Plastics Center has had a research group on the subject of sustainability for 19 years. As a result, scientists at the Würzburg Plastics Institute can draw on a wealth of experience and a comprehensive database on materials and plastics processing. The SKZ uses this knowledge to support companies from industry.

Additive Manufacturing Training Alliance

Partners in the education alliance include AMbitious, AM solutions, Apium | Additive Technologies GmbH, Daimler Truck AG, DREIGEIST Additive Intelligence oHG, EOS, Headmade Materials GmbH, KraussMaffei and Siemens Energy. The joint collaboration will be launched at Formnext in November 2023. During the leading international trade fair for additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing), the consortium partners were able to provide insights into their respective expertise and educational programmes through presentations and interviews. The event not only marked the start of the collaboration, but also served as a platform for exchanging ideas and discussing future developments in the industry. This was followed by a joint brainstorming session at the SKZ in Würzburg on 27 February 2024.

ZAKAZ PFAS NADCHODZI

Rozmowa z menadżerem Grupy SKZ, dr Andreasem Köppelem.

Process monitoring of foamed plastics

As part of the Digiress program, the SKZ Plastics Center has entered into a partnership with SONOTEC GmbH for non-destructive in-line testing of foamed plastics. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV) and stands for innovative solutions in materials testing.

How batteries can become more sustainable

To meet future battery demand and make energy more sustainable, battery production must become greener and more cost-effective. This can be achieved by reducing the energy consumption of battery production and by using digital tools to improve the entire process. The SKZ Plastics Center is part of the BATMACHINE research project to address this issue.

Why food packaging matters

The SKZ Plastics Center has awarded the "Premium Partner Education" prize for the fourth time. The award for the year 2023 went to Dr. Ulrich Röhr, whose professional support made it possible to establish and offer courses in the field of food packaging at the SKZ. Because one thing is clear: packaging brings great benefits.

Digitalization meets recycling

Digitalization can massively promote the circular economy. Together with its partners GreenDelta, Cirplus and the Wuppertal Institute, the SKZ Plastics Center has now completed a project that facilitates the use of recyclates. Companies can now use a tool to find and evaluate suitable secondary materials.

Metal and Fiber Composites

The "HyFiVE" project, in which experts from the SKZ Plastics Center in Halle (Saale) played a key role, came to an end at the end of December. The project provided groundbreaking insights into the adhesive-free joining of metal and fiber-reinforced plastic components, which will benefit the shipbuilding industry in particular.

SKZ signs distribution partnership in Italy

At the beginning of 2024, SKZ Plastics Center will enter the Italian plastics market together with its new sales partner Prochema Srl. Prochema has been an integral part of the Italian plastics market for many decades in the areas of plastics processing machinery, extrusion and recycling, and already represents various players in the industry on the market.

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