Industry 4.0

A newly developed, open-access tool helps plastic recyclers pinpoint appropriate market applications.

Engineers leverage thermotropic LCE phase transitions to power prosthetics, overcoming rigid motor constraints with flexible actuation.

AI-aided polyurethane simulation reduces modeling time from days to seconds. Digital material twins optimize tool design and predict foaming behavior.

Researchers are fine-tuning computer vision systems to help identify and sort plastic waste on construction sites.

Plastic manufacturing data analytics shifts quality control upstream. Real-time monitoring and AI improve OEE and identify root causes before defects occur.

Digitalization bridges the knowledge gap in the plastics industry. AI tools, smart displays, and chatbots capture expert data for future generations.

A new hybrid composite EV battery housing reduces weight by 20% and costs by 30%. This SPE award-winning design optimizes safety and scalability.

Multi-material 3D printing of PEEK and PEKK enables the consolidation of structural aerospace parts with embedded sensors and high-frequency antennas.

A decision made at the pigment stage can decide whether a plastic product is recyclable at all.

AI-assisted polymer design screens millions of candidates to identify chemically recyclable packaging polymers that still meet barrier and thermal targets.

AI control for recycled plastics stabilizes injection molding despite resin variability, reducing defects and improving operator confidence with explainable models.

Insights from K Show: 3D printing finds key niches in plastics, from conformal-cooling tooling to large-format parts and TPU lattices.