Polyplastics’ low-VOC line includes Duracon M90-45LV — an improved weather-resistant grade. It exhibits an extremely low quantity of released formaldehyde compared to competitive grades. Duracon M90-45LV features improved weather resistance which delays the deterioration caused by ultraviolet light and the corresponding degradation of physical properties.

Materials suppliers are responding to mandated standards and automakers’ voluntary efforts to improve air quality in vehicles.

The company, which specialises in precision plastic injection moulding, tool making and model-making, has expanded its rapid prototyping, machine tooling and 3D printing capabilities to launch Plastic Parts 3D. First announced towards the end of last year, the new venture was introduced in response to a growing number of customers seeking small match mouldings who had previously been put off by high tooling costs associated with a small amount of product.

Another low-VOC grade is NW-02LV, a high-sliding material which provides excellent friction and abrasion characteristics and low-sliding noise. Other low-VOC resins include a glass-reinforced grade (GH-25LV), a low-gloss offering (LU-02LV), and an impact-resistant grade (TF-10LV). Duracon TR-20LV is a high-rigidity/low-warpage grade while Duracon M270LV is a high-flow material.

Duracon low-VOC grades are also targeted at non-automotive applications such as office automation equipment. The downsizing of PCs, photocopying machines, and projectors has led to rising internal temperatures, creating potential for the release of larger quantities of VOCs.

Japan’s Polyplastics says it now offers the industry’s most extensive range of polyoxymethylene (POM) resin grades with low-VOC emissions for the production of automotive interiors. The company’s Duracon low-VOC acetal grades are specifically designed to meet the latest regulations governing the concentration of VOCs in automotive interiors.

Polyplastics’ low-VOC grades enable its customers to produce molded parts that conform to today’s regulatory requirements for automotive interiors. These materials also contribute to an improved plant environment thanks to a reduction in the quantity of VOC emissions at the molding site, as well as a reduction in mold deposits which cuts the frequency of mold maintenance. The company utilizes technology which reduces the quantity of residual formaldehyde within resin pellets through the use of optimal stabilizers and scavengers.

Now, with Plastic Part 3D’s additive manufacturing facility, the company is offering a more economical solution for projects requiring smaller quantities of 10-500 injection moulded parts or for the prototyping of designs before committing to traditional tooling.

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and is a proud dachshund owner.

The process involves the manufacture of injection moulding tooling cavity inserts from mould grade aluminium to fit the company’s existing mould tool bases. Plastic Parts Direct says production quantities can be as low as 10 or facilitate upwards of 10,000+ parts with a tool life expectancy running into years in many cases.

For parts where 3D printing may not be the most suitable option, the company has also introduced a new Rapid Aluminium Tooling service for the production of rapid prototypes and end-use parts with a turnaround time of 10 working days.

UK manufacturer Plastic Parts Direct has launched a new 3D printing service for injection mould tools following a 50,000 GBP investment.