Literature.

BOOKS

Toxicity and Safe Handling of Rubber Chemicals - Code of Practice, 4th Edition. 380 pages. Price, $30. Rapra Technology Ltd., Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, U.K. (1999).

This reference book provides an essential guide to health and safety in the rubber processing industry. The British Rubber Manufacturers' Association and Rapra Technology Ltd. have combined forces to update the information on hundreds of different rubber chemicals. New data have been compiled from reputable manufacturers and suppliers, and from standard sources of health and safety data. The book includes an introduction to the regulations governing the labeling and use of chemicals, together with definitions of toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and effects on reproduction. Specific hazard, risk and safety labels are explained.

Proceedings: Constitutive Models for Rubber. Edited by A. Dorfmann and A.H. Muhr. Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre, Brickendonbury, Hertford, U.K. (1999).

The utility of computer-aided engineering design (CAED) depends on implementation of appropriate constitutive models for the materials, but it is only recently that computers and software with the capability to apply realistic models for rubber has become widely available, according to these proceedings. Researchers are, therefore, said to face the challenge to develop models for rubber that can be implemented in the software packages and describe adequately those properties of engineering significance. Software engineers face the challenge of which one of the many models for rubber they should choose, according to the proceedings. Sessions covered experimental techniques, viscoelasticity, tires and friction, softening phenomena and applications.

REPORTS/STUDIES

Polyester SMC, BMC/DMC. Reports on "Polyester SMC and BMC/ DMC in Europe" and "The market for gelcoats in Europe" describe the consumption of unsaturated polyester resin for SMC (sheet molding compound), BMC (bulk molding compound), DMC (dough molding compounding) and gelcoats. The SMC, BMC/DMC report also covers the market for molding powders, which despite not being reinforced with glass fibers, are very similar to SMC/BMC in processing terms. (IAL Consultants)

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BROCHURES

Rubber presses. The company's four-page "Oilseed Journal" examines custom engineered hydraulic press solutions, including new and rebuilt equipment, as well as polymer presses that excel in dewatering and drying. The company serves the rubber, plastics and composite molding industries with a selection of custom engineered molding presses in both side plate and column designs. The presses incorporate many features designed to provide maximum press durability and low deflection for precise part molding, according to the literature. The company's polymer machinery group specializes in the manufacture of screw presses to dewater and dry many different types of synthetic rubbers and polymers. (French Oil Mill Machinery)

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Injection molding. Injection molding technology for the economical production of molded rubber parts is described in the company's 24-page, four-color brochure. The company's product line includes rubber injection molding machines, as well as complete production solutions with molds, cold runner blocks, automation equipment and peripheral units. Vertical and horizontal machines are featured, along with large-scale equipment, automation, clamping units, injection units, control systems, etc. (Klockner Desma, KDE Sales and Service)

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Injection systems. Rubber injection equipment is described in the company's eight-page, four-color brochure. The Jr. press line is offered in three sizes and is designed to be very compact, occupying about the space of an executive desk. Sizes include 75 ton, 100 ton and 200 ton models. Three medium size production presses featured include the 250 ton, 318 ton and 393 ton models. Large size production presses are available starting at 565 tons and increasing by 150 to 200 tons up to 2,000 tons. Compression and transfer press conversions are also described, along with specialty injection systems. (Hydratecs Injection Equipment)

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Manufacturing control. The Mix Vision system is featured in a six-page, four-color brochure that highlights the system functions and architecture. The systems are scaleable from basic mixing cycle control to complete mixing process integration, including weighing, mixing, mills, batch-offs, scheduling, inventory, management information, laboratory and business system links. Running under Windows NT, Mix Vision utilizes Microsoft SQL Server, providing an open architecture. The system is said to greatly enhance ISO 9000 implementation and is completely year 2000 ready. (Mesabi Control Engineering)

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Rubber presses. A four-page, four-color brochure presents innovations and novelties in the rubber processing industry. One exceptionally large size machine features 2,000 tons of clamping force. The machine is designed for making products weighing from 25 to 30 kg each. The Model PVG 80, a vertical C-frame press for overmolding elastomeric materials onto steel wires, is also featured. A line of compression machines includes HMV models with clamping forces ranging in size from 80 to 1,200 tons. The company offers the Model MPOG 100 ton press, a horizontal injection molding machine equipped with a dosing unit for liquid silicone material. All these machines are pictured and described in the literature. (MIR S.p.A.)

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EPDM products. This producer of EPDM has released an interactive CD-ROM that features descriptions, recommended applications and technical data specific to all of the company's Keltan EPDM grades. The CD-ROM also enables access to information about high performance global grades, as well as products produced for specific geographic regions. (DSM Elastomers Americas)

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Surface technology. Literature is offered describing this custom applicator of specialty surface materials. Using a combination of techniques and coatings, the company is able to improve processes requiring release/ non-stick, traction, traction and release, low friction, cleanability, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and conductivity (thermal and electrical). Research and technical service are described. (Plasma Coatings)

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Testing systems. The 8870 Series servohydraulic testing systems are featured in this four-page, four-color brochure. These systems are said to be ideal for fatigue and static testing of biomedical, advanced materials and manufactured components. These tabletop systems are compact and flexible enough to be located anywhere in a laboratory, according to the literature. They are designed to perform a wide variety of property characterization and durability applications. (Instron)

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Thickness gauge. The Magna-Mike Model 8500, described in a two-page bulletin, is said to be a handheld thickness gauge that utilizes a magnetic method to make fast, accurate and repeatable measurements of nonferrous materials. Specifications, standard equipment and optional accessories are featured. (Panametrics)

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