December 2021

Various methods of applying zinc films to steel items offer unique and long-lasting anti-corrosion benefits, according to various zinc experts who spoke during a webinar hosted by Creamer Media Contract Publishing on behalf of the International Zinc Association (IZA) on November 23.

Chemical dipping removes paint and rust from car frames, bodies, and ancillary parts. It is a three-step process that involves an acid bath, an alkaline bath, and a rust-inhibitor bath. The entire process takes four to five weeks minimum and costs approximately $2,400 for a car body.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has agreed to help its compatriots at Australian construction start-up Luyten fast-track the R&D of a machine capable of 3D printing lunar structures. Working as part of the ‘Meeka Project,’ the organizations plan to expedite the development and testing of a new gantry-mounted lunar regolith 3D printer.

The new portfolio is designed for a wide range of film, paper and aluminum packaging applications.

A rural house in north China’s Hebei Province catapulted to fame recently — It was not built brick by brick but constructed scan by scan with giant 3D printers.With vaulted ceilings and concrete outer walls decorated by weave patterns, Zhao Xiujuan’s house in Wujiazhuang Village of Zhangjiakou, the co-host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics, covers 106 square meters and boasts three bedrooms, a kitchen and a restroom.

A new US research project will investigate the construction of affordable rural housing through developments including using forestry waste to create the input materials for 3D printing.

Southwest painted 12 aircraft with special state flags liveries to honor the destinations it serves. The painting can cost $50,000 to $300,000, and more intricate plane designs are more expensive. The job takes 12 days to complete, according to Southwest. Southwest Airlines is the country’s largest domestic carrier and celebrated its 50-year anniversary in June.

Microban International has partnered with Calphalon brand to develop a range of kitchen knives with built-in antimicrobial product protection.

Ink World

Smurfit Kappa has picked up 13 awards for its creative and innovative packaging solutions at this year’s Flexographic Industry Association (FIA) UK awards. Since 2013, Smurfit Kappa has received113 FIA awards, consolidating its leadership in the packaging industry.

Straits Times

3D-printing technology has found a surprising application in customised shoes that protect birds of prey in Singapore from a potentially fatal foot disease.

Manila Bulletin

HP introduces the new line-up of innovative printers namely, HP Smart Tank 670, 720, and 750 series to help families and small business owners stay productive and creative while working and learning from home. The new series offers a seamless and versatile printing experience that does not comprise on speed, affordability, or quality. “We know that 68% of new printer purchases are made to work and learn from home8 but it’s tough on everyone.

Eureka!

Scientists from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University have developed a transparent electrochromic window material that controls heat transmission without impeding views.

Vietnam+

Nguyen Thuy Quynh, a Vietnamese lecturer at RMIT University in Australia has been named in The Australian’s 2021 Research magazine as Australia’s top researcher in composite materials for her project on manufacturing fireproof materials to help protect buildings and other constructions from being destroyed by forest fires.