A painting process developed for the Mercedes A-Class passenger car is not only environmentally friendly but also quick and cost-efficient. The process, which is the result of a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz, BASF Lacke + Farben, and Durr Systems, involves new materials as well as optimized production systems. Like other state-of-the-art automotive paint systems, four coats are involved. The composition of the first coat on the Mercedes A-Class, however, is completely lead-free, and the second coat is less than half the thickness of conventional paint processes (15 micron instead of 40 micron). This, says Konrad Ortlieb, Durr R&D manager, "results from a special formulation of primer and by maintaining extreme control of the spray equipment to ensure an even application of paint." The third color coat is conventional but the fourth represents a world "first," according to Ortlieb. Composed of a powder slurry, this fourth clear coat is solvent-free. "Other companies have developed water-based clear coats, but there is always a small residue of solvent. Our slurry solution has none," he claims. An added advantage of the BASF/Durr process is that the three paint coats are applied wet-on-wet, eliminating the need for an inter-coat baking stage, thereby saving time. For more information call: Dr. Konrad Ortlieb at +49-711-136-1631.
By experimenting with the photovoltaic reaction in solar cells, researchers at MIT have made a breakthrough in energy efficiency that significantly pushes the boundaries of current commercial cells on the market.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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