Orthopedic Trauma Devices: 3D Printing, Flexible Fixation Devices to Drive Sales

According to WHO, nearly 1.35 million people lose their lives as a result of road crashes and between 20 to 50 million people suffer fatal injuries, where several injuries lead to disability. The prevalence of traumatic injuries around the world, more of which result in severe damage to the body’s musculoskeletal system resulting in loss of function has created the demand for expert assistance. Orthopedic trauma devices are a significant element in the surgical treatment of traumatic orthopedic injuries.

With the increasing incidents of road accidents and severe fractures, the demand for orthopedic trauma devices is expected to rise predominantly. In addition, the increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to influence the demand for orthopedic trauma devices.

3D Printing Advancements to Reinforce Orthopedic Trauma Devices Demand

Technological advancements are greatly benefitting various sectors, with the increasing consumer preference shift toward easy accessibility, convenience, and improved productivity enabled by the integration of technology. The healthcare sector has also gained major advantages with improved patient care and better treatment management owing to the incorporation of technology.

Cutting-edge technologies such as the 3D printing are amongst the most effective development that boosts the capabilities of healthcare offerings. The manufacturers of orthopedic trauma devices are incorporating 3d printing technology for creating implants that are trending in recent times. Manufacturers of orthopedic trauma devices are seeking regulatory approvals to further commercialize the 3D printed orthopedic trauma devices.

Additive Orthopaedics, for instance, who is a well-known manufacturer of orthopedic trauma devices, recently gained approval from the FDA for its 3D printed locking lattice plates that are designed in patient-specific fashion. With this clearance, the company can now utilize the 3D printed plate for the stabilization, alignment, and fusion of fractures, along with arthrodesis and osteotomies of small bones such as those in ankle and foot.

The incorporation of 3D printed technology for manufacturing patient-specific orthopedic trauma devices is expected to provide improved outcomes in the near future, owing to which 3D printing technology acts as a major growth driver for the orthopedic trauma devices ecosystem.

Key Developments

New products introduced in the orthopedic trauma devices space reflect the potential held by the future, as leading manufacturers of orthopedic trauma devices are gaining traction by expanding their product portfolio with innovative orthopedic trauma devices.

  • A recognized musculoskeletal solutions provider, Globus Medical, Inc. expanded its portfolio of orthopedic trauma devices with the addition of two new products including the ANTHEM® Proximal Humerus Fracture System and the ANTHEM® Ankle Fracture System. The new products are introduced with an aim to design systems that assist in increasing versatility, streamlining procedures, improving patient care and minimizing the operative time.
  • A medical device company Panther Orthopedics, Inc. recently unveiled its FDA-approved innovative flexible fixation device, the PUMA System for clinical use, which is a novel approach for the syndesmotic fixation, offering stable fixation with no post-operative loss of fixation. The PUMA System is a revolutionary advancement in treating orthopedic injuries, which provides the advantages of flexible fixation devices and screws without the drawbacks they hold.

Recent Clinical Trial to Reflect Future Scope in Hip Fracture Fixation

Hip fracture treatment in elderly patients remains a major public health priority. Hip injuries are often treated with the help of surgery. The factors such as pre-existing arthritis, osteoporosis, age, overall health, and level of activity contribute to the type of surgical fixation performed. Addressing the socio-economic concern of treating hip fractures in elderly patients, a leading medical device company, X-Bolt Orthopaedics designed its X-BOLT innovative hip fracture device.

Granted an approval by FDA for marketing the product in the United States, the device is designed to redefine the conventional surgical treatment and reduce the rate of re-operation. The company announced the completion of the year-long follow-up of the 1000th patient included in the multi-center randomized controlled trial that compared the extracapsular hip fracture fixation devices. It is claimed to be the largest clinical trial in hip fracture fixation. Such developments are expected to further drive the orthopedic trauma devices landscape towards a potential future.

The ongoing technological advancements coupled with burgeoning research activities are together, expected to strengthen the future potential staged by the orthopedic trauma devices landscape. A sample of the market study on the orthopedic trauma devices market shines light on such future opportunities.

Thermoformed Container Sales to Surge as Consumers Prefer Convenient Packaging Solutions

There are several developments witnessed in the packaging sector over the years, given the emergence of sustainable materials used for packaging solutions. Moreover, the process of manufacturing packaging solutions has also undergone several transformations. Thermoformed containers are one of the most popular packaging solutions available. Thermoformed containers are manufactured to cater to the precise packaging needs and find application in several end-user sectors owing to their significant attributes over plastic processing such as easy molding, cost-effective tooling, stress crack resistance, rigid material, and high-impact resistance among others. Furthermore, manufacturers of thermoformed containers are focusing on being in line with the ongoing industrial trends to increase the adoptability of the product.

Achieving High-performance and Productivity in Thermoformed Containers

The thermoformed containers landscape has witnessed new innovations that aim at boosting the capabilities of thermoformed containers. The development of effective materials for manufacturing high-performance thermoformed containers is amongst the key innovations that are expected to redefine the capabilities of thermoformed containers. A new polypropylene thermoforming grade was launched by Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company. Through its high aesthetics and clarity and superior dimensional stability, the thermoforming grade would not only boost productivity but also improve the overall performance of the transparent thermoformed containers such as trays and cups. Furthermore, the grade is a revolutionary addition to the available materials used for producing thermoformed containers as it delivers optimal advantages related to handling and environmental benefits with the help of the lightweight polypropylene.

Revolutionary Developments to Offer Sustainable Food Packaging

The food industry has long been a significant end user for the packaging sector. With the increasing awareness of sustainability taking over the globe, the sustainable packaging trend is an influencing factor for the manufacturers of packaging solutions such as thermoformed containers. Owing to this, there have been various innovations to cater to the changing demands of the end-users. For instance, a recognized North American thermoformer, Fabri-Kal introduced TruWare square containers with an aim to expand the portfolio of its sustainable food packaging. These containers are stackable and durable, owing to which they enable end-user in increasing shelf efficiency and efficient use of space.

Manufacturers Leveraging the ‘On-the-go’ Packaging Trend

Manufacturers are continually working towards providing consumer-convenient packaging products that are designed to ensure an easier opening and closing of the thermoformed containers. Furthermore, the emerging trends such as on-the-go packaging are having a major influence on packaging design and offerings. Packaging designs that make food handling easier for consumers—from easy-to-open packs, portable packaging, and portioned packs are addressing the on-the-go demands of modern consumers. On account of this, food manufacturing and commercializing brands are on a constant find for such innovative and unique packaging offerings, which not only deliver aesthetics for the shelf but also deliver fresh appeal that drives the sale of food products.

In line with such trends, RPC Bebo a company providing packaging solutions, entered into a partnership with Marbach, a Germany-based tool producer for developing thermoformed screw closure solution that attributes a lid, a cup, and a lidding film, which is sealed on the seal flange of the cup, covering the entire lid surface. Such a reclosing offered by the product makes it ideal for the on-the-go lifestyles of modern consumers.

Apart from boosting the product appeal with transparent packaging solutions such as thermoformed containers, manufacturers are also making efforts to increase the overall shelf-life of food products. Packaging solutions that help retain the freshness of foods are becoming paramount for food manufacturers, owing to which, the companies producing thermoformed containers are increasingly working towards addressing this demand.

The thermoformed containers market study highlights several other factors that govern the future market scenario for the manufacturers of thermoformed containers. By clicking here, readers can gain an insightful overview of the opportunities traced by the thermoformed containers market.

Refrigeration and AC Compressors Evolve to Meet Global Sustainability Goals

Manufacturers in refrigeration and air conditioning compressors market are working towards producing efficient compressors for catering to the ever-growing government regulations. For instance, lately U.S DOE (Department of Energy) mandated a nearly 50% reduction in energy consumption on the evolving stand-alone commercial refrigeration compressors as measured in kilowatt hour (kWh) per day.

Apart from this, researchers in Singapore have developed a water-based air conditioning system that cools air without chemical refrigerants and energy-intensive compressors. This solution is expected to be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for regulating ambient air conditions.

Trending: Solar-Assisted Thermal Air Conditioning

Cooling costs account for a major share in the utility bills of government, industrial, commercial and residential applications. However, to reduce the costs related to air conditioning, Green Energy Solutions Inc. has focused on solar-assisted thermal air conditioning. The provider is of the point of view that solar thermal collector serves as the heat exchanger. Currently, Great Britain’s Solx Energy owns patent for the solar thermal technology, benefitting in refrigeration and air conditioning. Thermx, solar thermal collector helps the air conditioning compressor to run less, thereby saving costs. Moreover, the company mentioned that the expected life-span of solar thermal collector systems is nearly 25 years.

Key Developments

LG Electronics USA Inc. recently developed scroll compressors benefitting in commercial refrigeration together with two rotary and stage compressors beneficial for residential air conditioning systems.

  • The scroll refrigeration compressors caters to the need of reliability together with energy-effective and smooth operations. The next-gen scroll refrigeration compressors would be highly beneficial for applications that demand reliable and solid refrigeration system.
  • The all-new stage compressors are expected to benefit residential air conditioning applications for lowering energy consumption. The two-stage compressors feature weather-resistant solenoid, which helps in making service easy and the AC connector helps in simplifying electrical troubleshooting.
  • The rotary compressors are likely to benefit the residential applications for attaining ever-increasing effectiveness goals in apartments, homes as well as multifamily units.

In addition, US-based air conditioning company, Carrier Corporation recently developed high-speed screw compressor by testing it with new non-flammable and low pressure HFO (Hydrofluro-Olefins) refrigerant, in a bid to attain long-term solutions for air conditioning systems. The new air conditioning compressor employs new rotor design and high-speed permanent magnet motor for attaining flow volume of nearly 19.9Litres.

Manufacturers Focusing on NPD Strategies

Manufacturers in refrigeration and air conditioning compressors market are doing more with less by means of modulation, magnetic-bearing, vapor-compression, and oil-free technologies along with the adoption of low and natural GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants. In addition, manufacturers are also making heavy investments in R&D for building refrigeration and air conditioning compressors with high-performance, thereby catering to the price expectations of customers as well as equipment suppliers. This trend has significantly impacted on companies such as LG as the firm’s engineers have begun examining effectiveness of every step in manufacturing and development process.

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Cyber-Physical Systems: Top 5 Developments That the Tech Companies Must Consider

Computer scientists are taking immense efforts in utilizing one-stop shop for finding research results that can benefit in shifting field of the cyber-physical system forward, which in turn would help in improving relationships between physical world, computers, and humans that can make life more convenient, energy-efficient and safer. Academia have been taking immense efforts towards keeping up with the rapidly developing environment where the millions of connected devices are the standard. Universities are also striving towards developing cyber-physical system graduate programs for training the next-gen safety-conscious cyber-physical system and IoT engineers.

Open Source Stimulators

A team of researchers recently introduced an open-source framework that seamlessly simulates in a combined way, both processing and networking parts of the cyber-physical system along with cloud and HPC (high-performance computing) systems. According to the current scenario, IoT markets are witnessing increasing need for AI functionalities, in order to effectively capture its growth potential. A cloud simulator and powerful cyber-physical system serves the need of IoT markets by supporting the designers in co-simulating and stimulating much more efficiently rather than usage of traditional methodologies. Most of all, the newly developed technology holds the potential for boosting system design productivity and integrates an effective and new hardware acceleration process by using microcontrollers.

Heavy Grants for Enhancing Security of Cyber-Physical Systems

Missouri S&T researchers recently received around $1Million grant from National Science Foundation for developing stronger safeguards for various complex systems that are relying on computers, from the electric grids and public water supply systems to self-driving vehicles and chemical plants. Lately, the cyber-physical system are witnessing rising number of threats by cyber-attacks and physical attacks. Such attacks on cyber-physical system results in loss of life as well as financial ruin. The main aim behind the heavy grant is to enable in producing from the untrusted components, a trusted cyber-physical system that is resistant to security failures and attacks.

Million Dollar Grant to Help U.S. ‘Link Lab’ in Developing Cyber-Physical System Graduate Program

Link Lab of University of Virginia School of Engineering received a heavy grant of nearly $3Million from National Science Foundation for developing an innovative curriculum based on cyber-physical system. This innovative cyber-physical system graduate program is likely to benefit students with Ph.D. and 18-month MA degree in cyber-physical system. The new cyber-physical system graduate program is mainly aimed at training graduate students for making discoveries relate to cyber and IoT, after which, the knowledge can be translated into new technologies, services and products. The U.S. Link Lab’s director is of the point of view that cyber-physical system holds immense potential for transforming economy and the world.

Virtual Home for the Research Community

Researchers from Vanderbilt University recently developed Cyber-Physical Systems Virtual Organization Portal, a virtual home for large-scale cyber-physical system as well as for research artifacts including tools, data and software they craft in their projects. The main aim behind this development is to enhance the impact of research by making certain that the artifacts will be easily found, transitioned and reproduced after the completion of projects. Moreover, these artifacts are of high-importance in cyber-physical system research for creating new foundations for the development of next-gen engineered systems.

New Innovation Center

America’s Wayne State University recently made a heavy investment in a technology innovative consortium, Detroit Urban Solutions of nearly $6.6Million. Detroit Urban Solutions received the heavy payment for transforming NextEnergy Center of Wayne State University into Wayne State Industry Innovation Center. The all-new innovation center is expected to benefit in collaboration and research purposes of industry and university, thereby holding increasing focus on the cyber-physical system including smart city technologies, autonomous and connected vehicles and cyber security. On a long-term scenario basis, this strategic transformation is likely to benefit the university in becoming innovation hub.

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Gene Therapy Likely to be the Next Non-Invasive Endometriosis Treatment

Endometriosis has no effective long-term treatment and in few cases, endometriosis serves as a precursor for ovarian cancer. However, efforts are being taken by several treatment providers in developing pills that can help in reducing pain caused by endometriosis. Taking future perspective into consideration, efforts are being made to deliver non-invasive treatment alternatives to women suffering from endometriosis. This in turn, is expected to reduce financial and personal burdens related to endometriosis treatment, thereby improving lives of millions of women suffering from painful and chronic endometriosis disease.

New Endometriosis Treatment Drug Receives FDA Approval

U.S. FDA recently announced approval of American pharmaceutical company, AbbVie’s Orilissa drug, developed for treating pain resulting from endometriosis. The medical care fraternity is increasing their focus towards developing drugs that helps in reducing endometriosis pain. The all-new drug is the first new medical treatment option brought to the market in a decade for reducing endometriosis pain.

The GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) antagonist activity of elagolix helps in reducing gonadotropin levels, thereby suppressing estradiol—an estrogen type. This in turn, minimizes pain related to endometriosis and spread of lesions. With more than 3 clinical phase trials on over 1,700 women suffering from severe to moderate endometriosis pain, successful results in pain reduction is witnessed.

In addition, the new drug is neither a magic bullet, nor a cure for endometriosis. However, the newly approved pill offers a massive step forward towards the treatment, especially for women suffering from severe pain.

Researchers Find Bioengineering of Human Uterus Beneficial for Endometriosis Treatment

Northwestern Medicine researchers have taken a significant step in bioengineering human uterus for endometriosis treatment, endometrial cancer and uterine-factor infertility. Researchers have concluded that iPS (induced human pluripotent stem) cells could be reprogrammed for turning out to be healthy uterine cells, benefitting in potential placement in uterus. Further, the healthy cells become optimal for auto-transplant, which would not be rejected by immune system of a person. This study is likely to open doors for endometriosis treatment in the forthcoming years.

South Australian Federal Government Makes Heavy Funding for Endometriosis Treatment and Diagnosis

A promised national plan is evolved in South Australia by the Federal Government for developing new ways benefitting in endometriosis treatment and diagnosis. Nearly $2.5Million is funded by the federal government for the research program. The funding also is targeted towards introducing school education program for teaching girls regarding the timely need for medical advice, in times of severe pain during periods, which can possibly lead to endometriosis.

How Will Gene Therapy Prove Lucrative for Endometriosis Treatment

Latest research indicates that suppression of some genes can contribute significantly towards endometriosis disease. Researchers from Yale University are utilizing this finding for creating a new endometriosis treatment that is both non-hormonal and non-invasive. Researchers in Yale University have found out that microRNA let-7b that controls particular gene expression is curbed in women suffering from endometriosis. Soon after this discovery, researchers hypothesized that dispensing let-7b to the patients suffering from endometriosis could help in treating the condition. If the gene treatment proves effective for humans, it can offer non-surgical and non-hormonal endometriosis treatment. Researchers are planning to develop a synthetic form of let-7b, which can be dispensed to patients by means of an injection straight in the abdomen. Growing demand for non-surgical endometriosis treatment is likely to be catered with this therapy in the near future.

Strategic Collaborations for Developing New Non-Hormonal Oral Treatment Addressing Endometriosis

San Francisco –based pharmaceutical companies, twoXAR and Adynxxha have joined forces for development and discovery of the all-new non-hormonal oral treatments aiming at the fundamental causes of endometriosis. The main focus behind this strategic collaboration is to develop a diverse pipeline of promising treatments, in order to cater to the unmet medical needs in inflammatory diseases such as endometriosis. The two companies are planning to introduce non-hormonal treatments with proprietary AI (artificial intelligence) technology of twoXAR that can help in addressing endometriosis as a whole.

To gain further insights on strategic collaborations and innovative therapies in endometriosis treatment market, readers can click here.

Demand for Turmeric Surges Given its ‘Natural’ Healing and Advanced Treatment Capabilities

Turmeric is considered as the most-effective nutritional supplement available today in the market. Several high-quality studies have revealed major benefits for brain and body with turmeric. Bioactive compounds of turmeric such as curcumin hold powerful medicinal properties with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientists believe that low-level and chronic inflammation plays a significant role in nearly every Western and chronic disease including Alzheimer’s, metabolic syndrome, cancer, heart disease and several degenerative conditions as well.

Can Turmeric Powder Treat Cancer?

A team of American-Indian researchers have taken immense efforts in using creative process with curcumin (turmeric’s bioactive compound), benefitting in killing cancer cells. Curcumin holds anti-cancer properties; however, its poor water soluble properties is expected to overpower its medicinal benefits. Platinum is the most common cancer therapeutic agent utilized in clinic and therefore, researchers took a strategic effort in developing a drug with the combination of curcumin and platinum. This is considered as a combination of nano-precipitation and clever chemistry and this sophisticated chemistry helps in driving solubility of turmeric’s bioactive compound, simultaneously resulting in emergence of an additional anti-cancer agent, known as platinum. Most of all, the combined therapeutic effect of platinum and bioactive compound of turmeric is lethal for cancer cells.

A recent report by U.S. National Academy of Sciences reveals, with the help of this metallocyclic complex developed with platinum, along with the solubility of curcumin, effective results were witnessed in cancer treatments such as breast cancer cells and melanoma. The curcumin-platinum combination kills the cancer cells by splitting its DNA.

Improvement in Eye Conditions and Alzheimer’s disease with Turmeric: Reveals Study

According to reports, turmeric can be beneficial for treating a set of eye conditions that damages optic nerves, resulting in vision loss. The research study indicates that dispensing curcumin (turmeric’s bioactive compound) directly to back of the eye, with the help of eye drops can help in reducing loss of retinal cells that is considered as early sign of eye condition glaucoma. Researchers have developed nano-carrier that held the bioactive compound of turmeric within surfactant combined with stabilizer, both safe for human use and eye products as well.

Researchers are of the point of view that bioactive compound of turmeric has shown promising results at treating and detecting neurodegeneration, implicated in various brain and eye conditions from Alzheimer’s disease to glaucoma, thereby dispensing it easily in eye drops, benefitting millions of people. According to American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, turmeric can help in lowering risks of Alzheimer’s disease, thereby improving mood and memory in people with age-related and mild memory loss. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin helps in promoting good health.

How are Heart Failure Patients Benefitting with Turmeric?

US researchers from University of Nebraska found out that reduction in normal signaling of protein Nrf2 might play a significant role in impaired expression of the antioxidant enzymes. These antioxidant enzymes help in repairing and preventing damage from the oxidative stress, thereby improving exercise performance. Activation of protein Nrf2 in the skeletal muscle is likely to represent new therapeutic strategy for improving quality of life of individuals suffering from heart failure along with decreased ejection fraction.

Other Initiatives Include,

Telangana government has taken up a major initiative in setting up special cell for the turmeric farmers, thereby helping them in bringing about qualitative changes for the cultivation of turmeric as a commercial crop. This initiative is taken up by the state government in a bid to cater to the demand of the turmeric farmers for having a single national turmeric board that would help in addressing several issues faced before and after harvest practices of the turmeric crop.

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4 Key Technologies That Will Change How the World Looks at Enterprise Asset Management

As one of the key aspects of resource management for any business, enterprise assent management (EAM) is a crucial step aimed at optimizing physical assets of a business for the best possible efficiency and quality of the end product or service. Moreover, growing emphasis on environment, safety, and health regulations at workplaces are anticipated to significantly encourage the use of enterprise asset management systems for the foreseeable future. While enterprise asset management systems have largely stayed unchanged, technologies in recent years are set to evolve at a rapid pace in the near future.

As per a recent study by Future Market Insights on the global enterprise asset management market, applications in end-use industries such as energy production, oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing are anticipated to generate demand for EAM in years to come.

IoT Technologies Generate Predictive Capabilities for EAM Systems

IoT technologies have massive potential to improve the capabilities of modern EAM systems, through the digital evolution of manufacturing procedures. Internet of things, coupled with enterprise asset management, end users can rely on complete automation of operations, predictive maintenance schedules, higher cost savings and overall productivity.

Conventional EAM systems usually set up calls for asset maintenance, only after the occurrence of a malfunction or failure, which results in significant losses during downtime, through stoppages in production. However, IoT based systems such as the SAP SE perform real-time analysis on the assets being monitored, which prevents breakdowns by predicting the approximate time of when maintenance is required, and automatically enabling a work order for the same, without any human interference.

Machine Learning Provides Users with Operational Insights

When coupled with enterprise asset management systems, machine learning technology allows end users to gain deep insights into the intricacies of their day to day operations. This can give manufacturers new benefits such as being able to implement smart programs that provide optimized maintenance procedures, depending on analysis of performance patterns, under different environmental conditions.

For instance, machine learning allows Microsoft’s Dynaway EAM system to step towards the incorporation of artificial intelligence by making extensive use of data on operational performance and other influencers of the end use industry to give recommended plans for the end users. Machine learning is expected to supports goal setting and benchmarking processes for future businesses in comparison to competitors.

Wireless Communication Innovations Build Mobile Functionalities

The physical presence of humans at a work station to operate enterprise asset management systems is soon set to be a thing of the past. With rapid proliferation of mobile devices and the development of compatible EAM mobile apps, users can access their business’s EAM system at any time and any place.

Mobile devices allow businesses to remotely view data on an asset’s performance, create service requests or work orders, or perform necessary maintenance easy, without necessarily being at the work place. Such functionality also allows real time responses to activity in the workplace.

Moreover, modern EAM such as those by Oracle and IBM corporations allows even those employees, with lower work experience to work efficiently by providing a user-friendly interface on mobile devices that they are already familiar with.

Mixed Reality Technologies Will Improve Visualization for Asset Management

Mixed reality, which is also known as hybrid reality is the virtual reality systems with the real world which allows the generations of hybrid workspaces through devices that allow enhanced visualizations that mix physical and virtual objects for real time interaction. The technology integrates augmented reality and augmented virtuality through the use of devices for immersive technology.

Although the development of mixed reality in asset management is still some way from becoming reality, most EAM system manufacturers are currently working on the development of such capabilities, owing to its inherent potential. For example, mixed reality headsets will be able to provide users with detailed visualizations about how to maintain any asset in a step by step process, which will allow even inexperienced workers to perform complex tasks with ease, and is expected to allow remote collaborations of workers situated in different parts of the world.

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Cling Films: Eco-friendly Material Innovations to Rev up Product Development

Cling film finds extensive applications in a wide range of end-use industries such as healthcare, consumer goods, industrial and food packaging sectors, owing to its highly durable nature, and ease of use in comparison to other alternatives. With an eye on the changing needs of the end consumers, manufacturers have increasingly developed and used new materials and production methods for achieving optimized results.

Improved Material Quality Boosts Preference for Cast Cling Film

Although blown cast films provide increased resilience, film memory, holding power, and durability, they are relatively more expensive, and often short on set quality standards. On the other hand, cast cling films which are made using a constant melting process on thermoplastic ingredients offer improved visual clarity, reduced noise, better stretch ability, and superlative resistance to wear and tear. Moreover, cast cling films are significantly cost effective, which are pushing its adoption for many end users.

Manufacturers Shift Attention to Eco-friendly Materials for Food Packaging Films

As per a recent study by Future Market Insights on the global cling film market, consumers have started to become wary of using cling film for food coverings, owing to the fact that heat may cause chemicals from the film to leak into the food, which may pose significant health risks, which is a key factor that is anticipated to restrict the proliferation of the material, worldwide.

As a result, leading cling film manufacturers have been observed to be experimenting with new eco-friendly materials. For instance, researchers at Tufts University have developed cling film made from water-based suspensions of silk fibroins. The film offers the benefits of reducing the diffusion of gases, permeability to oxygen, CO2 production, and dehydration, which results in longer shelf life and firmer structures of perishable foods.

Similarly, scientists from Georgia Institute of Technology School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering have created a cling film variant from chitin and cellulose extracts from crab shells and trees, which reduce the penetration of gases, especially when used in alternating layers owing to the opposite charges from cellulose and chitin, and the crystalline structure of the film, which makes it ideal for packing foods that have uneven surfaces or fragile structures.

Moreover, U.S. based, FKuR, has introduced a new range of biodegradable cling film. The bio-plastic materials are resistant to moisture provide additional benefits of cost and durability as it avoids the use of starch based materials.

Researchers have also developed edible cling films made from mango peels and seeds, which improve significantly on food safety, increase shelf life, and lower permeability of gas and water, at a relatively low cost, encouraging the adoption and research on other such materials.

Anti-Plastic Initiatives Set to Constrain Cling Film Manufacturers

Environmental concerns and constant additions to plastic control regulations by governments around the world are anticipated to significantly restrict the demand for cling film in the near future. For instance, the UK government is aiming to eliminate all single-use plastic from schools by the end of 2022, and start the use of sustainable plastics instead. Schools and parents have been told to discourage the use of cling film food coverings for lunch in this effort. This move is anticipated to hit the local cling film businesses, as they look towards sustainable alternatives to maintain operations.

Cling Films for Environment Protection

Scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the University of Melbourne have developed an ultra-thin cling film material that is estimated to be up to 50,000 times thinner than an average human’s hair. This innovation was developed with the aim of protecting the Great Barrier Reef of Australia from getting bleached through rising temperature by global warming, through breaking direct contact of sunlight from reaching the reef by up to 30%. Made from calcium carbonate, which is the same material that the reef is largely made off, the cling film is completely biodegradable, and poses no risk of additional contamination to the local aquatic life.

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Manufactures Bullish on Heavy Investments in Advanced Driver Assistance Testing Equipment in 2019

The automotive landscape has been constantly evolving. Technological developments such as artificial intelligence and machine learning have greatly penetrated the deployment of cutting edge systems into next-gen vehicles. Modern consumers demand effective technological assistance that helps in both simplified driving as well as enhanced safety. Owing to these requirements, the automakers and technology companies are making substantial investments in research and development to improve safety technologies in the vehicles. There are several initiatives taken by the governments across the regions to boost safety are further adding to the demand for advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment. Demand for precision testing of the capabilities of the system in a repeatable environment is becoming crucial, further surging the demand for advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment.

ADAS Testing: Autonomous Vehicles to Create Significant Growth Opportunities

The penetration of autonomous vehicles has created immense demand for systems such as advanced driver assistance systems, thereby creating demand for advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment. With the experience of driverless cars, the need for advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment remains crucial to ensure complete driver safety.

The leading provider of advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment, Konrad Technologies, demonstrated its advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment solutions at the Automotive Testing Expo China, include the automotive sensor fusion, lidar, combine radar, camera, ultrasonic sensors technologies used for developing autonomous vehicles, and GNSS. The Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing that has a sensor fusion is claimed to be a superior test methodology for conducting tests on autonomous vehicles in the lab.

New products by leading vendors with respect to advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment for autonomous testing is increasingly boosting the growth of the overall advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment landscape. For instance, the AB Dynamics, Ltd., a leading provider of advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment introduced a Guided Soft Target (GST) vehicle that is designed for use in autonomous vehicle and advanced driver assistance systems testing. This equipment helps in reducing the risk of damage to test vehicles and providing speed control, and precision positioning for generating repeated and reliable test results.

The automotive manufacturers testing autonomous vehicles are in continual need for state-of-the-art solutions. Advantest Corporation, a leading producer of test equipment recently demonstrated the new and highly efficient test solution for automotive sensors that are used in manufacturing advanced driver assistance systems for the automotive market. As sensors are increasingly utilized in the automobiles for the purpose of reducing fuel consumption and developing self-driving autonomous cars, there is a significant need for efficient test solutions to ensure reliability and performance of these sensors.

Catering to Requirements from Research and Development Avenues

Various entities investing in extensive research and development reflect profitable opportunities for the providers of advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment. Testing the capabilities of these systems acts as a major milestone for gaining traction for the companies operating in the advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment.

Companies such as AB Dynamics, are extending their capabilities in the advanced driver assistance systems testing to a German research institute, Kempten University of Applied Sciences for using the advanced vehicle driving simulator by AB Dynamics, in their Adrive Living Lab, in which they focus on research and development activities focused on autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems. This lab studies and evaluates the effect of the advanced driver assistance systems on an individual’s perceived comfort and safety feeling. The deployment of the simulators by AB Dynamics would enable researchers to gain objective and subjective Driver-In-the-Loop (DIL) feedback pertaining to the current and future system performance.

The advanced driver assistance systems testing equipment landscape is undergoing several innovations with the changing consumer demand in advanced driver assistance systems. Download the sample of a recent study on the advanced driver assistance systems, to know more about the opportunities held by the market.

Electronic and Software Advancements Widen Application Scope for Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Testers

Ultrasonic pulse velocity testers find widespread applications in research organizations dealing in material science and other construction relevant non-destructive processes of ultrasonic material testing. These devices are widely utilized in the building construction and manufacturing sectors.

The demand for ultrasonic pulse velocity testers, by the end of 2019, is estimated to grow at a steady rate of more than 5%, as reported in a recent study by Future Market insights on the global ultrasonic pulse velocity tester market. Widespread application of ultrasonic pulse velocity is being used to test the quality of concrete or natural rocks in terms of non-destructive strength measurement, void and crack detection, homogeneity detection, and elasticity among others.

Void and Crack Detection Witnesses Higher Use in Testing Building Materials

The demand for void and crack detection ultrasonic pulse velocity tester processes is anticipated to grow at a robust growth of nearly 7%, particularly in North America, owing to the presence of numerous building materials, glass and concrete production businesses in the region, along with faster access to new innovations in the technology.

Constant improvements in the field of electronics and the application of ultrasonic waves in medical diagnostics have resulted in the widening scope of this technique. Void and crack detection through an ultrasonic pulse velocity test allows welding and geometry inspections for difficult to inspect areas. This can be attributed to its superlative ability of accurately detecting miniscule defects, in an automated and rapid procedure, with access to only a single surface of the object, without causing any destructive damage to the structure.

Innovations in computer software and three dimensional modeling, along with the introduction of transducer phased arrays and robotics created avenues for faster high resolution flaw identification imagery. Ultrasonic pulse velocity tester are overcoming limitations such as the reliance of couplants, and material handling systems through the use of combinations with water baths to integrate ultrasonic testing for inspection in production lines.

Infrastructure and Construction Applications Create New Opportunities

Infrastructure and construction testing through ultrasonic pulse velocity tests is projected to account for nearly 18% of the revenue share with notable growth in the terms of applications by the end of 2019. One of the recent innovations in the field is the generation of self-healing properties of concrete.

The successful application of this product is anticipated to revolutionize the construction industry, with drastic reduction of maintenance costs. Moreover, the development of self-healing concrete is based on research, on the basis of ultrasonic pulse velocity testing principles.

With the current research on self-healing innovations for concrete, there is an increasing need to create methods that enable the accurate evaluation, where any relative change in the building material’s characteristics, arising from the self-healing process will be evaluated through measurements of ultrasound waves, and related non-destructive methods, through cross and surface probing processes. This is anticipated to significantly boost the applications and demand for ultrasonic pulse velocity testing machines.

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