PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

National 2D materials research center wins NSF funding

The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings—which has 13 industry partners, five government partners, and is the only National Science Foundation center dedicated to the development of advanced 2D coatings—won $1.5 million in Phase II funding that will allow it to add both a new academic partner, Boise State University, and industry partners.

BASF partners with Xuberance to open 3D printing facility in Shanghai

BASF’s Forward AM brand opened a new additive manufacturing technical center in Shanghai, partnering with Chinese 3D printing design and service company Xuberance. The facility will see BASF and Xuberance combine their respective materials and design expertise to serve the additive manufacturing market in China and the rest of Asia.

Minnesota company to close glass plants in Georgia, Texas

Minneapolis-based Apogee Enterprises announced that it will close its Viracon plant in Statesboro, laying off about 190 employees. The company said it would also close its Velocity Glass plant in Dallas, bringing layoffs to 400 overall. Apogee said the effort aims to save $20 million to $30 million a year.

American Resources finalizes site selection for rare earth element facility

American Resources Corporation announced that it has finalized its site selection to build its first commercial scale rare earth element purification and isolation facility in the United States. The site is based in Noblesville, Indiana, and provides 6.9 acres of developable land with the goal of scaling into an 80,000-square-foot facility.


ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Northland Power announces closing of Spanish onshore renewables portfolio

Northland Power Inc. confirmed the successful completion of its previously announced acquisition of a Spanish operating portfolio of onshore renewable projects from Helia Renovables, F.C.R.. The portfolio has a total combined net capacity of 551 megawatts.

Serum Institute picks up 50% in glass vial maker Schott’s Indian JV

Vaccine maker Serum Institute of India picked up a 50% stake in specialty glass company Schott AG’s Indian joint venture, Schott Kaisha, from the former co-owners Kairus Dadachanji and Shapoor Mistry for an undisclosed sum.

Sustainability initiative in 3D printing industry to advance more mindful manufacturing

3D-printing company Stratasys joined the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA) as a Founding Member. The AMGTA is a noncommercial, unaffiliated organization open to any additive manufacturer or industry stakeholder that meets certain criteria related to sustainability of production or process.


OTHER STORIES

Webinar: The rare earth magnet supply chain—current and future status

Design World is hosting a webinar that will discuss challenges and potential solutions within the rare earth magnet supply chain. Speakers include John Ormerod (senior technical advisor, Bunting-DuBois) and Paul Heney (VP and editorial director, Design World). The webinar takes place September 7 at 2 p.m. Eastern.

BIA opens entries for 2021 Brick in Architecture Awards

The Brick Industry Association opened entries for the international 2021 Brick in Architecture Awards, the architectural design competition featuring fired-clay brick. Entries are due by Nov. 1, 2021, with 50% fewer required materials for faster submission.

Entries for the Glass Focus Awards 2021 now open

This year’s Glass Focus Awards will be held in-person on Nov. 18, 2021. The awards will provide a platform to shine a light on the very best designs, workers, and initiatives from the glass sector. The awards are open to everyone across the glass supply chain. The deadline for submission is noon on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Toyota to cut output as chip shortage finally catches up to it

The Wall Street Journal reports that Toyota says it will cut production in the country by 40% in September because of a shortage of semiconductors, highlighting how the scarcity is hitting even the best-prepared companies.


MARKET TRENDS

‘Ten years ago this was science fiction’: the rise of weed-killing robots

The Guardian reports on the use of robot weeders to reduce pesticide use and be part of a more sustainable food system.

At 100 GW, India now fourth in solar, wind energy capacity

India’s renewable energy capacity, excluding large hydroelectric projects, hit 100 GW this month, making it the world’s fourth largest in terms of total installed green energy capacity. The milestone is commendable for the world’s third-largest polluter.


NEW PRODUCTS

Hybrid additive manufacturing system

Phillips Corporation announced a new hybrid additive manufacturing machine combining traditional machining with a directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing process. The hybrid system uses wire-based DED to build or repair a part, with the machine tooling stage enabling components to be finished on a single platform.

Heavy-duty vertical kneading and mixing

The ROSS Double Planetary Mixer is an industry authority for rugged applications requiring enormous torque. Patented High Viscosity “HV” Blades work in tandem to knead and mix from a vertical orientation, augmented by large shafts and generous bearing spreads.

Author

Lisa McDonald