Thursday, July 9, 2020 - Conshohocken, PA - A proposed ASTM International standard will provide test methods used to determine trace metal content in carbon black with ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy) or ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry) after adequate digestion. ASTM’s committee on carbon black (D24) is developing the proposed standard (WK73324). “ICP test methods are a commonly used and practical way to test trace metal contents in samples of various kinds of materials”, says ASTM member Dirk Roller, vice president of global quality and reference laboratories at Orion Engineered Carbons. “However, for carbon black, a standardized test method did not exist.” Roller notes that the concentration ranges covered by these methods are determined by the sensitivity of the instrument, the sample size taken for analysis, and the dilution volume. The pre-preparation for the ICP test (digestion) can occur by acid microwave digestion or by incineration of the sample. The method was worked on by a task group that included both users and producers of carbon black. It will be published under the subcommittee on environment, health and safety (D24.66), and will help support sustainability worldwide.

Thursday, July 9, 2020 - Schwertbert, Austria - Engel will not actively participate in the Fakuma in the usual manner this year. The board of management made this decision considering the unforeseeable further development of the coronavirus pandemic. The board stated, "We bear responsibility for the health and safety of both our employees and our booth visitors. Even with a strict hygiene concept and a limited number of trade fair visitors per day, we cannot rule out the risk of infection with COVID-19. For Engel, Fakuma is a very important innovation trade fair and of great importance for the interaction with our customers, interested parties and partners. The decision is extremely difficult, but protecting the health of each individual is our highest priority."

Thursday, July 9, 2020 - Bangkok, Thailand - KnowHow Webinars is a division at TechnoBiz Communications Co., Ltd. based in Bangkok, Thailand, offering specialized webinars aimed at professionals such as engineers, technical managers, factory managers, business owners, CEOs and directors based in the rubber, plastics and polyurethanes industries. These webinars are purely educational and fee-based. Annual membership is available for individual professionals, as well as corporate companies. Individual members will receive discount registration fees. Corporate members can register a maximum of three people from the same company with discounted registration fees. There are also premium membership opportunities for professionals and companies to get free access to all KnowHow Webinars solely organized by TechnoBiz. All completed webinars are available as on-demand webinars. This is said to be a good opportunity and platform for the rubber and tire industries, as well as professionals to benefit by becoming members. KnowHow Webinar speakers are well-experienced and knowledgeable experts in specialized areas of processes. For more information and a schedule of the planned webinars, visit www.knowhow-webinars.com.

Thursday, July 9, 2020 - Einbeck, Germany - The newly built production site of Burgsmüller GmbH, located in Einbeck/Lower Saxony, was completed by VGP, a project developer for commercial real estate, within a construction period of only nine months and formally handed over at the beginning of May. Burgsmüller’s relocation from its previous premises in Kreiensen to its new site was accomplished within one month without any interruption in production. With this relocation, the company is setting the course for enhanced competitiveness and future growth in the production of wear parts for plastics processing machinery. "The clearly defined target and the unparalleled commitment of all parties involved on the part of VGP and of the Burgsmüller employees were fundamental prerequisites for the successful implementation of the overall new plant concept," says Jens Biel, managing director of Burgsmüller GmbH. "Despite the restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, we succeeded in meeting our ambitious deadline." In the new building, the existing machinery and equipment is complemented by new state-of-the-art machine tools for the production of various screw elements for twin-screw extruders. The plant relocation offers Burgsmüller the opportunity to increase its production capacity substantially. Thanks to the larger plant area, all processes, from the order intake right through to shipping the finished parts, can be optimized and thus streamlined. "The significantly enlarged production area of our new site also allows us to further extend our team," adds Biel. The new building impresses by its modern and straightforward architecture combined with a highly functional design. The building structure contributes to a significant improvement of the internal workflows: short distances, smooth communication as well as compact and transparent processes are new key features in the daily work routines at Burgsmüller.

Thursday, July 9, 2020 - Cypress, CA - Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (Toyo Tires) announces the Toyo NanoEnergy M171 super regional all position tire. The newest edition to the Toyo Tires M-Line of commercial tires, it provides fuel efficiency, excellent wear life and increased stability with improved tread compounds developed through Nano Balance Technology. The M171 super regional all position tire complements the M671 super regional drive tire, and both are Smartway verified. Working together, these tires are specifically designed to provide exceptional fuel efficiency, superior traction, and long, even wear within demanding 500-mile radius operations. The M171 incorporates Toyo Tires advanced E-balance design, which maintains the tread profile of the tire, while reducing strain at the bead area and belt edge for greater stability and longevity under heavy loads. It also features an optimized wide tread pattern that provides an even contact pressure profile that reduces irregular wear for longer tire life. The combination of a high elongation top belt, zig zag center grooves, and center sipes work together to ensure long even wear essential in a steer tire. Maximum fuel efficiency is achieved through the uniformity of the cap and base compound which increases irregular wear resistance. “Today’s super regional fleets have specific needs that are different from traditional long haul or regional tires,” said Dave Johnston, director of commercial tire sales, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “Toyo Tires now offers two tires for the super regional segment, the NanoEnergy M171 all position tire and the NanoEnergy M671 drive tire. Toyo Tires continues to develop and bring to market tires made for today’s fleets.” The all-new NanoEnergy M171 super regional all position tire is available now in four SKUs: 11R22.5 14/G, 11R22.5 16/H, 295/75R22.5 14/G and 295/75R22.5 16/H.

Thursday, July 9, 2020 - Hong Kong, China - The global off-the-road (OTR) tires market is expected to rise from its initial estimated value of $5.51 billion in 2018 to an estimated value of $8.14 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 5.00 percent by 2026. Increased automation in the industrial processes is also estimated to influence the OTR tires market, according to databridgemarketresearch.com. Key players are involved in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market position. Owing to increasing competition, frequent innovations are taking place in the market. Some of the companies operating the industry are Continental, Bridgestone Corporation, Michelin, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Yokohama Rubber Co., Nokian Tyres plc., Apollo, and others.