Lead Bullets Cause Major Fire at Police Shooting Range Officers Must Now Use Frangible Bullets

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Frangible ammunition, green ammo, high-density plastics, Lead free ammunition, thermoplastic composite materials

Four years ago, in July 2013, a fire severely damaged the Portsmouth Police Station Shooting Range in New Hampshire. Clean-up and restoration costs exceeded $1 million dollars.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the blaze and determined that itoccurred after an officer practiced firing a handgun. The officer insisted that he did not use a certain type of lead bullet that was particularly flammable. Said bullets were prohibited at the shooting range and were responsible for a prior fire at a Dallas, Texas shooting range.

ATF investigators were able to rule out all ignition sources, except for “heated fragments of bullets” and such was the only rational explanation that satisfied the evidence. They also noted fires at two other shooting ranges in which “ordinary ammunition” was the ignition source.

Now that the shooting range has been rebuilt, the Portsmouth Police Chief has totally forbidden officers from using any kind of lead ammunition. Officers practicing inside the firing range can only use lead-free Frangible ammunition.

Ecomass Technologies

For nearly twenty years, Ecomass Technologies has pioneered innovative solutions through thermoplastic composite materials, high density plastics, and engineered thermoplastics.

Military and law enforcement and others who use and depend upon Frangible Ammunition are turning to Ecomass. Lead free ammunition or green ammo is completely lead-free and manufactured with composite materials of tungsten, copper, or tin, utilizing an injection molding or powder metallurgic production process. Ecomass’ production process allows it to produce superior quality Frangible Ammunition and green ammo.

Along with the aforementioned fire safety advantages, frangible ammunition reduces the risk of lead contamination at indoor and outdoor firing ranges and in the environment as a whole. Furthermore, Frangible Ammunition disintegrates upon impact, which decreases the risk of over-penetration injuries and practically eliminates the risk of injuring innocent bystanders.

Ammunition manufacturers and other industry leaders use Ecomass’ non-toxic, high gravity compounds to replace lead, as well aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, and tungsten in a wide-range of uses. Ecomass is committed to constantlyrefining and enhancing its lead-free technologies to remain at the forefront of advanced solutions.

All of Ecomass’ compounds are 100% lead free, do not contain any U.S. EPA toxic or hazardous substances, and fully comply with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Contact Ecomass today or see its website and complete one if its RFQ Forms to find out how its Frangible Projectiles can be used in your ammunition application. Also see its case studies page to learn about its lead free frangible ammunition.

 

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High Density Polymers Keep Your Beer Fresh

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high density plastic, high density polymer, high density polymers, thermoplastic composite materials

BrewQubeis looking to raise funds through Kickstarter to build and market the BrewQube Draft System, a countertopcraft beer storage and dispensing process that utilizes state-of-the-art technology to ensure long-term freshness of quality.

The BrewQube Draft System provides digital control and monitoring for settings such as temperature and gas. And, since it is WiFi-equipped, settings can also be monitored remotely. Users also receive customizable alerts from the integrated sensors if beer or gas volumes get low. Unlike other similar products, the BrewQube keeps beer fresh for a month and one can directly fill it from a tap with their beer of choice, should they wish.

Craft beer, or beer prepared by a small brewery, is popular because it usually tastes better than regular beer and costs less. There are more than 20,000 craft beer brands in the United States alone.

The portable BrewQube unit holds the equivalent of 24-pack of 12-ounce cans, an ideal amount to have on hand should one be the type to entertain. It’s also modern looking, with a brushed stainless steel finish. Moreover, it’s constructed of high density polymer material, which means it’s extremely durable and will withstand pretty much anything. It’s obvious Kick starter built BrewQube to last.

Ecomass Technologies

Since 1988, Ecomass Technologies has delivered innovative solutions through advanced thermoplastic composite materials, high density plastic, high density polymers, and engineered thermoplastics. It’s worked with both government and private customers and overcome numerous challenges to meet their needs. Its skill, experience, expertise in the formulation and development of high-density thermoplastic compounds gives its customersfreedom to focus ontheir work while it solves the material challenges. It aims to empower customers to design and produce the best parts possible.

Ecomass Compounds are a patented line of engineered thermoplastic composite materials and high density polymers specifically formulated to replace lead and other metals. The compounds are stronger, resist more heat, last longer, and offer even more advantages over the materials they replaced. All Ecomass Compounds meet the EU RoHS Directive, are 100% lead free, do not contain any U.S. EPA toxic or hazardous materials, and comply with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Ecomass’ customer service team is recognized for its skill and responsiveness. See its website for contact information and its RFQ Form. It’s probably already worked on the solution you’re seeking.

 

Blankets Made with High Density Plastic Help Reduce Stress

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high density plastic, high density polymers, high density thermoplastic compounds, thermoplastic composite materials, Vibration Damping

 

Gravity has developed weighted blankets using high density plastic pellets. The new Gravity Blanket, funded through a Kickstarter campaign, claims to employ principles of “deep pressure touch stimulation” and target pressure points associated with mood, relaxation and sleep. In simpler terms, it makes you feel as though you are being held, much like the way you would swaddle an infant.

Gravity Blanketboth boostsserotonin and melatonin levels and decreasescortisol levels, which reduces heart rate and blood pressure. Decreased body movements also encourage a deeper REM sleep, which better recharges your brain and body.

The Gravity Blanket claims to also be useful for insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It may also help relax stressed-out travellers.

Some argue its benefits and question its claims, though most agree, at thatit feels extremely comfortable.

Ecomass Technologies

For nearly twenty years, Ecomass Technologies had pioneered innovative solutions through advanced composite materials and engineered thermoplastics. It has extensive experience with government and commercial customers and has triumphed over multiple challenges to satisfy its customer’s needs. Its know-how and skill with regard tothe design and development of high density polymers, thermoplastic composite materials, and high density thermoplastic compounds allow its customers to focus on form and functionwhile it solves material challenges.

Ecomass’ high gravity compounds have been used as a an alternate for lead, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, and tungsten in a broad rang of uses. Its materialsgive its costumers the density of traditional metallic materials with the production and economic advantages of injection or compression molding.

Ecomass’ high-gravity compounds can be formulated up to 11 g/cc and can be utilized in a wide array of applications, including weighting, balancing, radiation shielding and vibration damping. Moreover, all Ecomass Compounds meet the EU RoHS Directive, are 100% lead free, and do not contain any EPA toxic or hazardous materials and comply with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Ecomass’ customer service team is recognized for its skill and responsiveness. See its website for contact information and its RFQ Form. It’s probably already worked on the solution you’re seeking.

 

Canadian Armed Forces Looks into Green Ammo

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frangible projectiles, green ammo, high density plastic, Lead free ammunition, lead replacement

In 2011, the Canadian Armed Forces, in response to concerns that its shooting ranges were threatening water sources, began searching for a new type of ammunition. Explosive rounds, particularly those from Howitzer artillery, scattered training sites. The military worried that the toxic chemicals inside the water-soluble rounds could seep into the drinking water.

A few years later, project RIGHTTRAC (Revolutionary Insensitive, Green and Healthier Training Technology with Reduced Adverse Contamination) found that the military could meet environmental concerns, plus lessen human health threats and save money all with one superior product – green ammo.

Artillery shells explode in specific conditions. Sometimes rounds partially and sometimes they don’t explodeat all. Partial or unexploded artillery doesn’t degrade in soil and migrates to groundwater, where it causes seriousenvironmental problems and drinking water health concerns.

The green ammo, initially designed just for training, proved more effective and more practical, meaning it could eventually become standard.

Ecomass Technologies

For nearly twenty years, Ecomass Technologies has provided innovative solutions through advanced composite materials, heavy plastics, and engineered thermoplastics. It’s worked with industry and government to overcome physical property and material challenges to meet their application needs. Its experience and proficiency in the formulation and development of high density thermoplastic compounds provides customers the freedom to function while it solves challenges. Ecomass Technologies’ goal is to empower it customers with the best materials at the lowest-cost and allow them to compete in their respective markets.

Frangible Ammunition (Green Ammo)

Frangible ammunition offers a lead free alternative to traditional lead rounds. lead free ammunition is produced with high density plastic, lead replacement, composite material.

Ecomass Technologies utilizes a highly controlled injection molding process to produce frangible projectiles and satisfies strictest tolerances to certify performance and reliability. Its frangible projectiles have passed strict military ballistic performance, as well asmany of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturers’tests.

Ecomass’compounds are RoHS compliant and do not contain any other EPA hazardous or toxic material. As well, all Ecomass Compounds comply with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.

If you have a special requirement, contact Ecomass Technologies today. It has probably already solved it

 

Lead-Free Plastics to Help with X-Ray Shielding

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High gravity compounds, high-density plastics, thermoplastic composite materials, X-ray shielding

Lead has commonly been used in x-ray devices to limit the amount of radiation exposure for patients and operators. This low-cost and high-gravity compound is among the most effective shields, but we also need to remember that its toxicity makes it very difficult and dangerous to handle.

The Need for a Change

Lead poisoning cases came into the spotlight after the Flint fiasco, and the world soon realized that it needed a substitute for lead, as quickly as possible. A number of governments are also moving away from the use of lead. The EU RoHS directive restricts the use of solders made out of lead in electronics. Medical devices are currently exempted from this list, but only because viable alternate solutions are yet to be available in commercial applications.

Investigating Replacements

A number of high gravity compounds such as tungsten and tungsten alloys are currently being researched. High density plastics have truly begun to take over a number of industries and applications, and it is believed that with additional research, they might even have lead’s manufacturability and convenience. LNP Thermocomp HSG PH1100B, a thermoplastic composite material is currently being projected as that alternative. This compound is believed to offer effective X-ray shielding capabilities and it can also be injection melded into complex designs easily.

LNP Thermocomp HSG PH1100B Vs Lead

Researchers conducted several tests to compare the material to lead in an x-ray shield. Results show that at an equivalent thickness, the HSG PH1100B performed the same, or better, than lead at different voltages. A specific gravity of 11, however, causes high viscosity in the HSG PH1100B when compared to other high density materials used in injection melding applications.

Managing the Viscosity

Researchers recommended the following guidelines to help manufacturers process and manufacture the material.

1. Mold simulations could be inconsistent as the HSG material has special formulations. Therefore, it is essential for an experienced engineer to review the designs. Apart from using standard tool-making practices, standard tool steels can also be chosen for glass fibber applications in order to extend the tool life. Designers also need to use basic plastic-design principles considering anisotropic material properties.

2. Pin gates are recommended to be avoided as they can cause material separation during the first-stage injection. Fans and edge gates offer much better alternatives as they produce lower peak pressure, and this can lead to better aesthetics and over all properties. This also causes lesser shear heating, thereby reducing the chances of separation of the resin and the filler.

3. The wall thickness is recommended to be 3 mm at a minimum. Gate design, vent depth and runner lengths also need special attention to boost performance.

Vast advancements improvements in the field of high density materials and thermoplastic composite materials can encourage designers around the world to choose injection melding solutions in all kinds of applications, including x-ray shielding. The HSG material has already shown that it can offer the same benefits of lead, yet avoid the risks and extra machining that is typically involved while using lead.

With the help of these materials, it is entirely possible for manufacturers around the world to come up with new technologies and better equipment. It might be early days in the x-ray shielding department, but the results do look incredibly promising!

Specific-Gravity Thermoplastics Open New Doors

Tags

high density plastic, thermoplastic composite materials

Thermoplastics and High density materials continue another year of growth as recent developments and innovative design changes allow these materials to offer even more benefits in all kinds of environments and applications. Thermoplastics found a place in mainstream business due to their ability to decrease the part count or weight of parts in a particular tool or appliance. Turns out that a new class of heavy plastics and high density compounds are entering the picture, ones that have a specific gravity varying between 1.8 to 10.

A Bit of History

To better understand how this could revolutionize the manufacturing process, let’s take a look at how engineered thermoplastics are made. After a base resin has been chosen, its electrical, mechanical and physical properties are altered and manipulated to achieve desired state. Fillers and replacements such as rubber tougheners (for flexibility), carbon-black fillers (for electrical conductivity) and glass fiber (for strength) are carefully chosen and added to finally create a material that can work wonders in making the manufacturing process faster, smoother and cheaper.

How are High-Specific-Gravity Compounds Created?

High-specific-gravity compounds are created by combining adding mineral or metallic fillers in thermoplastics. Base resins commonly used in this care are crystalline thermoplastics because of their flow properties. Common examples include polyesters, polypropylene, polyurethane and polyamides. Surface chemistry of fillers and particle size distribution is also important to ensure optimal processability..

The Journey from Light to Heavy

High-specific-gravity compounds can be classified into three different weight classes. Lightweight high-specific-gravity compounds have a specific gravity which varies between 1.8 to 4. These heavy plastics are commonly used in medical devices and to replace aluminium, clay or glass. Some of these compounds are used to add strength while others may be used to improve toughness. These compounds can be pigmented from brighter to darker tones.

Middleweight high-specific-gravity compounds have a specific gravity that varies between 4 to 7. These materials are usually designed to become magnetic and they fall in the same class as die-cast zinc. Many safety-restraint components used in automobiles are made using these high density materials and these parts can be colored in darker hues.

Finally, heavyweight high-specific-gravity compounds have a specific gravity that varies between 7 and 10. They offer solutions similar to lead, stainless steel and bronze and are a fantastic lead replacement for shielding x-rays in medical applications. Training rounds are also made using these compounds to minimize the use of lead while allowing the material to withstand muzzle pressure and still manage to disintegrate upon impact. Another application of heavyweight high-specific-gravity compounds can be seen in automobile steering columns.

Why is this Important?

What makes these high gravity compounds so special is that they not only manage to consolidate parts and custom-create properties in order to decrease costs, but also present the ability to dialin specific part weights across the density range, which even manages to touch lead and its alloys. To make matters even more interesting, these engineered thermoplastic composite materials also come with special abilities such as magnetic properties, noise reduction, frangibility, x-ray opacity and x-ray shielding. High-specific-gravity compounds are injection moldable in metal replacement solutions, which also eliminates the need for assembly operations and secondary machining, further reducing costs across the manufacturing channel.