The introduction of these masterbatches in consumer goods will make way for their integration into the market of new sustainable products, with high performance and profitability

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/11/2012 -- The Project so called is developing new colour concentrates, based on natural resources from agriculture for diverse thermoplastics. The aim is to obtain high added value masterbatches for the market and that, due to their high innovative value, they will be without competition. The concentrates developed will allow us, at first, to cover the technical requirements of two traditional industrial sectors, being those of toys and auxiliary furniture, although the achieved results could be transferred to other sectors that use injection processes.

Around 80% of plastic products made using the injection process have colorants and other additives within their formulation both, for aesthetic and functional reasons. This is the most widespread method for colouring and modifying the properties of plastics which must be compatible with the matrix polymer to which they are added.

That is why, the enterprise IQAP (colour & additives concentrates manufacturer) with AIJU's support (technological centre for child & leisure products), is undertaking this project for the development of totally innovative masterbatches that include the natural resource of almond shell in their composition. The companies responsible for the initial testing of these color concentrates are: INJUSA, devoted to the production of children's bicycles, electrical toys, ride ons and tricycles, and PEREZ CERDA, an enterprise devoted to the Plastic Injection of auxiliary furniture among many other products.

This project, funded by CDTI within its Research & Development program (Expedient IDI-20120212) and co-funded by FEDER funds, involves great innovation and a high technological level as it will contribute to medium term sustainability and will boost the competitiveness of the toy and auxiliary furniture industries specifically, as well as that of injection in general.

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Besides, this organization is provided with the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new materials for traditional and Rapid Manufacturing processes, manufacturing & decoration processes and pre-treatments in order to optimise such processes.

AIJU is the leader of PLATECMA (Technological Platform of Traditional Manufacturer products) and an active member of the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association, EuMAT, EFFRA the European Platform for Sports Innovation and Manufuture. AIJU is a member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

Find further information at: http://www.aiju.info.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

“Water Printing” and “Digital Printing” have shown to be applicable for achieving the objective.

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2012 -- Over the last two years AIJU has developed the Project Decoratoy, aimed at the study and applicability of diverse decoration techniques for the personalized decoration of three dimensional plastic pieces, mainly in the toy sector, carrying out decoration testing using several technologies. Those having showed great applicability are Water Printing, Digital Printing and Transference Films, among others.

Water printing consists of printing the image to be used to decorate the piece on a water soluble Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film. This film is placed in an immersion tank, filled with water, in such a way that the PVA film makes direct contact with water and is dissolved while the ink stays floating on the water. Next, the ink is sprayed with a chemical activator and the sample is introduced into the water, so that the ink covers the sample and adheres to the surface. Finally, once the surfaces of the decorated piece are clean and dry, a transparent coating is applied to increase the durability of the piece and its resistance to weathering.

Digital Printing consists of the direct reproduction of a digital file on a physical piece, generally 2D. When working with this technique with three dimensional geometries two difficulties arise: the distance and the inclination relative to the impression head and the substrate. The technology has shown to be interesting and valid for the personalized decorations of pieces in which the maximum distance is around 12 mm between the highest and lowest points of the piece geometry and the relative angle between the head and the face of the pieces does not exceed 30o.

Regarding the vinyl transference films with digital impression, there are references that it can be adapted to 3D surfaces with great flexibility. For the most complex surfaces, it could be necessary to apply heat so that it adapts perfectly to the piece's geometry.

Previously, several techniques were researched in-depth. Pad Printing (and its new system with sealed ink cups and microprocessor controllers), Serigraphic Printing (that requires the development of the UV curing of inks on difficult substrates such as polyolefins, acetals and other thermoplastic resins), and Offset Printing (which permits double face printing). All of them allow the use of multiple colours, to obtain improved productivity, a better register and further versatility. Other novelties use laser marking with this aim, although they still have some restrictions in order to obtain colour and shine adjustments, therefore they are used in non-aesthetic applications.

Miguel Angel Leon, the technician in charge of the project says that, "this project offers us a great challenge, but it is being undertaken with the conviction that the toy industry is going to be able to adapt to systems with the desired aim, being conscious of their advantages and inconveniences, scopes and limitations, in a way that the toy industry will be able to apply the best option for each specific case."

This research is funded by IMPIVA and co-funded by FEDER funds, within its R&D programme (Expedient no. IMIDIC/2010/56), arose due to the concern shown by organisations in the sector, over new tendencies observed within their specific fields, that are characterized by an increasing demand for personalized products, in shorter delivery times, and small production runs.

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is both, to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment, and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 77 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Besides, this organization is provided with the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new processes, among them the development of new decorative processes within the sector as well as pre-treatments for their optimisation. Additionally, this area is devoted to new materials development for both, traditional and rapid manufacturing technologies. The area carrying out this project has been working closely with the Rapid Manufacturing area for 10 years now with the objective of reaching final material sets.

AIJU is an active member of the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association. It is also a member of EuMAT and Manufuture and a member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

These cartridges, completely biodegradable, will reduce the impact of hunting sports, contributing to the sustainable cycle of the products

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/15/2012 -- When a shot is fired, of all the cartridge components being discharged from the gun, the cartridge wad lasts longest in the environment.

Generally, the cartridge wad is shot anywhere from 50 to 80 metres, which makes them very difficult to recover in spite of the shooters' environmental awareness.

According to the Spanish Ministry of the Environment and a report issued by Maxam Outdoors (one of the most important manufacturers of hunting cartridges), worldwide 3,000 million hunting cartridges are used yearly (1,000 million in a controlled environment and 2,000 million in open areas, with special incidence within wetlands). These wads can weigh between 2.5 & 4 grams, which equates to an annual 6,000 tonnes of non-biodegradable materials within the environment, which creates a health risk for humans and for the planet. With the market implementation of this project, a global reduction in residues of 800 tonnes is expected, 200 of which would be at a European level.

Consequently, an innovation project, initiated in August 2011, is being developed and is being supported by the European Commission within the CIP Eco-Innovation program, titled, "Biodegradable and environmental friendly component (wad) based on PVA for a cartridge." The main objective of this project is the design, manufacture and launch onto the market of an innovative and ecological hunting cartridge wad. This wad, manufactured with the Green Cycles formulation, is water soluble, biodegradable and eco-compatible, which will minimize the environmental impact of hunting activities or shooting practice. AIJU is going to work on this project, led by the Valencian SME Plasticos Hidrosolubles (PH), for two years with the aim of improving the material formulation.

Miguel A. Leon, the project technician at AIJU says, "We are going to actively collaborate with Plasticos Hidrosolubles on the development of a PVA based formulation of the material so that it meets the specific requirements of this kind of product. The complexity of this development revolves around the nature of the material, as its mechanical properties vary widely according to the environmental conditions of where the product is to be found."

We hope that many related initiatives successfully stem from this project, which in turn are able to contribute to the preservation of our environment.

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Besides, this organization is provided with the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new materials development, for both traditional and Rapid Manufacturing processes, manufacturing & decoration processes and pre-treatments in order to optimise such processes.

AIJU is an active member of the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association. It is also member of EuMAT and Manufuture. AIJU is member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

Find further information at: http://www.aiju.info.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The action protocols developed so far will facilitate risk assessment in children’s products that are not covered by specific safety regulations

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/15/2012 -- This R & D project, "Risk Assessment of non-standardised children's products - CHILDRISK" allowed the development of a methodology for a global risk assessment of certain children's products for which there are no safety standards at European level. After the market research conducted within the framework of this project, we detected the normal marketing of over 75 products, intended for children or with a more than reasonable use by children, which were not standardised and could pose safety and health risks for babies and toddlers. The products studied were classified into ten categories, depending on the use of the article.

Within each category, a selection of products was carried out in order to develop specific procedures for risk assessment. Eight products were finally selected, most of which form a part of the articles called "basic necessities" (relating to bathing, sleeping, seating, feeding, hygiene and transport), i.e., essential everyday items for the care of babies and toddlers in developed countries and, therefore, widely marketed.

As a result of the project, eight specific technical procedures by type of product have been obtained, which allow us to assess the risks inherent to the nature of the article in question, taking into account the intended use or reasonably foreseeable use of the product, the development and behaviour of children and carers in relation to hazards or environmental circumstances, among other factors.

Product: Main hazards
Bath seats: Drowning
Baths: Drowning and Falling
Sleeping bags: Asphyxia (inside the bag) and Choking (small parts)
Child chair-mounted chairs: Falling
Fruit/food baby feeders: Choking and Asphyxia
Nasal aspirators: Choking and Asphyxia
Platforms for pushchairs: Falling
Bibs: Strangulation, Choking and Asphyxia

The development of this project aims to fill, as far as possible, the gap with regard to the safety of certain products widely available on the market, for which producers do not have the tools necessary to, on the one hand, ensure that their products have a minimum level of safety and, on the other hand, prove towards the surveillance authorities that they have conducted a thorough risk assessment with satisfactory results, thus complying with the current law.

With a duration of two years (2010-2011), AIJU undertook research and development activities concerning this project thanks to the support and funding of the Institute for Small and Medium Industry of the Generalitat Valenciana (IMPIVA)and co-financed by FEDER funds within the operational programme FEDER in the Valencian Community (2007-2013).

AIJU Technological Centre Specialised in Child Safety
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) was established in June 1985. Located in Ibi, in Alicante, AIJU is a non-profit association focused on researching, developing and improving the quality and safety of children's products. Accredited for toys since 1989, the laboratory is currently increasing its accreditations; being the first laboratory accredited by ENAC for the testing of toys, childcare products, playgrounds, play equipment and playground surfacing and materials in contact with food. Besides, AIJU is an Inspection Institution accredited by ENAC for playgrounds.

AIJU a member of several forums and committees of national and international standardisation related to child safety. It is also an EU Notified Body that is authorised to issue EC-type certificates according the Toy Safety Directive.

The centre has well-equipped premises and brings together a multidisciplinary team of 80 technicians, who advise and help companies, doing so from the different departments within AIJU: Product Engineering and Laboratory (child safety, materials, processes, prototype, etc...) Management and Innovation Systems, Educational Research – Product, Training, Information and Management.

One of the main objectives of AIJU is to help the children's products industry to improve its competitiveness, advising on educational and developmental aspects of children and new needs and social situations related to them, their welfare and the products intended for use by them.

AIJU is the only European centre specialised in all aspects of children's products, from research of raw materials, product design or safety assessment to pedagogy and child development studies in relation to children's products.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

These will allow the exact validation of the analytical techniques used to assess the chemical safety of a product

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/15/2012 -- The new Directive on Toy Safety, 2009/48/CE establishes the legislative limits on bioavailability of certain elements considered as toxic, for the phenomenon known as migration whereby they go from the plastic matrix to the surface of the toy or childcare article. When quantifying the migration that occurs it is necessary to develop and adjust diverse techniques which must be validated to confirm the precise results. A simple procedure for this validation is to make a comparative check of the results against a correct reference which therefore establishes their accuracy. So, in the case of migration tests, the best option is to employ certified reference materials.

That is why, the organization Colortec Quimica, S.L., in collaboration with AIJU & IISG, is developing a project for the attainment of certified reference materials for the migration test of the elements stated by the Directive 2009/48/CE in toys and child articles.

While developing this project, carried out in the framework of EUROSTARS European program, several migration tests using different samples were undertaken, till the aimed reference materials acquired a previously determined migration value. The results of all these tests on the intermediate samples, before determining the final concentration of the reference material, further provide data on the variables that could affect the migration phenomenon and the particularities that each element can present.

Luisa Marin, the technical manager in charge of the project within AIJU, says that "the generation of these reference materials can provide an easy and effective procedure for the validation of the analytical techniques employed in the verification of the legislative limits of migration. In toys & child articles, this fact will help to establish the guidelines in the chemical safety of these products established by Directive 2009/48/CE".

About the Consortium
This project is being carried out by Colortec Quimica, S.L., which was founded in the mid-eighties and is centred on the chemical industry.

The company is devoted to the design and development of bespoke pigments and dyes, their production and commercialization, as well as the commercialization of other additives for plastics. Its work in the toy industry and childcare article sectors must be underlined.

Collaborating with Colortec Quimica, S.L., two organizations are participating in the project: on the one hand, AIJU , the Toy Research Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to enterprises from the toy and childcare articles that require scientific and technical services; and, on the other, the Italian company IISG, the Italian reference for the Toy safety, a private company, active since 1978 made up of engineers, chemists and technicians, a leader in toy safety and childcare articles certification.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The research results, carried out by AIJU, demonstrate the possibilities for this application technique within the personalized decoration of 3D pieces.

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/15/2012 -- This technique will allow the decoration of a large amount of products with different geometric shapes in an efficient and versatile way.

Moreover, after several baths, a 360o surface covering of the piece to be decorated can be achieved, with a good finish and that includes any small grooves the product could have. Besides, the decoration is homogeneous throughout the entire surface.

AIJU has developed this research Project on personalized techniques for the decoration of toys, in which several technologies of the state-of-the-art have been assessed. Throughout its development, the applicability of Water Printing Technology in the decoration of scale cars has been observed, with several colors and designs, although other products could also be considered within this and/or other future activities.

"Water printing" is a decoration process for 3D pieces and can be used on diversified substrates i.e. metal, plastic, glass and hard wood. The process consists of printing the image to be used to decorate the piece on a water soluble Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film. This film is placed in an immersion tank, filled with water, in such a way that the PVA film makes direct contact with water and is dissolved while the ink stays floating on the water.

Next, the ink is sprayed with a chemical activator and the sample is introduced into the water, so that the ink covers the sample and adheres to the surface. Finally, once the surfaces of the decorated piece are clean and dry, a transparent coating is applied to increase the durability of the piece and its resistance to weathering.

Miguel A. Leon, the project technician within AIJU states that "of all the technologies thoroughly researched for the decoration of 3D toy pieces, this is one of the most optimistic for the homogeneous decoration of geometrically complex pieces. We think that it will notably make easy the 3D decoration of a series of pieces with these characteristics and reduce the associated costs."

These conclusions have been obtained during the development of the project titled: "Personalized Decoration of Toys – DECORATOY" (Expedient: IMDEEA/2011/23), funded by IMPIVA within the R&D program and co-funded by FEDER funds. It arose due to the concern within the sector of the current industry tendencies, characterized by an increasing demand for personalized products, with short delivery times and short production runs.

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is both, to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment, and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 80 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Besides, this organization is provided with the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new processes, among them the development of new decorative processes within the sector as well as pre-treatments for their optimisation. Additionally, this area is devoted to new materials development for both, traditional and rapid manufacturing technologies. The area carrying out this project has been working closely with the Rapid Manufacturing area for 10 years now with the objective of reaching final material sets.

AIJU is an active member of the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association. It is also a member of EuMAT and Manufuture. AIJU is also a member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

Find further information at: http://www.aiju.info.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The study will determine how the processing conditions and material issues affect in the foodstuff migration

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/15/2012 -- Children's products intended for use at feeding times (tableware and cutlery, cups and food containers) are subject to strict safety standards. Furthermore, complementary regulations related to the compliance of plastic materials in contact with foodstuffs (Regulation no 10/2011) must be observed.

Migration from the plastic container to foodstuffs can be influenced by several factors relating to usage, and these have been studied in-depth. Notwithstanding the fact that some studies show that processing conditions also have considerable influence, there are no studies which thoroughly analyse the influence of the processing conditions on migration even though they notably affect the material characteristics and structure, among others.

That is why AIJU is going to undertake a detailed study on the influence that different processing conditions have on the migration of organic and inorganic substances which are used to produce children's foodstuff articles. Within the study the necessary testing methods are being developed for the identification, and where necessary specific quantification of any migrating substances.

As the development of the project is aimed at the traditional products manufacturing sector, it will made available for enterprises from the plastic & infant industries new resources for the development of safer products in such a way that it will help to bring about the compliance with current legislation relating to global migration.

This project is funded by IMPIVA within the Strategic Development Programme (Expedient IMDEEA/2011/25) and co-funded with FEDER funds.

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Moreover, this organization has the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area, in close collaboration with the Chemical Area. These areas have several research lines for the study of materials, process monitoring, materials in contact with foodstuffs and the development of test methodologies for the analysis of organic and inorganic toxic compounds, among others.

AIJU has been accredited by ENAC for the carrying out of global migration tests on all simulants for food contact plastic materials since 2005. Additionally, it is an active member of the Technological Platform for Traditional Manufacturing Sectors, EuMAT and Manufuture, among others, and member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level, between it is relevant the Spanish Technical Committee AEN/CTN 172/SC2 of childcare articles. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

Would you like further information, please visit: http://www.aiju.info.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The RDT undertakes the comparative study of tensile mechanical properties of plastic materials processed on an industrial and laboratory scale.

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/15/2012 -- One of the more attractive fronts within the plastic industry is that of new materials development with improved properties (mechanical, electric, thermal, optical, fire-resistant, barrier, etc.). In this sense, nanoparticles have achieved great importance as they offer a lot of possibilities at the time of mixing additives to conventional plastics, improving the characteristic properties of the original material.

Nevertheless, these nanoparticles can be especially expensive, ranging from 100€ Kg up to 5000€ Kg for the most specialised, with the machinery transformation sector evolving in parallel.

That is why the Toy Research Institute (AIJU) has complemented the working line for the development of new materials with micro-extrusion and mini-injection equipment to achieve the mechanical characterization of new formulations. Within the framework of this study, tensile tests have been carried out on test specimens, both with and without added materials.

Miguel A. Leon, the technical manager in AIJU for this study explains that: "The tensile properties have been studied which are the most important indicators of the material resistance, in which both, the strength required to pull the test specimen as well as the enlargement during the whole test are registered."

Within the study, the conclusion reached was that injection moulding of thermoplastic materials on a laboratory scale reproduces the same results obtained on an industrial scale, thus being a valid alternative in the case of having a low amount of raw material or that these materials have a high cost, as would be the case with nanoadditives or nanocharges.

Another notable aspect of this study is that the standard test specimen is not a critical factor, according to the results obtained in the tensile tests for both, test specimen type 1A as well as test specimen type 1BA.

These results have been obtained thanks to the financial support of the Conselleria de Industria Comercio e Innovacion and the MITYC through the financing of projects INIDIV/2010/63 and SUP-040100-2010-0039, respectively.

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Moreover, this organization has the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new materials both, for traditional technologies and rapid manufacturing technologies. The area carrying out this project has been working closely with the Rapid Manufacturing area for 10 years now with the objective of reaching final material sets.

AIJU is an active member of the Technological Platform for Traditional Manufacturing Sectors, the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association. It is also member of EuMAT and Manufuture. AIJU is the coordinator of the working group "Rapid Prototyping Proposal SP3 (materials) Lab" and member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

Would you like further information, please visit: http://www.aiju.info.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The high-impact capacity can be improved by optimizing the design factors of rubber surfacing laid on playground floors

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/16/2011 -- The project "SAFESURFACE. Children's Playgrounds: correlation between physicochemical parameters and the high-impact capacity of surfaces.

Requirements guide for the business sector", funded by the Institute for Small and Medium Industry of the Generalitat Valenciana (IMPIVA) within the R & D program, is coming to an end after two years of research on the influence of certain parameters on the shock absorption capacity of synthetic surfaces used on playground floors. Through this project we have been able to study different factors that interfere with and influence the shock absorption capacity of playground surfaces in the case of falling from playing equipment.

During this second year we have reached the conclusions that are detailed below:

1. The most important factor affecting the critical falling height of the polymeric floor tiles analysed is room temperature. This external factor, that due to its nature is uncontrollable, affects the measurement properties in two different ways:

i) Directly, because the high-impact properties of the whole tile depend on temperature to a large extent. Therefore, we achieve big variations in the shock absorption capacity when going from room temperature to low temperatures (below 0o). This variation is less marked when going from room temperature to high temperature (49o ± 5o). It was possible to obtain a variation of up to 10% of shock absorption.

ii) Indirectly, with other environmental agents such as humidity or direct sunlight, which alter (diminish) the elastic properties of the polyurethane adhesive over time due to aging and subsequent hardening.

2. The high-impact capacity of the polymeric floor tiles analysed is also dependent on controllable factors such as:

i) The thickness of the SBR layer;
ii) The SBR grain size;
iii) The weight of the sample;
iv) The percentages of elastomers introduced;
iv) The amount of resinoid bond.

3. However, these latter controllable factors, which allow us to modify the high-impact capacity in a relatively narrow range of values, are not enough to offset the effect of temperature on the polymeric floor tiles analysed. That is why it seems mandatory to search for new materials capable of having a higher high-impact capacity which is not altered over time. It also seems reasonable to suggest the need for legislation to regulate both, comprehensively and globally (taking into account external influence factors) all the properties that playground surfaces should meet.

About AIJU Technological Centre Specialised in Child Safety
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) was founded in June 1985. Located in Ibi, in Alicante, AIJU is a non-profit association focused on researching, developing and improving the quality and safety of children's products. Accredited for toys since 1989, the laboratory is currently increasing its accreditations; it is the first laboratory accredited by ENAC for the testing of toys, childcare products, playgrounds (playing equipment and playground surfacing) and materials in contact with food. Besides, AIJU is an Inspection Body accredited by ENAC for playgrounds.

One of the main objectives of AIJU is to help the children's products industry to improve its competitiveness, advising on educational and developmental aspects of children and new needs and social situations related to them, their welfare and the products intended for use by them.

AIJU is the only European centre specialised in all aspects of children's products, from research of raw materials, product design or safety assessment to pedagogy and child development studies in relation to children's products. It is also a member of several national and international standardisation forums and committees related to children's safety. Besides, AIJU is a EU Notified Body for the issue of EC type-examination according to Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

These treatments allow us, by means of clean technologies, to optimize the adhesive properties, the painting and coating solidity or barrier function properties such as liquid repellence in toys, plastics and textiles.

Ibi, Spain-- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2011 -- In general, polymeric materials are characterised by having a low surface energy, caused by the absence of polar groups within the polymer structure. It is often necessary to modify these properties to increase their surface energy and thus, improve their moisture absorption characteristics. These treatments are fundamentally directed at activating the surface by inserting polar specimens, or at provoking modifications to the surface topography, in such a way that there is an increase in roughness.

The treatment is carried out by applying a process (physical or chemical) that modifies the surface of a material by improving its surface properties, such as painting, moisture absorption, adhesion, etc. without affecting the general properties of the treated material.

There are different plasma treatments applicable, according to the article to be treated and the desired properties. All of them are dry treatments, which use ecological technology, and can suppose great advances in the improvement of the technical performance of final products, and the minimization of processing problems caused by the working of raw materials.

That is why the strategic project, "Research and development for the improvement of the solidity of finishing by plasma technologies," supported by the Conselleria d'Industria, Comerc i Innovacio (ref. INIDIV/2010/63) and co-funded with FEDER funds, has the objective of consolidating the use of several of the existent technologies for specific applications in the toy and textile sectors. This project, led by the toy company INJUSA, is being developed by a Spanish R&D consortium formed by two RDTs and ten companies from the plastic, textile and children's products sectors, and will add value to the products of these traditional and relevant sectors within the Valencian Community.

The characterization of the changes achieved by plasma treatment on different surfaces and materials, and the knowledge of the acting mechanism, are the main points where the work is focused. Two parallel working lines have been established: Surface Activation or plasma treatments for the improvement of the solidity of finishing; and Plasmapolimerization or plasma treatments for the deposition of thin functional layers.

Once these treatments were applied to the test specimens, made from the different materials studied (standard and high density polyethylene, polypropylene, impact polystyrene, polycarbonate, PET, natural and synthetic fibres, flexible substrates - tissues, membranes, foams, etc.) the characterization of the surface modification of the treated test specimens and the chemical modification that occurred on their surface was conducted. The thermal and mechanical tests for the substrates characterization were also carried out to know their properties and thus, further understand the changes that occurred on the surface.

Regarding the treated textile materials, the application of low pressure plasma technologies by corona discharge also led to an increase in their hydrophilicity. The degradation potential of textiles after the treatment was characterized establishing that in treatments lasting less than 5 minutes there is no degradation of the surface.

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU.

Besides, this organization is provided with the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new decoration processes as well as pre-treatments in order to optimise such processes. Additionally, this department is working on the development of new materials, for both traditional processes and those of Rapid Manufacturing.

AIJU is an active member of the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association. It is also member of EuMAT and Manufuture. AIJU is the coordinator of the working group "Rapid Prototyping Proposal SP3 (materials) Lab" and member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

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AIJU researches the personalized and automated decoration of toys to enable the toys manufacturers the finishing process, in which many resources are applied.

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/11/2011 -- AIJU is researching the tools available for the customized decoration of toys, with the aim of thoroughly studying them and their applications, in order to optimize their usefulness in such a way that they could be used for the personalized decoration of toys, according to the final users' or consumers' requirements.

This research funded by IMPIVA and co-funded by FEDER funds, within its R&D programme (Expedient no. IMIDIC/2010/56), has arisen due to the concern shown by organisations in the sector, over new tendencies observed within their specific fields, that are characterized by an increasing demand for personalized products, in shorter delivery times, and small production runs.

In the project, the techniques currently used are being researched in-depth, and the techniques that stand out are those of Pad Printing (and its new system with sealed ink cups and microprocessor controllers), Serigraphic Printing (that requires the development of the UV curing of inks on difficult substrates such as polyolefins, acetals and other thermoplastic resins), and Offset Printing (which permits double face printing). All of them allow the use of multiple colours, to obtain improved productivity, a better register and further versatility. Other novelties use laser marking with this aim, although they still have some restrictions to obtain colour and shine adjustments, therefore they are used in non-aesthetic applications, and they also have a high cost due to the elevated price of the raw material.

In order to select specific cases, AIJU undertook a questionnaire with the companies of the sector which fitted the predetermined profile. Then, from this questionnaire, a couple of examples were selected to determine the technologies and most suitable equipment for personalized decoration.

The study of the tools available has been extended, and the painting and transfer sheets for each technology are being evaluated at the moment, with the aim of establishing the applicable techniques from a global and integrated conception.

Miguel Angel Leon, the technician in charge of the project says that, "this project offers a great challenge, but is being undertaken with the conviction that the toy industry is going to be able to adapt systems to the desired aim, being conscious of its advantages and inconveniences, scopes and limitations, in a way that they will be able to apply the best option for each specific case."

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is both, to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment, and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Besides, this organization is provided with the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new materials both, for traditional technologies and rapid manufacturing technologies. The area carrying out this project has been working closely with the Rapid Manufacturing area for 10 years now with the objective of reaching final material sets.

AIJU is an active member of the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association. It is also a member of EuMAT and Manufuture. AIJU is the coordinator of the working group, "Rapid Prototyping Proposal SP3 (materials) Lab," and a member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).
Find further information at: http://www.aiju.info.

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The integration of this new formulation within electronic toys will avoid the electromagnetic interference that these toys generate on other electronics devices

Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/24/2011 -- Electrical and electronic toys are of considerable relevance within the sector and due to the increase in videogames and similar products it is a progressively increasing sector. These types of toys produce interference on the proper functioning of other electronic appliances due to the magnetic interference they produce, and at the same time the toys are affected while working.. Nevertheless, the market cost of these products does not allow the insertion of high technology features to avoid this interference.

Taking this into account, AIJU is developing the EMITOY project, funded by IMPIVA (Expedient IMIDIC/2010/40) and FEDER funds, whose main objective is the achievement of new conductive plastic formulations that avoid this electromagnetic interference. So, it is intended to incorporate carbon nanofibbers into the most common thermoplastics within the toy sector (Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP)) to facilitate the electrostatic dissipation, electrostatic painting and electromagnetic outer screening. The main characteristics that the obtained materials must have, are: to be lightweight (plastic materials based), widely effective in front of a magnetic and electric field, with a competitive price and the capability to be processed by extrusion and injection.

Ana Ibanez, project manager and technician says that "the effective applications of these developments within the toy sector are wide and, with the collaboration of the enterprises in the sector, that contribute with their needs and requirements in this field, they can be extended and optimized. The toy enterprises will be able to undertake new product designs, that currently are not possible due to the limitations of the materials used, filters and possible metallic casings and, consequently, innovations of their toys will be enhanced, their adaptation to the new legislation improved, as will competitiveness relating to products imported from other countries.

About AIJU:
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Besides, this organization is provided with the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new materials both, for traditional technologies and rapid manufacturing technologies. The area carrying out this project has been working closely with the Rapid Manufacturing area for 10 years now with the objective of reaching final material sets.

AIJU is an active member of the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association. It is also member of EuMAT and Manufuture. AIJU is the coordinator of the working group "Rapid Prototyping Proposal SP3 (materials) Lab" and member of the "Materials" group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA's Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm