Shaping better

German researchers from the
Fraunhofer Institute For Ceramic
Technologies, have developed a 'hot
moulding' technique for moulding
thermoplastics. According to the
scientists, this technology is simpler
and cheaper than injection mould-
ing. The technique involves mixing
ceramic powder with waxes and
paraffins that melt at low temperatures. The concoction is then
warmed slightly and pressed into
the mould at low pressure. After the
mixture hardens, the binding agent
is removed by evaporation and later
fired at high temperatures.