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.