Thermoforming. Developments continue to be characterized by clever improvements to the details and new process variations. The industry is focusing on exact matching of machine technology, process and material.
Quelle: Kunststoffe, 2012/10, Seite 91, Autor: Maren Begemann, Kunststoffe-international 2012/10
ldeas for Lightweight Design
ThermHex Waben GmbH, Halle (Saale), Germany, offers in-line production of honeycomb material made from thermoplastic film or produced by direct extrusion. The honeycomb core is created from a single web of material in a thermal forming and folding process. All thermoformable polymer can be converted into such honeycomb cores. The honeycomb cores can be combined with a variety of skin/cladding rnaterials and find use for a variety of applications in the autornotive, furniture, construction and packaging industrie.
At the Shell Eco-marathon 2012, the Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle, Halle (Saale), received the Design Award for its entry in the ‘Urban Concept” category. The objective was to develop a single-seat vehicle with an unusual steering ystem and shape that wa manufactured from renewable resources. A ThermHex Sandwich panel was manufactured from lignin for the envelope of the concept vehicle. In nature, lignin gives plants there woody tructure, is a byproduct of paper production and has processing characteristics similar to those of polypropylene.
Thanks to new processing variants, thermoformingis finding increasing application for products that could not be manufactured by rneans of classic thermoforming previously. Through innovation and targeted developments, it will be possible to develop additional markets with new products and strengthen the sector. In the same way, detail improvements are increasing the efficiency of conventiona1 production processes.
