THERMOFORMING | PROCESSING
It is aimed at applica- tions such as packaging for food and non-food items, as well as decorative films for insert moulding decoration processes, or printed products such as graphics panels. “Our experience in
film extrusion enables us to produce PLA films with high optical quality,” said Herbert Groothues, head of film and extrusion development at Rohm.
IMAGE: CMT
Simorail flame-retardant interior trims for passenger trains. The sheet has been developed for use in interior finish applications within the rail industry and encompasses low-flamma- bility, recyclable sheets. Target groups include designers, rail vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers and thermoformers.
The thermoformed components are
Syntactic foam CMT Materials launched a new Hytac syntactic foam – with high service temperature and high friction – at K2022. “We have had many requests for new copolymer and thermoplastic syntactic materials,” according to Terry Woldorf, managing director of CMT. “Compa- nies know there is a balance between new plastic thermoforming techniques and specifically de- signed tooling materials to bring the two together.” The new commercial grade, Hytac-HTF, is a syntactic foam capable of high service temperature performance (232°C/450F) based on a toughened copolymer formulation. It is easily polished to a mirror-like surface while maintaining optimal friction properties, making it ideal for use with sticky barrier films to minimise plug build-up. Copolymer plug materials like this also provide dust-free machining and high strength. It is available in a variety of sheet and rod sizes. The company also highlighted a new develop- mental higher slip plug material that eliminates the use of PTFE. It has been developed in response to market concerns over polyfluorinated alkyl sub- stances (PFAS) in such formulations. The new material is expected to provide the same high performance as CMT’s Hytac-FLXT – with easy material release, good forming properties and ease of polishing.
Both Hytac-HTF and the new high-slip plug
material are the culmination of collaborative work with leading thermoforming companies to opti- mise plug-assist materials, said CMT.
Mobile applications At K2022, Simona of Germany showcased a range of its products and services – including its thermo- forming sheet. From its mobility business line, it showed its
www.filmandsheet.com March 2023 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 19
also suitable for trucks, buses and ships. Compared to other materials – such as metal or glass-fibre- reinforced thermosets – Simorail sheets offer significant weight savings and high impact strength. Due to their ease of handling, Simorail parts also help to reduce transport and shipping costs, according to Simona.
US-based subsidiary Simona Boltaron, mean-
while, has been working with aircraft interior designer Gary Doy to create an aircraft seat back made of Boltaron’s 9865 Terreform – which is recyclable, and contains a high percentage of recycled material. It meets the standards set out in the Federal
Aviation Regulations (FAR) regarding flammability, heat release and smoke development. It also has high chemical and impact resistance, and a wide range of surface finishes.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.illig.com �
www.neste.com �
www.wm-thermoforming.com �
www.kuhne-ab.de �
www.harpak-ulma.com �
www.eastman.com �
www.exolongroup.com �
www.plexiglas.de �
www.cmtmaterials.com �
www.simona.de
Left: CMT’s Hytac-HTF is a syntactic foam plug-assist material that has a high service temperature
Below: Rohm has developed thermoform- able PLA films for a range of applications
IMAGE: ROHM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
