SHEET MATERIALS | MATERIALS
Going flat out: latest sheet developments
Recent applications of sheet materials include interior components for a new tram, grades designed to compete with injection moulding and a potentially record-breaking speedboat
Sheet materials are used in a multitude of places, from thermoformed packaging to more engineer- ing-based projects such as construction or machin- ery applications. One example of this is Induro from Trinseo – an
engineered continuous cast acrylic capped sheet that has been developed as a more durable replacement for exterior panels. It claims to offer advantages over other exterior
panel materials – such as gel coatings and fibreglass – by enhancing aesthetics, performance, and process- ability. It performs well in demanding environments due to the weather- and UV resistance of acrylic. In comparison to gel coat and fibre-reinforced polyes- ter, it enables hydrocarbon- and emission-free production and streamlines part processing because of the repeatable, consistent caliper thickness throughout the full width of the sheet. “Induro allows manufacturers to deliver a long-lasting finish to their customers,” said Michel Brendel, vice president of global engineered surfaces at Trinseo. “It is used for the largest, most visible parts of a vehicle.” The result of a multi-year development project, Induro helps manufacturers who are looking for a
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more durable material solution. It is uniformly pigmented, providing a more stable and less UV-sensitive colour than traditional materials, and is available in custom colours. The non-fading, non-yellowing characteristics of acrylic make it a long-lasting finish solution for harsh environments, says Trinseo. The multi-layer finish provides good resistance to chalking, which is caused when a surface finish degrades due to extreme weather conditions. It is available in lengths up to 245in (6223mm) and customised widths up to 104in (2642mm).
Tram interior Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler has used Simorail HL3 sheets from Simona to make a range of thermoformed components. The components are used in the interior design
of Stadler’s latest tram – called Tina. The sheets boast a long service life and can be recycled at the end of their product life cycle. With a view to offering a solution that covers all
tram concepts, Stadler was keen to combine flexibility with standardisation when developing its new generation of trams. For tram-operating
November 2023 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 21
Main image: Trinseo has developed Induro – a
continuous cast acrylic capped sheet for exterior panels
IMAGE: BUSINESS WIRE
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