SKZ expands expertise in the field of thermosets
Thermosets play a special role in plastics processing - they offer decisive advantages over thermoplastics thanks to their high temperature resistance, mechanical strength and chemical resistance. They are therefore increasingly being used in demanding applications, for example in electrical engineering, the automotive industry or for high-performance components in mechanical engineering. In order to meet the growing demand for thermoset molded parts and actively shape technological development, the SKZ Plastics Center is systematically expanding its expertise in the field of thermoset injection molding.
New injection mold for thermosets and thermoplastics (Photo: Christian Deubel, SKZ)
Flexible tool technology enables a wide range
Thanks to the use of a newly developed and modular injection molding tool, the SKZ is now expanding its range of services in the field of test specimen production. Using two innovative sprue concepts, the tool enables the processing of both thermoplastics and thermosets - a real benefit for research, development and also targeted training for employees of industrial companies that are adding thermosets to their portfolio. The modular tool design enables the production of a total of seven test specimen variants in three different tool inserts, whereby the change between the variants can take place directly on the machine with the tool set up. The entire mold is also media-tempered and the insert packages are fully insulated and thermally separated from the rest of the mold. This ensures rapid heating, energy-optimized operation and very homogeneous temperature distribution. This provides customers with a wide range of practical test and demonstration components for thermosetting molding compounds.
The new thermoset tool and the rheological simulation tools for thermosets provide SKZ customers and researchers with new options for material testing, material characterization and the comparison between simulation and practice.
Further and advanced training for the industry
The injection mold is also used on an ENGEL injection molding machine in the new advanced training course on thermoset injection molding. Companies from the plastics industry can now access a practice-oriented training program that provides specific know-how in the handling and processing of thermoset materials.
"Which material is the right one naturally depends on many factors. Thermosets also had and still have their raison d'être. In order to provide our partners with the best possible support, it is important for us as a training and development partner for the industry to cover all possibilities," says Bernhard Hennrich, Deputy Head of Injection Molding and Additive Manufacturing at SKZ.
With these new options, the SKZ underpins its role as a leading competence center in plastics technology and offers industry partners an even broader range of development, testing and qualification services - including in the demanding field of thermosets.
Further information:
Injection molding – Research & Services
To the new course: Injection molding of thermosets
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