Membrane assisted moulding

Important results from the project

The goal of “Evaluating and assessing the potential of an idea of an alternative method of moulding PUR foam that can significantly increase the competitiveness of composite-based sandwich products” has been met by evaluating the access and cost of possible membranes, and through experimental tools conducted trial experiments where different types of membranes were tested. A decision basis has been created for which types of applications the technology is suitable for, as well as suppliers of suitable membrane materials.

Expected long term effects

The results in the form of qualitative assessments of moulding experiments with different membranes in experimental tools have raised the level of knowledge from the lab scale to how the technology can be utilized in full scale and which product geometries are suitable for the technique. Expected effects of the project are that the technology can be used for commercial use and thereby contribute to increased competitiveness for molded parts. In addition, the technology contributes to reduced use of solvents when release agents are replaced.

Approach and implementation

The work has included investigating access and costs for various possible membrane types as well as procurement of membranes for testing. Concepts for managing elastic membranes near the tool have been developed and verified. Process experiments have been carried out in an experimental tool and the results have been qualitatively evaluated.