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Saturday, March 8, 2014

Understanding What Structural Foam Is

By Jaclyn Hurley


Structural foam is a term that is commonly used to refer to thermoplastic injection molding. These are components that have been made from the molding process and which tend to have core that is cellular. A cellular surface is one where the outer surface is usually denser than the accompanying inner layers.

In order to produce this particular type of plastic, there are several materials that are combined together in order to give the end result. Some of the resulting products will include business machine chassis. Point of sale displays are also manufactured or produced using application of a similar method.

Production can be done using any one of four main methods. The main methods include use of low pressure, combination of different molding tools, and even conventional molding tools. Typical molding process can also be used during the production phase.

The low pressure process involves the use of dedicated injection machines. This machine will introduce a stream of gas in to the plastic that has already been melted. Once it has been injected in to the mold closed tool, it will subsequently form the material of that particular component that is being produced.

Molding machines can also be used in production of these types of plastics. When using these machines, blowing agents are going to be introduced in to all the materials that are being used in production. The heat emanating from the melted plastic makes all the agents to combine and react resulting in formation of plastic.

Another method that is often used is that of typical moldings. The typical moldings are in many cases used in producing larger components. Even though the method is effective, its main drawback is that the resulting products tend to have a surface that is rough and quite streaky.

Mold tools can be made in to lighter grade materials using low cavity pressure fill. The materials will often include items such as cast aluminum and cast steel. Due to this, the costs associated with this process are much cheaper as compared to the other methods.

Using this kind of foam will have its own set of benefits to the user. The major benefit is that this product can be used in place of traditional materials such as wood, metal and even fiber glass. The replacement is achieved at a very minimal cost and will also see an improvement in productivity.

Structural molding has its own set of benefits to those who choose to use it. This is a process that leads to production of very sturdy and thick items. In addition to being strong, all end products can be recycled and used again in production of other components.

Another advantage is seen in the type of machines that are used. The systems commonly known as front runner systems are easier to adjust allowing for different types of flows. They can also be assembled and dissembled very quickly. All this is done with the intention of meeting the different types of part requirements in place.




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