Bookmark 10-10-2016

Mass Production of Honeycomb-Core Sandwich Materials

EconCore

Honeycomb-core sandwich panel manufactured by ThermHex technology (© EconCore)

Thermoplastic sandwich panels are used as replacements for metals for weight reduction in cars or in the construction industry because of their impressive mechanical properties with minimum use of materials and resources. With ThermHex technology, EconCore N. V., Leuven, Belgium, offers a process for continuous manufacture of honeycomb-core sandwich panels and components, which is claimed to permit the use of sandwich panels, even in cost-sensitive applications.

For the continuous production of honeycomb cores, a thermoplastic film is extruded, formed by vacuum rotation and subsequently folded to form a honeycomb core. The process can operate with thermoplastics, such as PP, PET or PC, and also permits the inline lamination of thermoplastic skins on the honeycomb core.

However, composites, wood-based materials, aluminum or steel can also be applied in a second step. According to the manufacturer, the production of complete sandwich panels by means of integrated skin lamination can achieve significant cost savings by optimum process integration, and thereby meets the requirements of the automotive, construction and packaging industry for low production costs at a high production rate.

Hall 8a, booth C37