Cooperation: T. Michel Formenbau
Open for new applications!
Particle Foam Industry profits from cooperation between T. Michel Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG and Kurtz GmbH
T. Michel Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG and Kurtz GmbH are providing the particle foam processing industry with important impulses through their “open innovation” cooperation. An essential success factor for the development platform is a Kurtz Moulding Machine specially configured for the requirements, with which the Rhineland-Palatinate company T. Michel Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG, a specialist in particle foaming tools and process and component development, is successfully advancing various development projects to series maturity.
“We have received far more than a standard machine from the world market leader in particle foam processing: Kurtz GmbH has perfectly implemented our wishes from the specifications – for example regarding press table, load, accuracy, control and connection to the laboratory equipment. In the end, we have created a super-efficient system that opens up completely new possibilities and is very well received by our customers,” says Thorsten Michel.
The T. Michel Managing Director was also convinced by the flexibility of the automatic moulding machine – with an operating pressure of up to 5 bar, all types of EPP can be processed by in-mould skinning, skin moulding or insert moulding. Further advantages: optimised valve technology for exact reproducibility, fast mould change, maximum freedom in process engineering. Always combined with the shortest cycle times, lowest energy consumption and long maintenance intervals.
The application of special laser textures to tool surfaces in reproducible top quality is also becoming increasingly popular. This is where T. Michel Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG has developed a unique selling proposition. “Starting in 2010, the finishing of surfaces by laser was added. Within three years we have succeeded in changing a popcorn surface in such a way that it can also be used as a design element – in combination with the Kurtz Machine we achieve absolute top results here,” says T. Michel boss Thorsten Michel.
Lightweight, insulating, crash absorbing, optical highlight
There are no residues in the process, which has been refined down to the smallest detail, the particle foam does not get stuck and the demoulding process functions smoothly. The finished products are lightweight, insulating, crash absorbing and, thanks to a refined surface, also an optical highlight – precisely the requirements that have long been an absolute must in automotive engineering and even more so in electromobility. Several automotive development projects are about to go into production. Each tool developed in-house contains complex process details, including static calculations, material validation, surface scratch tests, measurement reports and declarations of no objection. The “open innovation” from the cooperation of T. Michel Formenbau GmbH & Co. KG and Kurtz GmbH will continue to be the lightweight and stable foundation for optimally shaping existing and future plastics. In Germany, Europe or worldwide.
