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Untitled Document
Tooling
MECH System
ÉireComposites has developed and patented a revolutionary new method
of heating and cooling moulds, MECH (Mould Efficient Cooling and Heating), which
replaces traditional inefficient ovens and cooling systems, and offers a cost
effective method of processing a wide range of Thermoplastic Composite materials.The
company has developed a highly efficient heating system that applies electrical
heating directly to the location on the mould where it is required. Cooling
channels constructed on top of the heating system allows a high volume of conditioned
air to be blown over the mould surface for rapid cooling. It is ideally suitable
for heating moulds with very large surface areas. Combined with our high temperature
composite mould materials, processing temperatures up to 400oC can
be achieved.
How MECH works
The production of a MECH mould begins with a shell constructed from steel, aluminium
or any of the usual materials used by the plastics/composites industry. Customized
heating panels are manufactured to fit tightly against the outer surface. An
outer cover is constructed with cooling channels, which holds all the system
together.
The heating panels are inter-connected in such a way as to maximize their heating
power. Electrical heat is controlled by an external temperature controller.
During cooling compressed air is connected to a series of Venturi air movers
which blows a very high volume of conditioned air over the entire outer surface
of the mould which reduces the temperature rapidly. Cooling fans can also be
used to speed up the cycle time.
The Advantages of using MECH
1. Energy costs can be reduced by as much as 80%.
2. The operators working environment is considerably enhanced by reduced temperatures,
noise and the elimination of movement of moulds into ovens.
3. Maintenance costs are reduced as troublesome ovens and coolers are no longer
required in addition to the fact that equipment will not suffer from metal fatigue
as a result of being constantly exposed to large temperature fluctuations.
4. New grades of thermoplastics / composites can be processed cost effectively.
5. Electronic equipment can now be used to monitor temperatures, in real time,
a feature, which was not possible in an oven.
MECH is currently been used for a wide range of applications including:
1. Automotive parts
2. Wind Blades
3. Marine
MECH allows greater flexibility in the design of products, larger parts can
be moulded without the need for special handling equipment associated with movement
of large moulds in and out of ovens.
Composites Tooling
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