Thermal solutions for almost any material
Modern heating and cooling platens are highly versatile and enable the thermal processing of numerous materials across various industries. The key materials we work with include:
- Wood-based materials
- Polyurethane
- Natural fibres (such as flax)
- Carbon
- Honeycombs
- Veneers
- Composites
- Thermoplastics
- Solid surface materials:
- Corian® by DuPont
- Hi-Macs® by LX Hausys
- Staron® by Lotte Chemical
- Krion® by Porcelanosa
- Hanex® by Hyundai
- Avonite® by Aristech
- Prepreg
- Sandwich panels
- Solar panels
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Challenges during processing
When processing modern materials, many different factors must be considered to achieve the best possible result. Our experienced team is well versed in this:
Precise temperature control
- Many materials have narrow temperature tolerances – excessive heating can cause unwanted warping or loss of quality.
- Exact regulation of the heating and cooling zones is essential to minimise this.
Even heat distribution
- Large components or plates require uniform heating to avoid thermal distortions.
- Innovative heating technologies (such as hybrid heating platens with zone-specific control) address this issue.
Thermal expansion & material stress
- Different materials expand at varying rates. This poses problems, especially with composites.
- Special cooling processes and slow cooling cycles are necessary to prevent cracking or delamination.
Process speed & energy efficiency
- Industrial processes must run efficiently without prolonged heating or cooling times.
- Advanced control technology helps reduce energy consumption.
Adhesion & surface quality
- Especially with plastics and wood materials, the correct combination of pressure, temperature and time plays a key role in achieving a perfect surface quality.
- Vacuum technologies or special coatings on the heating platens prevent unwanted sticking.
