The technology of polyurethane foaming today offers indispensable solutions in many industries. This article explains how soft, hard and integral polyurethane foams are used in refrigeration, furniture and other industrial applications. We describe the various technological solutions as well as the possibilities of post-processing that make polyurethane foaming an innovative and efficient solution for modern industry.
Modern industrial solutions are constantly evolving to keep up with changing market demands. Polyurethane foaming technology plays a prominent role in this process, offering solutions in many industries, from thermal insulation to vibration damping. We present the different areas and applications of polyurethane foaming, through which we contribute to increasing the efficiency of the industry and achieving sustainability goals.
Soft Polyurethane Foaming: Convenient and Effective Solutions
Soft polyurethane foaming finds application in many areas, especially where comfort and vibration damping are essential requirements. For example, motor mount inserts for household appliances such as vacuum cleaners are often made of polyurethane foam to absorb vibrations generated during operation. In addition, cleaning sponges and bed mattresses are made of such material, ensuring durability and comfort. It is also used in the automotive and furniture industry, for example, as an upholstery moulded foam.
Hard polyurethane foaming: durable and effective insulation
The technology of hard polyurethane foaming offers many applications from the construction industry to the refrigeration industry. Insulating hard foams of various densities (insulator with a density of 34-38 kg/m3 or wood hardness with a density of 180-220 kg/m3), which are also used in refrigerated cabinets and decorative elements for construction, have excellent thermal insulation properties and contribute to energy saving. In addition, the production of logistics trays, beehives and thermal insulation pipe shells is also realized through this technology.
Integral polyurethane foaming: for a wide range of industrial applications
Integral polyurethane foaming also offers opportunities for special applications such as furniture and automotive seats, fitness machine parts and special packaging solutions. Due to their special vibration-damping and sound-absorbing properties, integral foams are also ideal for internal insulation of machine covers.
Coloring of foamed products
The technology of colouring foams can be coloured in the material, varnished during foaming with IMC technology and painting after foaming
Foaming surface reactions
Mould foaming in a mould
Foaming with a mould separator is a widespread technology, especially in the furniture and automotive industries. During the foaming process, this material fills the entire cavity of the tool, and then, when tied, creates the desired shape, but it is easily removed from the mold. The foam does not stick to the tool.
Foaming inside a finished product
Foaming inside or on the surface of the finished product is used, for example, in the manufacture of refrigerators. In this case, the foam is introduced into the interior of the finished product or between the cladding and the inner wall, where it fills all the available space. This technology is especially effective in terms of thermal insulation, since the foam fills every small gap, ensuring proper thermal insulation of the product.
Foaming onto the surface of a finished product
We use a mix of mould-release and foaming inside the finished product. So there are places where the foam sticks to the finished product, and there are places where it detaches from the tool.
Subsequent machining
After foaming, further processing steps may be required on the finished product. Several types of post-processing, confectioning: removal of excess foam painting, cutting, cutting, punching.
Custom tool design and manufacturing
Our own technology allows us to make tools from plastic and metal-filled resins, machined aluminum materials. We can take into account the temperability of tools, foam material and air flow. We also design and manufacture the pneumatic and hydraulic actuation.
Design and manufacture of metal and plastic stiffening and connection products placed inside foams
We have our own metal stiffening insert production capacity, laser cutting, welding and edge bending. We can place slap-welded elements, pems and dowels in the metal elements, thus solving the connection of foam elements. We have our own plastic sheet and polystyrene shaped foam production capacity.
The future of polyurethane foaming
Polyurethane foaming technology provides innovative solutions for many industries, be it thermal insulation, vibration damping or special forming needs. Our company is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality and we are constantly improving our technologies to meet modern industry requirements.
If you would like to take advantage of the potential of polyurethane foaming technology, contact us and together we will find the best solutions for your industrial needs.