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Content archived on 2024-05-29

Development of innovative high performance anodised aluminium moulding tools for the thermoplastic processing sector to achieve competitive advantage

Objective

The use of aluminium mould tools for thermoplastic processing is becoming increasingly popular within the EU: driven by cost, reduced cycle times, reduced lead times and reduced energy cost. The growth rates for aluminium tools for thermoplastic processing applications are expected to increase significantly over the next few years. However, limitations of aluminium tools in regards to their corrosion, wear and abrasion resistance have prevented even greater up-take. Traditional anodising technologies (that produce surfaces with regular pore structures) have failed to overcome these limitations as the surfaces produced develop micro-cracks under mechanical or thermal strain (at temperatures as low as 200oC), leading to reduction in the wear resistance, corrosion resistance and other properties. Two innovative technologies have been developed by UK SMEs anodisers that allow for the production of anodised surfaces that prevent micro-crack formation and can make possible the production of aluminium tools that have wear resistance better than that of steel with cyclic heat resistance up to 500oC and, in addition, very high thermal emissivity. The proposed project aims to develop these technologies for the manufacture of aluminium tools (with optimised mechanical and thermal properties) for thermoplastics processing applications. The main objective of the project is to develop pre-competitive, innovative anodised aluminium mould tools for Injection moulding, blow moulding and rotational moulding. These moulds will have surface mechanical and thermal properties, exceeding those presently on the market in regards: """" Wear resistance. """" Thermal Emissivity. """" Corrosion resistance. If the project objectives are achieved then the SME participants will obtain a technological edge leading to increased competitiveness. In-line with the objectives of the EU and Framework 6, the product and process developed will contribute towards sustainable manufacturing."

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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Cooperative - SMEs-Co-operative research contracts

Coordinator

RAPRA TECHNOLOGY LTD
EU contribution
No data
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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Participants (11)

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