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Content archived on 2024-06-16

The closed loop, active control of reaction dynamics, through dielectric monitoring, enabling greater competitiveness of the European SME Plastics processing community

Objective

The technology to be developed will directly impact on the thermoplastic processing sector and more specifically in thermoplastic reaction injection moulding (RIM). Work will focus on Nylon and CBT. This technology will impact on the 1,100 moulders in Euro pe. A core process technology will be developed to significantly add to the competitiveness of the SME community, providing increased knowledge to enable them to compete on a global basis. The technology will use innovative dielectric sensors to monitor an d control the reaction kinetics of the polymerisation process to reduce the in-mould cure cycle from 3-4 mins to 45s. This will be achieved by the development of innovative and novel control systems and increased scientific understanding, enabling the cont rolled advancement of the polymerisation process and the viscosity of the polymer within the mixer, so that on injection, a mould residence time of only 45s is required to complete polymerisation and demould the part. This technology will enable: Significa nt reductions in cycle time through mould residence times of 45s instead of 3 mins Three fold greater machine output The control and reduction of polymer viscosity (over traditional manufacturing methods) enabling 50% lower machine clamp pressures through the reduced forces involved Significantly lower capital investment (40%) through the use of smaller machines Manufacture of 50% larger parts for the same machine size Reduced energy usage in compliance with the proposed directive on ?Energy, End-use Effici ency and Energy Services (COM (2003) 739 Final), equivalent to 4m tonnes of energy p.a. The placement of preforms within the mould tool, due to the low-pressure of injection that can be accurately tailored to achieve the desired engineering properties savi ng on material scrap of 8% The market size for RIM is estimated to be ?700M p.a. in Europe in 2008. The rest of the world is estimated to be ?1300M making a total world market of ?2Bn.

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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FP6-2003-SME-2
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Funding Scheme

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Collective - SMEs-Collective research projects

Coordinator

COMPOSITES UK LIMITED
EU contribution
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Total cost

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Participants (11)

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