Molded fiber part
A molded fiber part is a technical component made from fiber material . Typical areas of application are egg cartons and support inserts in shoes.
Manufacturing
Four to five steps are necessary to manufacture the material.
Pulp preparation
Paper and cardboard waste is broken up in a pulper and then pumped into a thick matter tank. Then the thick matter is diluted to approx. 6% via a control system and passed on to the work tank.
Ladle frame
The vertically working scooping frames with the tools are immersed in the working vat with the mixture of substances. The tool sucks the mixture of substances over the sieves by means of a vacuum . Fibers are retained by the sieves and thus build up the molded part. After surfacing, the molded parts are removed from the sieve using a counter-mold and a vacuum and placed on the drying section.
Drying section
The drying section consists of a grid-like conveyor belt , which enables air permeability. Drying hoods blow heated air onto the molded parts using liquid gas. The drying temperature is set according to the final dry content. The final moisture content of the molded parts is approx. 5%. At the end of the drying section, the molded parts are removed and placed on pallets accordingly .
Form press and punch
Depending on the desired properties, the molded parts can be re-pressed. The fitting accuracy of the molded parts is stabilized and fixed in a press under the influence of heat. Any additional embossing and perforations are incorporated.
Finishing
Special colors and surface properties through flocking are possible, as well as achieving a velvety surface through viscose or polyamide fiber flocking.
use
For the most part, molded fiber parts are used in the food industry to protect easily breakable foods. Molded fiber parts are also used as sound insulation or incorporated into floors for footfall insulation. Molded fiber parts are also used in medicine. You can find them there as collecting containers, carrier dishes and also as urine and kidney dishes . They are also used in industry as pressure pads, form-fitting protective packaging, shoe trees and battery pads. In appearance, molded fiber parts resemble egg cartons . However, molded fiber parts can be refined with textiles, whereby the appearance is reminiscent of velvet covers.
Advantages of molded fiber parts
Like other paper waste, molded fiber parts can be recycled . In addition to good loading properties, they also have low storage and transport costs as they can be easily stacked. Since molded fiber parts are made from recycled materials, the manufacturing costs are lower than those of competing products such as Styrofoam . Molded fiber parts are particularly characterized by the following features:
- The strength of a molded fiber part can be adjusted structurally and through the selection of fibers.
- Molded fiber parts are delivered nested into one another to reduce their volume.
- All additives known from the paper industry can be incorporated into a molded fiber part.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento of the original dated February 7, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
