REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY FOR MOULDING, TOOLING AND CUBING
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Casted close contour blocks made of PU up to 3×2×1,5m
MATERIAL
The block casting resins developed by Sika are used for the CUBES process, the quality of which is based on the tried and tested SikaBlock® types. Cubes has a range of PU systems that cover a wide range of applications with densities from 0,80 bis 1,60 g/cm³. While the blocks with a density of <1 kg / dm³ are mainly used for design / styling / cubing models and light shapes, the blocks with a density of 1.2 kg / dm³ are used as resistant tools in foundry model making, prepreg technology and more other forms their use.
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We have paid special attention to the good workability of the material. This means that long chips are formed during milling and dust formation is minimised. Special bonus: The material is non-porous, which enables both wet milling and use as a direct tool in the autoclave. The exact material properties of the newly used SIKA material are as individual as the approximated 3D raw models themselves.
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ADVANTAGES OF THE CUBES-TECHNOLOGY
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Low dust formation
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Wet milling possible
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Autoclavable up to 55°C/7 bar (with density 1.60 g/cm³)
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Individual material properties
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100% free of inner tensions (24h tempered)
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Homogenous materials
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100% quality ensured
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CAD models for CNC milling
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QUALITY
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Quality assurance is a key element in our production process. Every single model we produce is tested regarding its chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties. A quality assurance report is automatically delivered together with the produced parts to ensure 100% desired quality.
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Chemical and Thermal Properties
DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) measurements are used to determine thermal und chemical properties of our materials. From the DSC curves the thermal resistance (Tg) can be obtained directly and casting defects can be seen respectively. This way we can make sure our customers can rely on the specified heat resistance.
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of the CUBES material are checked with DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) measurements. By measuring the storage modulus G’ and the loss modulus G’’ it is possible to determine the viscoelastic properties of the material, making direct conclusions about other mechanical properties possible.
3D Scan
With a 3D scanner, we produce a scatter plot of the scanned part. This plot can be mathematically transformed into a digital 3D model, which will then be compared to the desired shape. A maximum deviation is directly visible, making potential adaptions in the milling process possible. However, in general the minimum offset of 10 mm ensures enough material reserves to compensate deviations caused by naturally occurring processes such as shrinking.
Material data sheet CPU 0800 to 1600
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variable blank density of 0.80 to 1.60 g/cc
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Near-net-shape blanks for mold and gauge construction as well as models, also with low wall thickness
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lower density range: face layers for sheet metal drawing tools and foundry models
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medium density range: tapping models, gauges, vacuum forming moulds, foundry models,
RIM tools -
upper density range: backfill and cores for sheet metal drawing tools and foundry patterns, gauges, RIM tools
Series casting of finished parts
A CO2 environmental study, prepared by Martin Hettegger, student at the University of Leoben, impressively shows that our CUBES process, with CO2 emissions of approx. 0.178 kg CO2 per litre of material, is by far more environmentally friendly than conventional PU manufacturing processes. With the equivalent of 1.208 kg CO2 per litre of material, polystyrene casting is 7 times more environmentally harmful than the CUBES process. The panel gluing process with approx. 0.419 kg CO2 per litre of material also causes 2.5 times more CO2 emissions than our CUBES technology.
