EnkaSpacer

High-performance flow medium for injection molding

Composite materials have become a vital part of the design of a variety of means of transportation. The automotive industry relies on composites to reduce vehicle weight, improve vehicle performance and reduce CO2 emissions. An increasing number of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers are specifying EnkaSpacer flow media for their polyurethane foam injection-moulding processes. Time and again the flow medium has proven that it facilitates the manufacture of reproducible high-quality finished components while shortening production cycles. Suitable for application in combination with a variety of foams, EnkaSpacer is used for example in interior panels, dashboards and underbody shields. And the sport equipment industry has also become a frequent buyer of this flow medium.

This is EnkaSpacer

EnkaSpacer flow media are flexible, open-structured three-dimensional mattings. They can be produced from a range of different polymers. The flow medium consists of monofilaments which are thermally bonded together where they cross. EnkaSpacer provides over 95 % of void space.

Depending on the requirements of the specific molding process and finished composite part, the matting can be delivered in different stiffnesses, shapes and thicknesses. Zig-zag and pyramid-shaped configurations are among the most widely applied EnkaSpacer variants.

Spacing achievable with the standard product portfolio ranges between 4 mm and 20 mm.

How EnkaSpacer is used in injection molding processes

Foam injection molding is a popular process applied throughout a number of industries. The automotive sector is one of the most popular examples. When used in combination with fibreglass reinforcement and decorative skins, complex lightweight parts can be produced economically. For more than 30 years EnkaSpacer has delivered an unrivalled performance in the production of such foam-cored composite parts. Because of its compression-resistant, yet flexible structure, the spacer completely fills even the most complex mold cavities with varying thicknesses. Here it acts as a spring and pushes the fiberglass reinforcement as well as the composite skin to the outer edges of the mold. It holds them in the correct position throughout the mold process. Its open, yet resilient structure lets the foam flow freely. EnkaSpacer ensures that the skins, fiberglass and core are fully wetted out. The product is one of the fastest foam-flow media available in the market today. It helps composite-part makers significantly reduce production time while enhancing the properties of the finished part. In many designs, EnkaSpacer improves its flexural strength and modulus of the part.

What makes EnkaSpacer the ideal flow medium for foam injection molding?

Features:

  • Compression resistant, yet very flexible
  • Different grades of stiffness available
  • Product variants available made of a great variety of polymers
  • High heat resistance
  • Outstanding impact strength
  • Excellent tensile strength

Benefits:

  • Simple to use (no special equipment required)
  • Does not require pre-molding
  • Safeguards fast and regular flow of PU foam
  • Avoids the inclusion of air
  • Can be applied in strongly contoured parts
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    ENKA®SPACER
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Where to buy EnkaSpacer (Contact your nearest office)
China
Sales office
No.9 Xingtang West Road, Chunjiang Zhen, New District 213034 Changzhou, China
Netherlands
Sales, Manufacturing EnkaGrid & R&D
Westervoortsedijk 73,
6827 AV Arnhem,
The Netherlands
USA
Sales, Manufacturing & R&D
1301 Sand Hill Rd, Enka,
NC 28728,
United States