Closed thin-walled duct geometry
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SPE Award 2024 - 5th place in the “enabler technology” category
Closed thin-walled duct geometry
Vehicle manufacturer: Audi AG
Raw material manufacturer: AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH
Machine manufacturer: Engel Austria GmbH
Parts manufacturer: Plastic Innovation GmbH
Other parties involved: Audi AG
This new development offers numerous advantages over previous designs. Compared to double-shell solutions, this method enables thin-walled components to be produced in a single production step, which results in material savings, cost reduction and weight optimization. It also eliminates weld seams, improves structural integrity and increases reliability.
Core of the development
The core of the development lies in projectile technology in combination with fluid injection technology for thin-walled cooling structures that can be seamlessly integrated into structurally integrated components such as bicycle, motorcycle and automotive components. The innovative product and process design makes it possible to guide asymmetrical projectile shapes along the curved flow paths in the process without them tilting or getting stuck. This new approach opens up a wide range of applications in various industrial sectors and offers an efficient solution to the challenge of manufacturing thin-walled components with complex cooling structures.
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Channel geometry
This submission for the SPE Award revolutionizes the production of complex plastic structural components with closed thin-walled channel geometries and constant internal cross-sections. This innovation combines plastic injection molding with fluid and projectile injection technology to efficiently produce this channel geometry. This leads to improved functional integration and rigidity in large-scale production.
Technical, economic and ecological advantages
The developments of ENGEL AUSTRIA GmbH offer the following advantages:
Technical advantages
Reduced complexity: Less effort in production.
Optimized production process: Higher efficiency and precision.
Facilitated recycling: Better material separation and flow.Economic advantages
More efficient production: Lower production costs, higher competitiveness.
Improved profitability: Lower operating costs, higher profitability.
Circular economy: Long-term cost savings, new business opportunities.Environmental benefits
Sustainability: Reduced energy consumption, less waste.
Circular economy: Promotion of the recycling of materials.
Positive environmental impact: Reduced emissions, better environmental protection.
ENGEL's technologies contribute to more efficient and sustainable production, offering both economic and environmental benefits.