A good idea also raises a lot of questions and we’re there to help you assess the feasibility, costs and manufacturing. Which polymer meets the special requirements of a particular application, which standards have to be considered, what unnecessary cost factors exist and which processing method is the right one?
Make Plastoplan, a leading expert in the field of polymers, part of your product development process from day one and benefit from the extensive experience our technicians have to offer. We know our way around the world of polymers like no one else – we’re the right partner for you.
Material
Finding the right material is the difference between success or failure. If you're just starting the product development phase, let us know and we'll set you up with the right polymer for the job.
Feasibility
One thing is certain: Not every thermopolymer is right for every processing method and the resulting product. Then there's the fact that processing is crucial when it comes to implementing a project or product. So it's all the more important to determine ahead of time which polymer and which method make it possible to create the desired product.
Recycling
Recycling is one of the most complex topics in the world of polymers. It ranges from reprocessing products up to and including preventing waste. But recycling also means thinking about the value of work materials down the road. This is an important, crucial subject when it comes to fulfilling the requirements of the market and the guidelines for one's carbon footprint.
Engineering
To find the right work material for your project early on, having a competent partner at your side from the very beginning is helpful. A partner that will accompany you from the initial idea up to the finished product and will also support you when it comes to feasibility and lab analyses. Creating a win-win situation for both parties is important, after all, competent and strategic engineering are essential when it comes to making the project a reality.
Designing parts
Your product or idea is based on technical prerequisites. The geometry of the parts or tools has to be designed properly for correct processing such as injection moulding, extrusion or 3D printing, Another important factor is finding the right polymer for your application. That's why you need a competent partner to complement your expertise early on in the project phase; a partner to support you step-by-step during the implementation process.
Tool
Not always the most expensive tools are needed to implement a project. Let's talk about your idea and determine the tool requirements. We are also happy to network you and other project partners such as the tool manufacturer or processor.
Integrating functions
Since polymers have been around, it has been possible to combine multiple functions of a part in a single processing step. This can be combined both for parts and materials, whether for device parts with snap-fit joints or parts with metal fixings and a highly specialised design based on their construction in order to fulfil their purpose. These applications are also often implemented with materials associated with thermal or electrical conductivity. It is important to determine the functions and requirements that apply to a component.
Process
In order to manufacture polymer parts, more than just one extruder or injection moulding unit is needed. Highly complicated, complex processes are allocated both upstream and downstream. This includes processes such as logistics, transport, pre-drying, aftertreatment and packaging. It is important that one process is seamlessly linked to the next one and that the individual interfaces such as "quality control and production" work properly and are adequately attuned.
Prototype
With complex and particularly expensive projects, it generally makes sense to assess the feasibility and details of implementation by manufacturing prototypes. One can choose from various approaches, from modelling to 3D printing up to and including one's own prototype tool. We are happy to show you the methods that are right for you and help you implement your prototypes.
Compounding
In many cases, the basic properties of thermoplastic polymers are not sufficient for certain applications. That's when compounding comes into play: Polymers are refined using special additives, fillers and/or reinforcing materials as well as dyes in order to fulfil customer specifications in a tailored, specific manner. Important properties such as strength, fire behaviour, electric or thermal conductivity can be implemented thanks to polymer compounding.
Lab
The quality of polymer granules and components are properly tested and assured as a result. Thanks to our in-house lab, tests can even be performed live at your location. Physical and chemical analyses make it possible to evaluate the quality of polymers and their refinements. As a result, product properties are assured while also performing degradation tests and analysing error patterns.
Training, seminar
Plastoplan can bring the world of polymers closer to you. With training, brainstorming or tailored seminars, we can work together to find ideas for implementing a new project.