Structural foam molding is a method of making plastics that are capable of withstanding a lot of pressure. These are made using a low pressure injection process. This product is capable of producing large structural parts such as walls for buildings. It is light in weight but has all the characteristics of plastics.
The process involves mixing molten plastic with a gas, usually nitrogen. The gas is blown at a high pressure into the molten fluid. This causes the plastic to foam due to presence of air bubbles in it. The end product will be lighter in weight due to reduced density. However, it will still have the characteristics of normal plastic, in terms of strength.
This mixture is then poured on mold. After cooling, the desired object is obtained, based on the shape of the mold. As with every other material, it reduces in size after cooling. This shrinking is taken care of when making the mold, such that it becomes slightly larger than the object you want to make.
The foamed plastic forms a smooth solid skin on the surface. This is what makes it strong just like normal plastic. However, as the core remains foamed, it weighs significantly lower. It will also be thicker and can thus withstand a lot of pressure. Another advantage is that it can be made from recycled plastic.
Due to its strength, this material is replacing concrete and wood in building. The overall cost of construction becomes much lower. As it does not require treatment, like concrete, the construction will be done faster thus saving time. Because of its low weight, it can be easily transported.
The advantages of structural foam over the conventional plastics are so many. This has made it popular especially to contractors as well as manufacturers. It is thus important to study it especially for people who deal with plastics.
The process involves mixing molten plastic with a gas, usually nitrogen. The gas is blown at a high pressure into the molten fluid. This causes the plastic to foam due to presence of air bubbles in it. The end product will be lighter in weight due to reduced density. However, it will still have the characteristics of normal plastic, in terms of strength.
This mixture is then poured on mold. After cooling, the desired object is obtained, based on the shape of the mold. As with every other material, it reduces in size after cooling. This shrinking is taken care of when making the mold, such that it becomes slightly larger than the object you want to make.
The foamed plastic forms a smooth solid skin on the surface. This is what makes it strong just like normal plastic. However, as the core remains foamed, it weighs significantly lower. It will also be thicker and can thus withstand a lot of pressure. Another advantage is that it can be made from recycled plastic.
Due to its strength, this material is replacing concrete and wood in building. The overall cost of construction becomes much lower. As it does not require treatment, like concrete, the construction will be done faster thus saving time. Because of its low weight, it can be easily transported.
The advantages of structural foam over the conventional plastics are so many. This has made it popular especially to contractors as well as manufacturers. It is thus important to study it especially for people who deal with plastics.
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