MOULDTEX

MOULDTEX

Methodology polymeric components

Polymeric seals are essential components in almost all industrial mechanical processes that allow effective containment and movement of liquids and gases in extreme environments. Friction is intrinsically related to seal performance. High friction accelerates seal wear, which can lead to leakage and/or premature component failure, and increases the energy consumption of industrial processes.

Efficient and circular industry

Problem

The project will develop and demonstrate a novel methodology for the design and manufacture of high volume polymeric components with textured surfaces, which will be designed according to the operating conditions of each particular component.

The (micro-) texturing technique is a technique applied to surfaces for the reduction of friction in lubricated rigid materials such as metallic or ceramic materials. Recently this technique has been applied to polymeric and elastomeric materials at laboratory level and its efficiency has been demonstrated.

Results

The resulting design will achieve >20% friction reduction for <10% extra cost. This innovative methodology combines:

  • An advanced modeling software for the identification of surface texture patterns that lead to significant friction reduction in plastic and rubber applications and components.
  • A mold component design software that allows proper transfer of the mold texture pattern to the component surface.
  • An innovative automated laser system for the application of hierarchical laser-induced micro-texture hierarchical patterns on the mold surface.
  • Good practices for molding and demolding using molds with textured surfaces.
  • In-line optical inspection for quality control of the surface texture pattern.

The project will establish three lines of demonstration of the methodology applied to: 1) the design and manufacture of molds and the design and manufacture of 2) rotary joints for use in engines and 3) reciprocating seals for industrial processes.

Applied technological solutions

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