Polymer Processes

Question 1

What is vacuum forming

Answer 1

Mass production - mould is clamped onto a platen, polymer is heated up, then the mould is pushed into the polymer, the a vacuum is activated sucking into the mould creating the product

Question 2

What is calendaring

Answer 2

Continuous production - extruded polymer between a series of heated rollers, creating. A film or sheet

Question 3

What is line bending

Answer 3

One off / limited production - a polymer is heated over a specific line, allowing for it to be later bent

Question 4

What is lamination

Answer 4

Layer of gel coat, followed by a fibreglass matting are applied, can be repeated until desired thickness is achieved

Question 5

What is injection moulding

Answer 5

Large scale / mass production Heated polymer is injected into a mould using a hydraulic ram

Question 6

What is blow moulding

Answer 6

Continuous production - polymer is heated and extruded as a tube into the mould, which is then injected with air, creating the product

Question 7

What is rotational moulding

Answer 7

Large scale / mass production - heated polymer is slowly rotated on two axis, spreading everywhere within the mould using gravity, once required thickness is achieved product is cooled

Question 8

What is extrusion

Answer 8

Heated polymer granules are extruded through a steel die using an Archimedean screw