Cannon Twin Sheet forming is the preferred manufacturing technology for the most complex fuel tanks : it allows for the positioning of numerous components and reinforcing beams within the tank , prior to the bonding of the two half shells .
to inside surfaces of each of the sheets . A closed-loop “ live ” heating control system controls heaters output in real time ensuring the temperature of the sheets , cycle to cycle , is within 2 ° C . The heaters are divided into several zones per sheet to ensure each zone follows the target temperature throughout the process .
CN : Definitely promising applications indeed . Did you supply something else recently for Automotive applications ? ZR : I can reply to your question only by hiding numerous details , due to the stringent confidentiality agreements signed with our major clients , but the fuel tank experience continues successfully for Cannon Ergos ! Very advanced fuel tanks are mass-produced for several years using our Twin Sheet technology . With our solutions it ' s possible to bond , firmly and quickly , two thick sheets of co-extruded thermoplastics made out of 6 or 7 different layers . We are currently supplying the third generation of complete moulding plants for fuel tanks .
The new fuel tanks are specifically made for electric vehicles . These are either PHEV ( Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ) or BEV ( Battery Electric Vehicles with extended range Internal Combustion Engines ), and their tanks are technologically different . In both types of EV the interruption of the flow of fuel – which occurs when the vehicle is running with the electric engine – temporarily seals the tank . This might cause implosion problems in case of a sudden drop of the external temperature , requiring a reinforcing pillar between the upper and the lower tank walls .
Our first two generations of Twin Sheet thermoformers already gave ample options for the quick and precise positioning of inserts – such as fuel pump , levels , valves etc . – within the tank prior to the bonding operation of two thermoformed half shells . The reinforcing pillar required for these new tanks compounded the robotised positioning problem . This demanded a further engineering effort to our specialists , to allow for fast , automatic and safe sequence of operations with our new equipment . The Twin Sheet thermoforming technology offers major advantages over blow moulding for these sophisticated , complex reservoirs full of electrical and electronic parts . It is much more difficult to fit them all , plus a reinforcing beam , in a plastic tank using another automated processing technology ! The fuel tanks made with our turnkey plants are supplied to a major German Car maker , and please do not ask for more information because I can ' t add another word on this subject !
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CN : Enough with the confidential subjects , then . Which are the most common end uses for a Twin Sheet thermoformed part ? ZR : Numerous products can be made with a Cannon Twin Sheet thermoformer , for applications that can vary from automotive , industrial transportation , marine , aerospace , refrigeration , leisure and packaging . As an example , amongst many available , these hollow elements can be easily filled with a rigid , expanded Polyurethane foam to provide efficient thermal insulation to large refrigerated display cases for supermarkets , ice cream parlours and shops .
CN : Thank you for your time : any further message for our readers interested in this speciality of thermoforming ? ZR : Sure ! Thinking of Twin Sheet ? Think Cannon – We Know How !
Thermoformers Flash News
A VARIETY OF THERMOFORMERS FOR DIFFERENT INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS BY CANNON ERGOS , CONFIRMING THE C O M PA N Y ' S AT T I T U D E TO D E V E LO P C O M P L E X ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FOR THERMOPLASTIC AND THERMOSETTING MATERIALS . WE SUMMARISE THE MOST INTERESTING ONES IN THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS .
The steady manufacture of single station machines constitutes the daily activity of Cannon Ergos Thermoforming Division . Built in various sizes and configurations , these machines cover most of the market ' s demand for industrial thermoformers in five continents . Here are a few examples of the variety of applications .
In Portugal … To thermoform the large base structure for camping tents to be mounted on the roof of a car , a Portuguese manufacturer ordered to Cannon Ergos one CREA 3020 – 06 machine .
With a max forming area of 3 by 2 m this full electric machine , delivered in August 2016 , provides a fast cycle and a completely automated process , at a very competitive price .
In Canada … Another CREA machine , a 2015 – 08 model , has been purchased by an existing Canadian client producing commercial refrigerators . Featuring a max forming area of 2 by 1.5 m , this fullelectric machine is fitted with the Patented TRIPLO system to adjust the plates , automatic loading and unloading , precise low-inertia halogen heaters with closed-loop control of the temperatures . Already a customer for other type of equipment , this Company confirmed their loyalty to Cannon thanks to the excellent service and the competitive prices always received .
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