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!
CN
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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