Thermoplastic processing

 

It is easy to use Expancel! You don't need expensive equipment or licenses – you just add it. Preferably use our masterbatch specifically made for thermoplastic processing.

Injection molding
The density can be reduced significantly in injection molding by addition of expandable microspheres. Density reductions between 10 percent and 30 percent are common. Microspheres are frequently used in e.g. shoe soles and synthetic wine stoppers. 

Extrusion
You can use Expancel in almost every kind of extrusion line. It is generally even easier to reach good expansion in extrusion compared to injection molding. Profiles, hoses, sheets and cables are some examples of extruded products where microspheres are used with good result.

Thermoforming
The expanded microspheres will survive the thermoforming step and give you a nicely foamed product. Both thin an thick sheets, foamed with Expancel, of e.g. PS and PP are feasible to thermoform. 

Blow molding
You can make foamed parts by blow molding processes but adjustments might be needed on the blow pressure in order to reach really low densities.

Calendering
Nicely foamed sheets of e.g. PVC can be produced in calendering processes.