El-Bo Produktion is Denmark's leading composite mould, industrial model and sandwich panel manufacturer with particular expertise in the marine, wind energy and automotive industries. For many years, the company has worked closely with Huntsman Advanced Materials on seamless modelling pastes suitable for a range of applications, including the very particular demands of the marine modelling industry.
This has resulted in a range of cost-effective epoxy SMPs, including those suitable for fast extrusion via CNC machines for the rapid production of large models and plugs up to 36m in length, as well as a high temperature SMP with a heat deflection capacity of up to 200oC for high temperature resistant tools. Now, the most recent addition to the RenPaste SMP range, RenPaste 4666 has been used by El-Bo Produktion for the concept scale model of a new 12m (40ft) sailing boat.
El-Bo Produktion worked from CAD data and used its computer controlled CNC cutting facility to produce a 1:12 scale model of the boat's substructure from a block of lightweight expanded polyurethane foam.
RenPaste 4666 modelling paste was then applied by machine using computer controlled extrusion technology in a 20mm layer over the foam substructure. Once cured at room temperature, the paste model was then milled back to 8mm using a 5-axis CNC milling machine to give a final smooth surface finish.
The model was then field tested, prior to full customer approval.
"We use RenPaste materials for a range of applications from small scale models like this to full size parts for automotive, marine and wing energy applications," said Bo Vinter Poulson, Managing Director at El-Bo Produktion. "Each paste is able to provide just the right set of characteristics to meet our requirements. The new RenPaste 4666 proved ideal for this marine concept model as it offers good temperature resistance, is durable enough for repeated demoulding and gives a high quality finish, so the model can be used for customer approval. RenPaste materials generally are also easy to handle and machine, and help keep milling waste to a minimum."
RenPaste 4666 is suitable for most modern automated rapid manufacturing systems, as well as hand application methods. This has been achieved through a unique chemical thixotrophy developed by Huntsman that enables the user to alter the SMP rheology by simply changing the mixing parameters.
This Programmable Paste Rheology or PPR changes the SMP's characteristics from a fluid that can be applied to a depth of 10mm to a viscous material capable of up to 40mm thick application.
The user can select the paste rheology required for individual jobs ¡V from high speed automated application to thick hand application. For easy, rapid assessment of the mix quality, there are different component and mixed paste colours.
Whichever application method is used the high quality results reduce the need for additional repairs or re-working of the model and the fine surface quality reduces any further finishing time. RenPaste 4666 also exhibits excellent dimensional stability and low shrinkage on precision models.