EconCore (Leuven, Belgium) is emphasizing the cost advantages of its patented technology for continuous production of thermoplastic honeycomb sandwich materials.

[Published on: 26-09-16]

The unique process consists of integrated steps of vacuum forming extruded film to a pattern, mechanical folding to honeycomb
core structure, and lamination of skin material to the core. The process is able to accommodate a wide range of thermoplastics to produce honeycomb core. PP is the most widely used, but PET, PA, PC, PLA, PVC, PMMA and others are also possible. Versatility regarding skin materials is equally broad, including thermoplastics, thermoplastic composites of glass fiber, carbon fiber, natural fiber, thermoset composites, steel, aluminum, wood, and more. The technology is used to produce sandwich materials for applications ranging from reusable packaging, automotive, transportation, building and construction, marine, graphical displays and others. EconCore will showcase a number of sandwich materials produced today by its licensees.
Joining EconCore in Anaheim will be ThermHex Waben GmbH, a daughter company of EconCore and one of many licensees of EconCore using the patented technology. ThermHex Waben GmbH is fast becoming the European Market leader in the production and sales of honeycomb core materials used for cost sensitive applications, like truck trailers, swimming pool shells, marine, renewable energy, recreational vehicles and many others. With recent investment to increase capacity by installing a new extruder, ThermHex Waben GmbH is positioned to meet the growing demand from existing and new customers.
Special emphasis by EconCore will be placed on developments with metal skin composite sandwich materials and applications including building and construction, signage, transportation, commercial furniture, as well as glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic skin sandwich materials for transportation, air cargo ULDs, scaffolding, temporary shelters and field hospitals.