Method for the production of molded bodies from polymer foam particles

US6358459B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. · DE

Inventors

• Maik Ziegler · Tiefenbronn, DE
• Adam Geissler · Karlsdorf-Neuthard, DE
• Axel Kauffmann · Weil der Stadt, DE
• Lars Ziegler · Leonberg, DE
• Knut Hofmann · Schallstadt, DE
• Peter Elsner · Remchingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 1999
• Grant date: Mar 19, 2002
• Expiry date: Dec 15, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/4821
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for the production of molded bodies comprising foam particles is proposed in which the foam particles are shaped and welded together using microwave energy. The foam particles are accommodated in a foil-like bag and the bag is manually shaped or shaped through the use of a shaped mold with simultaneous change of the shape of the foam particles, and evacuated into a dense package. Microwave energy is subsequently used to melt together at least the surfaces of the foam particles. The method in accordance with the invention is particularly well suited as an economical manufacturing technique for packaging, in particular specialized packaging for models, small production runs, prototypes and the like.