Product category:
Materials and components
News Release from: MacDermid Autotype | Subject: Autoflex EBG
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 15 December 2005
Joint venture produces washing machine
panel
MacDermid Autotype and Maf 3 join forces to create a washing machine control panel made from Autoflex EBG, a hardcoated polyester-based product, combining durability, ergonomics and aesthetic appeal.
MacDermid Autotype and Maf 3 have combined forces to create a washing machine control panel made from Autoflex EBG, a hardcoated polyester-based product, combining durability, ergonomics and aesthetic appeal To withstand normal washing machine conditions, the panel has high level humidity resistance, is easy to use, is scratch resistant and is resistant to aggressive chemical substances, such as those present in detergents and fabric softeners
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 3 Apr 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Maf 3 specialises in 3D printing, moulding and film insert moulding (FIM, also known as IMD), and completed a study from design to manufacturing to achieve the standards necessary for the washing machine panels.
Autoflex EBG from MacDermid Autotype ensures resistance to chemicals and scratches, can be formed into tailor-made shapes, is resistant to heat and humidity, and is compatible with many decorative inks.
Aesthetic appearance and the long-term operation of moving parts such as control pushbuttons are important for washing machine panels, making Autoflex EBG's shape memory suitable as the panel can resist five million pushbutton actuations, returning to its original shape every time.
FIM should achieve the functional and structural properties for operation and long-life of the product, as well as the necessary aesthetic qualities.
For this project, Maf 3 developed a tool capable of forming the film into the shape of the housing while integrating mechanical pushbutton switches and windows into a single part.
Maf 3 also designed processes for cutting the perimeter of the shaped film and developed graphic inks compatible with the forming and injection backmoulding at 300C.
This resulted in a part combining aesthetic appeal, pushbutton switches, window and housing from one piece of film. Request a free brochure from MacDermid Autotype ...
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