NO HOLES VACUUM MOLD
Portec-North America, a Division of NEST Technologies, announced the availability of a micro-porous, air, steam, and water permeable aluminum material called Metapor BF100 AL. This unique patented product represents a break-through in material sciences, where a new material has been custom designed for applications requiring consistent permeability, especially in vacuum or pressure related processes. This micro-porous material is 70-90% aluminum and 10-30% of epoxy. Looks like aluminum and is 37% lighter. Its machining properties are similar to hardwood and multiple sections can be easily joined with adhesives. The most common application is production of tooling for vacuum forming or thermoforming. Typical tools for the thermoforming process require hundreds, or thousands, of very small holes in order to create air-pressure needed to form hot plastic sheet around numerous details of the mold. Since Metapor is microporous, this tedious process of drilling tiny holes is completely eliminated resulting in substantial time and cost savings. The process allows the production of extremely complex shapes with intricate details. Engraved details and structured surfaces can be replicated with no problems. Advantages for the thermoformer: Eliminates time-consuming, back-drilling; avoids trapped air on flat surfaces; removes surface marks due to vacuum holes; maintains even thickness of plastic due to and even pull; and high design intricacy.

For more information, contact Portec-North America, 3849 Ridgemoor Dr., Studio City, CA 91604, 818-761-6500, FAX 818-761-6116.