The development of Molecor´s technology, which is based on the application of a Molecular Orientation process, has delivered a significant turning point in the pipelines sector. With this technological development, the company has begun to manufacture TOM® PVC-O pipes, the most eco-friendly pipes on the market. The Molecor technology enabled eradicating many of the existing disadvantages of thermoplastic pipes. This technology delivers a clear objective; to provide the water industry with a solution for pipes carrying pressurized water in an environmentally friendly, yet cost efficient manner. This also extends a service life compared to pipeline materials currently in use. The Molecor´s technology has faced numerous barriers due to the high level of competitiveness in the market and the relatively short period since its development. Notwithstanding, the technology is now highly recognized by the market and has spread continuously and gradually over the world to the five continents. We have served many international markets: North America (i.e., Canada), South America (i.e., Colombia and Ecuador), European countries (i.e., Italy and Spain), African countries (i.e., South Africa) and East countries (i.e., India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Australia).
Abstract
The development of Molecor´s technology, which is based on the application of a Molecular Orientation process, has delivered a significant turning point in the pipelines sector. With this technological development, the company has begun to manufacture TOM® PVC-O pipes, the most [...]
The transport sector has exerted and continue to be the driving force for the development of new materials and lightweigth solutions. The present study focuses on the work developed in a recently completed European project (CARBODIN https://carbodin.eu/) where one of the main objectives is to develop innovative and affordable solutions for advanced car body shells. Composite materials appear to be one of the most promising candidates to attain these ambitious targets. However, to overcome the cost barrier as well as meet additional railway requirements, new strategies such as process integration and novel manufacturing routes are needed, which will offer a cost-effective industrial solution. The case study corresponds to a C-Groove insert used as an anchoring point to hang passenger seats off the car body side walls, to fix Interior Panels or luggage racks. To improve this design, a trendsetting design was developed to integrate composite C-Grooves to Composite sidewalls. This work will display the details of such design as well as the optimal manufacturing strategy to achieve it. An out of autoclave (OoA) manufacturing process was assisted through different monitoring technologies such as resin arrival sensors and thermography to ensure high quality components. Additionally, a multi-material approach based on 3D printed technologies has been tackled. A thorough analysis of the joint has been performed and different integration approaches have been explored by designing co-cured and co-bonded manufacturing stages. Finally, several demonstrators have been made and tested to define the most promising integration approach and scaling up yet again to a larger demonstrator.
Abstract
The transport sector has exerted and continue to be the driving force for the development of new materials and lightweigth solutions. The present study focuses on the work developed in a recently completed European [...]
Technology to Manufacture Oriented PVC (PVC-O) Pipes 