COMPOSITE MATERIALS
With a growing shortage of certain raw materials, a growing price tag for others and the rapid development in the material sciences, the development and use of composite materials has increased considerably. Many of these materials require thermal process for curing or molding of thermoset or thermo-formed components of the recipe.
Many of these composites are inherently nonconductive. Conventional processing can require extended times to fully soak the work piece. Temperatures much higher than the ultimate target are required for cycle reduction to reasonable process times.
The physics of Microwave and RF heating at the molecular level allow for volumetric heating of the product at the site of each dipolar molecule. This allows for considerable reduction in heat times, while at the same time limiting the temperature of material exposure to only that required to cure or form the material.
The advantages are significant. The obvious advantages are in throughput, yield and the efficient use of energy. The not so obvious advantages are environmental impact and quality.
Materials exposed to higher temperatures than are needed or desired can result in damage to the material and production of potentially harmful effluents. The substitution of conventional heating with Microwave and RF has resulted in improved yield, along with the significant lowering or elimination of any objectionable emissions from the process.
Not all composites are right for Microwave or RF. Carbon or graphite-based materials can be difficult or impossible to process by this method. This may apply to other conductive materials as well. For the great variety of materials that can utilize these technologies, the advantages are well worth the evaluation.
Feel free to review select hardware developed for use in numerous applications. For assistance in selecting the appropriate system for your requirements, please contact one of our Application Engineers.
Equipment:
