The process is characterised by two primary steps; forming the sheet material with rubber presses and 3D laser cutting the semi-finished product. Both process steps are carried out entirely in-house by us. By means of the visualisation/micro-animation below, we give a good picture of the special process steps. Good to know: in the visualisation below, the design and simulation phase of the final product has already been completed.
THE PROCESS
01.
Forming in one or more runs
The laser-cut sheet is placed on the die and the die is automatically slid under the press. The press slowly – but with tremendous force – goes down, causing the rubber pad to push the metal sheet into the die. The rubber pad springs back to its original shape every time, making it usable for all types and sizes of products.
Result. 3D form
When the press rises, it becomes clearly visible that the sheet has taken the shape of the die. The sheet material is reformed into a rough 3D semi-finished product.
02.
3D Laser cutting
The semi-finished product is trimmed on a 3D fibre laser. This removes the flange edges and applies the contour of the product (and any holes) extremely accurately.
A brilliant result
The semi-finished product is now completely finished. The result is stunning: perfect radiuses and angles and extremely accurate and sleek laser cutting work.
CREATING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
high end design
A well-thought-out design increases the value of your product. And at Phoenix 3D Metaal, ‘beautiful’ goes together perfectly with cost-efficient production and optimal functionality.
short time to market
Our Engineers have a wealth of experience in industrial product design and, of course, the rubber pad forming process. By also using…
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… state of the art simulation software (Autoform), they are able to recreate the rubber pad forming process reliably during the design phase. The result? Fast and reliable advice for the customer and after the assignment: first time right. Secondary benefit? A rubber pad forming die is relatively simple to set up and therefore reasonably simple and quick to make. The competitive advantage? A short time to market for the finished (end) product.
optimal functionality
The product is moulded during the 3D rubber pad forming process. As a result, there are many potential embossments and distortions within a single semi-finished product. In addition, the round shapes deliver quite a few functional
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benefits. For example, better flow and easier cleanability. After pressing, the product is cut out on the 3D laser cutting machine. Unlimited and extremely accurate holes, slots and shapes can be made during 3D laser cutting. In other words: everything necessary for optimal functionality.
cost efficiency
The low investment (an absolute essential for rubber pad forming), combined with the integration of functions, makes the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) exceptionally low. Secondary benefit: the low investment
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minimises the financial risks. After all, it is clear that a product whose design still needs to be changed or whose Product Life Cycle or quantities are difficult to determine, entails a substantial risk in terms of investment. Even more benefit? The rubber pad forming technique can replace conventional techniques such as edging, welding, grinding, and staining.