Isobaric double belt press is well suited to continuous production

Isobaric double belt presses from Held Technologie (Trossingen, Germany) are production systems well suited for the continuous production of sheet and plate materials when using the through-feed method. Using various processes, such as continuous laminating, compacting, consolidation and smoothing, this technology enables multiple layers of different materials to be processed — such as films, prepregs, fabrics, fiber mats, granulates or powders. The isobaric pressing process developed by Held is said to stand out for its highly efficient heat transfer and constant surface pressure within the entire process zone.

Based on the material properties and targeted output, the belt speed, temperature and pressure can be set to required parameters. Held says the temperature can be separately controlled in zones, — up to 400°C in the heating zones and 20°C in the cooling zones — the belt speed can be set up to 20 m/min and the pressure up to 80 bar (1,160 psi).

The flexible and robust process can also be adapted to the requirements of the base materials and is reported to provide ideal conditions to produce top-quality, long-lasting products. For example, thermoplastic composites made from recyclable fibers can replace metallic materials in order to reduce costs and to achieve a series of sustainability results throughout the entire supply chain, with a positive effect to the ecological footprint. Therefore, particularly in the fields of construction, ballistics, automotive, aerospace and energy as well as electronics, Held says it makes an important contribution by providing resource-saving, innovative technologies.

Besides investing in their own plant, customers are able to charter the double belt presses provided by Held at its own Technology Park for trials and production runs. As an example, Held is frequently developing new materials and production processes in collaboration with notable scientific institutes intending to exceed the current industries’ requirements.

Held is currently developing a new isobaric double belt press generation considering the requirements of tomorrow and the future trends in rapidly evolving industries, influenced by legal regulations, digitalization and sustainability efforts. Thus the new double belt press generation will be setting new standards in the development and production of innovative advanced composite materials.

At CAMX, Held Technologie will be sharing a booth with Allertex of America, Schott & Meissner and Kastilo.