Gaiker-IK4 designs a few ecological plastic containers for Urbegi and Urlaster enterprises
After two years of research, the technology centre has managed to find alternatives to conventional materials derived from oil and also analyzes the feasibility of transferring this technology to other elements of street furniture such as banks, litter bins, planters, etc.
Within the project have been designed and manufactured prototypes of containers which have been subjected to different mechanical tests (impact resistance, tensile, to the flexión…), fire behavior and resistance to ageing tests. The result has been the generation of a new line of functional, and attractive products that will provide new opportunities for business to both companies.
RTM technology
Gaiker-IK4 analyzed different techniques and finally opted for the RTM technology par the manufacture of these ecological containers. This technology is based on manufacturing structural parts of composite material, through the injection of liquid resin in the interior of a closed compartment which is composed of mold and offingerprint, in which the reinforcement is placed previously. The use of this technology of processing of materials is becoming increasingly frequent in the market and allows the development of accurate products and big finish, greater automation of the work and a significant decrease in emissions to the atmosphere, it is a process of closed molding that generates a healthy work environment.
The sequence of the cycle of RTM is made up of several stages: application and curing injection layer "gel-coat" on the mould, positioning of the elements of reinforcement inside the mold and closure, and cured resin, desmoldeado of the piece andFinally, cleaning and preparation of the mold for a new cycle.
To raise the production of composite materials based on resins from renewable sources (resins furánicas, in particular), Gaiker-IK4 has assumed a task of considerable difficulty to being entirely new resins in the sector, of which there are very few technological references.