A cornerstone of Erlemann & Huckenbeck's range of services is plastic parts made of thermoset and thermoplastic, which are manufactured according to drawings using injection molding or compression molding processes. For both segments, the company draws on extensive know-how, which translates into high-quality, highly functional components for customers. Key products include handles, knobs, knurled screws, handwheels and sealing clips.

Based on their strength, high heat resistance (self-extinguishing) and excellent creepage current values, thermoset components are used in areas such as automotive, materials handling and mechanical engineering. Due to their high chemical resistance to acids, bases and solvents and their abrasion and dimensional stability, they are also popular in the medical sector. In addition, their surface is often high-gloss and easy to clean. In the case of thermosets, three types can be distinguished: free-flowing materials, bulk molding compounds (BMC) and sheet molding compounds (SMC), with free-flowing thermosets accounting for the largest area of application.

Thermoplastics are easier to mold and shape due to their lower melting point, thus offering a certain degree of flexibility. over a longer period of use with appropriate loading, it nevertheless does not deform thanks to its low creep rate and high durability. Thermoplastics are also durable and chemically resistant, but unlike thermoset plastics, they can be melted and recycled multiple times, making them a more sustainable choice. Some thermoplastics, such as polycarbonate and acrylic, are also transparent, making them ideal for applications such as windows, lenses and screens.

Manufacturing Processes and Applications

Erlemann & Huckenbeck manufactures thermoset parts using a compression molding process that uses its own compression molds - a special expertise and unique selling point of the company. In this process, the respective thermoset (free-flowing, BMC, SMC) is filled cold or slightly preheated into the vertically opening mold with a working temperature of between 130 and 150 °C. As soon as the thermoset has reached the mold surface, it is pressed into the mold. As soon as the thermoset hits the mold, the thermal reaction begins: the raw material becomes liquid and starts to homogenize. Parallel to this process, the press is closed so that the material can be evenly distributed in the cavity and harden. The part, for example housings or lids of intercom stations used in rail transport, is then ground and polished as required.

In the injection molding process used for thermoplastic, the E&H molds are opened horizontally. Dry thermoplastic is mixed in a hopper with additives such as color, UV or fire stabilizer and homogenized in the injection unit. It is then injected into the significantly cooler mold, filling the mold cavities. After the subsequent curing time, the finished components such as sealing clamps or rollers can be removed.