Dedicated Industrial Solutions
Innovation
Event: Utech 2009 - 3-03-2009
SoliSpray for innovative automotive Dash Insulators
The automotive industry increasingly requires superior noise insulation solutions to provide vehicles which must be acoustically comfortable and - at the same time - of lightweight and with ample spaces in the passenger compartment. This paper describes two applications for SoliSpray, the new Cannon technology for spraying highly-filled PUR formulations, developed for the manufacture of the Dash Insulator, a large element placed under the instrument panel.
The automotive industry increasingly requires superior noise insulation solutions to provide vehicles which must be acoustically comfortable and - at the same time - of lightweight and with ample spaces in the passenger compartment. This paper describes two applications for SoliSpray, the new Cannon technology for spraying highly-filled PUR formulations, developed for the manufacture of the Dash Insulator, a large element placed under the instrument panel.
Event: CPI 2008 - 20-09-2008
Innovative Technology for Multi-PUR Sound Deadening Components for Large Engines: Combining Innovative Processes to Develop a Turnkey Solution
This paper describes an innovative, automated concept to produce complex noise absorbers which must be bolted onto large engines. Produced with two different types of polyurethanes, these parts absorb a considerable amount of vibrations and noise.Requested to quote a "normal" production cell, the equipment supplier ended up providing a complete, large-scale plant based on the patented Foam & Film technology, which eliminates the release agent, its application and extraction, and all mold cleaning operations. In addition, it provides an encapsulated PUR part, which delivers better resistance to chemical aggression and moisture.
This paper describes an innovative, automated concept to produce complex noise absorbers which must be bolted onto large engines. Produced with two different types of polyurethanes, these parts absorb a considerable amount of vibrations and noise.Requested to quote a "normal" production cell, the equipment supplier ended up providing a complete, large-scale plant based on the patented Foam & Film technology, which eliminates the release agent, its application and extraction, and all mold cleaning operations. In addition, it provides an encapsulated PUR part, which delivers better resistance to chemical aggression and moisture.
Event: Utech 2008 - 3-03-2008
Refrigerated trucks: dedicated foaming solutions for extra-large insulated panels.
Large insulated panels are increasingly needed for manufacturing huge insulated trucks. A variety of insulating media can be used for this demanding application, and Polyurethanes provide the most flexible solution. Automating the production of these large elements constitutes a challenging task. Cannon have matured significant experiences in the past ten years in this field. One of the latest achievements is a complete plant for the production of 13.6m long, 2.7m wide panels, installed last year in the new factory of a German leader of this field who makes two complete trucks per hour. High-pressure high-output metering equipment, large polymerisation presses, impressive panel-handling systems are illustrated in this paper, to witness the size of this challenging project executed by the Cannon Group.
Large insulated panels are increasingly needed for manufacturing huge insulated trucks. A variety of insulating media can be used for this demanding application, and Polyurethanes provide the most flexible solution. Automating the production of these large elements constitutes a challenging task. Cannon have matured significant experiences in the past ten years in this field. One of the latest achievements is a complete plant for the production of 13.6m long, 2.7m wide panels, installed last year in the new factory of a German leader of this field who makes two complete trucks per hour. High-pressure high-output metering equipment, large polymerisation presses, impressive panel-handling systems are illustrated in this paper, to witness the size of this challenging project executed by the Cannon Group.
Event: CPI 2007 - 26-09-2007
Injectors for Pressure Control in PUR Mixing
The injectors have a fundamental role in the Polyurethane (PUR) mixing. The purpose of the Paper is to explain why the pressure at the injector is so important and how to set and control it. The Paper does not investigate the possible forms and shapes of injectors or mixing chambers for optimising the mixing process. Shapes and forms are the “tricks “ that the different producers of mixing heads know and develop and are an important part of their skill.
The injectors have a fundamental role in the Polyurethane (PUR) mixing. The purpose of the Paper is to explain why the pressure at the injector is so important and how to set and control it. The Paper does not investigate the possible forms and shapes of injectors or mixing chambers for optimising the mixing process. Shapes and forms are the “tricks “ that the different producers of mixing heads know and develop and are an important part of their skill.
Event: CPI 2007 - 25-09-2007
Dedicated Solutions for the Industrial Manufacture of Curved Insulated Roofing Panels
Curved insulated roofing panels are increasingly being requested by the building market in various lengths from three to six meters. Curved panels have been insulated with polyurethane foam, mineral wool and expanded polystyrene. For the manufacturer, these panels require a lot of storage space and represent a significant inventory investment while waiting for a customer. These are two good reasons for demanding “just-in-time” production solutions that deliver a flexible product mix in terms of dimensions, materials used for cladding, and insulation.Cannon has developed different assembly and foaming solutions, based on rotating carriers able to hold multiple molds served by carts traveling on rails or with automated guided vehicles systems (AGV) allowing for a very high degree of flexibility (in panel’s radius, thickness and type of foam) with output as high as 800-900,000 square meters per year.This paper describes these innovative solutions, in operation at two major European producers of curved roof panels.
Curved insulated roofing panels are increasingly being requested by the building market in various lengths from three to six meters. Curved panels have been insulated with polyurethane foam, mineral wool and expanded polystyrene. For the manufacturer, these panels require a lot of storage space and represent a significant inventory investment while waiting for a customer. These are two good reasons for demanding “just-in-time” production solutions that deliver a flexible product mix in terms of dimensions, materials used for cladding, and insulation.Cannon has developed different assembly and foaming solutions, based on rotating carriers able to hold multiple molds served by carts traveling on rails or with automated guided vehicles systems (AGV) allowing for a very high degree of flexibility (in panel’s radius, thickness and type of foam) with output as high as 800-900,000 square meters per year.This paper describes these innovative solutions, in operation at two major European producers of curved roof panels.
Event: CPI 2007 - 24-09-2007
Cannon JL – A New Approach To High-Pressure Mixing In Polyurethane Technology
The Cannon JL is a new family of high pressure L-shaped mixheads. The acronym JL stands for “Jet Less” identifying that mixing of the two reactive liquids is not obtained by injectors. The high turbulence - formed and maintained in a relatively narrow mixing chamber where the two component streams are delivered – does the trick. The liquid components are metered in a common chamber and then flow to the mixing chamber through variable restrictions where they acquire the necessary energy for efficient mixing. At the end of the mixing chamber an L-shaped geometry transitions the flow into a much larger delivery chamber, decreases its turbulence and permits the delivery of the mixed blend with a very laminar flow.
The Cannon JL is a new family of high pressure L-shaped mixheads. The acronym JL stands for “Jet Less” identifying that mixing of the two reactive liquids is not obtained by injectors. The high turbulence - formed and maintained in a relatively narrow mixing chamber where the two component streams are delivered – does the trick. The liquid components are metered in a common chamber and then flow to the mixing chamber through variable restrictions where they acquire the necessary energy for efficient mixing. At the end of the mixing chamber an L-shaped geometry transitions the flow into a much larger delivery chamber, decreases its turbulence and permits the delivery of the mixed blend with a very laminar flow.
Event: API 2005 - 24-10-2005
Multi-Component Mixing Head for “Foamed In-Place” Gaskets
The paper describes the recent developments - both technical and commercial - implemented by Cannon in the Gasketing Technology.
The paper describes the recent developments - both technical and commercial - implemented by Cannon in the Gasketing Technology.
Event: API 2005 - 24-10-2005
Achievements In Spray Skin Technology
Cannon has been very active in the development of dedicated solutions for using spray formulations for the manufacture of Skin parts for Automotive Interiors.
Cannon has been very active in the development of dedicated solutions for using spray formulations for the manufacture of Skin parts for Automotive Interiors.
Event: Utech 2003 - 21-05-2003
Innovative filler injection system for powdered recycled Urethane
Cannon has developed, in cooperation with Mobius Technologies Inc., a leading supplier of recycling processes, the equipment to meter and mix a three-component slurry. High-solid-content slurry, obtained by blending ultrafine PU powder in non-catalysed Polyol as the carrier, is fed as a third stream at low-medium pressure to a mixing head via the axial port of the mixing chamber originally used for metering colour paste. The recycling kit, dedicated dosing unit, and mixing head can be added to any existing high-pressure machine as a retrofit. This new technology not only gives to the producer the possibility to recycle pulverized PU; a number of solid fillers - such as graphite, melamine, alumina - can be fed and mixed into polyurethane “in line” as well. This paper describes the results of the trials held in Cannon Afros Lab on flexible moulded foam containing recycled PU powder, in cooperation with Mobius.
Cannon has developed, in cooperation with Mobius Technologies Inc., a leading supplier of recycling processes, the equipment to meter and mix a three-component slurry. High-solid-content slurry, obtained by blending ultrafine PU powder in non-catalysed Polyol as the carrier, is fed as a third stream at low-medium pressure to a mixing head via the axial port of the mixing chamber originally used for metering colour paste. The recycling kit, dedicated dosing unit, and mixing head can be added to any existing high-pressure machine as a retrofit. This new technology not only gives to the producer the possibility to recycle pulverized PU; a number of solid fillers - such as graphite, melamine, alumina - can be fed and mixed into polyurethane “in line” as well. This paper describes the results of the trials held in Cannon Afros Lab on flexible moulded foam containing recycled PU powder, in cooperation with Mobius.
Event: Utech 2003 - 21-05-2003
Recent developments introduced to the AX multi-components mixing head
The paper describes the innovative modifications being introduced to the mixing head design in order to meet the needs of the car seat producers who wish to mould TDI and MDI-based foams thus allowing them to work with the maximum formulation flexibility. The AX mixing head is able to process six components in different combinations and with full high-pressure re-circulation of each component. The new AX version gives the possibility to increase the throughputs and viscosity of the components fed via the two axial streams.
The paper describes the innovative modifications being introduced to the mixing head design in order to meet the needs of the car seat producers who wish to mould TDI and MDI-based foams thus allowing them to work with the maximum formulation flexibility. The AX mixing head is able to process six components in different combinations and with full high-pressure re-circulation of each component. The new AX version gives the possibility to increase the throughputs and viscosity of the components fed via the two axial streams.
Event: Utech 2003 - 21-05-2003
Novel mixing heads for Pipe-in-Pipe insulation process
Cannon has been successfully testing an innovative high pressure mixing head, specifically designed for pipe-in-pipe insulation in continuous/discontinuous foaming production processes. The special requirements of this application meant the need for the development of a completely new mixing head in order to meet specific and severe technical requirements. Its compactness and its slim curved shape characterize the new Cannon Zeta high pressure mixing head. It is important to note that the head’s thickness is only comprised in less then 25 mm! This is necessary to enable it to be inserted through the cavity generated from the coaxial feeding of the steel service pipe with the extruded high-density polyethylene external pipe. Both tubes run in the same direction at the same speed.
Cannon has been successfully testing an innovative high pressure mixing head, specifically designed for pipe-in-pipe insulation in continuous/discontinuous foaming production processes. The special requirements of this application meant the need for the development of a completely new mixing head in order to meet specific and severe technical requirements. Its compactness and its slim curved shape characterize the new Cannon Zeta high pressure mixing head. It is important to note that the head’s thickness is only comprised in less then 25 mm! This is necessary to enable it to be inserted through the cavity generated from the coaxial feeding of the steel service pipe with the extruded high-density polyethylene external pipe. Both tubes run in the same direction at the same speed.
Event: Utech 2000 - 28-03-2000
Industrial Developments in Co-injection/long fibre Technology
Thanks to its superior fibre-wetting performances and in-mould blend-distribution the Cannon version of the co-injection/long fibre injection technology - named InterWet - improves both manufacturing performances and mechanical properties of molded parts. In addition to using glass-fiber roving it allows for the use of other reinforcing fibers (natural and synthetic) and opens the way to the easy addition of powder and granulate fillers. The paper describes the latest developments occurred during 1999. Improved glass-feeding and blend-dispersing devices, significant industrial applications, interesting developments deriving from this new technology.
Thanks to its superior fibre-wetting performances and in-mould blend-distribution the Cannon version of the co-injection/long fibre injection technology - named InterWet - improves both manufacturing performances and mechanical properties of molded parts. In addition to using glass-fiber roving it allows for the use of other reinforcing fibers (natural and synthetic) and opens the way to the easy addition of powder and granulate fillers. The paper describes the latest developments occurred during 1999. Improved glass-feeding and blend-dispersing devices, significant industrial applications, interesting developments deriving from this new technology.
Event: Utech 2000 - 28-03-2000
Sandwich Panels: Innovative Manufacturing Solutions using Vacuum-assisted Foam Injection
A new method for foaming large insulation panels has been developed and jointly patented by MISA (a large Italian panel manufacturer), Cannon (the foaming machine producer) and Manni (the polymerization press manufacturer). Its functioning concept relies on the controlled application of vacuum into the polymerization cavity of the press. A proper design of the inner press' adjustment mechanisms guarantees optimum efficiency and constant results. An industrial production of more than 500 high-quality panels per day has been achieved during 1999, with significant savings in raw materials and a dramatic improvement of the working place cleanness.
A new method for foaming large insulation panels has been developed and jointly patented by MISA (a large Italian panel manufacturer), Cannon (the foaming machine producer) and Manni (the polymerization press manufacturer). Its functioning concept relies on the controlled application of vacuum into the polymerization cavity of the press. A proper design of the inner press' adjustment mechanisms guarantees optimum efficiency and constant results. An industrial production of more than 500 high-quality panels per day has been achieved during 1999, with significant savings in raw materials and a dramatic improvement of the working place cleanness.
Event: Utech 2000 - 28-03-2000
Innovative Solutions for Refrigerator Manufacturing
The introduction of innovative methods - Cannon's Rotoplug and Drum systems - for the production of foamed refrigerator cabinets and doors in the mid-'80s allowed for a radical change in the manufacture of domestic refrigerators and freezers. Following the wide commercial success which derived, Cannon have continued to improve their range of solutions to better fit the technical and economical needs of a larger number of producers. The paper describes the latest developments in this area, including a new version of the Rotoplug - a multi-plug fixture allowing for zero-time-plug-change foaming cycle - and the latest versions of the Drum foaming machine for doors.
The introduction of innovative methods - Cannon's Rotoplug and Drum systems - for the production of foamed refrigerator cabinets and doors in the mid-'80s allowed for a radical change in the manufacture of domestic refrigerators and freezers. Following the wide commercial success which derived, Cannon have continued to improve their range of solutions to better fit the technical and economical needs of a larger number of producers. The paper describes the latest developments in this area, including a new version of the Rotoplug - a multi-plug fixture allowing for zero-time-plug-change foaming cycle - and the latest versions of the Drum foaming machine for doors.
Event: Utech 2000 - 28-03-2000
Innovative Equipment for Automotive Seat Production
Cannon have developed complete systems for the manufacture of molded polyurethane automotive seating elements made with varying combinations of several raw materials. The resultant cushions – although produced in a random sequence on the same molding line - are characterized by mechanical properties tailored to the specific application of each part. This paper describes the components of this technology: * dedicated multi-component, high-pressure metering machines with closed-loop control of both the output and pour pressures * dedicated mixing heads capable of processing six components (all with high-pressure recirculation), including low-viscosity TDI-based isocyanates and water-based additives * dedicated mold-handling systems for a flexible manufacturing concept based on just-in-time methods.
Cannon have developed complete systems for the manufacture of molded polyurethane automotive seating elements made with varying combinations of several raw materials. The resultant cushions – although produced in a random sequence on the same molding line - are characterized by mechanical properties tailored to the specific application of each part. This paper describes the components of this technology: * dedicated multi-component, high-pressure metering machines with closed-loop control of both the output and pour pressures * dedicated mixing heads capable of processing six components (all with high-pressure recirculation), including low-viscosity TDI-based isocyanates and water-based additives * dedicated mold-handling systems for a flexible manufacturing concept based on just-in-time methods.
Event: SPI 1999 - 30-08-1999
An Innovative Solution to Fully Automate the Manufacture of Automotive Sound Deadening Parts - “Foam & Film” Technology
Until now, one of the major limitations in the polyurethane molding process has been the necessity to interrupt the working sequence between each molding, to remove foam scraps and apply release agent prior to foaming. The introduction of the new Cannon-patented “Foam & Film” technology makes manual intervention unnecessary, removes the one factor that has always been a major weakness when working with polyurethanes in comparison to other injected or extruded plastics. The main idea behind this new approach consists of thermoforming a thermoplastic or polyurethane film as part of the molding sequence. By using a vacuum effect, this film adheres perfectly and smoothly to the mold cavity, without any creases or wrinkle formation. The mold is equipped with a dedicated frame device, specifically designed to hold the film. A heating system ensures that the film reaches the desired temperature prior to the thermoforming phase and subsequent injection of polyurethane into the mold. Several industrial applications have been found and a number of fully automated plants currently incorporate this technology. The manufacture of sound deadening parts for the automotive industry represents one of the most exciting applications for this innovative technology.
Until now, one of the major limitations in the polyurethane molding process has been the necessity to interrupt the working sequence between each molding, to remove foam scraps and apply release agent prior to foaming. The introduction of the new Cannon-patented “Foam & Film” technology makes manual intervention unnecessary, removes the one factor that has always been a major weakness when working with polyurethanes in comparison to other injected or extruded plastics. The main idea behind this new approach consists of thermoforming a thermoplastic or polyurethane film as part of the molding sequence. By using a vacuum effect, this film adheres perfectly and smoothly to the mold cavity, without any creases or wrinkle formation. The mold is equipped with a dedicated frame device, specifically designed to hold the film. A heating system ensures that the film reaches the desired temperature prior to the thermoforming phase and subsequent injection of polyurethane into the mold. Several industrial applications have been found and a number of fully automated plants currently incorporate this technology. The manufacture of sound deadening parts for the automotive industry represents one of the most exciting applications for this innovative technology.
Event: Utech Asia 1999 - 30-08-1999
Innovative Solution for Manufacturing Insulated Curved Roofs for Industrial Buildings
The replacement of asbestos-based flat and curved roof panels provided the opportunity to replace poorly-insulated roofs with energy-efficient insulating elements, obtained foam-backing various facings (fibrous-concrete, painted steel etc) with a low-density Polyurethane rigid foam. This paper illustrates the innovative equipment supplied recently to manufacture curved insulated roof panels using a very compact, highly automated plant based on rotating mould carrier.
The replacement of asbestos-based flat and curved roof panels provided the opportunity to replace poorly-insulated roofs with energy-efficient insulating elements, obtained foam-backing various facings (fibrous-concrete, painted steel etc) with a low-density Polyurethane rigid foam. This paper illustrates the innovative equipment supplied recently to manufacture curved insulated roof panels using a very compact, highly automated plant based on rotating mould carrier.
Event: Utech Asia 1999 - 30-08-1999
Garden chairs: an example of synergy between injection moulding and integral skin Polyurethanes
During 1997 the Cannon Group incorporated the activities of Sandretto, the largest - and one of the earliest - Italian producers of injection moulding presses. Immediately after the acquisition a series of R&D projects were initiated, to look into all the possible synergies between current and newly acquired technologies. The first project that brought practical results was the study of an injection moulded plastic part over-moulded with flexible Polyurethane. The product, a plastic garden chair with a very comfortable foamed seat, was produced at K’98 in the Sandretto stand. This paper presents the details of the project, and the potential development deriving from the combined use of plastic’s injection moulding and Polyurethane foaming.
During 1997 the Cannon Group incorporated the activities of Sandretto, the largest - and one of the earliest - Italian producers of injection moulding presses. Immediately after the acquisition a series of R&D projects were initiated, to look into all the possible synergies between current and newly acquired technologies. The first project that brought practical results was the study of an injection moulded plastic part over-moulded with flexible Polyurethane. The product, a plastic garden chair with a very comfortable foamed seat, was produced at K’98 in the Sandretto stand. This paper presents the details of the project, and the potential development deriving from the combined use of plastic’s injection moulding and Polyurethane foaming.
Event: Utech Asia 1999 - 30-08-1999
Latest developments in machinery for gasketing and casting for roller-blades wheels.
Cannon started their Polyurethane dosing unit production with low pressure machines performing all traditional technologies where Polyurethanes were involved. Switching in the early ‘70s to high pressure technology, Cannon have become a leader of this technology, but also went on developing the low pressure series of machines, especially in the direction of low output applications. In Cannon production range today is possible to find low pressure low output machines for different specific applications. The basic model is the B2 machine, a low pressure metering unit with electronic process control. These peculiar technologies required specific performances not only related to very low outputs, but also involving new materials which are definitely different from traditional Polyurethanes. The main special applications where these unit are used for are: * air filters for automotive industry; * industrial gaskets; * slat filling; * elastomer parts. This paper focuses on the development of dedicated equipment for gaskets and cast-elastomer wheels.
Cannon started their Polyurethane dosing unit production with low pressure machines performing all traditional technologies where Polyurethanes were involved. Switching in the early ‘70s to high pressure technology, Cannon have become a leader of this technology, but also went on developing the low pressure series of machines, especially in the direction of low output applications. In Cannon production range today is possible to find low pressure low output machines for different specific applications. The basic model is the B2 machine, a low pressure metering unit with electronic process control. These peculiar technologies required specific performances not only related to very low outputs, but also involving new materials which are definitely different from traditional Polyurethanes. The main special applications where these unit are used for are: * air filters for automotive industry; * industrial gaskets; * slat filling; * elastomer parts. This paper focuses on the development of dedicated equipment for gaskets and cast-elastomer wheels.
Event: Utech Asia 1999 - 30-08-1999
Refrigerator cabinet sealing – A robotized solution
In the production line of domestic refrigerators the accurate sealing of the cabinet before the injection of the PU foam is a necessary operation to avoid material leakage during the cabinet's filling. This cabinet' sealing operation is still completely manual and presents significant disadvantages, such as high labour requirements and non-ergonomic operations. Cannon describes in this paper the recent experiences made in their Italian R&D labs for the sealing of cabinets with a poured-in-place PU system. The use of a flexible system minimises the volume occupied by this non-insulating PU: during its expansion the rigid insulation foam will compress this open-cell sealing material. The use of a robot replaces all manual operations with an automatic process.
In the production line of domestic refrigerators the accurate sealing of the cabinet before the injection of the PU foam is a necessary operation to avoid material leakage during the cabinet's filling. This cabinet' sealing operation is still completely manual and presents significant disadvantages, such as high labour requirements and non-ergonomic operations. Cannon describes in this paper the recent experiences made in their Italian R&D labs for the sealing of cabinets with a poured-in-place PU system. The use of a flexible system minimises the volume occupied by this non-insulating PU: during its expansion the rigid insulation foam will compress this open-cell sealing material. The use of a robot replaces all manual operations with an automatic process.
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Cannon S.p.A. Via Resistenza, 12 Peschiera Borromeo (Mi) I-20068 Italy
Phone: +39 02 48451.1 Fax: +39 02 48451.222 P.IVA: IT06223850154
Cannon S.p.A. Via Resistenza, 12 Peschiera Borromeo (Mi) I-20068 Italy
Phone: +39 02 48451.1 Fax: +39 02 48451.222 P.IVA: IT06223850154