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The BORFLEX Group stands out for its ability to produce high-quality extrusion-calendered rubber compounds. These compounds, which are unique in France, offer customisable solutions tailored to a wide range of industrial applications. This article explores in detail what BORFLEX’s extrusion-calendered compounds are, their applications, and the Group’s unique capabilities in producing them.
1. Technical Definition of Extrusion-Calendered Compounds
BORFLEX’s extrusion-calendered rubber compounds are elastomeric materials produced by a process combining extrusion and calendering. Extrusion involves forcing a rubber compound through a die to produce a continuous shape. Calendering, on the other hand, is a rolling technique that enables precise and uniform thicknesses to be achieved. This dual process ensures homogeneity, constant thickness, optimum mechanical strength and the absence of bubbles in the elastomers, making extrusion-calendered compounds the materials of choice for numerous industrial applications.
2. Industrial Applications
BORFLEX’s extrusion-calendered compounds are used in a range of industrial sectors, including:
- Building Materials
Flooring: Tiles or carpets, floor tiles.
Façade cladding: Weather-resistant external cladding.
Insulation: Thermal and acoustic insulation for buildings.
- Electronic Components
Enclosures and Cases: Enclosures for electronic devices, protective cases.
Electrical Insulators: Insulating materials for electronic circuits and components.
Heat Sinks: Components for thermal management in electronic devices.
- Industrial Equipment
Seals and Gaskets: Seals for industrial machinery and equipment.
Protective Coatings: Abrasion- and chemical-resistant coatings.
Machinery Parts: Components for machine tools and production equipment.
- Consumer Goods
Sports goods: Shoe insoles, protective equipment.
Home accessories: Trays, stands, organisers.
Toys and children’s goods: Durable and safe toy parts.
- Medical Applications
Medical Devices: Housings for medical devices, components for diagnostic equipment.
Prosthetics and Orthotics: Materials for the manufacture of prosthetics and orthotics.
Medical Packaging: Materials for sterile and durable packaging.
- Maritime Applications
Hull Coatings: Corrosion- and weather-resistant coatings for boats.
Insulation: Thermal and acoustic insulation for cabins and engine rooms.
Structural Parts: Reinforcement and support components for ships.
- Agricultural Applications
Machinery Linings: Abrasion- and chemical-resistant linings for agricultural machinery.
Spare Parts: Components for agricultural equipment.
Insulation: Thermal and acoustic insulation for agricultural buildings.
- Military Applications
Protective Coatings: Impact- and chemical-resistant coatings for military vehicles and equipment.
Insulation: Thermal and acoustic insulation for shelters and vehicles.
3. Capabilities and Distinctive Features of the BORFLEX Group
For over 65 years, the BORFLEX Group has specialised in rubber compounds, and its formulations and compounds are distinguished by their unique properties:
- Precise Thickness: Extrusion-calendered compounds can be produced with a thickness ranging from 1.2 mm to 14 mm, with an impressive tolerance of ± 0.3 mm.
- Flexible Packaging: Products can be packaged in sheets or rolls, depending on the customer’s specific requirements.
- Maximum width: BORFLEX can produce compounds with a width of up to 1,000 mm, thus offering great flexibility for a range of applications.
4. Customisable formulation
One of BORFLEX’s key strengths is the ability to tailor the formulations of the blends to the specific requirements of the end product. This customisation takes several factors into account, such as:
- Mechanical properties: Tensile strength, flexibility, hardness, etc.
- Chemical Resistance: The ability to withstand various chemical agents and corrosive environments.
- Environmental Conditions: Temperature, humidity, UV exposure, etc.
5. Production of extrusion-calendered compounds
The production of extrusion-calendered compounds at BORFLEX follows a rigorous process:
- Selection of Raw Materials: Selection of polymers, additives and fillers in accordance with the customer’s specifications.
- Extrusion: Mixing and extruding raw materials to produce a continuous shape.
- Rolling: A process of rolling to achieve the desired thickness and width.
- Quality Control: Checking dimensions, uniformity and mechanical properties.
6. Cutting and Packaging
BORFLEX also offers bespoke cutting services, enabling customers to receive products that are ready for immediate use. Cutting capabilities include:
- Cutting to Order: According to the specific dimensions required by the customer.
- Packaged in sheets or rolls: To make transport and end use easier.
Conclusion
BORFLEX’s extrusion-calendered compounds represent a significant breakthrough in the field of elastomers. Thanks to their dimensional accuracy, flexible packaging options and customisation capabilities, these compounds meet the most stringent requirements of modern industries. As the only company in France to offer this service, BORFLEX has established itself as the undisputed leader, providing innovative and high-performance solutions for a wide range of industrial applications.
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