High-pressure thermoforming equipment for FIM/IME films (TERMOFORM)

Infraestructuras
Áreas de investigación
  • Physical Sciences
¿Disponible para usuarios externos?
Yes
Descripción

This specialized high-pressure thermoforming system is designed for processing polymer films incorporating decorative elements and/or printed electronics, using Film Insert Molding (FIM) and In-Mold Electronics (IME) technologies.

It operates at temperatures close to the material’s glass transition temperature (Tg), allowing functionalized films to be formed at lower temperatures than those used in conventional thermoforming. With controlled pressure ranging from 50 to 90 bar and a forming depth of up to 80 mm, the system enables the development of complex plastronic surfaces and high-value connected devices.

Equipment

  • Usable film area of up to 780 × 450 mm
  • Controlled heating system operating at the material’s glass transition temperature (Tg)
  • High-pressure application system operating at 50–90 bar (700–1,300 psi), depending on the area being thermoformed
  • Forming depth capacity of up to 80 mm
  • Specialized tooling for decorated films and films incorporating printed electronic circuits (FIM/IME)
  • Process parameter control and data logging system for subsequent analysis
Servicios
  • Development and optimization of high-pressure thermoforming processes for decorated polymer films and/or films incorporating printed electronics (plastronics).
  • Design and material validation for FIM/IME applications.
  • Prototyping of functionalized components and sensor-integrated surfaces for the automotive industry and other sectors.
  • Support for industrial scale-up and definition of process windows.
  • Participation in R&D projects focused on the advanced manufacturing of functional plastic devices.
Localización

CIDETEC

Eskuzaitzeta Industrialdea, Oianguren, 5, 20160 Zubieta - Donostia / San Sebastián, SPAIN

Otra información
Polymers and Composites:
- Electronics and Embedded Systems
- Advanced Materials

Application sectors

  • Automotive
  • Electronics and microtechnology

Industrial plan

  • IRABAZI · Automotive Components