Case Study - Innovation for the metal processing industry: Automated Polymer Inserts

As an innovator and specialist in sheet metal design, Stengel is doing pioneering work together with nolax. In the processing of sandwich panels, the manual process of placing metal inserts is being replaced by a new automated solution.

Automated fixing points in the finished sandwich panel Fixing points in sandwich panels (aluminum or steel sheet as top layer, rock wool as filling material) had to be positioned and glued manually on the punched raw sheet. With the new process, the fastening points are set automatically and flexibly at the end of panel production. Everything happens in seconds on a CNC processing machine: drilling, injecting the polyurea insert, forming and curing.

Figure 1: High bonding forces due to the combination of adhesion and form

closure: Bonding to the metallic top layer and form closure by forming a

polymer insert behind the top layer. (Photo nolax AG)

Special features and benefits of «Automated Polymer Inserts»

- Cost reduction and process reliability through automation: The reproducible process eliminates manual positioning and gluing of inserts.

- Flexible and efficient setting of fastening points in sandwich and lightweight panels in terms of position and shape.

- Elimination of metallic inserts (procurement and logistics of a multitude of different hardware parts).

- Prefabrication of standard panel elements possible thanks to late setting of the fixing points.

thomas.wolf@nolax.com Phone +41 41 545 98 66 Fax +41 41 545 98 99 www.nolax.com

2/4 20200915_E

- High performance fastening to lightweight panels: High bonding forces due to the combination of adhesion and form closure: Bonding to the metallic top layer and form closure by

forming a polymer insert behind the top layer.

Figure 2: Everything happens in seconds on a CNC processing machine: Drilling,

injection of polyurea insert, forming and curing. (Photo nolax AG)

3/4 20200915_E

Stengel GmbH, Ellwangen, Germany, stands for innovations in metal design, modern manufacturing processes and design diversity in sheet metal production. Well-known products are server cabinets & IT infrastructure, system bathrooms for building construction, metal kitchens & furniture, maritime wet rooms for cruise ships, mobile space modules & offices.

Figure 3: For the production of wet cells in building construction, Stengel

relies on automated polymer inserts from nolax for the attachment points.

(Photo Stengel GmbH)

4/4 20200915_E

Facts & Figures

Industry partner Stengel GmbH Max-Eyth-Strasse 15 73479 Ellwangen-Neunheim, Germany www.stengel-gmbh.de T +49 7961 9121 0 info@stengel-gmbh.de

Year of execution 2020

Application Automated Polymer Insert

Application Technology High pressure mixing technology and injection head

ISC s.r.l. Via Isonzo, 123 22066 Mariano Comense CO, Italy www.isc-italy.com

CNC machining center High pressure mixing technology and injection head

FELDER KG KR-Felder-Straße 1 6060 HALL in Tirol, Austria www.felder-group.com

Adhesives nolax W45.3513 / nolax W45.5007

Contact Thomas Wolf, Project Manager, nolax AG Mobile: + 41 79 757 99 13, thomas.wolf@nolax.com nolax invents and develops new bonding technologies and thus opens up new markets.

nolax AG, Neulandstrasse 1, 6203 Sempach Station, Switzerland, www.nolax.com