Fast demolding technology via new chemistries for insulation foam in appliances

摘要

As the appliance industry becomes increasingly competitive, refrigerator and freezer Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are challenged with managing changing energy standards as well as the need to master cost, quality, and productivity in their manufacturing facilities. In particular, they need to improve manufacturing productivity and reduce the cycle times for production of the cabinets in order to maximize the capacity utilization of their plants. The development of polyurethane insulating foam that allows the foamed refrigerator cabinet to be demolded faster can help address this challenge. Optimizing additive and catalyst packages and improvements in foam processing technologies have led to significant advances in reducing the demold times, but novel chemical approaches are now required to further reduce demold times. Covestro has new polyol and isocyanate chemistries that allow for the development of customized polyurethane foam systems that meet the demands of OEMs for faster demolding systems. This innovative, fast-demolding technology allows OEMs to produce cabinets with improved production efficiency without impacting the energy efficiency or other important quality parameters of the refrigerator itself. Innovative solutions from Covestro help the appliance industry tackle some of their most critical challenges. Covestro will now introduce these innovative solutions into the marketplace as part of our commitment to improve its offerings to society and constantly reduce its impact on the environment, while continuing to deliver value to shareholders.