Impressive appearance by Fill at the Fakuma. Perfectly tuned plastics processing chains combine maximum quality and cost effectiveness.
From October 12 to 16, 2021, Fill presented the latest developments from the
Plastics Competence Center at the Fakuma, the world’s leading trade event for
industrial plastics processing. The unique, cost-effective and innovative
machine concepts attracted a great deal of interest among the international
trade fair visitors. This was the Fill team’s first trade fair appearance with
visitors in around a year and a half. The personal contacts, interesting
conversations, and specific customer inquiries ensured a great atmosphere not
only at the Fill trade fair booth in Friedrichshafen.
Friedrichshafen/Gurten, October 27, 2021 – “After a
year and a half, the joy of being able to interact in person again was palpable
among the visitors. The highlight of the trade fair was a structural component
reinforced with particle foam for caravans. We saw the most interest from
potential customers in this area,” said Wilhelm Rupertsberger, Head of the
Plastics Competence Center at Fill. In addition to steam-free processing of
particle foam, the machine engineering company from Upper Austria presented
innovative production systems for polyurethane processing and for applying and
consolidating thermoplastic tapes, as well as additive manufacturing based on
CNC robots.
Steam-free processing of particle foam
Whether EPS for thermal insulation, thermoplastic reclaim or bio-based foam
beads – all these particle foams require a pre-foaming process. Fill’s patented
steam-free pre-foaming technology is tailored to the individual needs of the
customer. The foam no longer needs to be dried before further processing. The
process is precisely matched to the raw material in cooperation with research
partners. The materials are then processed steam-free into functional components
in variothermal molds.
Production systems for polyurethane (PU) processing
Fill’s range of services is based on the perfect integration of custom mixing
and dosage technology, extraction systems and other process modules. The main
focus is on flexibility and maximum plant utilization. The changing of molds
and mold carriers generally has zero cycle-time impact.
Application and consolidation of thermoplastic tapes
Short cycle times, weldability and recycling are key benefits offered by
thermoplastic composites, and they form a key focus of Fill’s research work. A
2D stack is developed automatically based on the 3D model. It is created at
maximum speed in the MULTILAYER high-performance laying system, before being
consolidated in the CONSOLIDATION UNIT.
Additive manufacturing based on CNC robots
In combination with 3D printing methods, the diverse properties of
thermoplastics offer an enormous variety of possibilities for producing
components. With ACCUBOT technology providing the kinematics, as well as
extruders and extrusion molds adapted to the exact requirements, 3D printing
can be granted additional degrees of freedom. Various options permit new ideas
and approaches when designing printed components.
Corporate data
Fill is a leading international machine engineering company based in Gurten,
Upper Austria. With sophisticated high-tech systems and custom manufacturing
solutions for metal, plastics and wood, Fill makes its customers the best in
their fields. The automotive, aviation, sports and building industries all
benefit from Fill’s expertise. Since it was founded in 1966, the company has
distinguished itself through enormous innovative strength, strong values and
the best jobs. “If you are seeking the best solution, shape your future with
Fill” is the guiding principle of the company’s more than 950 employees. “Wir
sind 1! We are one!” is their vision and stands for togetherness not only with
the team, but also with customers, suppliers and partners. The company is 100
percent family-owned and is managed by Andreas Fill (CEO), Martin Reiter (CSO),
Alois Wiesinger (CTO) and Günter Redhammer (COO). In 2020, Fill recorded sales
of around 144 million euros.