Engel and Haidlmair Team Up for Reusable Face Mask
As facemasks become required in many parts of the world during a time when traditional supplies of single-use versions are completely tapped, Engel and Haidlmair announced work on a reusable solution.
Injection molding machine and automation supplier Engel announced a project with mold maker Haidlmair for a two-piece reusable face mask molded from TPE where the wearer supplies (and cleans) the filter medium.
Made for new startup Providee GmbH, the mask protects the face and mouth and can be adjusted to fit the user’s face. On its website, Providee noted that from the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, “it became apparent that there would be bottlenecks in protective equipment and respiratory masks in Germany, as in almost all other countries in the world.” The company also foresaw a “mountain of garbage” resulting from the sudden mandated use of disposable masks. The company’s solution was a TPE mask featuring two interconnected half-shells into which an individual filter can be inserted and clamped. The filter material can be determined by the wearer, utilizing household materials. The filter medium can be cleaned or disposed of, while the TPE mask frame can be disinfected.
Engel has supplied injection molding machines specifically tailored to Haidlmair’s mold, including an Engel victory 330/80 for the single-cavity version, an Engel e-victory 740/160 for the two-cavity version, and an Engel duo 1560/350 for the four-cavity mold. Engel said its plants are giving highest priority to producing the machines ordered for Haidlmair’s face mask molds.
Engel and Haidlmair collaborated on a two-piece reusable face mask molded from TPE.
Related Content
-
How to Extrusion Blow Mold PHA/PLA Blends
You need to pay attention to the inherent characteristics of biopolymers PHA/PLA materials when setting process parameters to realize better and more consistent outcomes.
-
Advanced Recycling: Beyond Pyrolysis
Consumer-product brand owners increasingly see advanced chemical recycling as a necessary complement to mechanical recycling if they are to meet ambitious goals for a circular economy in the next decade. Dozens of technology providers are developing new technologies to overcome the limitations of existing pyrolysis methods and to commercialize various alternative approaches to chemical recycling of plastics.
-
Compatibilizers Aid Recycling & Upcycling of Mixed Resins
Compatibilizers are proving their worth in boosting critical properties such as impact/stiffness balance of PCR and PIR blends of polyolefins and other plastics.
