With the CLEARRIM technology, Hennecke offers a process for the manufacture of components with high-quality and functional surfaces. A thin polyurethane layer is used to finish surfaces. The technology is particularly suitable for combining with other processing methods. An example is a process development resulting from Hennecke’s collaboration with the company Engel: the clearmelt® technology. The Austrian mechanical engineering company has been a development partner of Hennecke for many years.

The clearmelt® process has been established in the market for many years and enables users to produce durable, scratch-resistant yet highly sensitive, self-repairing PUR coatings in a time-saving and efficient manner. The depth effect of the surface and the ability to integrate decorative parts and switch functions make this process particularly interesting for manufacturers of automotive interior components or consumer electronics, for example.

Future-oriented coating processes have been researched as part of the Kunststoff- Institut's project "Surface Treatment of Plastic Moldings" for the past 19 years. Meanwhile, Hennecke is involved in the eleventh joint project and is providing a STREAMLINE high-pressure metering machine for the clearmelt® process in the institute's laboratory.

Since the Kunststoff-Institut is very active in the area of training as well as research, it seemed natural to offer a novice training course for the clearmelt® process for the first time. The training is aimed at people who are looking for an way in to the process of clearmelt® technology for the finishing of thermoplastics.

The objective of the seminar is to give participants an overview of the possibilities and challenges of this technology. Top-class speakers from the PUR specialist Hennecke, the Austrian toolmaker Schöfer, who developed and built one of the first clearmelt® tools, and the Kunststoff-Institut provide the participants with condensed know-how over two days.

On the morning of the first day, the course begins with an introduction to materials science and systems engineering. In the afternoon, the speakers discuss the method and processing parameters. Tool technology is the focus of the last presentation. The second day begins with the topic of molding defects and remedial measures. Then participants go to the Institute’s laboratory, where the theory of clearmelt® technology is put into practice with production machines.

After the seminar, there is a chance to discuss specific component inquiries and concepts without any obligation. This takes place bilaterally in a small round after previous registration. A corresponding non-disclosure agreement should be concluded in advance.