More than skin-deep
CORIUM uses PUR-CSM technology for homogeneous polyurethane products
When it comes to manufacturing spray skins, PUR-CSM technology fulfils the highest requirements in terms of processing possibilities and specific processing quality. Various applications in the field of waterresistant seating and other flexible foam parts as well as surfaces of complex automotive interior trim components testify to a multitude of innovative and practice-oriented uses. Word has reached beyond Europe now that the process stands for efficiency, reliability and continuous further development. CORIUM is the first Canadian company to opt for PUR-CSM in the manufacture of high-quality end products for the automotive and outdoor industries.
CORIUM is of Latin origin and translated literally means “tough skin”. An appropriate name for the Canadian start-up company that has specialized in the manufacture of high-quality polyurethane-based surfaces since it was founded in 2005. Apart from seating for all kinds of applications and components for instrument panel supports, CORIUM’s product range also comprises decorative elements for meeting high standards with regard to the look and feel of products and their durability. Outside of the automotive sector, the company is now considered one of the most important independent suppliers of PUR parts on the whole North American market. Its main business area is the substitution of products that until now were made with other process technology.
The spray skin experts just recently won a National Marine Manufacturers Association innovation award in the “Furnishings and Interior Parts Category”. In spring 2010, CORIUM invested in a PUR-CSM processing plant with separate metering lines for spray skins and moulded foam applications. The tailor-made production system offers superior product quality in spray skin applications with and without direct backfoaming, and has all the USPs of CSM technology. For example, the shots can be interrupted at any time during the spray coating process. Depending on the application this can lead to material savings of over 10 percent. Moreover, the system can also process high-viscosity components for particularly durable spray skins without any problem, doing credit to the company name.
The INNOVATIONS team spoke with CORIUM’s president and founder George Magirescu and executive vice-president Pierre Maheux about German machine technology, business relations with Hennecke and the advantages of homogeneous polyurethane products.
INNOVATIONS:
Since May of this year your production has put its trust in Hennecke. How did you come across the Hennecke group and what were the determining factors for your decision to invest in the German machine and plant technology?
CORIUM:
We first came across Hennecke machines at an American firm that is specialized in the manufacture of PU foam goods. So we have known about Hennecke and its good reputation for decades. But our decision in favor of the German company was not only based on its technological competence. The Hennecke team in Pittsburgh convinced us with its experience of the market and wide-reaching knowledge regarding PUR-CSM technology. On top of that, German machine and plant technology also has a good reputation in Canada of course.
INNOVATIONS:
Your company is the first in Canada to opt for CSM spray technology. How did you find out about this technology and what are its most important advantages in your opinion?
CORIUM:
Spray skins became increasingly popular in the top sector of the automotive industry towards the end of the 1990s. It was immediately clear to us that this technology would solve all sorts of problems in many areas – both for the producers as well as for the users. We don’t mean only regarding look and feel but especially the functional optimization. Think about boat building for instance where certain needs clash. For example water, UV and mold resistance as well as extreme durability for a long time. PUR-CSM enables us to manufacture a product, which is pleasing to the eye because the Hennecke technology - in contrast to traditional production methods - gives us complete freedom regarding design. Moreover, it is considerably easier to recycle at the end of its life cycle thanks to the homogeneous PUR solution.
INNOVATIONS:
Could you make such products without PUR-CSM technology?
CORIUM:
Traditional production methods can’t keep up when it comes to design and specific surface texture unless various manual processes are also used. But this would cause the manufacturing costs to explode. The spray technology also offers the user other advantages. One single, automated process allows color or embossment to be chosen very easily.
INNOVATIONS:
What trends are you currently witnessing on the American PU market?
CORIUM:
There is a growing demand for spray skins, particularly in the American automotive industry. Many models are opting for backfoamed spray skin solutions, whereas before simple plastics were used. And this too is not only for optical reasons. The environmental impact and the possibility of recycling materials are becoming more and more important to American manufacturers.
INNOVATIONS:
What does the future hold for CORIUM? Are you going to expand your business? What role will PUR-CSM spray technology play?
CORIUM:
We already have concrete plans to double our production capacity over the next 18 months. We will be counting on polyurethane spray skins and PUR-CSM technology to do so.
The Innovations team thanks the two friendly Canadians for the interesting conversation. Hennecke wishes CORIUM further success with spray skins based on PUR-CSM technology.
You can find out more about CORIUM by going to www.corium-ut.com.
