New lightweight construction materials from Dotmar Engineering Plastics
A new family of lightweight construction materials is being introduced to Australasia by Dotmar Engineering Plastics that combines the advantages of plastics and timber to produce panels that are light, strong, easy to handle and water and weather-resistant.
Uniboard is formulated to make it a good replacement to materials such as MDF, plywood, marine ply, cement sheet and other traditional construction materials, says Dotmar Engineering Plastics general manager of sales, Scott Foster.
The thermoplastic materials’ sandwich structure incorporates a pore-free hard outer skin to give structural strength while its foamed core reduces weight by more than 50% compared with solid material. Uniboard comes in three types, Eco, Standard and Ultra Stiff, weighing respectively 9, 7.8 and 6.46kg per square metre.
Uniboard’s closed cell foamed core structure prohibits water absorption and transmits stress between skins, giving a material that offers impact resistance, chemical resistance and hygiene properties for applications including automotive, agricultural, construction, industrial and marine.
Low maintenance Uniboard will not rot or swell and is rustproof and corrosion resistant. Available in a range of colours (including: white, black, grey, fire red, bright blue, bright yellow and forest green), the material’s physical properties and its high machinability allow it to be used across a wide range of timber and conventional material applications, including:
Building / Construction
- Precast concrete forms
- Outdoor stage platforms
- Cladding / anti-graffiti
- Toilet / shower Partitions
- Playground equipment
- Skateboard ramps
Uniboard’s colour penetrates the whole material, meaning colours remain bright and attractive. Uniboard does not splinter, resisting impact and remaining safe. The resins used it its formulation are certified safe for foodstuffs, providing further safety. Uniboard’s light weight reduces handling and transport costs.
Transportation
- Decks / floors/walls/components of buses, RV vehicles and trailers
- Livestock carriers
- Battery mounts
- Lockers
- Underfloor systems
- Double floor carriers
- Bathrooms
The low weight and weatherproof qualities of Uniboard makes it an ideal material for use in vehicle building and a real alternative to conventional materials (such as polyester-coated plywood or solid synthetics).
Trailer weights can be reduced by up to 40% and payloads remain the same. Uniboard also reduces the weight of leisure vehicles, permitting greater payloads, while the hard-wearing material extends the vehicle’s serviceable life and resale value.
Work times and costs are also cut, because Uniboard is easy to process. And manufacturers do not have to treat the surface or edges to provide protection against the impact of environmental forces.
Industrial and agricultural
- Outdoor Signage
- Packaging components, including reusable packaging
- Covers
- Troughs
- Livestock barriers
- Stable partitions
- Feeding machines
Uniboard’s hygiene and durability are useful in both agricultural and industrial applications. Uniboard’s low weight and ease of handling make it easy to make adjustments. The non-porous surface is clean and germs cannot settle.
The material resists impact, does not react to liquid manure and cannot be bitten through. UNIBOARD resists salt water, moisture, vapour and steam. Acids, bases and other aggressive chemicals do not affect the sheet.
Marine
- Indoors and outdoors
- Upholstery supports
- Deck materials
- Engine compartments
- Outdoor storage bins
- Ribs, transoms
With its good durability, it does not absorb moisture, rot or lose its laminated finish, Uniboard is ideal for all weathers and waters. Uniboard requires virtually no maintenance and does not need painting. This UV stable material can be handled just like traditional materials and can be sawn, drilled and fastened.
Uniboard lightweight systems are manufactured by high-pressure injection moulding processes that produce stress-free parts measuring up to 4.5sq m while keeping within an overall thickness tolerance of less than 0.4mm. Processing equipment and software can be reset to meet new material requirements in a very short time.
Uniboard is not only durable and environmentally friendly but it is also recyclable. In clean condition, material off-cuts can be recycled.
29-Apr-2008