Sheet Sheet FabricationFabrication

PLET 370PLET 370

Mike CoutsMike Couts

Tim StaffordTim Stafford

Cory LischerelliCory Lischerelli

PurposePurpose

To learn about sheet fabrication:To learn about sheet fabrication: How it beganHow it began Machinery involvedMachinery involved Materials usedMaterials used Additional ProcessesAdditional Processes Industry breakdownIndustry breakdown

OutlineOutline

HistoryHistory MachineryMachinery MaterialsMaterials Secondary ProcessesSecondary Processes IndustryIndustry

IntroductionIntroduction

When and why did industry first When and why did industry first evolveevolve

Existing MarketExisting Market

Pros and ConsPros and Cons

MaterialsMaterials

PolycarbonatePolycarbonate

Products:Products: Swimming pool Swimming pool

coverscovers SkylightsSkylights SheltersShelters GreenhousesGreenhouses Sound proof wallsSound proof walls

MaterialsMaterials

PolycarbonatePolycarbonate

Good Properties:Good Properties: Weather resistantWeather resistant Light weightLight weight Heat resistantHeat resistant Can be cold-bentCan be cold-bent UV protectionUV protection StiffnessStiffness

MaterialsMaterials

AcrylicAcrylic

ProductsProducts Lighting PanelsLighting Panels Storm Storm

windows/doorswindows/doors Glass replacements Glass replacements

for picture framesfor picture frames Can be substituted Can be substituted

for PCfor PC

MaterialsMaterials

AcrylicAcrylic Impact resistantImpact resistant Non-yellowingNon-yellowing ClarityClarity Weather resistantWeather resistant BendableBendable

Other MaterialsOther Materials

HDPEHDPE ABSABS PolypropylenePolypropylene NylonNylon

Processes of Sheet Processes of Sheet FormingForming

Cell CastingCell Casting Continuous CastingContinuous Casting Extrusion Extrusion

Cell CastingCell Casting

ProcessProcess Sheets of glassSheets of glass GasketGasket MaterialMaterial

Continuous CastingContinuous Casting

ProcessProcess Pour between two Pour between two

beltsbelts GasketGasket MaterialMaterial

ExtrustionExtrustion

ProcessProcess ExtruderExtruder DieDie CoolingCooling

ComparisonsComparisons

Cell CastingCell Casting High molecular weightHigh molecular weight Thick partsThick parts Better thicknessesBetter thicknesses Greater optical propertiesGreater optical properties

Comparisons Cont.Comparisons Cont.

Continuous CastingContinuous Casting VolumeVolume Process easierProcess easier Uniform shrinkageUniform shrinkage

Comparisons Cont.Comparisons Cont.

Cell and Continuous CastingCell and Continuous Casting Cross linkedCross linked High Molecular WeightsHigh Molecular Weights

Greater strengthGreater strength Impact toughnessImpact toughness

Distortion freeDistortion free Optical qualityOptical quality

Secondary ProcessesSecondary Processes

CuttingCutting DrillingDrilling RoutingRouting ThermoformingThermoforming

Secondary ProcessSecondary Process

Painting and Silk screeningPainting and Silk screening Line BendingLine Bending CementingCementing Edge and Surface finishingEdge and Surface finishing

IndustryIndustry

Current products Current products on market todayon market today

IndustryIndustry

Major Corporations TodayMajor Corporations Today

Salary for Engineers and Salary for Engineers and TechniciansTechnicians

Current Job MarketCurrent Job Market

Projected Industry OutlookProjected Industry Outlook

ConclusionConclusion

ProductionProduction ApplicationsApplications Replacing GlassReplacing Glass