Corrugations " THere effect on thermoforming "

[goose212]

Hello

I am looking for information regarding the uses of corrugations in thermoforming ( primarily with polypro ) My field has me designing and fabricating orthopaedic appliances for the disabled. I am looking for particulars on the size and shape of the corrugation and there effects on rigidity. I welcome any information

Thanks in Advance

 

[Rich2001]

If you are useing AutoCad 2000 look at the mass properties in MDT , things like Centroid , and Moments of Inertia are given. Use the moment of inertai to compare rigidity.

Rigidity is directly proportional to the Moment of Inertia (Look at Simple Beam analysis).

Hope this helps, Rich

 

[zengineerboy]

Hello,

The method of thermoforming you are looking for is called "twin-sheeting". It's a lot more complicated process then regular old thermoforming, but it can produce some very strong structures. Years ago I worked as the Manuf. Process Eng. for a heavy-gage thermoforming company and we did a lot of twin-sheeting. One of the coolest prototypes we made was a "corrugated" panel that we filled with foam. Everyone was amazed at how rigid it was.
My best advise would be to find yourself a good plastics processor with twin-sheeting experience. As far as Polypropylene goes, if you use a foam fill, find one that sticks to PP.
Good Luck,

Steve