Polymer concrete - a construction material with a real future 2020-09-16

VOLLMER is distinguished by its passion for precision. Because it is this passion that makes the measurable difference: in quality and productivity. In order to meet this demand of efficient machining and maximum precision, machine stands with convincing features and economic benefits are required. All frames of VOLLMER grinding and eroding machines are therefore made of polymer concrete, also known as mineral casting. It scores with clear technological, economic and ecological advantages over grey or metallic cast iron.

What is polymer concrete?

Polymer concrete differs from conventional concrete in that an epoxy resin-based binder - a polymer - is used instead of cement. Selected minerals and rocks as well as the high-quality epoxy resin binder form the basis for mineral casting. So it is not a cement matrix that holds the aggregates together in the concrete, but a polymer - which gives the material its special properties.

Its advantagese:

The requirements of our customers regarding process accuracy under static, dynamic and thermal loads are increasing. This is where the high-tech material polymer concrete can show its strengths and optimally fulfill the absorption of forces and moments under these aspects: Its excellent vibration damping, chemical resistance and thermal stability distinguish polymer concrete from other classical construction materials. The most important feature of polymer concrete is its excellent damping behavior. Compared to grey cast iron, this is approximately 16 times better. Due to the low thermal conductivity and the large heat capacity, polymer concrete components are less sensitive to deformations caused by short-term temperature fluctuations. The good thermal stability is existential for the achievement of high precision in the production of rotary tools.

In addition, polymer concrete offers a wide range of design possibilities for developing both stable and complex components. For example, the use of polymer concrete allows great design freedom by casting and integrating other machine elements directly into the material. Mineral casting is characterized by high media resistance, e.g. to cutting oils and cooling lubricants, a perfect ecological balance due to resource-saving production, and environmentally friendly disposal and recycling. Our machine frames made of mineral casting are cast cold in casting molds. In comparison to other materials, up to 30% less primary energy is consumed during production. Moreover, polymer concrete is visually attractive and design-oriented.

The VLaser 370 also impresses with maximum rigidity and outstanding damping thanks to polymer concrete - for the highly dynamic applications and requirements of our customers.

Image source: RAMPF Machine Systems GmbH & Co.KG, Wangen near Göppingen - www.rampf-group.com