The effect of dielectric and thermal properties of plastic mold materials on the high frequency welding of three‐dimensional foam components

High-frequency heating processes are widely used in industry, for example, food processing, wood drying, or plastic welding. A recent development this field uses radio-frequency to fuse particle foam beads complex components. The aim of using the modified process is reduce energy consumption fusion. Within process, molds must be electrically insulating ensure building an electrical field. For purpose, mold made two different plastics were analyzed. Additional dielectric, mechanical, and thermal expansion, conductivity materials great interest. Although welding finished quickly, cooling demolding temperature comparably long. To achieve shorter therefore times, by conductive but fillers. By use thermally optimized materials, a reduction time up 40% was possible. At same time, step hardly affected. Mechanical properties enhanced while expansion reduced.