The honeycombs of bees keep a secret: their hexagonal structure is one of the lightest and most resistant in nature. That’s why we humans imitate it in packaging, construction, aeronautics… But always with limitations. Today the rules have changed. AITEX , a Spanish research center, designed a machine to create more versatile and sustainable honeycomb panels. And it works!
That hive-like structure has always been useful in multiple sectors. Because it reduces weight, saves material and withstands stresses like no other. But until now, manufacturing it was costly, time-consuming, materials could not be adapted and dimensions could not be customized. Moreover, it was difficult to recycle.
AITEX, with the support of IVACE, got down to work. It researched and developed semi-industrial equipment to kick-start a new generation of Honeycomb.
What does this machine do?
It creates hexagonal cells, using a thermocompression process, by combining card fabrics, as reinforcing fibers, with thermoplastic fibers.
What distinguishes these new honeycombs?
The use of carded fabrics as a base, because it opens up a world of possibilities for using fibers with different characteristics and, in addition, lowering costs. And they are combined with thermoplastics of various nature. Carbon fibers with PP, cotton or bamboo with PLA, various textile fibers with PP, flame-retardant fibers with PP….
The AITEX solution allows:
➡️ Customize the physical-mechanical characteristics of the panel.
➡️ Create honeycomb panels with high mechanical performance.
➡️ Incorporate recycled materials.
➡️ Maintain a competitive price/quality ratio.
It is not limited to certain industries. It is an equipment that makes it possible to manufacture honeycomb for all sectors: for cars and airplanes, for packaging, for the photovoltaic industry, for the aerospace sector, for creating all types of surfaces, such as facades and interior design.
It is an innovative manufacturing technology that gives any company access to high-performance, customized honeycombs at a reasonable cost.
It is an innovation made in Spain, an avant-garde reference that revolutionizes the industry and manages to build a stronger, lighter and greener future.
