AIREX®

Laser cutting of foam core material

AIREX^® is an ultra-light and at the same time stable foam material. With its combination of strength, rigidity and the low weight, it is convincing in industry. AIREX^® is particularly suitable for processing as a core material in sandwich structures. Compared to other solutions available on the market, more than 50% of the weight can be saved. The benefits don’t end there. Thanks to the low weight of AIREX^® structures, further processing can also be carried out particularly efficiently, because transport and further processing are easier.

We looked at the material in the AIREX^® T10 variant. It is a closed-cell, thermoplastic and recyclable polymer foam with a homogeneous structure. This can be processed with all common resin systems and is particularly intended for lightweight sandwich structures with high static or dynamic loads or high processing temperatures.

Benefits of cutting AIREX® with CO₂ lasers:

Fine, radius-free contours possible
Lint-free, dust-free and clean work with sealed cut edges
Low tool wear compared to the knife

No post-processing necessary
Engravability enables engraving marks to be attached
Cost reduction, since further processing steps are not necessary

Properties of AIREX®

Particularly low weight
Easy processing
Not rotting
Dimensionally stable

High chemical resistance
High temperature resistance (briefly up to 180°C possible!)
No water absorption

Areas of application for AIREX^®

Due to its versatile properties, the AIREX^® material is used in various branches and industries. In the automotive industry, it is used to manufacture special components for the interior and exterior of trucks. In shipbuilding and boat building, the hull, deck, superstructure, walls and interiors can be strengthened with the foam. AIREX^® is also used in the wind energy market and can lead to higher efficiency here, as the low weight and high rigidity enable larger wind turbine blades to be built. In this way, more power can be generated in energy conversion. In industry, components for covers containers, X-ray tables or sporting goods are made from AIREX^®.
Processing tests in our application center have shown that AIREX^® can be excellently cut and processed with our CO2 laser systems. The results are convincing. A detailed report on the laser test is available upon request.