Flexible Solutions

Rapid Prototyping Methods - Advantages and Disadvantages

Posted by Katie Sullivan

August 12, 2019 9:00 AM

Prototypes are typically produced in relatively small quantities and used by our customers to verify design, evaluate material choices, and build prototypes of their assembly.

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Topics: manufacturing techniques, die cutting, prototype, Laser cutting

How to Mask with Die-Cuts vs. Strips: Video Demonstration

Posted by Katie Sullivan

July 26, 2019 3:49 PM

Paint masking can be a tedious process. When masking an area with precision and over-masking is unacceptable, custom die-cut masks prove to be the best solution. Die-cut masks are pre-cut pieces of masking tape that are made to the exact size and shape of the surface area in need of masking. This video shows a direct comparison of the masking process with strips/knife versus masking with a die-cut part with a split liner. You'll see this demonstration proves that masking with a custom die-cut is easier, faster, more accurate, and safer. 

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Topics: Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, Masking, Die-Cut Masking, 3M

3 Common Misconceptions About Durometer

Posted by Andrew Bonar

July 9, 2019 9:32 AM

 
The Shore durometer (pictured right) is a scale for measuring the hardness of a material, such as rubber, plastic, thermal  plastics (TPE), and rigid plastics. The term "durometer" is often used to describe a material's rating on the scale, for example “this material has a durometer of 60.”
  
It's worth noting, there are a variety of durometer scales since elastomeric and plastic resins vary over a wider range than one scale can accommodate. Download our comparison chart to see how these scales overlap.
 
Durometer hardness is one of many physical properties considered when selecting a material for a specific application. Beware of some common misconceptions. Durometer hardness is often inaccurately confused with the properties described below. 

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Topics: Foams, Compression Force Deflection, PORON, Elastomers, Material selection

PORON® EVExtend For Use In EV/HEV Li-ion Pouch Cell Batteries

Posted by Katie Sullivan

May 29, 2019 1:01 PM

Materials for Battery Solutions - PORON® EVExtend

Our valued material supplier, Rogers Corporation, has released PORON® EVExtend polyurethane foam material. This material is ideal for battery pads for EV/HEV li-ion pouch cell batteries. The EXExtend 4701-43HBF offers an increased flammability rating of HBF, or HF1 (product dependent). 

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Topics: Foams, PORON, EV, HEV, Material selection, Thermal Gap Filler Pads, Thermal Gap Pad

How Can Marian's Global Footprint Benefit You?

Posted by Lynn Zeheralis

May 10, 2019 9:15 AM

From Locations Across the World, Marian Delivers a Successful Solution to HumanWare 

It's difficult to prove the true value of working with a company that has a large global footprint. This application story demonstrates how Marian's global footprint paired with quick action by our material experts resulted in an effective solution for HumanWare, who was on a tight timeline.

In just 7 days from initial contact, Marian was able to work through the design and material selection processes, rapidly manufacture prototypes, and deliver a preliminary order of die-cut parts. Keep reading to learn more.

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Topics: die cutting, Application Story, Global Footprint

11 Considerations When Selecting TIM for EV Li-ion Battery

Posted by Katie Sullivan

March 22, 2019 8:06 AM

11 Considerations When Selecting Thermal Interface Materials for Electric Vehicle Li-ion Battery

Currently, lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries are the most common type of battery used to power electric vehicles. Today's market is demanding that batteries charge faster and last longer. Because li-ion batteries produce significant heat when in use and charging, thermal management is critical. Excessive heat can cause irreparable damage to the battery. 

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Topics: Thermal Management, EV, HEV, battery, Material selection

Tolerance Challenges When Die Cutting Materials

Posted by Katie Sullivan

January 17, 2019 9:20 AM

Technological advances in properties of soft, flexible foam and elastomeric materials have continued. These thick, soft, flexible foams and elastomers like PORON foam, silicone foam, and more are ideal materials for sealing, gasketing and cushioning across many industries and applications.

They compress, form to irregular surfaces, bend, and flex within an application without damage or delamination, but from the perspective of the converter, these materials may also introduce challenges when trying to achieve the tight dimensional tolerances common in metal and plastic-molded parts.


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Topics: Foams, BISCO Silicone, PORON, Elastomers, Tolerance

Does Die-Cut Masking Make Sense for You?

Posted by Lynn Zeheralis

November 15, 2018 2:50 PM

Masking can seem like a "simple" process that is often accomplished with masking tape slit to common widths and applied by hand to protect surfaces from paint, contamination, or damage. Similar to surface protection tapes, masking materials are often discarded long before the final product reaches the customer. So what benefits are seen by changing from rolls of tape to die-cuts specific for your application?

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Topics: Surface Protection, Masking, Die-Cut Masking

On-Demand Webinar: Die-Cut Surface Protection Solutions

Posted by Lynn Zeheralis

August 16, 2018 9:17 AM


Marian recently hosted a 30-minute webinar with tesa® that discussed many of their surface protection films and tapes, including key features, and the benefits your company can see by implementing die-cuts into your processes and final products. Watch our webinar, and as an added bonus, request a FREE prototype and speak with one of our material experts.
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Topics: Surface Protection, Webinar

Pressure Equalization and Die-Cut Protective Vents

Posted by Lynn Zeheralis

May 18, 2018 1:14 PM

Changes in altitude, humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure can cause the internal pressure of a sealed enclosure to increase or decrease significantly. Engineers integrate vents into the design of their enclosures to equalize the pressure and prevent problems such as condensation (and shorting of electronics), fogging, discoloration, leaks (failure of the seal), and other failures. Learn how the help of protective vents can keep these issues from arising.

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Topics: Vent Material