Covestro, a polymer manufacturer, and Arcesso Dynamics, a manufacturer of custom polyurethane parts, launch Arfinio, a breakthrough manufacturing solution, at K 2022 plastics trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. The solution is based on reaction injection moulding (RIM) on aliphatic polyurethanes. Previously considered impossible, this technology enables manufacturers to benefit from new combinations of design freedom, functional performance, and sustainability in multiple solid-surface and injection-moulded applications.
Arfinio material is made by injection moulding of a combination of high-performance liquid polymers and unique minerals. This produces truly seamless shapes without requiring sheets. In this way, the technology combines the key benefits of aliphatic chemistry, injection moulding, and solid surfaces: mechanical resistance, light-stability, and repairability, as well as low product weight, quick production, and improved design freedom.
These properties are now opening new possibilities in applications, including an Estoli shower plate and a luxury design chair. Arfinio provides a solution at least 50 per cent lighter than traditional solid surfaces in bathroom furniture, improving wet slip resistance and increasing safety during installation and use. Its formulation can also be supplemented with antibacterial additives, enhancing hygiene on high-touch surfaces. In furniture, injection moulding enables the quick production of complex, truly seamless structures. Finally, the thermal coefficient of Arfinio makes it warm to the touch, and its texture and colour can be customised. This also allows for backlighting in electronic applications.
Joan Miquel GarcÃa Martinez, Senior Project Manager at Covestro, said, “We’re proud to have joined forces with Arcesso to bring the benefits of RIM-produced aliphatics to the market! Arfinio will open new opportunities for a wide range of designers and OEMs, and we’re looking forward to exploring how it can be used in even more applications.”
Arfinio also contributes toward a more circular, sustainable world. Its excellent impact, abrasion, and chemical resistance properties give it a long service life. Additionally, as a monomaterial, it can be easily repaired by sanding or milled and recycled into new products.
Ernest Montón, CEO Arcesso Dynamics: “It’s been great working with Covestro to bring our innovation for aliphatic PUR to life. Our partnership has already helped customers in several industries to solve key product challenges. Together, we’ll continue developing exciting new Arfinio products designed to meet our customers’ and end-users’ needs.”