Mar-Bal, Inc., a Chagrin Falls, Ohio-based leader in the thermoset industry and innovative solutions provider, introduces THERMITAL™, a thermoset composite combined with a PVD finishing technology.
As the tag line describes – Design it. Mold it. Finish it., THERMITAL provides an integrated solution of Mar-Bal's Engineering design expertise, core competency in thermoset compounding and molding and their newest capability --- PVD finishing.
"With its aesthetic, designer finishing options, THERMITAL really looks and feels like metal but it allows for geometric design freedoms where metals can be limiting," said Ron Poff, New Business Development Manager for Mar-Bal, Inc. "The heat resistance, corrosion resistance and lighter part weight of composites are all technical advantages as compared to metal. The entire process also provides for a lower cost option and quicker path to market than die cast metals."
With repeatable textures, THERMITAL (pronounced as Therm-it-all) offers customizable colors of steel and unlimited glosses. Stainless steel, chrome and brass are some examples of the limitless options for consideration. While many metal finishing processes are toxic and harmful to the environment, the PVD process utilized by Mar-Bal is environmentally friendly and considered a 'Green' application. Additional exterior coatings can be applied to provide for anti-fingerprinting, clean-ability and UV resistance. Applications for THERMITAL include appliance handles, control knobs for stoves, oven control panels, washer, dryer and dish washer components, counter top kitchen appliances, under-the-hood automotive and heavy truck parts and numerous opportunities where OEM industrial designers and engineers are looking for a cost-effective, performance exceeding and aesthetic alternative to metals.
"At Mar-Bal, we are driven to design smart, innovative solutions and now PVD finishing allows for direct efficiency, part design improvements and a metal replacement option for our customers," added Poff. "We are very proud to introduce THERMITAL, this recent investment also allows Mar-Bal to grow into other markets that we are not currently participating in. We look forward to continuing to provide innovative leadership in the industry."
Source: http://www.mar-bal.com/