Characteristics of granulates used as core materials in the overmoulding process of hollow profiles

The hybridisation of structural components is an effective way to increase its functionality and lightweight potential. By combining different materials and semi-finished products, lightweight and load-adapted components can be achieved. An effective technology is the overmoulding of hollow profiles to realise additional stiffening and fastening elements. For this purpose, a consolidated and dimensionally stable hollow profile is positioned in the injection mould and is overmoulded. It is known, that hollow profiles have to be supported by an internal medium to prevent the structure from collapsing due to the high injection pressure. Previous studies have shown that granulates are well suited as inner support cores.