Cannon has developed a wide range of dedicated equipment for top-quality engine covers production.
Thanks to the engine cover, traveling in some vehicles is exceptionally comfortable, particularly in the newest models.
Why?
Because its insulation properties are essential to absorb heat, noise, and vibrations coming from the engine, making cars quieter and improving riders’ experience in the vehicle. And, since it looks far nicer not seeing exhaust headers, oil seepage, and valves, the engine cover also has an aesthetic function.
Due to its outstanding insulation properties, polyurethane foam is the crucial element for producing the engine cover.
Commonly, carmakers require covers entirely made in PU, filled with expandable graphite for better fire resistance performance. In other cases, they choose an injection-molded thermoplastic surface with a polyurethane layer applied on the back to increase sound and thermal insulation. This sheet of expanded cellular material is produced separately, foamed in small self-equipped molds, and manually assembled behind the rigid thermoplastic cover using star locks clips.
This production technique has been completely revolutionized by Sapa, an Italian industrial group dedicated to injection molding for the automotive sector. Sapa has developed the One-Shot® all-in-one injection method, combining the injection molding of the thermoplastic shield with a back-foaming using polyurethane foam.
Cannon solutions for engine covers
Thanks to its deep experience in the automotive sector, Cannon is the ideal partner for producing engine covers, whether made only of polyurethane or those that are thermoformed and back foamed.
Cannon’s solutions range from high-pressure mixing heads and dosing machines, stop-and-go carousels, and all the way to fully automated plants. Cannon has also developed dedicated solutions to effectively process the chemical for PU formulations filled with fire retardants as expandable graphite.
Each piece of equipment is created to guarantee excellent insulation quality of the finished product, working efficiently and ensuring maximum reliability and repeatability.