Thermoforming molds benefit from porous aluminum

What porous steel does for injection molders, a recently introduced porous aluminum will do for thermoformers, claims International Mold Steel, Inc. (Florence, KY). The company, also known for its porous Porcerax steel, is now offering Metapor (53), a micro-porous aluminum it says solves venting problems in thermoforming, blister packaging and film processing. According to IMS vice-president Tom Schade, Metapor eliminates the need and high cost of drilling and channeling. Also, because it is air-permeable, Metapor offers an even-pressure vacuum over its entire surface. Says Schade: “This (even-pressure forming) allows high precision forming and almost unlimited design intricacy. Like Porcerax, we expect Metapor will be used to form items that were previously considered impossible.”

IMS compares Metapor to a very easily machinable aluminum that can be cut without coolant.