TecoCell is a chemical foaming agent developed for injection molding to improve part qualities and process economics. TecoCell® products offer many processing advantages for customers looking to lightweight plastic parts while maintaining their structural integrity.

TecoCell® Molding Guide
Selecting a Foaming Technology

The Science Behind TecoCell®

TecoCell®, which is produced through a specialized and patented process, creates a homogeneous gas/cell matrix by utilizing uniform size CaCO3 particles of .08 microns.

The CaCO3 nanoparticles distribute themselves evenly in the material system, resulting in a strong and constant cell structure throughout the blow molded or injection molded part. The uniformity of the cell gives the user a lightweight part with low warpage, faster cycles times, better stiffness and higher heat distortion properties.

This even distribution and small cell size of the TecoCell® additive is especially effective in unfilled PP and PE materials. These materials are commonly used for blow molded automotive ducts and injection molded thin-wall packaging.

Smallest Cells = Greatest Benefits

TecoCell® technology produces the smallest cell size achievable (50 – 200 microns) through the exclusive use of nano-sized, (<=0.08 micron) CaCO3 particles.

TecoCell’s cell size and uniform distribution result in superior mechanical properties and surface appearance compared to conventional chemical forming agents.

Easy to Test and Implement

TecoCell® provides immediate cost savings and improvements that can be proven out during a short mold trial. Contact Trexel today to discuss how TecoCell® can benefit your specific application. A complimentary sample of TecoCell® and remote trial support will be provided on applications determined to be good candidates.

Cleaner, Greener Chemistry

TecoCell® chemistry is a cleaner process. All ingredients in the TecoCell® formulation and their reaction products are environmentally friendly. CO2, water and citric salts, all inert and benign, are the only by-products. In contrast, traditional chemical foaming agents produce hazardous by-products that can corrode molds and are environmentally harmful.

Cleaner, Greener Chemistry

TecoCell® chemistry is a cleaner process. All ingredients in the TecoCell® formulation and their reaction products are environmentally friendly. CO2, water and citric salts, all inert and benign, are the only by-products. In contrast, traditional chemical foaming agents produce hazardous by-products that can corrode molds and are environmentally harmful.

Processing Advantages with TecoCell® Chemical Foaming Agents

Lighter Parts

TecoCell® is a lightweight chemical foaming technology that can be used to create lighter parts in various industries. When producing these parts, TecoCell® involves the injection of a gas into a polymer matrix creating a foam-like structure with a cellular network. In general a 10% weight reduction can be achieved with a 2% level of TecoCell® H1 and process conditions in the range of 440° - 480°F with a nominal wall of 2.5 to 3.0mm.

Better Dimensional Stability

Parts are flatter resulting in better dimensional stability. TecoCell® parts will better maintain their shape and size under various conditions, such as temperature changes or external forces. The stability is reinforced by the cellular network.

Elimination of Sink Marks

TecoCell® is known for its capability of reducing sink marks in molded parts. Sink marks refer to depressions or indentations that occur on the surface of a molded part. TecoCell®’s unique cellular structure helps to mitigate the occurrence of sink marks. The cells act as a built-in internal structure, distributing stresses evenly and reducing the likelihood of shrinkage.

Improved Surface Finish

TecoCell®’s cellular structure plays a significant role in achieving a superior surface finish. The foam’s cells act as a cushioning layer, absorbing and dispersing stresses during the molding process. This helps to minimize the formation of surface defects such as flow marks, weld lines and sink marks.

Lower Clamping Pressure

The lower clamping pressure offered by TecoCell® foam provides several benefits in the molding process. It reduces the strain on the mold and the molding machine, resulting in longer mold life and reduced maintenance costs. This also allows for the use of smaller, less expensive molding machines.

TecoCell® H1

TecoCell® H1​​ is a specially formulated concentrate that is recommended for foaming polyolefins and polystyrene. This product activates at 200 C (395 F). It is targeted for applications that required the smallest cell size achievable with a CFA and for polyolefin applications that require optimum surface finish. ​

TecoCell® H1 Technical Data Sheet

TecoCell® GT

TecoCell® GT​​ is a specially formulated concentrate that is recommended for foaming PET, PETg, Nylon, PLA and other high-temperature processing polymers. TecoCell® GT activates at temperatures above 400 ̊ F. The product is targeted for applications where the smallest cell size achievable with a CFA is required. ​

TecoCell® GT Technical Data Sheet

TecoCell® CS

TecoCell® CS is a specially formulated concentrate that is recommended for foaming of polyolefins and polystyrene and nucleation of polymers when foamed with physical blowing agents. This product activates at 200 C (395 F). It is targeted for applications that require the smallest cell size achievable with a CFA. ​

TecoCell® CS Tehnical Data Sheet

TecoCell® H1

Process Temperature

220 C – 260 C
430 F- 500 F

Materials

Polyolefins, Polystyrene, and for nucleation of these polymers when foamed with a physical blowing agent (MuCell®)

TecoCell® GT

Process Temperature

250 C – 290 C
480 F – 550 F

Materials

PET, PETg, Nylon, PLA, and other high-temperature processing polymers

Let’s Make it Happen

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our global team.

We’re here to assist and provide you with answers to all of your inquires. Let’s take a look at your application and discuss whether our technology can help you reduce costs AND your carbon footprint. We are eager to guide you through the process. Get in touch today!

By Phone:

781-932-0202

By Email:

info@Trexel.com