Inventors:
Fritz Huebner - Holland MI
Gerard J. Schoeb - Holland MI
Assignee:
Plascore, Inc. - Zeeland MI
International Classification:
B32B 312
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for forming honeycomb structure from a plurality of substrate layers. The layers are bonded together by spaced, parallel, solid node strips of thermoplastic material pressed and heated above the softening temperature to bond to the substrate surfaces and form a block. After cooling, the block is expanded into a honeycomb structure. Alternatively, the solid node strips can be placed on the spaced raised crests of corrugated layers of substrate, and successive layers bonded together by pressure and sufficient heat between the crests of one layer and the corresponding depression of the successive layer, to elevate the node strips above the softening temperature. Several alternative methods and apparatuses for achieving the result are disclosed.