Prefinished metal polymer hybrid parts

In this study, the shaping and assembly behavior of adhesive polymer-metal-composites was investigated in an international cooperation using two step curable uretdione-polyester-based powder coatings (IPF development [1,2]) which acts simultaneously as a reactive adhesive agent and as a high quality surface finish. To create the composite, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer with good compatibility to the powder coating was over-molded onto a powder coated aluminum substrate. A polyamide (PA6) layer was over-molded on to the TPU layer to create a stiff composite structure with possibilities for further functionalization. The TPU-layer in between the metal substrate and the polymer top layer acts as a stress and strain compensation layer. These loads are caused by thermal expansion (under fluctuating temperatures) and external forces/deformation. Another key feature of the composite is the innovative process chain. The powder coating can resist high deformation and therefore the coating is suitable for a future application on to a metal substrate using a coil coating procedure. In addition, the coil could be easily implemented into a production line as a semi-finished product. The prefinished coated metal substrate could be formed (e.g. incremental forming, deep drawing) and inserted in the over-molding procedure. This overall shortened process chain allows not only an effective fabrication of pre-coated semi-finished materials and polymer-metal-joints in high quantities by saving process steps (e.g. cleaning steps, glue application) but also a higher versatility in the following composite production.