Technology
00
Idea
NECTO abstracts the bionic model of bird bones and transfers their properties
to sheet metal structures
NECTO structures are produced from two parts
in only three process steps:
-
Cutting,
-
forming,
-
joining.
01
Cutting
In the first process step,
cuts are created in the NECTO sheet.
This is done by punching.
Laser or water jet cutting can also be used for particularly thick or hard sheets.
02
Forming
In the second process step,
the NECTO structures are formed mechanically.
The relatively large bending radii
and the low elongation during forming
allow the use of hard materials.
03
Joining Process
A second sheet is joined to the NECTO sheet, creating a sandwich. The joints are accessible from both sides.
They can be inspected for quality control, both directly after the joining process but also during the use phase.
Welding, riveting, screwing, clinching or gluing
are possible joining techniques.
04
Sandwich-Panels
The sandwich core is open.
That make the sandwich ventilable and condensation is avoided.
The NECTO panels can be single, double or interlocked.
05
Sheet Materials
Aluminum grades such as AlMg3 can be processed. Or grades like aircraft aluminum
according to EN AW 2024.
NECTO sandwich panels have also been manufactured using high-strength (stainless) steels such as FORTA H500/800/1000.
06
Panel Properties
Core density
The core density can be reduced to a minimum.
With the appropriate structural parameters (sheet thickness, repetition distance, strut width and angle), sandwiches can be produced whose core struts have a volume proportion of only 1‰ of core volume.
When using low-density materials (aluminum), sandwich cores are possible that fall into the category of super lightweight construction (10g / dm3).
Load-optimised design
By dimensioning each individual NECTO structure, the sandwich thickness can be variably adjusted across the surface.
The distance between the individual NECTO elements
can also be variably adjusted via the surface.
This allows the sandwich to be adapted to the load and design requirements.
In this way, sandwich panels can be adapted locally
to static or spatial requirements and design specifications.
Large and stable panels or curved shells can be realized.
Such design options mean that additional reinforcements can be dispensed with.
If required, however, additional reinforcements can be easily integrated into the sandwich core or attached to the outside.
07
Mass production
The NECTO sheets can be produced directly from the coil in a punching production line with progressive dies.
For small quantities and prototyping, punching machines are used to form individual NECTO structures one by one.
