thyssenkrupp’s Plastics-Service-Center delivers custom products just-in-time

When tailored services are required for aluminum composite material, customers can rely on the Plastics-Service-Center (PSC). The ability to provide large quantities of made-tomeasure material and deliver on a just-in-time basis represents real added value for customers and strengthens their trust in the plastics experts from thyssenkrupp Materials Services.

ALUCOBOND® for new rescue center

thyssenkrupp Plastics and the PSC offer a very wide range of products and services, from in-depth advice to on-time delivery. One example of a successful project is the facade of the new rescue station in Hilzingen near Constance in southwest Germany. With their holistic approach the experts from thyssenkrupp Plastics won the contract to supply the facade materials. The customer benefited in many ways, from initial advice and material samples to precision processing and just-in-time delivery. The plastics specialists supported their business partner throughout the process, collaborating closely with the PSC and the company’s inhouse building and construction advisor.

The Plastics-Service-Center processed around 1,700 square meters of ALUCOBOND® for the project. Over a period of six to eight months it manufactured edge-trimmed rectangular panels and provided additional milling, V-grooves and blind holes. The material was called off under individual release orders in line with construction progress and delivered just-intime. At all times thyssenkrupp Plastics carried out these process steps to the customer’s exact requirements.

The result is a modern, wedge-shaped outer shell in red, charcoal gray and mouse gray installed by facade experts Zimmermann + König. With its striking hose tower the new rescue center has become a local landmark since its completion last summer.

The PSC at a glance

The PSC started operation in June 2016 and offers its extensive range of services via the Germany-wide network of thyssenkrupp Plastics sites. It is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery including a modern CNC milling center and a horizontal panel saw from Homag.

This enables the PSC to cut materials to size quickly and precisely and manufacture required shapes automatically. Integrated tooling also makes it possible to carry out drilling and milling operations in sequential production steps. The three units allow individual customer needs to be met efficiently. Services range from all standard processes to more specific requirements such as V-grooves, through/undercut holes and bevels.

Ideal facade material

Stable yet flexible, aluminum composite panels offer weathering resistance and vibration damping properties, making them the ideal material for facades. Lightweight ALUCOBOND® is available in a wide range of colors and comprises two aluminum face sheets combined with different core materials depending on design. The easy-to-bend panels are readily processable and can be assembled and installed quickly.

thyssenkrupp Plastics GmbH based in Essen, Germany, offers a nationwide service focused on product and application advice, fabrication, sourcing and delivery. It has a portfolio of over 40,000 plastics products and brands stemming exclusively from renowned international producers who are among the technology and market leaders in their respective product areas. The range is tailored to the requirements of customers in the DIY/builders’ merchants, building, industrial piping, engineering plastics and visual communication sectors.