METAPOR® microporous plates and ESPOR® moulds for thermoforming and vacuum forming

Microporous materials and moulds for applications requiring uniform air permeability. Portec METAPOR® and ESPOR® products are used in pressure and vacuum thermoforming, vacuum fixtures and the production of forming tools. They are also used in the automotive and semiconductor industries and in machine building.

METAPOR® plates

METAPOR® is a microporous composite material that allows air to pass through its entire surface. It provides uniform airflow in vacuum and pressure processes. Applications include plastics forming, composite processing, and the production of electronic and optical components.

Grades made with different granules are available, including aluminium, stainless steel and ceramic granules. Relevant selection criteria include pore size, mechanical strength, air permeability and thermal stability.

METAPOR® can be machined using standard CNC machines. According to the manufacturer, the pores do not become blocked during machining, and the permeability of the entire surface removes the need to drill vent holes.

Availability and dimensions

METAPOR® products are available as 500 x 500 mm plates with thicknesses from 10 to 420 mm. METAPOR® HD 100 AL, HD 210 AL and BF 100 AL are also available as 1000 x 500 mm plates with thicknesses from 15 to 200 mm.

Main features of METAPOR® plates

The uniform microporous structure allows controlled airflow and gas flow. The continuous surface does not require additional holes. The material offers thermal stability and can be machined to meet specific shape and size requirements.

Applications include vacuum forming and thermoforming of plastics, production of composites and laminates, electronics and optics, forming tool production, and processes requiring uniform air permeability.

ESPOR® cast moulds

ESPOR® is a casting technology developed by Portec for air-permeable products with a microporous surface. ESPOR® products are made from a composite of aluminium granules and epoxy resin. Different granule sizes provide different levels of air permeability. Metal cooling channels can also be incorporated into the products to reduce cycle times.