Bringing new design possibilities to washbasin manufacturers
Covestro and Arcesso Dynamics achieve breakthrough in washbasin design
- Washbasin is first to be produced using reaction injection molding (RIM) on aliphatic polyurethanes
- Injection-molded material enables greater design freedom
- Can be made at least 50 percent lighter than washbasins using traditional solid-surface materials
- Washbasin is durable, repairable, and recyclable
- Haptics and antibacterial possibilities improve user experience
Covestro, a leading polymer manufacturer, and Arcesso Dynamics, a manufacturer of custom polyurethane parts, have developed a breakthrough manufacturing solution that is now being used for the first time in a washbasin designed by Alt_Bath. The unique Arfinio® technology provides a combination of design freedom, low weight, and high-performance durability previously unavailable to washbasin manufacturers. Covestro will introduce the technology and showcase the washbasin at the K 2022 plastics trade show from October 19 to 26 in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Covestro and Arcesso developed Arfinio® to enable manufacturers of bathroom furniture to meet a wider range of design and performance needs. By combining RIM with aliphatic polyurethanes – previously considered impossible – Arfinio® merges the performance of aliphatics with a low weight, the quick production and design freedom of molded products, and the smooth appearance of a solid-surface material.
As a result, Alt_Bath’s new washbasin can be made 50 percent lighter than traditional solid-surface equivalents, and offers excellent impact and abrasion resistance, enabling a long service lifetime. Using a monomaterial means the basin can easily be repaired and recycled. Finally, the aliphatic polyurethanes deliver warm, pleasant haptics, and antibacterial additives can be added on request to enhance hygiene.
In this way, Arfinio® is paving the way for manufacturers of bathroom furniture to minimize material and repair costs, and to offer more attractive, longer-lasting solutions for their customers and end-users.
Joan Miquel García Martinez, Senior Project Manager Covestro: "This washbasin shows that Arfinio® can revolutionize design in multiple industries. Arfinio®’s lightweight, resistant properties and quick, easy manufacturing process are ideal for bathroom furniture, which often has complex shapes and must perform well over time. Together with Arcesso, we’ll continue to develop even more Arfinio® products in bathroom furniture and beyond!"
Rosa Altarriba, Cofounder Alt_Bath: "Arfinio® enabled us to design a stronger, easier-to-repair washbasin, which is beautiful and pleasant to the touch. Its unique chemistry has helped us reduce our material usage while providing a more attractive product. We’re looking forward to using Arfinio® to create more innovative bathroom furniture for our customers to enjoy!"
About Arcesso Dynamics:
Arcesso Dynamics S.L. is a Spanish medium-sized manufacturer of custom polyurethane products, including bathroom furniture. It specializes in meeting the high technical requirements of demanding industries, and focuses strongly on research and development.
About Covestro:
Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, cosmetics and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.
The company is committed to becoming fully circular and is striving to become climate neutral by 2035 (scope 1 and 2). Covestro generated sales of EUR 15.9 billion in fiscal 2021. At the end of 2021, the company had 50 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,900 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).
Forward-looking statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.