Introduction: Why PERCOL Profiles Stand Out?
Tucab, a Portuguese company based in Leiria and leader in plastic extrusion, is synonymous with innovation and quality in the production of tubes, profiles, seals and 3D filaments. Among its most revolutionary creations is the PERCOL (Profiles with Glue) line, a family of profiles that integrate adhesive or glue directly into the material, eliminating fixing steps and expanding possibilities of use. This article explores how PERCOL profiles combine advanced technology, cutting-edge materials and practical applications — especially in advertising —, offering a unique solution for diverse industries.
What Defines PERCOL Profiles?
PERCOL profiles are manufactured in flexible orrigid versions, with embedded adhesive — as double face, contact liquid glue or permanent glue — which simplifies installation on a variety of surfaces. With tolerances of ±0.2 mm and weather resistance, they cover everything from aesthetic projects to demanding industrial applications.
Technical Specifications: What's Behind the Performance?
PERCOL profiles are engineered with precision and high-quality materials. Here are the details that make them exceptional:
Materials and Their Properties
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
- Rigidity: Tensile strength 40-60 MPa, ideal for structural stability.
- Chemical Resistance: Supports acids, bases and oils, with water absorption < 0.5%.
- Temperature: Works up to 60°C (or 80°C with stabilizers
- TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers):
- Flexibility: Elongation of 300-800%, perfect for curves and irregular surfaces.
- Hardness: Shore A 30-50, offering elasticity and comfort to the touch.
- UV resistance: Outdoor durability > 5 years with stabilizers.
Integrated Adhesive
- Types:
- Double Side: Initial adhesion of 15-20 N/cm, for immediate fixation.
- Liquid Glue: Ultimate resistance 10-15 N/cm² after 24-48 hours. |
- Dimensions: Adjustable thickness and length; minimum bending radius of 5-10x the thickness.
- Colors: RAL catalog or custom shades.
- Shapes: Exclusive dies for complex profiles.
- Preparation: PVC or TPE mixed with additives (plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments) in high speed mixers.
- Extrusion: Heated material (PVC: 160-180°C; TPE: 180-220°C) and molded by steel dies, at a speed of 2-10 m/min.
- Adhesive: Applied by rollers (double sided) or precision nozzles (liquid glue), with accelerated curing at 40-60°C.
- Cooling: Stabilized in water baths (15-20°C) or forced air in < 30 seconds.
- Finishing: Cut with ±1 mm precision or rolled into coils.
- Function: Reinforcement and protection of edges.
- Example: A rigid PVC profile with double-sided adhesive (15 N/cm) is applied to point-of-sale displays, increasing resistance and allowing colorful finishes aligned with the brand.
- Function: Sealing acrylic or glass panels.
- Example: TPE profile with permanent glue (25 N/cm²) and UV resistance (>1000 hours in Xenon test) protects billboards against rain and sun, maintaining visual integrity.
- Function: Fixing graphic elements.
- Example: Flexible TPE profile with liquid glue (cures in 24 hours) fits curved totems, offering clean aesthetics and durability.
- Automobile: Protection of doors.
- Construction: Finishing edges on ceilings.
- Furniture: Protection of glass furniture.
- Simple Installation: Integrated adhesive cuts steps and costs.
- Versatility: Adapts to different surfaces and needs.
- Durability: Resists UV, chemicals and humidity.
- Precision: Strict tolerances for perfect adjustments.
- Aesthetics: Customization for visual harmony.
Customization
How are they made? The Extrusion Process Explained
The production of PERCOL profiles uses advanced extrusion, ensuring consistency and quality. See the steps:
Practical Applications: Focus on Advertising
PERCOL profiles shine in sectors such as advertising, construction and automotive. Here are concrete examples of its use:
1. Corrugated Cardboard Displays
2. Advertising Billboards
3. Totems and Displays
Other Sectors
Technical Advantages that Make the Difference
Tucab in the Market: Leadership and Sustainability
Tucab stands out for its innovation and strategic location in Leiria. The company invests in bioplastics and recycled materials, in line with the demand for sustainable solutions.
Conclusion: Why Choose PERCOL Profiles?
Tucab's PERCOL profiles combine technology, practicality and personalization, being ideal for advertising (displays, billboards, totems) and beyond. With robust materials, integrated adhesive and a precise manufacturing process, they offer a technical and attractive solution that reinforces Tucab's position as a reference in plastic extrusion.