Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/101356
��� JANUARY 2013 ��� WORLD FENCE NEWS Eovations technology creates oriented, fully-fiberized composites that replicate the fibrous structure of wood BAY CITY, Mich. ��� Eovations, LLC, an affiliate of Universal Forest Products, has introduced Eovations��� extruded oriented technology, a patented process producing a fully fiberized thermoplastic-mineral composite that replicates the fibrous structure of wood and creates a unique combination of strength, durability, aesthetic and workability properties. Be Sure To Visit Us At BOOTH NO. 2321! The company said the composite material is a candidate to replace wood, wood-plastic composite, plastic and metal in a wide range of structural and nonstructural applications. Eovations, LLC stated that it will license the technology to others for use in the commercialization of products and components in applications where the composite���s properties provide significant performance and competitive advantages. Examples include building products, outdoor and landscape structures and furnishings, transportation and material handling products and components, marine products and structures, park and recreation installations, agricultural applications, and industrial and commercial installations. Eovations technology uses a proprietary extrusion/drawing process to combine mineral particles with a thermoplastic matrix, creating a fully-fibrous and molecularly-oriented lineal composite system. Claude Brown, Eovations, LLC vice-president of technology & innovation, said the resulting material equals, and in some cases improves upon, the physical strength, dimensional stability, environmental durability, aesthetics and workability properties of wood while overcoming the strength and other limitations of wood-plastic composites. Dick McBride, Universal Forest Products general manager of operations, said, ���The possibilities created by Eovations technology extend significantly beyond traditional applications for wood and wood-plastic composites. This lineal material can be used almost anywhere a lighter, stronger, longer-lasting material is needed. Product designers, architects and engineers can use Eovations to overcome the limitations of other materials, creating differentiated new products in the factory and solving difficult application challenges in the field.��� Processes based on Eovations technology can employ a variety of polymer and mineral raw materials EOVATIONS, LLC PHOTOS 44 Eovations material from Eovations, LLC provides the weather resistance, strength, light weight and easy workability required in manufactured or sitefabricated outdoor products like fencing. Its low moisture absorption and benchmark mold and mildew resistance make it well suited for products used in ground contact applications, the company said. and a wide processing window enables finished composite properties such as density to be customized for specific applications. The appearance of the finished material can also be tailored, with a variety of surface textures and a range of colors incorporated during processing. Brown said fabrication with the composite is almost identical to traditional carpentry. ���The material can be machined, Eovations material milled, cut and can be produced drilled using with a wide range of basic carpentry surface patterns skills and com- and textures to simulate wood, metals, mon woodwork- or other materials. ing tools. Fastener acceptance and hold is excellent using conventional nails, screws and staples. Variations of the composite readily accept common paints, allowing durable, attractive finishes to be applied during product manufacturing or in the field,��� he noted. For more information, go to www.eovationsllc.com. Universal Forest Products���s consumer products subsidiary offers a large portfolio of outdoor living products, including wood composite decking, decorative balusters, post caps and plastic lattice.