CAREBRICK: innovative moisture control
It is a challenge that homeowners struggle with: moisture problems in walls. Moisture issues, such as rising damp, can cause damage to the structure of a house. These problems require solutions that extend the lifespan of buildings and provide residents with a healthier living environment.
To address this challenge, CAREBRICK® offers a product focused on effectively keeping homes dry through an innovative system.
For the production of this system, CAREBRICK® was seeking a new plastic injection molding partner. It was important for CAREBRICK® to achieve cost efficiency while ensuring that the products could be delivered with the same quality. After discussions with several parties, CAREBRICK® chose Fleur Plastics as their new partner.
Development
CAREBRICK® had existing molds from a collaboration with the previous injection molder, which could also be used for production at Fleur Plastics. When taking over existing molds, an evaluation is always conducted to ensure the quality of the final product and to provide a seamless transition to the new injection molding partner.
The transition process to Fleur Plastics as a new injection molding partner was, however, unpredictable for CAREBRICK®. CAREBRICK® could only be certain that the products would meet the same quality standards once the molds were established at Fleur Plastics. Trust in Fleur Plastics as an injection molding partner was therefore central. After a successful mold evaluation, production could begin.
A key element of the collaboration was achieving cost efficiency for the project. Fleur Plastics managed the assembly of the final product, critically analyzing the assembly process. The total assembly time for the product was reduced, creating a more efficient process that contributed to a lower cost price.
During production, not only were the existing specifications met, but optimizations for the product were also identified with CAREBRICK®. Since the product is applied to exterior walls, Fleur Plastics considered the visual representation of the product. Options for color choices were developed, resulting in five color variants now available: brown, anthracite, beige, white, and black.
In addition to the product’s visual representation, surface finishing optimizations were also made. The CAREBRICK® system is installed on exterior walls, so it was crucial to make the product more robust to prevent vandalism and protect against the elements.
The Material
The CAREBRICK® system consists of several different components. Two parts of the system are the bayonet ring and the wall element. The wall element fits into the bayonet ring via a bayonet closure. Inside the bayonet closure, there is a screw to secure the closure.
Both the bayonet closure and the wall element are made of nylon with glass filling. Nylon with glass filling was chosen for its strength, which can be up to twice as strong as other plastic materials. The weather resistance of nylon with glass filling was also an important characteristic.
The break plate, through which air flows in the system, is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS plastic). This choice was made due to the high impact resistance of ABS. Since the CAREBRICK® system is installed on the exterior of buildings and must withstand vandalism, the impact resistance of ABS plays a crucial role in durability and protection.
The Result
The result is a wall block integrated into the exterior walls of houses, which uses wind currents to naturally reduce moisture problems, such as rising damp.
CAREBRICK® thus provides an innovative solution to moisture problems in homes. The wall block acts as a barrier, allowing wind-driven air circulation to naturally expel moisture, thereby protecting the structure of homes. CAREBRICK®'s approach is not only effective but also sustainable. This results in a healthier living environment for residents and extends the lifespan of buildings.
CAREBRICK® can procure stock from Fleur Plastics on a call-off basis. This not only reduces waiting times but also gives CAREBRICK® the ability to respond quickly to market demand.
“Everything we expected has been delivered by Fleur Plastics. If we had to quantify our collaboration, we would give Fleur Plastics a 10.” – Harm, inventor and owner of CAREBRICK®
