Labortory transfer hatch LABOLITE® made of DIBOND®

Labordurchreiche.de, a Leipzig company, is setting new benchmarks in medical specimen reception with its innovative product "LaboLite®", the new laboratory specimen transfer hatch made of DIBOND®, our aluminium composite panel.

On behalf of Labordurchreiche.de, 3A Composites and the Leipzig based processor, Reflecto GmbH worked together to develop this new product in the specialised medical and laboratory equipment sector for market readiness in 2023.

The unique properties of our aluminium composite panel DIBOND®, which has been the original product on the market for over 30 years, opened up new functionality, homogeneity and design options for laboratory transfer hatches. LaboLite® provides safe, hygienic and efficient transfer of samples at outpatient facilities and hospitals all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Why DIBOND®?

DIBOND® is the original aluminium composite panel, comprising two 0.3 mm thick aluminium cover layers and a polyethylene core. DIBOND® panels are lightweight, yet extremely rigid and stable, making them ideal for a wide range of different applications. They are also easy to process. Folded  elements in various shapes and dimensions can be created using the routing and folding technique.

V-shaped or rectangular grooves are milled into the reverse side of the DIBOND® sheets in this technique. The groove must leave the aluminium cover layer on the front of the panel intact, and a minimum thickness of the core material must also be retained. The layer of material remaining at this point is thin enough to allow the material to be bent manually. A bending machine is not required. The radius of the bend is determined by the shape of the milled groove.

The unique properties of DIBOND® panels and the routing and folding technique, which is only possible thanks to the material structure, are at the heart of the innovation by Labordurchreiche.de. The polyethylene core forms a seamless hinge, connecting the frame to the door in one single piece, and prevents any complications brought about by mixing materials. This sophisticated method of construction does not only achieve significant material savings and a more efficient use of resources, but also simplifies the entire manufacturing process and the product’s subsequent use in medical applications. Reducing the number of materials and components in the construction results in a homogeneous surface which is easy-to-clean and disinfect.

In the words of Holger Brummer, Managing Director of Labordurchreiche.de, "When designing the laboratory hatch, our focus was on complying with the client's specifications. Not only was the hinge designed as one continuous element, but the door handle at the side was also seamlessly created using DIBOND® sheet material. Developing a solution to meet the functional requirements and to support the design without damaging the two aluminium cover layers, that was the challenge. The optimum solution was eventually achieved by means of countless test series, specially designed, customised bending equipment and thermal pre-treatments. To ensure both discretion and sound insulation, a joint-free silicone gasket was mounted on both sides of the frame to provide secure closure. Thanks to precise CN processing, the seal between the door and the frame is positioned exactly to ensure that the seal is tight at all times and can be opened and reclosed safely using integrated magnets."

For further information about the innovative laboratory transfer hatch, made of 3A Composites DIBOND® aluminium composite panels, please click here:
www.labordurchreiche.de

Project: LaboLite®
Material: DIBOND®
Customer: Labordurchreiche.de
©Image: Heilberufe Projekt UG (www.heilberufe-projekt.de)