Sustainably sourced mica and the Responsible Mica Initiative

Sustainably sourced mica and the Responsible Mica Initiative

Mica is a class of silicate minerals that are physically and chemically similar in a layered structure. They possess excellent properties for thermal and electrical resistance, therefore being ideal for high temperature insulation solutions. Mica is mined in over 35 countries, with India and Madagascar being the largest sources, followed by China and Brazil. Mica plays a crucial role in various industries, from cosmetics to electronics. All of our products contain mica, the majority of which is mined in very poor countries by artisanal miners living in very poor conditions. Due to these circumstances, ensuring sustainably sourced mica becomes much more significant.

How EV battery cooling systems and insulation improve vehicle safety

How EV battery cooling systems and insulation improve vehicle safety

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity in recent years due to a range of factors, from their eco-friendly design and potential to reduce carbon emissions, to the wider momentum of EV advertising and social shift towards them. As EV technology continues to evolve, manufacturers are placing increased emphasis on safety features to ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers. One crucial aspect of EV safety lies in the efficient management of battery temperature through cooling systems and insulation.

At Elmelin, we provide vital manufacturing support and solutions to the automotive sector, specifically EVs. The unique thermal and dielectric insulation properties of mica are the key reasons behind it being a core material within our EV battery insulation solutions. Our bespoke mica-based solutions are designed to be efficient, safe and long-lasting. Safety is critical to all of our solutions and is a major value of Elmelin, so we recognise both the importance of EV battery engine performance, but also the role safety plays in an EV. In this blog post, we explore how EV battery cooling systems and insulation play a vital role in ensuring vehicle safety.

The Battery Show Europe 2023 Wrap Up

The Battery Show Europe 2023 Wrap Up

The Battery Show Europe 2023 has finished for another year and once again it’s been a fantastic opportunity filled with insightful discussions and forward-thinking technology that’s being developed by suppliers and manufacturers from all over the world. It took place on the 23rd-25th May 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany, and it is the third consecutive year we’ve exhibited. Over the 3 days we had the pleasure of meeting with like-minded industry professionals seeking advice and solutions, where we were able to share the work we do and how it can benefit the automotive sector.

Elmelin at The Battery Show Europe 2023

Elmelin at The Battery Show Europe 2023

Elmelin are delighted to once again be attending The Battery Show Europe on the 23rd-25th May 2023 for the third consecutive year. Located at booth 8-B68,we’re heading back to Stuttgart for an expo that continues to deliver great value and play a crucial role in the battery technology sector. In recent years, The Battery Show Europe has helped us to not only establish new exciting working relationships, but also further ourselves as a business and the solutions we provide.

How high temperature insulation saves manufacturers money

How high temperature insulation saves manufacturers money

Manufacturing processes often involve extremely high temperatures, which can lead to significant energy loss and increased costs. Suitable high temperature insulation is a solution that can help manufacturers to not only reduce energy consumption, but also save money. As an industrial insulation manufacturer, we recognise the importance of cost control and the impact of rising energy prices. High temperature insulation is designed to withstand extreme temperatures found in industrial processes and prevent heat loss, making it an essential component in manufacturing sites.

Elmelin’s mica roll laminates for industrial furnaces

Elmelin’s mica roll laminates for industrial furnaces

High temperature insulation is a necessity for many industries. Many processes generate high temperatures and keeping these under control allows for safe, normal operations. Without suitable insulation, damage can occur both to machinery and equipment but also to the user. We specialise in mica-based insulation solutions for a wide range of industries, such as mica roll laminates for industrial furnaces. From EV batteries to foundry and steel, our solutions exist to improve safety and extend useful life without compromising on performance and efficiency.

Over the years, we have developed multiple innovative insulation products that use mica as a core material to achieve the necessary protection from both excess thermal and electrical energy. The majority of our products are manufactured into sheets, tubes and rolls including our mica paper roll options to fit the exact specification of different applications. We’ve worked closely with other manufacturers to learn and develop our solutions, ensuring they meet the exact requirements and functionality. One of our key products is mica roll laminate, which comes in multiple forms and is used predominantly in coreless induction furnaces.

The role of insulation in ensuring consumer appliances remain safe

The role of insulation in ensuring consumer appliances remain safe

Consumer appliances, no matter how small or large, require specific standards to be met for ensuring they remain safe to use and long-lasting. These appliances are electrical and they pose a risk of fire or harm to users if malfunction occurs. There are many consumer appliance safety standards that are in place to avoid such occurrences, with major manufacturers requiring solutions for their products. As we reach winter months, further consideration should be given to heating appliances such as plug-in radiators and convection heaters.

Insulation is a critical component in electrical appliances, both for functionality as well as safety. Electrical insulators have high resistance to flowing electric currents, where the atoms of the insulating material have tightly bound electrons that cannot readily move. Examples of electrical insulators range from microelectronic components such as transistors and microchips to larger high voltage applications containing transformers and capacitors. Insulation also helps to mitigate high temperatures that can be generated by electrical consumer appliances.

Assessing the sustainability of electric vehicles

Assessing the sustainability of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are everywhere, from the road itself to the adverts on our televisions. There has been a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles being bought in many countries, and the sustainability of electric vehicles is becoming of more importance to buyers. In the UK, the transition from fossil fuel to electric vehicles is constantly growing, and this transition will play a major role in our journey towards net zero emissions. 

Our planet has seen dramatic transformation in many areas due to numerous human activities, from deforestation and agriculture to the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels. The release of these harmful emissions into the atmosphere has led to the climate crisis we are currently facing. This has forced nations to collaborate and take desperate action to begin tackling climate change and create solutions. 

It’s now easy to notice electric vehicles on our roads and they’re no longer the rare sight that they were many years ago. More electric vehicles equals less petroleum-based vehicles, and therefore implies a reduction in fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. There are multiple aspects that need to be considered when assessing the sustainability of electric vehicles. Not only the day-to-day running of them, but also their construction, maintenance and eventual disposal.

UK home energy storage in Winter 2022

UK home energy storage in Winter 2022

Winter can be a challenging time for a variety of reasons, affecting millions of people and businesses. The impact on UK industries will vary drastically as some will see financial gain and others will require cost-cutting measures. Businesses within the manufacturing, construction and transport sectors begin to experience pressure points over the winter months as higher energy costs and logistical complications arise with solutions not easily available. As well as businesses, challenges exist for UK homeowners and families as we strive to find the most efficient solutions for energy storage in winter.

The cold temperatures can have detrimental effects on our daily lives, from a mental health and wellbeing perspective, to a financial perspective. Financially, winter is an expensive time of year predominantly due to rising energy costs following the need for heating. As well as heating costs, freezing temperatures can lead to household damage and apply pressure on the efficiency of home energy storage.