Zelfo: a solid and technically advanced mouldable material from fibres and waste fibres
Paul Benhaim: We accept designs in Solidworks, Autocad and other major 3D design formats. We accept hand drawings also. Please contact us in advance of preparation of these important documents. We can recommend independent Zelfo Efficient Designers for your product idea.
interview-blog.de: How does one design efficiently and create moulds for Zelfo?
Paul Benhaim: We prefer to discuss this in person as it is a unique process that has many variables that depend on your use. Zelfo is generally spray moulded on a convex surface which shrink fits onto the form. A DVD has been created called “Zelfo Efficient Design Workshop”. This helps a lot to explain the process visually rather than with words.
interview-blog.de: What textures or finishes are available in Zelfo?
Paul Benhaim: Anything you can do with wood, you can do with Zelfo. However the ideal Zelfo finish is like the surface of a ‘rockmelon’. This is the natural Zelfo finish. This can be brushed, sanded (when wet or dry) and polished. Individual or repetitive stamps are also easy to place within the form.
interview-blog.de: Who are the people behind Zelfo ?
Paul Benhaim: 1.) Paul Benhaim, CEO, Zelfo: A founder of a number of successful hemp companies in Europe and Australia, Paul has worked with hemp plastics, hemp fibre, hemp food and hemp farming. Author of three books, Paul has significant experience marketing hemp and other eco-based products out of their niche. He will be responsible for the sales, marketing, and organisation of Zelfo Australia.
2.) Martin Ernegg, Technical Director. As the main developer of Hempstone and one of the founding members of Zellform, Martin has extensive experience with the Zelfo production process. He will be responsible for production, staff training and all manufacturing-related operations, procurement, R&D and final product delivery.
3.) Mitra Ardron, Business Advisor. Mitra brings considerable experience in the commercialisation of sustainability technologies, and contacts in the Socially Responsible Business sector.
4.) Others. Zelfo would not be possible without an indispensable global team of consultants, designers and engineers.
interview-blog.de: So, how do I produce a Zelfo prototype product? While the product setup costs for Zelfo are substantially less than most competing processes, which is why Zelfo is so attractive for short-run products, there are real costs for our busy production team that we need to pass on. Basic prototyping is estimated at minimum $500. Actual cost depends on complexity of mould and any specific technical requirements. Please do contact us for further details.
Paul Benhaim: Small material samples are available on request.
interview-blog.de: What is the tensile strength of Zelfo?
Paul Benhaim: 8000-12,000 MPa
interview-blog.de: Is Zelfo heat resistant?
Paul Benhaim: 140 (100% hemp) or up to 220 degrees+ (as a blend). Zelfo is not flammable.
interview-blog.de: Can Zelfo be sandblasted?
Paul Benhaim: Yes- this works well from our trials. This of course depends on granulate you use. Let us know what you have chosen and/or why you would like to sandblast and we can advise and offer you the best solutions for your project.
interview-blog.de: How heavy is Zelfo?
Paul Benhaim: 0.4>1.5 specific weight, depending upon raw material and fibre measurements in whatever composite you require for your project.
