Cost-effectiveness for lightweight construction

Surface RTM additionally yields a paintable surface flow-coated with polyurethane off-mold. In comparison to the process already mentioned, wet molding (also known as wet pressing) distinguishes itself through a simplified process chain—the preform process is completely omitted - and offers a cost-effective alternative for manufacturing new lightweight components, especially in vehicle manufacturing. With the T-RTM process, KraussMaffei is going one step further: for the first time, processing thermoplastic matrix systems (caprolactam) is possible. Advantage: The components are recyclable at the end of the product life cycle and, unlike common thermoset plastics, can also be formed or welded in downstream process steps.

Thermoplastic lightweight construction is up and coming

The FiberForm process also deals with processing thermoplastic matrix systems. FiberForm is the thermoforming and over-molding of organic sheets, platen-shaped semifinished products with continuous fibers made of glass, carbon or aramide that, for example, are embedded into a thermoplastic matrix made out of polyamide (PA) or polypropylene (PP). In this process, these semifinished products are first heated, reshaped in the injection mold and then back-injected with polymer, with or without fiber reinforcement.

- Since the market launch at the K 2010, we have consistently further developed the FiberForm technology, and today we offer our customers a series production solution - explains Stefan Fenske, FiberForm Technology Manager with KraussMaffei. New for the KraussMaffei FiberForm system is, for example, the concept of automation. The heating of the composite sheet and the demolding of the finished component take place in parallel, and the individual process steps are thus decoupled from one another. In addition, the infrared heating station required for heating up has been mounted directly above the mold parting line and - as a result - the transfer time of the composite sheet into the injection mold is reduced to a minimum. Overall, the FiberForm system provides its users with extremely robust processes, high availability and the efficiency required for high-volume series projects.

Source: KraussMaffei