Golf clubs, bicycles - and now automotive too: together with KraussMaffei, the Taiwanese composite specialist Advanced International Multitech (AIM) is expanding its portfolio to include High Pressure RTM. AIM is now producing high-quality carbon rims on a complete system with sophisticated tools.
Anyone who plays golf and is thus aware of the importance of weight has (most certainly) had an AIM product in their hands. The company has a market share of around 80 percent of carbon-fiber golf clubs (under different brand names), and also has success in the bicycle market. For around 30 years, various composite technologies have been a part of the standard repertoire. When AIM first ventured into the automotive sector, however, know-how from KraussMaffei was in demand. This would be the first time they put a high-pressure system (HP-RTM / High Pressure Resin Transfer Molding) into operation.
In comparison to low-pressure processes, HP-RTM requires more complex dosing technology, but also delivers consistently high-quality components with particularly precise surface quality - and with shorter cycle times. Short cycle times are particularly important in the automotive industry. In the beginning, the AIM team first wanted to get to know the new technology of the system. As Tyson Hsiao, R&D Manager explains: Fredrick Su, our sales partner at KraussMaffei, listened carefully, and then put together a package that we could use in an HP-RTM cell to recreate both high-pressure transfer molding as well as wet molding and compression RTM for small production series. We were really impressed by this.
A concrete project was soon to follow. Carbon rims tend to occupy a niche in the automotive sector, yet are extremely lucrative because they are in the high-price segment. A material mixture is common in this case: A rim body made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), to which the visually-appealing aluminum wheel spider is bolted. These wheels are approximately 20 to 30 percent lighter than those made of pure aluminum and, at the same time, are around 20 percent stronger than aluminum rims. Sporty and ambitious drivers can accelerate faster thanks to the reduced weight and, with more of the unevenness of the road able to be dampened by the suspension, the driving experience is also more pleasant. If you want to deck out your vehicle with carbon rims, you have to dig deep into your pockets: 10,000 to 15,000 € per set is common.
Overall expertise from KraussMaffei
So, when the time came to implement the AIM project, KraussMaffei demonstrated its expertise. Project Manager Thomas Eilhammer actively supported the customer and coordinated the comprehensive package consisting of an MX press with a clamping force of 10,000 kN, the RimStar Compact 8/4 HP-RTM metering system, two robots for metering and handling (with different grippers) and a sophisticated mold solution. His enthusiasm has not faded. "The system now has, at 16 x 12 meters, quite a compact design, and all its components are perfectly well tuned to one another. This, simply said, reflects our strength as a full-service provider."
