Munich - Harita TVS Technologies Ltd has recently used a new in-mould painting process for fibre reinforced parts, developed by KraussMaffei, in its production of tractor-engine covers at in Bangalore, India.
The covers are made of fibre-reinforced polyurethane in a LFI (long fibre injection) process and are given their high-gloss finish in the mould. Harita is the only processor to use this technique in series production.
Harita's production is mainly focused on the Indian market, but there are plans to export to China and Europe. The company currently produces around 500 engine covers a month for the Tiger 10 tractor.
In explaining the LFI process, KraussMaffei said, "the LFI process differs from other PU processes in that the long glass reinforcing fibres are wetted with the PU in the mixing head. In recent years, this technique has proved a resounding success."
Extensive and successful endurance tests clocked 12 000 h in agricultural operation to prove the durability of the engine covers.
Applications for in-mould painting for LFI include parts for buses, construction machinery, agricultural vehicles and boat building.
(RD)
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