Munich, Germany -- At the JEC Composites Show in Paris (13-15 April), KraussMaffei will demonstrate its machinery for moulding fibre composites using thermoplastics or thermosets.
KraussMaffei says that specialists from the Munich-based company's reaction processing, injection moulding and extrusion divisions work closely together to accelerate development of materials and processes for fibre composites.
The company's provision of a composites lab emphasises its position as a systems partner for composites makers, and KraussMaffei is also working with university researchers and industry partners to build a competence network for lightweight structures.
At the JEC show, the company will be highlighting making large parts made of fibre-reinforced PU, with a high-gloss surface finish -- produced in the mould. KraussMaffei offers two alternative processes for the substrate: long fibre injection moulding (LFI and fibre composite spraying (FCS).
In Paris, KraussMaffei will showcase innovative composites moulding processes, including LFI, FCS, reinforced reaction injection moulding (RRIM), structural reaction injection moulding (SRIM), structural component spraying (SCS) and resin transfer moulding (RTM)
In FCS, KraussMaffei said, the glass fibres and the PU meet only after the PU has been discharged from the mixing head. As in LFI, the glass fibres are chopped from an endless roving, but are wetted with the PU mix in the spray cone. First layer a barrier layer of PU without glass fibres is applied. This gives an optically flawless surface, ready for in-mould or post-mould painting. Subsequent layers, containing reinforcing fibres, are applied in thin layers until a specified wall thickness is reached. Different layers - compact, foamed or reinforced - can be combined to comply with product specifications, according to KraussMaffei.
Recently KraussMaffei has also signed with Dieffenbacher to act as a turnkey supplier for all RTM applications. This guarantees customers maximum benefit in complete solutions for large lightweight products. In Paris, KraussMaffei sid, it will demonstrate its whole range of expertise, with systems for automotive components, as well as aeronautics, sandwich panels and furniture.
PIC: The Sea-Doo GTX ltd IS 2009 of Bombardier Recreational Products, France, made with LFI technology from KraussMaffei.
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