At JEC Composites Show 2015 , KraussMaffei is presenting intelligent solutions for manufacturing fiber-reinforced plastic components (FRP).
“We will demonstrate our expertise at JEC in many up-to-date application examples. In doing so, we will prove that we offer our customers the right process for optimized production for all corresponding component requirements,” emphasizes Erich Fries, Manager of the Composites/Surfaces business unit at KraussMaffei.
Large components with high quality, immediately paintable surfaces for trucks and agricultural machines can be manufactured, for example, using the Long Fiber Injection (LFI) process in combination with the Reinforced Reaction Injection Molding (R-RIM) process.
As said, R-RIM is the only process for polyurethane (PU) fiber composite applications where the reinforcement material is contained directly in one component. The low viscosity of the components makes it possible to manufacture large, complex, thin-walled, high-strength parts. At JEC, KraussMaffei will be presenting a fender for agricultural machines from Parat.
The process features a high degree of automation and therefore, short cycle times, said Mr Fries.
KraussMaffei will also present its FiberForm process, combining thermoforming of composite sheets and injection molding in one process. The strength level of fiber-reinforced plastic components is increased through this procedure. The fully automated process enables short cycle times of less than 60s.
To date, FiberForm has been predominately used in the automotive industry, according to KraussMaffei. The German machinery supplier will present infotainment holders developed jointly for Audi with partners Lanxess and Christian Karl Siebenwurst. Compared to a traditional steel sound holders, the FiberForm variant is half the weight.
The FiberForm can be used in applications other than manufacturing, too. A multi-function stringer in the new Kingpin touring ski binding from Völkl will be exhibited by KraussMaffei. The basic body is made up of composite sheet, which is molded with a fiber-reinforced plastic and provided with multiple function elements.
On a small, narrow surface, the multi-function stringer contains three highly loaded function elements, all made from fiberglass-reinforced polyamide (PA). In summation, the binding combines high function and safety, while maintaining a low weight at the same time.
“The multi-function stringer is a perfect example of the advantages of FiberForm technology, that is to say generating defined mechanical properties and functional integration in only two process steps in one injection molding machine,” explained Stefan Schierl, Development engineer at KraussMaffei.
JEC Composite Show 2015 will be held in Paris, France from March 10-12.
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