Munich, February 16, 2009 - During the JEC Composites Show in Paris (March 24 to 26), KraussMaffei will be demonstrating its huge competence in injection moulding fibre composites using thermoplastics or thermosets. At KraussMaffei, specialists from reaction processing, injection moulding and extrusion work closely together to accelerate development of materials and processes for fibre composites.
KraussMaffei runs a uniquely well-equipped fibre composites lab for developing and testing new processes, emphasizing its position as the competent system partner for composite solutions. In addition, KraussMaffei has joined with university researchers and partners from industry to build up a competence network for lightweight structures. The network facilitates linked-up thinking and know-how sharing between industry and academia with a view to generating new production solutions for lightweight components.
PUR parts with high-gloss surfaces
On its trade show booth in Paris, KraussMaffei will be showcasing innovative composites moulding processes. The list covers LFI (Long Fiber Injection Moulding), Fiber Composite Spraying (FCS), Reinforced Reaction Injection Moulding (RRIM), Structural Reaction Injection Moulding (SRIM), Structural Component Spraying (SCS) und Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). One major focus will be on making large parts made of fibre-reinforced PUR, with a high-gloss surface finish produced in the mould. KraussMaffei offers two alternative processes for the substrate: LFI and FCS.
In the LFI process, the long glass reinforcing fibres are chopped from an endless roving and wetted in the mixing head with the PUR mix. Fillers in the PUR prevent the glass fibres spoiling the quality of the surface finish. The part is then pressed and compression moulded into shape, ensuring that no air bubbles form in the material.
Spraying fibre composite in thin layers
In fibre composite spraying (FCS) the glass fibres and the PUR mix come into contact only after the PUR has been discharged from the mixing head. As in LFI, the glass fibres are chopped from an endless roving, but they are wetted with the PUR mix in the spray cone. The PUR/fibre mix is sprayed in thin layers. The first layer is a barrier layer consisting of PUR without glass fibres. This barrier layer produces an optically flawless surface, ready for in-mould or post-mould painting. Subsequent layers, containing reinforcing fibres, are applied in thin layers until the specified wall thickness is reached. Different layers - compact, foamed or reinforced - can be combined to comply with product specifications.
Complete from a single contract partner
KraussMaffei is a single-contact partner supplying machinery and services for all stages of the fibre-composite process chain. This includes engineering, concept, feasibility studies, data management, design, prototyping, post-mould assembly, configuring machines and systems, training, service and support. As technology leader, KraussMaffei offers customers a significant competitive advantage by supplying production solutions that help customers boost their productivity.
