Pressure Press Technology

This is the first production use of a new rapid out-of-autoclave production process for carbon fiber-reinforced composites. It produces parts with comparable mechanical properties and better aesthetics (requiring less post-mold finishing) far faster than the traditional autoclave (in 17 vs. 150 min). This significantly reduces costs and makes carbon composites practical and affordable for the first time for medium-volume production. Key to this significant technology breakthrough was R&D characterization of the autoclave cure cycle and resin curing dynamics, which led to several patent filings, a 66% reduction in cycle time, a 30% reduction in direct part costs, and a 75% reduction in the cost of process consumables. Additionally, thanks to rapid temperature ramp up and cool down, and isothermal processing, traditional exothermic cure reaction is avoided, eliminating the need for nitrogen blanketing and release of volatiles. The specially designed pressure press controls the process. Nickel-vapor-deposition (NVD) tooling with embedded hot-oil heating/cooling lines moves heat quickly through the Z-axis for rapid curing. A reusable silicone rubber canopy (good for 400-500 parts) replaces the cost and mess of traditional bagging supplies. Since parts exit with more consistent surfaces, 35% labor is reduced in finishing operations.

OEM/Vehicle General Motors Co. 2014 Corvette Stingray sports car System Supplier Globe Machine Manufacturing Co. Material Processor Plasan Carbon Composites

Material Supplier Toray North America Resin Toray  Epoxy Tooling/Equipment Supplier Weber Manufacturing Technologies Inc.

For More Information See: http://www.plastics-car.com/Processing