Compression Molding

LFI process: Molding strong and attractive spa enclosures

Dynasty Spas (Athens, Tenn.) finds a composite alternative to wood hot tub surrounds in a polyurethane (PU)-based long fiber injection (LFI) solution implemented by Romeo RIM Inc. (Romeo, Mich.).

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Molds/Tools

Faster cycle, better surface: Out of the autoclave

GM is first automaker to use Class A CFRP parts from new pressure-press technology.

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Press-molding method emulates autoclave

Rubber tool insert avoids consolidation pressure “dead zones” and slashes cost.

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Class A CFRP body panels: Six-minute cure

Gurit CBS-based laminate/process combo mints parts with twice the thermal performance in one-sixth the time.

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Weaving

Formulation flexibility: Direct-SMC

Consortium applies inline-compounding technology to reinvent sheet molding compound.

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Forging variations

Developed in parallel to the Duqueine Group’s (Massieux, France) MFP process, the high-pressure molding process used by Lentilly, France-based Carbone Forgé is described by Vincent Duqueine as “enabling forging of composites, similar to that done with metals.”

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Ketones

Forged composites replace complex metal parts

Powerhouse manufacturer’s high-pressure compression molding process forms prepregged CFRP components with forged-metal properties.

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SMC sandwich panels: Lean process opens doors

Patented process enables compression molding at lower pressures, saving capital equipment costs for panel fabrication.

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Redesigning for simplicity and economy

Military OEM makes the switch from sandwich construction to compression molding to optimize composite aerospace part.

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Sustainability

SPE ACCE 2011: Growing again

The Society of Plastics Engineers’ 11th conference on automotive composites fields a top slate of speakers and attracts its largest crowd.

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Toray Advanced Composites hi-temperature materials
ELFOAM rigid foam products
Wabash
U.S. Polychemical Acrastrip
Kent Pultrusion
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