Frimo: Highlights from JEC Composites Connect

JEC Composites Connect was held on 1-2 June 2021. The virtual event replaced the JEC World in Paris-Villepinte which had to be canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. As a long-term exhibitor of this leading trade show for composite technologies, the Frimo Group attended also the digital event as a tooling and equipment supplier for complete solutions in composite applications.

Frimo presented its broad spectrum of technologies and services and a comprehensive scope of equipment for:

• PU processing
• flexible trimming
• punching
• pressing/forming
• thermoforming
• press laminating
• edge folding
• joining/gluing.

The Frimo WCM technology includes fully automated machines capable of producing both monolithic or sandwich-style fiber-reinforced structural automotive components. (Source: Frimo)

One of the highlights was the presentation of the Wet Compression Moulding (WCM) technology for high production volumes and high performance. Frimo’s WCM machines are fully automated and capable of producing both monolithic or sandwich-style fiber-reinforced structural automotive components. The WCM process allows the use of fast cure resin systems and can therefore offer significant cost and cycle time advantages over RTM processes.

During the first step of the wet compression molding process, a reactive polyurethane or epoxy resin is applied to dry, pre-cut glass, carbon, or aramid fiber material. The impregnated fiber stacks are then automatically inserted into the press. Using pressure and heat, the parts are molded and the matrix materials cure simultaneously.

Compared to RTM, the pressures used for forming are much lower, allowing for integration of lightweight sandwich cores (e.g. pre-milled paper honeycomb), complex 3D PU foam cores, or pre-assembled PET foam pieces.

In the Frimo Virtual event center customers were able to experience the company’s technologies and services on a guided tour through a 3D Virtual Event Center, and discuss feasibility and solutions with the Frimo experts.

www.frimo.com