Hennecke invests in customer centre for high-volume RTM applications

Apart from new drive concepts, reduced vehicle weight is a major element to ensure more efficiency in future automobile manufacture. Lightweight construction in motor racing has long provided for improved performance and increasingly found its way into mass production. In the car body sector, automobile manufacturers meet these requirements by using fibre-reinforced structural components that are convincing both in terms of low weight and crash behaviour. As the manufacture of such high-tech parts in the classical RTM process is partly characterised by long process times, due to the amount of manual work involved, the industry is searching for manufacturing methods that are suitable for mass production and an adequate implementation of high volumes. However, increased automation alone can only optimise cycle time to some degree. The aim is to find a solution which reduces the specific curing times of parts.

By introducing the High-Pressure RTM (HPRTM) process, Hennecke GmbH has tackled this problem and pursued familiar paths in polyurethane processing technology in a new way. The focus of the HPRTM method is on a task that is well-known and tried and tested in polyurethane processing: the high-pressure injection of reactive mix into a mould within seconds. In combination with the appropriate raw material system, the HP-RTM process provides for accelerated reaction and short curing times. In addition, Hennecke's long-standing experience of high-pressure metering takes effect. This applies to mixheads for instance, which provide quality and reproducible results. Moreover, the use of the company's patented constant-pressure injector ensures homogeneous injection pressure – regardless of whether RTM raw material systems with or without filler are being processed.

In future, customers and raw material suppliers will have the opportunity to find out more about these advantages at Hennecke's headquarters in Sankt Augustin, Germany. In addition to its equipment, the company will also provide the know-how of experienced process engineers.

"We intend to assist our customers with the implementation of their ideas and plans already before they purchase a processing plant and support them in their investment decision-making process", says Alois Schmid, Managing Director of Hennecke.

According to Jens Winiarz, Hennecke's responsible Sales Manager for Composite Spray Moulding (CSM) and new technologies, "In our customer centre for CSM polyurethane spray technology, we have already tested successful raw material systems and develop PU-based sprayed products. The RTM centre will carry on this way."

Hennecke manufactures machines, production lines, and systems for all polyurethane core technologies. The company's product portfolio comprises high-pressure metering machines, mixheads, elastomer, moulded foam, CSM, refrigerator, sandwich panel, slabstock, and recycling lines as well as mould carriers, tank farms, and peripheral units.