KraussMaffei to present the HP-RTM process for the first time in the USA

US premiere of the HP-RTM process for lightweight construction applications

Another focal point will be the expertise for lightweight components in the automotive industry, for example structural components or visible components. KraussMaffei will show the most suitable process in this respect, i. e. HP-RTM, for the first time in the USA. Thanks to the HP-RTM process, KraussMaffei is able to offer machines and components on a turnkey basis for the entire process chain from handling of semi-finished products through to finishing of the complete composite fibre part.

“The optimum interaction between all system components, which comprise a press, a mould and a metering machine, is an important criterion in producing highly complex parts with a high fibre volume ratio,” said JP Mead, Vice President of KraussMaffei Corporation, who is responsible for the Reaction Process Machinery Segment in the USA. KraussMaffei has developed special know-how here as a system partner for multiprocess solutions in metering technology for highly reactive resins. The demonstration will underline KraussMaffei's competence as the technology leader for automotive lightweight applications. In order to produce fibre-reinforced composites, KraussMaffei now offers a wide range of machine and mould technology, for example FiberForm or the long fibre injection (LFI) process.

Extrusion and injection moulding in a single work step

The event will also focus on direct processing in an injection moulding compounder. An injection moulding compounder is especially suitable for large-series production, for example, of front end and instrument panel supports, door modules, insulating mats and other noise absorbers. It is therefore predestined for these application areas. The materials are mixed and the components are produced in one machine. The matrix polymer is initially plasticised in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and mixed with aggregates. Only then are the reinforcement fibres added to the polymer melt. The actual injection moulding process then takes place via the injection piston. Thanks to this single-stage process, the injection moulding compounder ensures excellent melt homogeneity and a mixing effect, as well as high injection volumes and good part quality. Components can therefore be combined with any fillers, reinforcement materials and substitution materials.

Competence centre for automotive applications

After KraussMaffei and Proper agreed a strategic partnership for the USA in 2010, they were joined by Kiefel, another renowned plastics expert, at the end of 2012. The three companies pool their know-how in the area of automotive applications, especially for vehicle interiors, in a technology centre at the plant in Warren. The capacities extend from mould design, injection moulding, foaming, stamping, laser cutting and vacuum lamination through to prototype construction and the provision of technical advice to customers.