Besides a variety of continuous fiber textiles – such as multi-axial fabrics or carbon and glass fiber, various customized resin systems exist – from epoxy to polyurethane, polyester and vinylester. The high fiber volume content allows outstanding mechanical properties for structural and safety-critical parts.

Highly reactive RTM resins with specific curing characteristics and the use of precise complementary process equipment allow for very short cycle times of less than three minutes.

Well-engineered mold equipment combined with adapted resin systems lead to very high surface qualities.

Elaborated process control and advanced textile preforming technologies, combined with new mold technologies e.g. for inserts, cut-outs or the use of multiple materials enable complex and functionalized large structures.

The good reproducibility of the RTM processes allows for mass production of complex structures. High-speed RTM processes are established in different automotive part productions, like engine hoods, roofs, spare wheel wells, deck lid inner shells or even whole passenger cabs.

We work on pre-competitive research and development questions such as the standardization of RTM material data sheets, the definition of needs for highly reactive material test methods and quality assurance possibilities in the RTM process.

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Standardization is mandatory for industrialization. We are developing a uniform datasheet to be applied throughout the entire composite industry as a first selection tool. This data sheet will address highly reactive material systems such as epoxy, vinylester, polyurethanes and reactive polyamides.

After expert interviews and an evaluated survey with material suppliers, machine suppliers and designers as well as an analysis of existing data sheets and different test standards, a draft of a standardized material data sheet has been developed.