Composite leaf spring | Volvo Platform
Weight Saving of ~4,5 kg
Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) is the most established state-of-the-art technology in the production of structural composite parts with high lightweight potential. RTM processes comprise various techniques for the manufacturing of parts based on net-shape preforms.
High-Speed RTM with fast-curing thermoset resin systems such as epoxy and polyurethane with curing times of less than 120 seconds allow for high volume production.
High-Speed RTM is characterized by:
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.
Weight Saving of ~4,5 kg
HP-RTM with “lost” core for hollow component
Weight Reduction to Compensate Additional Weight of Battery
Specific Vehicle Architecture for City Cars 2020
Low weight, high stiffness: One-piece construction suitable for different vehicle models
Manufacturing complex geometries without a preform process
Manufacturing complex geometries without a preform process
Additives | Technical Service | Formulation Development
Process Design and Modelling | Process Simulation and Benchmarks | Process Costing | Consulting
Materials Database | Simulation | Design | Resins | Additives | Release Agents | Semi-finished Materials | Prototyping
Press Systems | Preforming | Automation | Process Simulation
Simulation | Resins | Binders | Release Agents | Adhesives | Prototyping | Material Qualification
Part Manufacturing on HP-RTM-Press
Press Systems | Preforming | Tooling | Mixing and Dosing | Finishing and Assembly | Automation | Control| Plant Manufacturer | Prototyping | Process Consulting
Design and Simulation | Advanced Simulation Methods | Prototyping | Consulting | Process Management
RTM System Solutions | Complete production plants
| Well-directed flow of resin
| Pressure and counterpressure
Hydraulic presses for composite manufacturing
Resins | Joined Application Development | Structural Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites
As AZL Partner Companies, we work closely together as a workgroup on projects supporting the further development of high-speed RTM technology and its material systems to achieve a broad transfer to serial production.
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.
The AZL forms an international lightweight network of 9 institutes on the RWTH Aachen Campus and more than 80 companies from 21 countries involved in lightweight production. Learn more…
This business platform provides you with information on high-speed RTM as well as established suppliers and innovative development partners along the whole value chain. We are a group of leading companies active in RTM and thermoset composites with a broad experience and product range.
Find more lightweight business partners at our other business platforms.
Besides our individual services, we support you with:
The AZL founded the new format “Product Cost Benchmarking – Joint Business Case Analysis”. In the inaugural meeting we will discuss and define new topics and review previous “AZL Business Cases”. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
Meet us at the largest composites show in the world that covers the whole composites value chain from raw material to processors and final products. In cooperation with JEC Group, AZL, its Partner Institutes as well as Partner Companies are presenting innovative technologies in composite production as well as SMC. Visit us at the AZL Industry 4.0 Hub – Hall 5A, Booth L101.
The upcoming meeting will focus on function integrated sandwich structures and other high margin applications like street furniture and sports stadiums. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
Since 2014, AZL Partner Companies have closely worked together in the established AZL Workgroup “Advanced Thermoset Production, formerly called “High-Speed RTM Matrices”. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
Due to the last presentation and the continuing growth of interest in pressure vessels, the next meeting will focus on the differences in thermoset and thermoplastic materials and processing technologies in regard to pressure tanks. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
The Workgroup works on the consolidation of the high-potential overmolding technology of thermoplastic FRP inlays for series production with partners of industry and RWTH Aachen University since 2013. The Workgroup so far has initiated 5 Joint Partner Projects. Due to the discussions in the previous meeting, the next meeting will focus on recycling and renewable materials. The AZL will therefore invite experts active in the market segments. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
The AZL invites interested companies to join the AZL Open Day and take part in guided tours to the lightweight institutes of the RWTH Aachen Campus, which present their technologies and equipment along the entire value chain. Interested participants will have the possibility to see the machinery halls of the institutes and the Production Engineering Cluster, where AZL provides large-scale equipment and co-working spaces for partner companies.
The AZL Workgroup on HP SMC is addressing three work packages: Material Characterization, Design Guideline as well as Standards and Norms. For the next meeting the AZL will prepare a project offer and invite interested companies to participate in the project. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
Each year more than 100 representatives of the more than 80 Partner Companies from 20 different countries come together for a strategic and networking meeting to define topics and activities for the coming year. Take part and use the opportunity for networking with international decision makers and colleagues in the lightweight and composite sector.
The AZL founded the new format “Product Cost Benchmarking – Joint Business Case Analysis”. The information regarding the content of the meeting will follow soon. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
The information regarding the content of the meeting will follow soon. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
The Workgroup works on the consolidation of the high-potential overmolding technology of thermoplastic FRP inlays for series production with partners of industry and RWTH Aachen University since 2013. The Workgroup so far has initiated 5 Joint Partner Projects. The information regarding the content of the meeting will follow soon. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
Since 2014, AZL Partner Companies have closely worked together in the established AZL Workgroup “Advanced Thermoset Production, formerly called “High-Speed RTM Matrices”. The information regarding the content of the meeting will follow soon. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
The AZL Workgroup on HP SMC is addressing three work packages: Material Characterization, Design Guideline as well as Standards and Norms. The information regarding the content of the meeting will follow soon. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.
The information regarding the content of the meeting will follow soon. The participation is exclusively for AZL partners and as an integral part of the AZL partnership free of charge.