Carbon fiber-composite automation takes center stage

At this year's JEC show, Dieffenbacher (Eppingen, Germany) will focus on progressive line concepts for the production of lightweight car body parts for the automotive industry.

Automation processes are key to carbon fiber-composite adoption in autos.

From March 27^th to 29^th, 2012 at booth P32, Dieffenbacher, the technological leader in the field of fiber-reinforced plastics forming, will present the PreformCenter for fully-automated production of 3D preforms made of carbon fibers. The PreformCenter realizes short cycle times in preform production. From feeding the textile prepreg made from carbon fibers, via precision cutting and binder application, to the provision of the dry, dimensionally stable 3D preform, the complete process is fully-automated.

As part of a complete production line employing the high-pressure RTM process, the PreformCenter is configurable for use in both large- and small-batch production. Besides preform production, the HP-RTM line also includes the compression process as well as related finishing steps for the finished lightweight components. Dieffenbacher thereby delivers the HP-RTM line on a turnkey basis.

In addition, Dieffenbacher is presenting their SMC direct line. This direct process for producing thermoset material (D-SMC) reportedly enables less expensive semifinished product production. For the development of this process, Dieffenbacher was awarded the innovation prize of the Industrievereinigung Verstärkte Kunststoffe e.V. in 2011. -[email protected]